Your First Ever Game At The Vetch !?

[Smurph]

Wrexham, December 2025

 

[Professor]

Birmingham City November 1981. 1-0 Robbie James. Unusual 18:30 kick off for that time. All whites were playing Australia at St Helen's in the afternoon. I would have gone to the Sunderland game two weeks earlier but had bronchitis (I was diagnosed with asthma soon after). Main recollection was loads of stick for Archie Gemmill. Went to Forest a few weeks later and was thoroughly disgusted by Neil Robinson giving away a pen. I did at least get to apologise before Robbo passed away at the "Tosh" screening in Liverpool.

 

[Ringwood]

Mine was in 73 with my Dad against Torquay, With mates was 79 v Oldham

 

[monmouth]

Not sure who opposed, but I know it was a reserve match in the Football Combination maybe late 1970, early 1971, aged 10 or 11. I was just starry eyed over watching football at the Vetch. Up until then it was all rugby for me. I remember a real crowd for an FC match one day; turned out Charlie George was playing for Arsenal reserves. He was gash .

I think my first 'real' match was either a 1-0 loss against Port Vale or a 2-0 win against Bradford City.

 

[Lifelong]

Todd goal? yes or no?

Yes, I was also behind the goal, I remember that goal very well.

 

[CygnusX1]

My long dead grandfather took me to a few games in the mid 70’s. No idea who we were playing and all I remember is standing on wooden steps (which I now believe we’re sleepers?), and eating sweets.

 

[Gors Buster]

My early years felt like an episode of Land Of The Giants but set in the Clarence and on the North Bank. I can’t remember the games very well but always remember the programmes and teams - Andy Melville, Andy Legg, Coleman, Joe Allan.
One of my first proper memories is being moved along the outside of the pitch during an international match and the opposition coach screaming at us to get out of the way. Just checked and it was 88 and either Yugoslavia or Finland.

 

[mrploppy]

January 8th, 1966
Swansea Town 4-2 Watford
With my father and grandfather I think. Centre stand - posh!

 

[ajacks]

Vs Rushden Diamond in 2001, Sat in the upper east stand! Think with my father but might have been father & sister

 

[PenlanJack]

North Bank, night game..didn't really see the 1st half, too many 6 ft nutters apoplectic with rage.. moved to the side, couldn't tell you who we was playing.. it was pretty full.. must have been buy one get one free

 

[Manselton Jack]

Jimmy only came in for us 1982 mate.

He played for us on loan from Man Utd, he then signed for Arsenal.

 

[swansvalleyjack]

Port Vale 1967. 2-1.
On the old East terrace, railway sleepers !

Could hear the roar from the North Bank. Hooked. Over there for the rest of my time at the Vetch

Side note - my first game, plus first encounter with football hooligans. Port Vale lot there, nasty bunch. An eye opener but didn't put me off.

Not long after, the Arsenal 33,000 cup game in 68. Sardines ain't in it !!!

 

[Rhoshilljacks]

10th Feb 1990. Won 4-2 against Fulham, Tommy Hutchinson header after about 2 minutes, and a Paul Chalmers hat trick.
My old man took me cos we couldn’t get tickets for the Liverpool cup game. Best thing that ever happened!