... Gary Rowell world. 44 years ago, to the day, I went off to SJP more in hope than expectation. I couldn't get a Sunderland ticket but a Mag mate gave me his Grandad's season ticket. I was sussed as soon as Rowell scored his first but didn't much care. The seat was the furthest back so all the Mags were in front of me. I just stood up and sang along with the away section as Rowell scored his hat trick. I had a birds eye view of the pockets of fighting around the ground where Sunderland had found their way in. I had to fend off a few missiles but no one got near enough to swing a punch. I left the ground braced for a crack on the back of the head, totally justified tbh, but none came. I strolled through town and didn't see any trouble at all despite it being the day of the Battle of Bath Lane. I drove back along the coast road towards Tynemouth and called in at the big brick built pub, on the left, where my Mag mate, Tommy, was waiting for the return of his season ticket. He'd told everyone I was coming so there was a fair bit of tension. As I was a young fella, and at the top of my game, I just strolled in grinning. Tommy took the ticket, I did a Meghan Markle bow and strolled out again. I must've been f*cking crackers
Yes I remember it well , you always took your life in your hands going to SJP I was there with my ex brother in law , when the game ended the walk down to the railway station wasn’t pleasant colours covered with a serious face . Outside the station was chaos and had to run the gauntlet of hate but got through unscathed, on the train all smiles and singing , scarves out . What a good day - what a memory ! Nothing better than beating the mags !
Great story. Some day that mate. Me and my two cousins were in the Gallowgate. No idea why couldnt get tickets for the away end and probably seemed like a good idea at the time. They were a bit older than me and I tended to tag along. After a few near misses we bailed out and just climbed onto the running track strolled around to the east stand and jumped in quite a few were doing that to avoid the crush. We were actually welcomed into the stand patted on the back by the mags who thought we were just lads from the Gallogate. No singing from us but had a great view of the game. Absolutey terrifying to be honest but a massive rush. My cousin (RIP) used to tell a different tale when he'd had a beer or two about how he took on the whole gallowgate end
The keeper for the penalty. Like he should have least had the common decency to hit it towards where the keeper went. Blooming cheat.
