Nottseagull
Well-known member
I couldn't get on the midnight charter coach from Worthing, which arrived in
Durham City around 6am, so I was told. Was forced to get a day return on the
train which cost over £26, nearly a week's take-home pay for me. At half-time a
"suicide squad" of about 50 Geordies attacked the thousands of Albion fans at
the top of the terrace, where I was standing. We easily repelled them, and I
got a couple of punches in myself - one of only two Albion matches that I so did. I remember the 2nd half being an anti-climax, being 3-0 up at half-time and on an open terrace contributed to the lack of atmosphere. The throng I was in had to have a police escort to the station, and despite that, there were several attempted attacks along the route. On the train back we celebrated with a Sunderland fan, in fact the beer was all sold when I finally reached the buffet and I had to have a half-bottle of red wine. The train was drunk completely dry by the time we reached Peterborough. Had plenty of drinking time in Brighton before the players' train arrived. There was, I believe, an extension past 11pm granted that evening (or else it was a lock-in). I was in the pub at the top of Queens Road, on the west side very near to that souvenir shop which sold cheap radios and watches. Anybody else remember being in there? We celebrated there then joined some 500 fans inside the station; you can imagine the noise we made under that roof! When the train disembarked there was pandemonium, and I think a member of staff got injured. The players had much difficulty getting through the mob to waiting cars. I must have missed the last train to Worthing as I had to hitch-hike, but getting a lift was easy with my silk scarf hanging from my belt! One of the most memorable days of my life.
Durham City around 6am, so I was told. Was forced to get a day return on the
train which cost over £26, nearly a week's take-home pay for me. At half-time a
"suicide squad" of about 50 Geordies attacked the thousands of Albion fans at
the top of the terrace, where I was standing. We easily repelled them, and I
got a couple of punches in myself - one of only two Albion matches that I so did. I remember the 2nd half being an anti-climax, being 3-0 up at half-time and on an open terrace contributed to the lack of atmosphere. The throng I was in had to have a police escort to the station, and despite that, there were several attempted attacks along the route. On the train back we celebrated with a Sunderland fan, in fact the beer was all sold when I finally reached the buffet and I had to have a half-bottle of red wine. The train was drunk completely dry by the time we reached Peterborough. Had plenty of drinking time in Brighton before the players' train arrived. There was, I believe, an extension past 11pm granted that evening (or else it was a lock-in). I was in the pub at the top of Queens Road, on the west side very near to that souvenir shop which sold cheap radios and watches. Anybody else remember being in there? We celebrated there then joined some 500 fans inside the station; you can imagine the noise we made under that roof! When the train disembarked there was pandemonium, and I think a member of staff got injured. The players had much difficulty getting through the mob to waiting cars. I must have missed the last train to Worthing as I had to hitch-hike, but getting a lift was easy with my silk scarf hanging from my belt! One of the most memorable days of my life.
Yup, I'd buy a copy!