First match I went to ...

[Nicole]

... (NSL) was Newcastle KB United v Heidelberg United at the Newcastle International Sports Centre in about 1979.

I was a junior squash player in those days, representing the Sutherland Shire against Newcastle, Illawarra and Canberra and playing at the Squash Courts behind the Sports Centre. A few other kids and I, possibly during the second half got in for nothing and sat in the top of the huge grandstand. Newcastle were the big thing in the NSL in those years, huge crowds and great PR, I bought a team photo (black and white) from the merchandise shop, but I've no idea where it is now. The only player's name I remember from that team is Alf Stamp!

A few years later I convinced my father to take me to an NSL game, the same father (obviously) that was scared to take me to the 1978 grand final to watch Sutherland v Croatia because he's heard of the Ustase - he took me to see St. George BSC and Preston Makedonia. I'd already been to many State League matches at Seymour Shaw by then.

So what was the first match that you went to, NSL, A-League, State League, other League, here or abroad ...

[Hunter403]

So long ago. KB vs Sydney if i recall. Cant remember the score or much else.

[weston]

Can't tell you what match. I can tell you though that it was the Breakers at Birmingham Gardens

[The Dunster]

Ampol Cup games very early 70's, WC and Youth WC qualifiers, NSL when it started in 1977 - went to all Mooroolbark United Games - they only won five games but theyteam always fought hard - just didn't have the cattle.

We built our own rattles to take to the games and painted them with our club colours as well. [ No idea what happened to them though]. Probably sitting in a bag somewhere with a dozen or so extremely unstable old flares

[Jeterpool]

Can't tell you my match but it was at the current stadium. It was United days too.

I seem to recall a match where Johnny Maj came off the bench

[Jeterpool]

First A-league match was vs Sydney in season 1

[Grimario]

Can't tell you my match but it was at the current stadium. It was United days too.

I seem to recall a match where Johnny Maj came off the bench

I remember my first game at Turton Road, got there about 5 minutes late, missed kick off and sat halfway up in the western stand, right next to the Perspex that separate the seats from a tumble to almost certain death below. Couldn't tell you who played but was bitterly cold. We sat that close to the Perspex in the vain hope that it would block some of the icy cold wind that was tearing through the place.

I went to one game at Breakers Stadium a few months after the 98 World Cup. Before then, I had no real interest in football and it was actually FIFA Road to the World Cup 98 that got me interested in it.

Couldn't tell you who we played, just remember we lost and John Buonavoglia scored our only goal.

[Tommyjet]

Can't tell you what match. I can tell you though that it was the Breakers at Birmingham Gardens
Same with me

[foti68]

My first game was at the ISC it was KB versus Sydney City we lost 4-1 in 78, My first socceroos game was at the SCG against Juventus in 84 we won 2-0.
I remember going to plenty of games over the years from early NSL days KB to Rosebuds to Breakers to united and now the Jets. Have have plenty of good memories with the Rowdies those were the days.

[Nicole]

My first game was at the ISC it was KB versus Sydney City we lost 4-1 in 78, My first socceroos game was at the SCG against Juventus in 84 we won 2-0.
I remember going to plenty of games over the years from early NSL days KB to Rosebuds to Breakers to united and now the Jets. Have have plenty of good memories with the Rowdies those were the days.

Was that the series when Manchester United came too? I went to that game at the SCG and it was a very drab 0-0 draw.

I was at St. George Stadium when Craig Johnston played for Newcastle. Very big crowd predicted but rain kept it down to about 4,000. And from memory I think Saints won that day.

[foti68]

Was that the series when Manchester United came too? I went to that game at the SCG and it was a very drab 0-0 draw.

I was at St. George Stadium when Craig Johnston played for Newcastle. Very big crowd predicted but rain kept it down to about 4,000. And from memory I think Saints won that day.

That was the same series

[lquiquer]

My first game: PSG-Monaco 1978 Parc Des Princes.....lost 2-0 and I cried :sigh: (Note Zlatan was not born yet)

[ToddG NBUnited]

Sydney FC away in season 2, Miltons brace on debut. Backed it up with Coast away the next week and havent looked back since.

[Superdylan]

First game I went to for the jets was round 3 vs Sydney fc at home in season one. Remarkably our first ever win.

[stopper2]

I'm not 100% sure who KB United were playing as I was only 8 when I went to my first NSL match but I do remember going to a game in that same inaugural season for KB United in 1978 when the crowd was 17-18,000. Marconi was the opposition and they had some bald guy called Bobby Charlton making a guest appearance for them!

Some 27 years later was there for the very first A League game when our own Jets played Adelaide in 2005.

[stopper2]

... (NSL) was Newcastle KB United v Heidelberg United at the Newcastle International Sports Centre in about 1979.

I was a junior squash player in those days, representing the Sutherland Shire against Newcastle, Illawarra and Canberra and playing at the Squash Courts behind the Sports Centre. A few other kids and I, possibly during the second half got in for nothing and sat in the top of the huge grandstand. Newcastle were the big thing in the NSL in those years, huge crowds and great PR, I bought a team photo (black and white) from the merchandise shop, but I've no idea where it is now. The only player's name I remember from that team is Alf Stamp!

A few years later I convinced my father to take me to an NSL game, the same father (obviously) that was scared to take me to the 1978 grand final to watch Sutherland v Croatia because he's heard of the Ustase - he took me to see St. George BSC and Preston Makedonia. I'd already been to many State League matches at Seymour Shaw by then.

So what was the first match that you went to, NSL, A-League, State League, other League, here or abroad ...

Ahhh the dreaded Ustashe, how times have changed, in the 70's and 80's if you were of Croatian origin you were labelled a fascist or Nazi, nowadays there is no denying the strong and positive links between the Croatian community and football in Australia, particular over the last 20 years with players, coaches and commentators. The list is endless and continues to grow...Bosnich, Viduka, Zelic, Popovic, Rudan, Milicic etc etc.

[Nicole]

I'm not 100% sure who KB United were playing as I was only 8 when I went to my first NSL match but I do remember going to a game in that same inaugural season for KB United in 1978 when the crowd was 17-18,000. Marconi was the opposition and they had some bald guy called Bobby Charlton making a guest appearance for them!

I think you'll find that Bobby Charlton played for Blacktown City. They made their NSL debut in 1980.

[MFKS]

Would have been the Breakers second home game.

Missed the first as was away on holidays

[stopper2]

I think you'll find that Bobby Charlton played for Blacktown City. They made their NSL debut in 1980.

Actually I've looked into this one and Bobby Charlton was a guest for KB United in 1978! The game was against Marconi.....

"Newcastle KB United was sponsored by Tooths Breweries (hence the KB tag) and took the NSL by storm by setting new crowd attendance records on a regular basis. They drew some famous names to play guest matches with them with Bobby Charlton playing a game for the club in 1978, Paul Reaney joining in 1980 and Craig Johnston played once in 1978 and again in 1982"

[Nicole]

I wasn't aware that he guested for KB United. My apologies - I knew he didn't play for Marconi and that's who I thought you meant he was playing for. His Wikipedia page doesn't mention any guest appearances and OzFootball doesn't mention him - but maybe that is only Australian players.

[Jeterpool]

I wasn't aware that he guested for KB United. My apologies - I knew he didn't play for Marconi and that's who I thought you meant he was playing for. His Wikipedia page doesn't mention any guest appearances and OzFootball doesn't mention him - but maybe that is only Australian players.

It's a big thing people talk about up here - Bobby Charlton appearing for KB. The story is recounted to me that he played the match in Wallsend? That may be incorrect.

[BodyNovo]

1999 breakers v Adelaide I think

memories was travis dodd just coming on to the scene and shane pryce besides scoring being woeful.

the reserves game was a better game in memory.

my biggest memories are easily of united though. elasi and griff tearing it up

[baldrick]

So what was the first match that you went to, NSL, A-League, State League, other League, here or abroad ...

Time has faded my memory of the opponents, but it was KB United v someone at the old ISC when it was an oval and you could park your car on the hill & watch the game.

I also remember sitting on the oval right next to the field (no security those days) chasing the ball when it went out & throwing it back to the players so they could get on with it.

[Jetmaster]

It's a big thing people talk about up here - Bobby Charlton appearing for KB. The story is recounted to me that he played the match in Wallsend? That may be incorrect.

Bobby Charlton definitely played for KB United v Marconi at the end of the 1978 season. Last game at home (ISC), he was in his forties and I do recall him hitting the post. Did a bit of promo work leading up to the game and did a few signings. Crowd about 15,000 too and they were wearing the gold strip.

Here's the proof...

http://nnimgt-a.akamaihd.net/transform/v1/resize/frm/storypad-p7C2fZmsVAc35xK9NnbrtW/54503352-01b1-48f6-9e09-ef213cf986a8.jpg/w1200_h678_fmax.jpg

[skullboy]

Actually I've looked into this one and Bobby Charlton was a guest for KB United in 1978! The game was against Marconi.....

"Newcastle KB United was sponsored by Tooths Breweries (hence the KB tag) and took the NSL by storm by setting new crowd attendance records on a regular basis. They drew some famous names to play guest matches with them with Bobby Charlton playing a game for the club in 1978, Paul Reaney joining in 1980 and Craig Johnston played once in 1978 and again in 1982"


I can't remember which was the first I went to but it was one of the early games during the 1978 season.

Later in the year I went to the Bobby Charlton coaching clinic at the ISC. I think I've still got the T-shirt somewhere.

[goaliepersempre]

One i can clear remember

Breakers vs an (nz team?) with wynton ruffer (swiss/nz citizen)

But when to a few games down there at breaker stadium lol.. but was a pretty big trip back then in those days coming from Muswellbrook etc.

[stopper2]

Bobby Charlton definitely played for KB United v Marconi at the end of the 1978 season. Last game at home (ISC), he was in his forties and I do recall him hitting the post. Did a bit of promo work leading up to the game and did a few signings. Crowd about 15,000 too and they were wearing the gold strip.

Here's the proof...

http://nnimgt-a.akamaihd.net/transform/v1/resize/frm/storypad-p7C2fZmsVAc35xK9NnbrtW/54503352-01b1-48f6-9e09-ef213cf986a8.jpg/w1200_h678_fmax.jpg

That's a great photo Jetmaster, where did you find it? Actually has brought back some memories as I remember kicking a ball around with some other kids as I was on the Eastern side where (as shown) it was just cordoned off with a rope and the lucky ones in front were just sitting on the grass with everyone else standing up trying to catch a glimpse of Charlton. I had a few old KB United programs and I clearly remember Charlton being on the cover of one of them, absolutely kicking myself because I think I threw them out along with the cards probably in the late 80's sometime.

[Jetmaster]

Googled "KB United Bobby Charlton"!

I think the cards are getting a reprint through Todd? Not sure - I have my full set though showing signs of age.

[evolution]

My first game was around '95, a Breakers game at the Gardens but I can't recall who against. I remember going to a Socceroos game vs NZ there around the same time as well.

Another thing I remember going to at Birmingham Gardens was a women's international double header in the mid to late 90's... I think it was Australia vs NZ and the USA vs ???. Anyone else remember that?

[The Ghost]

First game I can remember at the ISC was Northern NSW ( I believe) against Moscow Dynamo . I had been in the guard of honour I think as I can remember watching the game from the grandstand in my playing strip and absolutely freezing . On checking I now realise I may have been watching Lev Yashin in goals for the Russians.

[stopper2]

First game I can remember at the ISC was Northern NSW ( I believe) against Moscow Dynamo . I had been in the guard of honour I think as I can remember watching the game from the grandstand in my playing strip and absolutely freezing . On checking I now realise I may have been watching Lev Yashin in goals for the Russians.

Any idea what year was this?
NNSW used to play touring teams quite regularly in years gone by. Remember seeing a NNSW side play Partizan Belgrade at Speers Point in the mid to late 80's.

[Jetmaster]

Any idea what year was this?
NNSW used to play touring teams quite regularly in years gone by. Remember seeing a NNSW side play Partizan Belgrade at Speers Point in the mid to late 80's.

Reminded me that Partizan played the Gutendorf Socceroos at ISC in 1980....got nasty and they walked off the field for a period.

[The Ghost]

Not from memory but I checked on web (oz football) and it was 1st March 1970..my major memory is that it was windy and cold and not a day to sit in the stand in short sleeves and shorts. The Oz football site records a 6-1 victory to Moscow.

[belchardo]

don't remember when, or the opposition. all I remember was breakers stadium, parking in the cemetery. I was in primary school, so it must have been early to mid 90's.

[Nicole]

Just a guess, but I'd say that the Marconi player in the photo with Bobby Charlton is Ivo Prskalo (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ivo_Prskalo).

[StannyCFCJET]

Ill jump on this thread first newcastle football game im pretty sure was one of the breakers games at their old stadium in the early 2000s. Can't remember the score but my pop and uncle took me to the game and not long after this i started playing football myself. My first Jets game was in season two against Queensland roar on a friday night. Think it was a crowd of 3000 and we lost but i remember seeing nicky carle play and thinking this guy is amazing and this convinced me to ask my parents if we could go to jets games and been going ever since

[front2]

1976. Adamstown v Shortland u7. I was supposed to play in the previous fixture Adamstown v Shortland u6 at 6.50am. My Dad could not find the ground in time.

[joel31]

2006. Jets vs NZ Knights. Coming off a winless streak the Jets won 3-0 including one from the incredible Milton and I was set for the long path of supporting this club

[RAM]

Breakers v Heidelberg at Austral, early 90s IIRC

Watched Sheffield Wednesday tour same year if memory correct

[The Dunster]

2006. Jets vs NZ Knights. Coming off a winless streak the Jets won 3-0 including one from the incredible Milton and I was set for the long path of supporting this club

It was raining as well if I recall correctly. One of the best football experiences I can remember. Great atmosphere from such a small crowd.

[RAM]

1976. Adamstown v Shortland u7. I was supposed to play in the previous fixture Adamstown v Shortland u6 at 6.50am. My Dad could not find the ground in time.

lol

[RAM]

It was raining as well if I recall correctly. One of the best football experiences I can remember. Great atmosphere from such a small crowd.

was there for that one as well

[Bon]

What year was the Eastern grandstand put in at Birmingham Gardens??
I distinctly remember sitting on the southern Hill with my Dad, and while a game was being played, watching some sort of post-basher hammering something into the earth in what I assume was the grandstand foundations.. (I remember at the time wondering why I could see it being hit, but the sound of it being hit coming a second or so later, hahaha)..
Trying to put a year to this memory..

[halo se7en]

It was raining as well if I recall correctly. One of the best football experiences I can remember. Great atmosphere from such a small crowd.

Would that have been the game of the infamous Labi goal from no man's land? I'm pretty sure that was part of a 3-0 win over the Knights. Might be getting my season's mixed up.

[MFKS]

What year was the Eastern grandstand put in at Birmingham Gardens??
I distinctly remember sitting on the southern Hill with my Dad, and while a game was being played, watching some sort of post-basher hammering something into the earth in what I assume was the grandstand foundations.. (I remember at the time wondering why I could see it being hit, but the sound of it being hit coming a second or so later, hahaha)..
Trying to put a year to this memory...

Hopefully ii have got my bearings right but the Eastern is the side with the dressing rooms and the side you enter ground from??

Northern the cemetery end and Southern the scrap metal joint ???

I am pretty certain the Eastern stand at Breakers Stadium was built before the Breakers first home game ever. To the best of my memory it was always there from day 1

I recall them putting in some budget seating and roofed areas on the Western side a few years later before they went kaput

[Bon]

.

Hopefully ii have got my bearings right but the Eastern is the side with the dressing rooms and the side you enter ground from??

Northern the cemetery end and Southern the scrap metal joint ???

I am pretty certain the Eastern stand at Breakers Stadium was built before the Breakers first home game ever. To the best of my memory it was always there from day 1

I recall them putting in some budget seating and roofed areas on the Western side a few years later before they went kaput

Yeah thats right..
So was that Australs that played there prior to Breakers days??
Any idea on the year?

[stopper2]

Yeah thats right..
So was that Australs that played there prior to Breakers days??
Any idea on the year?

Yes Australs played there prior to the Breakers who first played in the NSL season 1991/92.
Australs were a fairly strong club if I recall, figuring in the NNSW State league for many years

[Bon]

Yes Australs played there prior to the Breakers who first played in the NSL season 1991/92.
Australs were a fairly strong club if I recall, figuring in the NNSW State league for many years

Maybe thats what my old-boy was taking me to watch..
Definitely before the grandstand was built.. I'm guessing it is in the era of 86-90, some time around then..

[MFKS]

Not thinking it was there when Australs were there

May well have been going up at the end of Australs days there in preparation for the NSL Breakers side.

Can't imagine the thing would have taken too long to build either as it is pretty simple in design so I would be backing most closer to your 1990 mark than the 1986 mark

[joel31]

Would that have been the game of the infamous Labi goal from no man's land? I'm pretty sure that was part of a 3-0 win over the Knights. Might be getting my season's mixed up.
You're thinking of a different game. It was North, Musialik and Rodriguez who scored in the first game I attended