PNE supporters memories/stories
My only ever match on the Paddock- by Tom Harrison
The only time I ever went into the Paddock (As I am a Townender and Old Kop Stander Myself) was in 1996 for the Coca-Cola Cup clash with Tottenham Hotspur. It was a Tuesday Night game and I remember it like it was yesterday because the Tottenham fans were seated above us and we were stood below them. Their side consisted of the likes of Ian Walker, Justin Edinburgh, Colin Calderwood, Sol Campbell, and Darren Anderton & Ruel Fox.
Spurs took the lead inside the first 2 minutes by old sick note Darren Anderton which did not bode well especially with some of the names on show. However, PNE showed great determination and fight to keep Spurs at bay for the rest of the game.
With the game heading for full-time Ian Bryson whipped in a cross to reach Simon Davey on the edge of the 6 yard box but he couldn't get a strong shot on target but PNE surged forward one last time and Dean Barrick swung over a deep cross met by Bryson who put it across the area first time and in slid Michael Holt to put the ball away for a thoroughly deserved equaliser and force a reply at the Lane for Preston.
PNE went on to lose the replay 3-0 but I always remember the look on the Spurs fans faces above me in the Paddock who couldn’t believe that little PNE had drawn with the Mighty Spurs.
I'm sure the other 16,257 fans enjoyed it as much as me.
Tom Harrison