From Roker Park to Europe – A Sunderland Love Story

It's funny what you remember and what you've forgotten about the momentous days in your life. The first Sunderland game I went to in person is exactly that – a mix of things I remember and, after reading the match report, things I didn't. I knew it was against Watford in 1983 and we drew 2-2.

According to the Watford Observer, it was the May Bank Holiday and Roker Park was rain-drenched. News to me, 43 years later. I remember feeling deflated when Watford took the lead in the third minute, then disbelief when we turned it around to lead 2-1 before more disappointment as Watford grabbed a late equaliser.