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.   

Photo: Action Images

warnfordcookie added 11:44 - Dec 12 I seem to remember we did it again when Alan knights testimonial came round another 7-0 I think with a lot of trouble from their fans afterwards!!
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TimSaint added 11:45 - Dec 12 Seem to recall attending a similar game to this in the early/mid 90's for Alan Knight's testimonial. 5-1 to the Saints, who really took the mickey and played then manager Alan Ball, in the 2nd half. Their "1" was a Knight penalty that was "let in", so they had a least something to cheer about !! lol Mind you - it took absolutely ages to be let out afterwards and Dave Beasant even came over to the fans and was telling jokes !!

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warnfordcookie added 11:49 - Dec 12 i also remember an evening game walking towards fr****** pk when on my own I heard two skate fans in front of me say "i don't care about the result as long as I get to knife some bas**** scum fan" I kept walking a little slower though!!
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arfurdent added 12:44 - Dec 12 I went to this game and it was so funny. Mind you you could go to skateville in those days
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dirk_doone added 15:01 - Dec 12 I was there too. Very enjoyable game.
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TijuanaTim added 16:31 - Dec 12 Loads of trouble...more stories and memories than can be shared here.
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birminghamsaint added 09:40 - Dec 13 I remember Alan Ball coming on and looking as if he was in slow motion compared to the other players. Also I think a scorcher of a goal from Benali?
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moran89thmin added 21:20 - Dec 14 Yea - I remember the Thin Blue Line on the pitch for ages afterwards and a bunch of c unty skate poofs trying to look threatening.
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