50 years ago today, Newport welcomed FA Cup holders Southampton to Church Litten for the official opening of their new floodlights.
Around 4,500 spectators packed into Church Litten on Monday 11th October 1976 for one of the most memorable nights in Newport’s history.
Southampton had lifted the FA Cup just 5 months earlier, famously beating Manchester United 1-0 at Wembley. The trophy itself crossed the Solent and was paraded around Church Litten before kick-off.
The match marked the official opening of Newport’s new floodlights, although they had already been used for a game against Brading Town. Floodlit football was still something of a novelty on the Island and, for the official celebration, Newport could hardly have attracted more glamorous opposition.
FA Cup-winning manager Lawrie McMenemy brought a side containing some of the biggest names in English football. The star attraction was former Chelsea and England striker Peter Osgood, one of the most recognisable footballers of the era, while prolific former Bournemouth and Manchester United goalscorer Ted MacDougall was alongside him in attack.
Southampton captain Peter Rodrigues, who had lifted the FA Cup at Wembley, was also in the side, together with several other members of the cup-winning team.
Newport were not overawed and came remarkably close to taking the lead after 15 minutes. Graham Elderfield’s cross was turned against one post by Southampton defender Mel Blyth before Newport’s in-form striker Tony Grimwade struck the other upright from the rebound.
Southampton’s class eventually told, with MacDougall scoring twice, but Grimwade ensured the home supporters had something to celebrate when he found the net with around 15 minutes remaining. He almost scored again shortly afterwards.
Grimwade’s goal was already his 11th of the season, despite having missed 3 matches with a back injury. Southampton eventually won 4-1, but the result was almost incidental to an occasion which saw thousands of Islanders watch Newport face the reigning FA Cup holders beneath the new Church Litten floodlights.
Newport remained at Church Litten until 1988, when they moved to St George’s Park and their historic former home was subsequently lost to redevelopment. The club left St George’s at the end of the 2018-19 season, beginning several years of groundsharing elsewhere on the Island.
50 years after Southampton helped Newport celebrate a new era at Church Litten, the Port have begun another at their long-awaited new home at the Racecourse in Whippingham.
