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Newcastle United First Match Memories – NUFC v Birmingham City 1959

11 years ago
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My first match was way back in September 1959, a Wednesday night early season home game against Birmingham City in the old First Division.

I was 11 years old and went with a mate, catching the old electric train from Howdon to the Central. I remember being amazed at the atmosphere and how green the pitch was.

The great Len White

The only goal of the game was scored by the great Len White, striding forward down the left side of the pitch and smashing the ball in typical style into the Leazes goal. I was in the old popular side near the front.

A few months later in early January 1960 I was sitting on the edge of the pitch when Len scored a fabulous hat-trick as we thrashed Man U 7-3 !

On the Saturday following the Birmingham game I took my little brother Tom to see us get beaten 2-1 by Preston including the great Tom Finney.

I remember many years later Bill Shankley being asked ‘is George Best as good as Tom Finney, Bill?’  Shanks replied ‘Aye, he probably is……mind you, Tommy Finney is 57 years old!’

What are your First Match Memories? We’d really love to hear yours. Who were the opposition, how old were you, what sight sounds and smells(!) do you recall? Whether it is one line or a full on article, send in your First Match Memories and we’ll feature them all in some way, either in the magazine or on the website. Get scribbling and send to editor@themag.co.uk

 

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