My first ever City game was against Plymouth Argyle in August 1987. City had just been relegated from division 1, along with Villa and Leicester and Mel Machin was in charge. The team contained the likes of Paul Stewart, Andy Hinchcliffe, Steve Redmond, Ian Brightwell, David White and a certain, very talented Mr Paul Lake.

It cost me £1.50 to stand on the Kippax and my brother and I were one of the first in, taking our place above an entrance tunnel in the Kippax. The players came out to warm up and I didn’t have a clue who they were, but I clapped them anyway. As the ground began to fill, I felt the atmosphere building. Songs started and the few Plymouth fans in the Platt Lane end just sat there, silent.

Finally, the team emerged to an electric welcome. I had never clapped so much for so long. My hands were killing me when we’d finished The game got under way and I expected a goal almost immediately, but it was Plymouth who scored first and by half time it was they who led one nil. I looked downcast. My brother asked me if I regretted coming. I said no, but secretly thought yes. The bloke next to me, some strange guy wearing all blue was listening to the half time scores on his 1950’s radio. He told us he was really a Spurs fan, but preferred watching City. If I wasn’t already a confused teenager, that comment would have sent me in the right direction.

The second half got under way and City toiled away without reward and the fans were getting restless. You could sense defeat in the air. Then, on 82 minutes, I don’t know how it happened, but Paul Stewart equalised, sending usabsolutely nuts, but almost immediately from the kick off, Plymouth scored again. I couldn’t believe it. Then the Kippax gave a rousing cheer as the ref disallowed it (offside I think).

The minutes ticked away adn in the 90th minute, Imre Varadi knocked the ball past the Plymouth keeper. I couldn’t believe it as the fulltime whistle went. City had won 2-1. I went home unable to wait until the next home match. Blackburn. Stood next to the weird bloke in blue. We lost 2-1.
That’s City for you.
-Pete