TOWN fans have many fond memories of the Leeds Road years.

And they have been happy to share them with Examiner readers - 10 years after the last Leeds Road match.

Our series about Leeds Road has prompted much talk about all the glorious games that the ground hosted over 86 years.

Some were in the recent past. Others harked back to the 40s and 50s.

Here are a selection of fans' views:

* John Sykes, 30, of Golcar, has been a fan since 1991.

He said: "My best memories are of two goals.

"One was scored by Iain Dunn. He hit the ball so hard it stuck in the stanchion in the net.

"And I recall Paul Dalton picking up the ball on the halfway line and running through the entire Stoke City defence before scoring with a great shot."

* Roy Plowman, of Newsome, recalled a game from the 1948/49 season.

"Town were in the First Division and had just bought Peter Doherty from Derby County for a lot of money.

"Thousands turned out to watch the game against Manchester City, hoping he would play - but he never got on.

"City were a good side, with the great Frank Swift in goals, but Town won 5-2. Maurice Tomkin scored twice and there was also a goal for Harry McShane, father of actor Ian McShane, who was Lovejoy on TV."

* Gerry Shepherd, of Milnsbridge, said: "My everlasting memory is of the final game at Leeds Road v Blackpool.

"I had a wonderful time among some former Town stars after I won a day out for two in a raffle run by the club.

"We met celebrities, including Joe Walter - then 98 years old - and were taken by coach to Leeds Road.

"We had a conducted tour, then watched an enthralling game - even though it was tinged with sadness, knowing that this was the end of an era.

"After the game it was all back for a meal, then all the players came to join us to talk about the game and some of Town's history.

"But the highlight of the evening was when each raffle ticket winner had a numbered shirt drawn out. My ticket was drawn out against No 9 and Albert Nightingale presented me with Andy Booth's shirt."

* David Holmes, of Meltham, got in touch.

He remembered the September, 1965, game, when Town met Crystal Palace.

"I remember Mike O'Grady's volley from a Kevin McHale corner, to put Town 2-0 ahead after 82 minutes." he said.

* Mark, of Bradley, sent us a text message. He said: "Ian Robins's goal against Hartlepool was the 101st of the season.

"It may not have been the greatest but it was one of the most important at the time."

* Stan Solomons, a retired journalist, recalled the night Town's new floodlight pylons were blown down in gales.

Winds brought down two of the pylons on February 11, 1962.

He covered the story, which was featured in many of the national newspapers.

* Graham Brown, 48, a supporter for 43 years, had several memories.

He recalled the crowd and atmosphere of the game against Sheffield Wednesday in 1966, when 49,612 packed into the ground.

He also remembered promotion to Division 1 in 1969/70 and Jimmy McGill's tackles - and beating Borussia Dortmund in a friendly in 1967/68.

Other memories were of promotion from Division 4, with 101 goals, and walking on the pitch after the last ever match.

"A part of the pitch was bought and placed in my parents' back garden. It's still doing well!" he said.

* Jonathan Wilkinson said: "There are so many memories of Leeds Road - but my everlasting memory will be of a 3-0 victory, when Ronnie Jepson scored a hat-trick against York City.

"I was only young at the time, but I remember that Ronnie played brilliantly that day.

"Another couple of favourite games were my first and last that I attended there - a 7-0 victory over Lincoln United in the FA Cup and the last game, with so many emotions of happiness and sadness.

"Leeds Road was a wonderful place - but the game moves on and the McAlpine is magnificent," added Jonathan.