Supporting any club can be a roller coaster ride but it is probably fair to say that supporting the Hatters has seen all of us affected by some extreme highs and lows.
In this casual series, I thought I would recall one of the most disappointing days of my life, 13-April-1985.
Now many of you might recognise the date, but for those who do not, it is the day Luton supporters travelled to Villa Park, in their thousands, for an FA Cup semi-final fixture against Everton.
It truly was a surreal day.
For me, it started early in the morning when around 50 of us gathered outside The Heron public house for our privately arranged coach.
Once on the coach, as you can imagine, it was a little boisterous with chants being sung and banter being exchanged.
As we had set off so early, it had been pre-arranged that we would stop at a pub in Coventry for some refreshments, before journeying on to Birmingham and Villa Park.
But somewhere down the line some wires had got crossed.
Upon arriving in the centre of Coventry, we entered the pub that was expecting us, only to find that the owners believed we would be stopping for a three-course meal as opposed to a skinful of beer.
Nevertheless, we were welcomed with open arms and the only problems came when word spread that 50 or so Luton supporters were encamped in a city centre pub, perhaps not a smart move considering that Coventry City were at home that day to, I believe, Sunderland.
With a heavy police presence outside the bar, it was not long before we were heading to Birmingham and disembarking and heading towards Villa Park.
Stood on the left-hand side of the Holte End, as you look at the pitch, the atmosphere was soon building, and the game soon commenced.
Luton were the better side on the day and when Ricky Hill opened the scoring, we all believed we were going to Wembley.
But Lady Luck turned her back on Luton and Everton were to equalise late-on and snatch an extra-time winner.
I have felt so gutted in my life, leaving the stadium, the Luton support looked downbeat and the journey home, on our coach, was very subdued.
Back on home turf, consolation was sought, and numerous pints were sunk, Luton had come so far and had been deprived of an FA Cup Final, in extra time, when they had been the better side on the day.
Like they say, life can, at times, be a real bitch!
COYH’s
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Hi MH, I was there that day too & like you was very down after the game. If you remember, Everton were awarded a free kick 4 minutes from time which to this day I can’t understand what for, that led to their equaliser before they won in extra time. Talk about daylight robbery! The other two awful days were when we lost our league status courtesy of ‘Mawinnie the poo’ & the infamous night Millwall came & wrecked havoc before, during & after an FA cup quarter final match. Thank god better days are back again especially once’ covid does one’ a term I heard NJ use during a press interview.
It was a heartbreaking day and you are right, it was never a free-kick, big team decision!