A disappointing result will dictate so much of the narrative about Saturday, but we also need to recognise the positives both on and off the pitch.
The club provided a 'mates rates' offer for the game, allowing season ticket holders to bring up to two friends for £12.50, which along with a tremendous following from the Northeast, saw a crowd of 24,543, the largest opening home crowd since 1977.
It was the annual Flag Day celebration at the Three Lions pub with lots of fans paying tribute to the memory of Stoney Garnett, who so sadly passed away recently, donning red fedora hats that became so synonymous with Stoney.
