Torquay United v Bradford Park Avenue.02/11/63.

This programme reminds me of a "Golden Window" of my childhood (I was 11 at the time) when goals started raining in at Plainmoor.........................and I remember it as if it were yesterday.

Packed off by my mum with half a crown (12.5p) in my pocket, I cycled the six miles to the ground propping my bike up with many others in the little back lane that ran behind the Babbacombe End and Warbro Road ~ no bike chains or clamps then, no need.

1/3 (5.5p) got me in and sixpence (2.5p) for a programme which left me with a further whole sixpence at my disposal which I duly spent in the Supporters Club canteen on a Milky Way and a drink ~ usually tea from a china cup, but no saucer I might add ~ and I still had a threepenny bit to spend in the shop at Kerswell Arch on the way home!

Having jumped with glee as Newport capitulated to a flood of late goals to go under 8-3, this game with Bradford PA we saw another six go winging in (6-2)and I can still remember the bald headed, red faced apoplexy of their veteran player manager; the fearsome Jimmy Scouler as if it were this morning. Note too the famous Kevin Hector setting out on his illustrious career in the number 10 shirt for them also, and the feature on John Rossiter, a lovely guy whom I had the pleasure of meeting just a few years ago at Plainmoor.....................still a "United Nut" and still travelling up from his Kingsbridge home to support The Gulls who he was so proud to have played for!

Oh, and mention of the forthcoming FA Cup clash with Athenian League Barnet who having put Leyton Orient and Brentford to the sword that season and haiving aquitted themselves with honour against Chelsea, all in the London Challenge Cup; would not be overawed with a visit to Plainmoor......................just as well then, we beat them 6-2 too; and in the days before substitutes and without a proper goaly as Terry Adlington who broke his wrist early on, came outfield and played up front grabbing a goal for himself whilst 5' 6" George Allen put on the red jersey and took over in goal. We played in white shirts, black shorts whilst Barnet sported their change strip of royal blue shirts and white shorts much to the disappointment of their hordes of amber and black clad supporters

....................and Robin Stubbs had hit 14 goals in his first 17 League appearances before November had even started!

I suppose you were one of the "rich kids" on the football specials from NA.

I usually had to ride my bike up over the Milber back road and down through Barton, using the main Newton Road through 'kersell on the way home as it was safer in the dark..................and wind and rain