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Reporter John Maffin looks at the abiding memories of a sensational evening at the Kingston Communications Stadium as the England Under- 21s battled to a great 3-2 victory against a talented side from Serbia and Montenegro.
‘No TV programme, radio commentary or newspaper report could ever fully capture the significance of what happened at the Kingston Communications Stadium on Monday 2nd June 2003.
In short, as the national Under 21 side battled to a creditable 3-2 victory over Serbia and Montenegro, the KC came of age.
By the time the final whistle had blown after a pulsating second half, there had emerged a remarkable and awesome rapport between the crowd and the players on the pitch. The KC Stadium was a sea of red and white. The atmosphere was electric.
Make no mistake, it was a partisan audience - but on the night they were not averse to showing appreciation for talent of whatever nationality.
The visitors scored two brilliant goals, created a hatful of chances and showed determination, guile and a wonderful range of technical skills. They drew applause aplenty.
Yet, as the game wore on, and particularly in the second half, the support for the England side was nothing short of sensational. Their performance grew ever more assured - even when the visitors threatened to snatch a draw.
As the warm sunset gave way to a clear blue night sky, a purple ring of light encircled the arena's upper section. Floodlights bathed the lush green turf as tomorrow's super-stars demonstrated their abundant talents on the field of play.
With the chant "England, England" bursting forth, there was an almost palpable chemistry between the fans and the players. As the white shirted maestros began to strut their stuff with increasing assurance and power, the crowd went nova.
This was surely the birth of the KC Roar? It was spontaneous. It was infectious. It was perhaps the forerunner of more happy and glorious days ahead - one hopes in the league as well as on the international stage.
Although England emerged as victors with three wonderful goals to their credit, football was the real winner. The game was competitive - yet remained unblemished as a sporting spectacle.
The match was a 24,000 sell out. With consummate skill and enthusiastic endeavour, the stadium management company in liaison with the football authorities had meticulously planned and prepared for the first ever international game at the new arena.
The event was a resounding success. It was a success organisationally. It was a success in terms of the result. It was a success in demonstrating that the people of Hull will unequivocally back top sporting events.
It was a success for players on both sides who made powerful claims for full international honours. Who can doubt that it will be too long before Zamorra, Prutton, Ameobi Konchesky and others will line up alongside Beckham, Scholes, and company?
It was a success in showing that all sections of the ground can combine as one to provide a spontaneous atmosphere of support that could almost be measured on the Richter scale.
This was a night to remember - not just for the attendance, the atmosphere, the entertainment or the result. It will be remembered as the night upon which the KC came of age.'
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