1970-71 Gillingham v Fulham

Description

[@user-wp8vy8le3y]

I remember the run-in to that season 1970 -71. I went to the last game of the season at the old Craven Cottage versus Preston North End - taken as a 10 year old to sit in the Stevenage Road Stand. The result was 0-1 to Preston - a goal scored by Ricky Heppolette; and it meant that Preston were champions of the old Third Division - with Fulham as rumners-up. I always remember the pretty large crowd that day - about 31,000 I think; and the whole terracing area being packed - including the old Riverside terrace before the Eric Miller - Riverside Stand was built between 1972 and 1973.

[@garythorp3340]

Blimey, that brought back memories. That was the first game I actually remember going to.

[@edholford1034]

I was there too, an amazing atmosphere and there were plenty of Fulham at their dump. My mate went to the loo and got ambushed by a group of their fans resulting in some fair *ahem* retribution, always remember loads of our fans swinging on the pulley rope by the TV platform they had built (for the incomparable Brian Moore - who was a gillingham fan btw) trying to get to their fans. What a team we had then, and so good to see Les Barrett being involved as ever with making and taking the goals....

[@lennylaa1686]

Did your mate get badly beaten up? Also, how did you rate stan Horne, wasn't he injury prone?

[@edholford1034]

@@lennylaa1686 Hi Lenny, just a bloody nose and a few kick bruises and scrapes, par for the course back then. Stan Horne was a solid player, not spectacular, but a good squad player. A regular from 1969 to 1971-2, but thereafter struggled to get into the side for various reasons. Man City fans still hold him in high regard and I think they saw the best of him...

[@lennylaa1686]

@@edholford1034 Yes, on Ytube,..check Bernard Dineen, a City vlogger did a vid on Stan 1965-69, also an excellent link to his interview with wythenshawe fm and also on YT, check ''Champions at last'' - elderly , smart-suited Stan on screen talking about award of his champion's medal 1968, with other City winners.

[@raymondbonington9355]

No way these days would the away teams fans be allowed in every side of the ground .

[@steve9542000]

Fulham took the Rainham end that day.

[@raymondbonington9355]

Would do much bigger club and at that level even bigger .