A bad day for John Milkins in his testimonial.
Back in the days when freindlies and testimonials actually had some meaning and teams tried to win them, Saints V Pompey affairs were as hot blooded as any, probably because for a period of over 30 years, these were the only times the Clubs got to play each other, so they took on some significance.
John Milkins was Pompey's keeper but no sentiment was show to him on his big night, Pompey of course were keen to show their first division rivals that although they themselves were languishing in the second, they were top dogs, however a couple of years earlier Pompey had come to the Dell and won in the John Sydenham testimonial with Saints the subject of scathing criticism for their poor attitude to the game, on this night it was a different story and it seemed that Saints were determined to get revenge.
Milkins humiliation began on 12 minutes when Brian O'Neil volleyed home and by half time it was 5-0 delighting the clump of Saints supporters gathered on the Fratton End in the 8,793 crowd qand the job was done, Saints eased off in the second, but still added another couple to complete the rout, O,Neil, Ron Davies & Jimmy Gabriel with two apiece plus a rare goal from John McGrath were the scorers on the nght, whilst Milkins collected £3,000 in gate money to soften his humiliation.
Milkins never had much luck against Saints, in the six games he played against them in both League & Friendlies, a total of 21 goals were netted including this final seven, in fact a few years later he would come up against Saints whilst playing for Oxford and concede a few more to add to his woes.