Some have cup game finals, some have historic events. Mine, like many was my very first game that I attended on my own. Número uno! I was only 16. My match.
The game that I attended was an FA Cup game between Preston North End and Sheffield United in 2001. Now I know that you may ask the question why this game? But for me, the answer is as clear as day. It is what made me fall in love with 'The Beautiful Game'.
What made it so special was the whole experience of the day. Starting off by a getting a good breakfast in my belly. Setting myself for the day. Bacon butty, nice one. Once that was polished off I headed for the train station, meeting up with friends whole all off to the match also. It was pure banter on the train journey from Chorley to Preston. Plenty of jokes, and they continued during the walk to the stadium.
Upon arriving at Deepdale I felt a buzz, an atmosphere that is indescribable. Other fans, young and old. Laughing, joking, singing. 'Is it always like this?' I thought to myself. Even walking past the away fans and the abuse we gave each other. I loved it. Just before kick off we all headed for a pre match drink - for the win! And then off to the stand, The Town End. At the time Deepdale was in the middle of a renovation as it was changing from a standing stadium into a seated stadium. 2 stands were already completed, the Tom Finney stand and Bill Shankley stand. The away end and The Town End behind the goal where we where were still standing. Now that is an experience. You had the ability to move around, if you spotted someone you knew you could go over and chat. If you wanted to get closer to the action you move towards the pitch. If you wanted a better view you could move to the back. Don't get me wrong, being at any match is great, but nothing will ever beat standing at a game. You felt more involved somehow, rather than sitting and watching.
Just before the game there was a minutes silence which was not respected by the away fans. This did not go down well at all. The stand were I was, was right next to the away fans and boy, the language and abuse, threats and taunts were not repeatable. That also added to the atmosphere in the stand.
Into the game I soaked it all in, the sport I love right in front of me, along with 10,000 other people, all there for the same reason. Being an FA Cup game it was end to end stuff but Sheffield United took an early lead just after 14 minutes - cue more abuse between fans! I remember thinking that even if we lose, I will always remember this day. But lucky for me, we didn't.
As the PNE equaliser went in, the stand erupted. I remember being half way up the stand and by the time the celebrations stopped I was pitch side. It was crazy! Bouncing around, pushed here there and everywhere, with other people with the same emotion! My first football experience is filling me with feelings I've never felt before. I could get used to this.
At half time I took part in the half time ritual which was a pie and brew! Lovely stuff. Scoffed it down then back pitch side ready for the second half.
More end to end football was being played. The cup is a great competition for all teams in all divisions to put aside their league positions and battle, in a one off game. Anyone can win it! PNE were awarded a penalty late into the game which resulted in the winning goal! Through to the next round of the FA cup!
When leaving the ground the taunts again continued but with more force now as of course we won! Hahahahaha. It was starting to go dark as being January it was still winter time but the stadium was lit up bright, the floodlights still on, a glow as we walked away.
How do you celebrate at a win? Head to the pub! The whole town was buzzing with joy. The talk was who PNE was going to play in the next round? Any of the big guns? I couldn't stop laughing. The whole experience was incredible. Once on the train back into Chorley the adrenaline was now running out. Feet getting heavy, there was lots of walking, standing, jumping. But every minute was worth it.
I have been to many more games and at different stadiums. I've been to friendlies, champions league games, league games, big and small stadiums each with their atmosphere and fans. All have their own feeling, 'vibe'. But nothing will ever beat the first game you ever attended.
The beautiful game? Damn right!
