That was the first City game I attended at Maine Road. As a young lad of 8 years old it was my first memory of big league football. Going to the ground was amazingly exciting and an adventure in itself. Seeing the imposing height of the main stand and hundreds, no thousands of people milling around the gates was awe inspiring. Going through the gates and into Maine Road for the first time was a joy. I can still remember the unique smell of that ground which I experienced for the first time that day.

The most breathtaking element of my first game was walking up the flights of stairs and seeing the glorious Maine Road pitch for the first time. It literally took my breath away. All my dreams had come true. This was only topped when the crowd went wild with singing and chanting when we scored. With a mixture of slight fear and delight this 8 year old was hooked on football for life. I saw many fans carrying big inflatable bananas and I instantly knew I wanted one as soon as I got out of the ground. I was already part of the unique breed that is the quirky and loyal city support after 90 minutes.

As for the game itself, well I was so consumed with everything that was going on around me that the game is difficult to remember. I know that Paul Lake swallowed his tongue and lie motionless for a long time. As for the result. I know we hammered them – was it 4-2 or 5-2? I can’t remember!