MY YORK STREET: Roger Smith recalls the legendary Jim Smith, the FA Cup tussle with Portsmouth and a goalkeeper who scored a hat-trick during his 60 years watching Boston United

My first game: I moved to Boston with my parents at the end of 1956. The town was still buzzing with talk about Boston United's exploits in the FA Cup at the start of the year, having played at White Hart Lane after beating Derby County. I was taken for my first visit to York Street during the 1957-8 season; as for the date and the opponents... my memory fails me.

My favourite game: These two, for very different reasons. January 15, 1972 - FA Cup third round against Portsmouth, who were in the Second Division. The Pilgrims lost 0-1 in a game memorable for being refereed by top-flight ref Roger Kirkpatrick, a Mr Pickwick in appearance with a distinctive high-stepping way of moving about the pitch. Quite a character! Also August 10, 2002 against Bournemouth which began with Mick Fixter announcing as the teams came out "This is York Street, this is the Football League!" Little did we know what the next few seasons had in store for The Pilgrims.

My least favourite game: September 5, 1964. We were beaten 0-14 by Spalding in the FA Cup in the season when The Pilgrims competed in the Boston and District League.

My strangest game: A bizarre match against Goole Town in the Northern Premier League on September 11, 1968. The Pilgrims went 2-0 down, only to be rescued by Ken Simpkins, the reserve goalkeeper who had been pressed into service as a striker. The little fellow came to our rescue, scoring a hat-trick to the disbelief of supporters and players alike.

My happiest memory: Introducing my sons Matthew and Andrew to football at York Street in the 1980s. They now live many miles from Boston so have limited opportunities to watch The Pilgrims these days but are always looking out for news about the club.

My worst memory: That sinking feeling in the 2006-07 season, our last season in the Football League.

My favourite goal: Scored by Dave Adamson from the half-way line, close to the main stand. I cannot recall if it was a free kick or an opportunist strike, nor who were the opponents who were caught off their guard.

My favourite player: Favourite players come and go season by season. So I nominate Paul Bastock, one of the few who stayed with the club through thick and thin over many seasons. Paul's command of the York Street penalty areas and of his fellow defenders was remarkable, and I forgive him his occasional errors. I saw him almost score, when a long clearance went over the head of the opposing keeper but stuck in the mud in the York Street goal-mouth instead of continuing onwards to present the Boston Standard with an unusual headline.

My favourite manager: Here too I indulge myself by nominating two. The first is Jim Smith, a leader on and off the field, who brought much success for The Pilgrims at the start of his long and illustrious managerial career. The second is Arthur Mann, who guided The Pilgrims to the final of the F A Trophy in 1985.

I'll miss York Street because: More than 60 years of memories! I shall miss the sight of the Stump from the Spayne Road Terrace. Few football grounds can offer such a distinctive view. (I shall be happy to miss the primitive gents' loos at the Spayne Road Terrace.)

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