Stockport County were the visitors and they pitched up at ground that could only accommodate supporters on two sides. The West Stand was still being constructed, it was not possible to watch from the South end of the ground, so supporters were accommodated in the Centenary Stand, on the Centenary Terrace below and on the open Clubhouse Terrace (now the Thatcher’s End).
It was, therefore, quite an achievement to get 6,380 fans through the turnstiles and instead of seeing the teams emerge from a tunnel they saw them come out of a ‘double decker’ portakabin situated in a corner at the south end of the ground.
Balloons, fireworks and a rousing rendition of ‘Goodnight Irene’ were the order of the day as the teams entered the pitch and if the goals were too high (see below), the grass too long (it was a rugby venue after all) and there was no roof on the Clubhouse Terrace, it somehow didn’t matter. Rovers were back in Bristol!
There was quite a convivial atmosphere inside the ground and on a glorious sunny day in BS7 Rovers took a point from a 1-1 draw.
Lee Archer opening the scoring for Rovers after 12 minutes, thus becoming the first player to score a League goal at the Mem and John Jeffers equalising for County on 73 minutes.
Both goals were scored at the south end of the ground and both goalkeepers felt that the crossbar in that goal was too high.
Stockport keeper Paul Jones said; ‘I’m a good 6’3” and normally the bar is about wrist level when I stretch my arms up. I could only just touch this one, though I’m not complaining because it was the same for both sides.
Among the crowd were members of the 92 Club who were ticking the Memorial Ground off of their list. It’s interesting to note that the Mem was the 125th permanent home ground used in the Football League since the War.
Also watching on were a number of former players who were guests of the club for the day and among them was former striker Alfie Biggs who said; ‘I think the ground is going to be fantastic and it’s ideal for me as I only live five minutes away!’
Rovers: Collett, Martin, Clark, Tillson, Lockwood, Gurney, French, Holloway, Archer, Miller (Parmenter), Beadle (Low).
Substitute: Higgs
Were you at the game, what are your memories and would you care to share them with us ahead of next year’s 25th anniversary of this game?