I was 9 years old and I was sat with in the Pannini Family Enclosure, down in the corner adjacent to the away stand full of Villa fans (what is now the Park End). It was a few weeks before the world cup in Italy, so I got a free Pannini world cup sticker album on the way in. Despite it being a warm sunny day in may, I was decked out in my Everton shirt, tracksuit and wooly hat and scarf. Villa had just lost out to the shite in the title race the week before after a good season which had really kicked off when the hammered us 6-2 at their place, live on The Match on ITV back in November. This was the season that won Turnip Taylor the England job. Last game of the season, so neither team had much to play for. They were comfortable in second and we were in 6th.

I'm not sure about the line-up, perhaps you can help me out? I've managed to jog my memory with a little online research. I remember hearing on the radio on the way to the game that Platt wasn't playing for them because he'd been involved in some kind of accident. First half wasn't that eventful. A few corners which resulted in us going in at the break 1-0 up anyway thanks to a Tony Cascarino own goal.

After the break Cascarino equalized for them before we went 2-1 up (I don't know who scored, maybe Pat Nevin?). Gordan Cowans then equalized again for Villa from a free kick. Tony Daley then put them in front for the first time when he floated a cross right into big Nev's top corner. With ten minutes to go we got a penalty. I remember having to stand on my seat to try and see down to the Gwladys Street end. Tony Cottee duly slotted it home to rescue a point. So, a six goal thriller for my first game. Magic! It's a shame the entertainment wasn't as good on future visits over the next 10 years. Iwan Edwards. (05/09/03)

Everton 1 redshite 0. 11th Mar, 1967. FA Cup 5th Rd.

My first Everton game was 1967 F.A.cup 5th round against the shite. I was 10 years old and the memories will live with me forever. On arriving at the ground the old repent the end is nigh blokes were handing out cards lamenting the death of L.F.C. We got in the ground early and I was told to tie myself onto the barrier on the wall half way up the Street end.

I questioned this with a half empty ground but found it sage advice with a 64000 gate.The buzz around the city was incredible with records being brought out such as roaring and scoring and Mersey boot and to this day I have not known a build up like it to a game( the equivalent today would be to play the shite in the champions league final).The great abiding memory was Bally lashing the ball past the flying pig and euphoria like I have never seen before.

On the bus back home I kept asking my brother in law why the majority on the bus seemed miserable and he told me the majority were Kopites to which I started singing every Everton I knew(they couldn't twat a 10 year old could they?) I think I have loved the Blues since I was a sperm and I thank Alan Ball for making me grow up big and strong as after seeing him score that goal if my Mum served up veg and I said I didn't like it she would say but Alan Ball eats it and I would wolf the lot. Love the blues love Bally and love you lot for keeping on doing what your doing.
Scouse in da south. (28/06/03)