17 October 1987
Burnley (Home)

I was seven years-old. It was my first proper football match. I was taken by my Mum. It had been coming for a long time, as little kids do, for I was mad about the beautiful game for a long, long time, so Mum gave in - writes HOWARD MILTON.

I had been brought up around North London, so of course I was an Arsenal supporter, but Exeter City were destined to win over a place in my my heart after this. We had tried a couple of weeks before for the big Devon derby with Torquay United, but Mum, bless her, decided that 6,281 was too many to see the game for a little person like me. But I remember sifting across the terraces trying to pick up a discarded programme. God knows why!

So, Burnley on an October afternoon became my first ever proper game. I don't remember much, but I do recall standing on the Big Bank, and thinking how far away the other end was, how big the stands were, but then they would do if you were only aged seven. These were the days of being sponsored by The Official Football League Yearbook, and Nicky Marker with City mascot Charlie asking sports questions on the front pages of the programme. Where is Charlie now?

17th October 1987 saw Colin Appleton in charge. City were residing in fifth place in Division Four, before sliding to 22nd by the end of the season as Appleton left, to be replaced by John Delve temporarily. All in all, a typical City season, or maybe I am too cynical? The game itself against Burnley, I do not remember much about. It might have been a brilliant game. It might not have been. I know that for years afterwards I thought we had lost to a last minute penalty, maybe George Oghani's 26th minute spot kick right in front of me felt it was like that.

I knew I had got the bug, and was pretty much a regular up until I had to move around 1992. I am now an Exile residing in Surrey. I try to get down for the odd game, and when City grace clubs around London and the South East, I go. But, it is not easy being a student. A final memory. On my Mum's fourth or fifth game (Dad was not interested), Steve Lister of Scunthorpe United had just conceded a dubious corner and started effing and blinding at mercurial referee Roger Milford, who took the abuse, and then pointed at me and mother. The big Scunny defender sheepishly apologised. Those were the days! Having looked up the match details of that game with Burnley, I thought I would share them with you.

Exeter City: Gwinnett, Cooper, Viney, Carter, Taylor, Olsson (Massey), Batty (Hiley), Edwards, Phillips, Kellow, Harrower.

Burnley: Pearce, Daniel, McGorry, James, Davis, Gardner, Farrell, Grewcock, Oghani, Comstive, Taylor. Scorers: Edwards 9th, Oghani 26th (pen) & 54th.

Attendance: 2,780