50 years ago, 17 August 1974: Town 1 Peterborough 2

[araucaria]

First game of the season 1974-75, which ended with us going down to the 4th division. 50 first matches of the season later, the scores stand at won 12, drawn 13, lost 26 (and 28 of the 51 were at home). I knew better than to post this before yesterday's game.

Just 5 first match away wins in half a century, but all of them memorable - yesterday, Palace 3-0, Notts County 3-0, Stockport 3-2 and Blackpool 4-1. Before that Blackpool win in 1994, the last time we won the first game away was at Oxford in 1969.

The results of the most recent 51 seasons stand in stark contrast to the first 53, which were won 22, drew 19 and lost 12. The 19 openers before that defeat in 1974 saw W9 D9 L1, so, given that I don't remember the one defeat, the first time I became aware that Town losing their first match of the season was actually possible was that Peterborough match.

Overall, 104 first matches, W34, D32, L38; first half good, second half not so good, but maybe this Posh result is the turning point back to good for the next half-century or so.

It's all quite meaningless, of course; and yet we didn't lose any of our first matches in our 9 promotion seasons, so we can't rule out a 10th.

[bogart]

Remember George Courney, referee, saying walking out onto the pich was like the San Siro. Not a bad referee, just checked and is still alive and kicking.Pity we cocked it up.

[Christ in Shades (art)]

Courtney's final game he officiated was the Town Peterborough play off 2nd leg at Leeds Road in 92.

[bogart]

Yes very disappointing evening after it started so well.