First Reading game?

[Big Foot]

Reading 1-2 Millwall, 30/8/1995

Lost 2-1 & Mick Gooding got sent off - I also believe this was the game in which a spanner was thrown at Simon Sheppard from the town end holding the Millwall faithful

[Richard]

My Dad took me, aged 9, on 22 January 1966 to an FA Cup 3rd Round tie at Elm Park against Sheffield Wednesday, including England’s goalkeeper Ron Springett (this was the year Wednesday got through to the final and were beaten by Everton). We got beat 2-3 but it didn’t put me off. Living in Crowthorne I also, a few years later, went with a mate to see Aldershot play at their place. Comparing their ground with Elm Park there was no debate who I was going to follow for the rest of my life. Also, being born in Battle Hospital, gave me a link.

[howser]

23 October 1963 against Port Vale, a 1-0 win with Mick Travers scoring, very memorable as it was the same Wednesday that England played the Rest of the World at Wembly, and the Reading match was delayed by about 30 minutes due to traffic congestion with fans travelling back from the international match, and have been hooked on the Biscuitmen/Royals ever since.

[1982Royal]

Not sure of the date, but my dad took me to watch the cup game against Man City. Cant even remember the score but I do remember Steve Lomas scoring and Niall Quinn scoring a looping header.

Correct me if I'm wrong because it was so long ago, but the game in question, was that the replay to the 1-1 at Maine Road which I also went to and remembering how scary Moss Side was...

[Victor Meldrew]

I love this thread at this time of year because of the nostalgia.
First game was March 1954 v Norwich and the score was 4-4.
Went with my brother and we stood right in the corner by the stands at the town end and yes the terracing was made up of wooden railway sleepers IIRC.
Obviously with 8 goals in a game I was hooked and have endured the many years of dross and just those few years of success.

My son was mascot for the home game v Plymouth in February 1982 ,a grim 2-2 in front of 3024 people and we made up the 4 with tickets as part of the mascot deal.
Ian got to hear Maurice Evans give the team talk and came to tell us that Alan Judge had an injury and wouldn't take goal-kicks and true enough when the first goal kick happened he had a "told you " look on his face.
With Kerry Dixon's later departure to Chelsea unfortunately my son's first loyalty switched to Chelsea but I am pleased to say that my daughter and then her children have remained loyal Royals and Ian has been to many Reading games over the years as a fan much in the way that my mate John's son Mark has maintained a West Ham/Reading interest.

None of us thought that we would ever play league games at the same level so loyalties were hardly ever brought into question and likewise my own Liverpool/Reading and my good mate Roger's Everton/Reading support until 2 seasons ago and hopefully again next season.
Reading will get my support because they need it more but hand-on-heart despite all those years of support I could never sing "Reading till I die"-the club's fortunes mean a hell of a lot to me but just a liitle less with age and the way football has gone.
Presumably the matchday mascots don't get to hear Coppell's final words before kick-off like my son did from Maurice Evans but it would make my day and Coppell would go up even higher in my estimation if that still happens-does anybody know?

[Ian Royal]

I love this thread at this time of year because of the nostalgia.
First game was March 1954 v Norwich and the score was 4-4.
Went with my brother and we stood right in the corner by the stands at the town end and yes the terracing was made up of wooden railway sleepers IIRC.
Obviously with 8 goals in a game I was hooked and have endured the many years of dross and just those few years of success.

My son was mascot for the home game v Plymouth in February 1982 ,a grim 2-2 in front of 3024 people and we made up the 4 with tickets as part of the mascot deal.
Ian got to hear Maurice Evans give the team talk and came to tell us that Alan Judge had an injury and wouldn't take goal-kicks and true enough when the first goal kick happened he had a "told you " look on his face.
With Kerry Dixon's later departure to Chelsea unfortunately my son's first loyalty switched to Chelsea but I am pleased to say that my daughter and then her children have remained loyal Royals and Ian has been to many Reading games over the years as a fan much in the way that my mate John's son Mark has maintained a West Ham/Reading interest.

None of us thought that we would ever play league games at the same level so loyalties were hardly ever brought into question and likewise my own Liverpool/Reading and my good mate Roger's Everton/Reading support until 2 seasons ago and hopefully again next season.
Reading will get my support because they need it more but hand-on-heart despite all those years of support I could never sing "Reading till I die"-the club's fortunes mean a hell of a lot to me but just a liitle less with age and the way football has gone.
Presumably the matchday mascots don't get to hear Coppell's final words before kick-off like my son did from Maurice Evans but it would make my day and Coppell would go up even higher in my estimation if that still happens-does anybody know?

Wow, I know the name should be a giveaway, but I didn't have you pegged as anywhere near that old!

[Victor Meldrew]

I love this thread at this time of year because of the nostalgia.
First game was March 1954 v Norwich and the score was 4-4.
Went with my brother and we stood right in the corner by the stands at the town end and yes the terracing was made up of wooden railway sleepers IIRC.
Obviously with 8 goals in a game I was hooked and have endured the many years of dross and just those few years of success.

My son was mascot for the home game v Plymouth in February 1982 ,a grim 2-2 in front of 3024 people and we made up the 4 with tickets as part of the mascot deal.
Ian got to hear Maurice Evans give the team talk and came to tell us that Alan Judge had an injury and wouldn't take goal-kicks and true enough when the first goal kick happened he had a "told you " look on his face.
With Kerry Dixon's later departure to Chelsea unfortunately my son's first loyalty switched to Chelsea but I am pleased to say that my daughter and then her children have remained loyal Royals and Ian has been to many Reading games over the years as a fan much in the way that my mate John's son Mark has maintained a West Ham/Reading interest.

None of us thought that we would ever play league games at the same level so loyalties were hardly ever brought into question and likewise my own Liverpool/Reading and my good mate Roger's Everton/Reading support until 2 seasons ago and hopefully again next season.
Reading will get my support because they need it more but hand-on-heart despite all those years of support I could never sing "Reading till I die"-the club's fortunes mean a hell of a lot to me but just a liitle less with age and the way football has gone.
Presumably the matchday mascots don't get to hear Coppell's final words before kick-off like my son did from Maurice Evans but it would make my day and Coppell would go up even higher in my estimation if that still happens-does anybody know?

Wow, I know the name should be a giveaway, but I didn't have you pegged as anywhere near that old!

I obviously started going when still in my mother's womb.

[Richard]

Obviously, quite a few silver surfers on here today!!!

[Victor Meldrew]

Obviously, quite a few silver surfers on here today!!!

A bit cold for us oldies to go outside after the Cardiff and Saints games and for those of us still working many have a break untill January 5th so what better than a bit of surfing and trips down memory lane.
BTW that cup game v Sheff Wed,the 5-3 v Villa and the very important league game v Luton were senstional games to start off the Reading way for some of you fans compared with my meaningless (albeit big-scoring) league game v Norwich.No wonder you became hooked.

[rabidbee]

How old do you have to be to start going to games?

I am wondering whether you are young and just getting into it, or whether you are a late starter.

Now answer the question.

Didn't you read yesterday - she's been 29 for years (and years and years...).

[rabidbee]

Reading 1-2 Man City, League Cup 2R2L, October '93. My uncle had tried to take me to a game a few years earlier (I remember looking up at the outside of the Tilehurst End and thinking it was massive), but we got there well after kick off and we couldn't get in (or maybe he couldn't be arsed).

[Ark Royal]

1st January 1966 v Walsall at EP. Finished 2-2. In the family blood; two uncles who took me have been going regularly since '32 and '46.

[S09Royal]

The first game i went to, Reading lost.
It was on 30th April 2005 against Wolves. We lost 2-1 and i can remember sitting in the North Stand and getting hit by balls as the players warmed up, which wasn't very pleasant, glad i don't sit there now! The only player i properly remember is Kitson as i didn't know much about the club or team at the time. I'd previously supported Man United (i was only 12 ) and won the chance to be Mascot for them up at Old Trafford (20th September 2004, United v Liverpool, ended 2-1 to United) so i went and really enjoyed the atmosphere and everything. This all happened 3 days before my 13th birthday which was incredible. I had a friend who i knew went to watch footie with her dad and a family friend and i told her that i'd love to go to another football match sometime, so they got me a Member Card and spelt my second name wrong I still go with the same people to this day, this season being the first season i have a season ticket. The first full season i supported the royals we got promoted which was amazing as i was one of many, who ran onto the pitch at the Derby game I hope there's loads of memories to come, promotion being one of them in May. I don't want to witness ReadingFC being relegated again 'cos that feeling is the worst feeling in the world. I love the club and team so much now, that i could never imagine supporting another team and i never will!

[TNR]

Reading v Swindon 1995, When Stuart Lovell got a Hat-trick.

[ScottishRoyal]

Presumably the matchday mascots don't get to hear Coppell's final words before kick-off like my son did from Maurice Evans but it would make my day and Coppell would go up even higher in my estimation if that still happens-does anybody know?

I would very much doubt it. Like so much in football, since the age of big money, mascots dayshave changes I think. A mascot used to be one lucky young lad who got to meet his heroes, was treated like one of the team and was escorted around by the captain. Now I think parents have to pay an arm and a leg for the privaledge of their child being given a tour by a club official, and time spent with the players is pretty minimal. I alsop doubt the kids are allowed to hear the team talk, largely because Reading have so many bloody mascots I doubt they'd be enough space for them all in the changing room! It's not uncommon for us to have 5 or 6 mascots! Sadly it's a money spinner, it's not about the kids or giving something back anymore.

[blue_army1871]

Reading 3 - 2 Bristol City
2001 - 2002 season

[Old Biscuitman]

Not telling, but it was long before you lot. I'll give you a clue - at the time Ronnie Blackman was learning his trade in the reserves.

[Victor Meldrew]

Not sure of the date, but my dad took me to watch the cup game against Man City. Cant even remember the score but I do remember Steve Lomas scoring and Niall Quinn scoring a looping header.

Correct me if I'm wrong because it was so long ago, but the game in question, was that the replay to the 1-1 at Maine Road which I also went to and remembering how scary Moss Side was...

So long ago eh? All of 15 years ago.
Kids of today-no memory.

[Victor Meldrew]

Not telling, but it was long before you lot. I'll give you a clue - at the time Ronnie Blackman was learning his trade in the reserves.

Thanks for taking my place as the oldest.

[Broxroyal]

196..? Not sure of the exact year, perhaps someone could tell me. Home to Oxford, Pat Terry put us ahead but we lost 2-1.