WEST HAM UNITED
theyflysohigh : Steve Marsh
FOOTBALL PROGRAMMES &
Memorabilia through the Decade
A Pictorial History
1955-56 Football League Second Division
Manager : Ted Fenton
The first win of the season did not come until 3 September when Notts County were beaten 6–1 at home. Winger Harry Hooper scored twice and this was noted by the England selectors, who awarded him two caps that season at under-23 level. October proved to be a good month, with 14 goals being scored in three home games. First Barnsley were beaten 4–0, then another 4–0 win against Plymouth Argyle saw Ken Tucker score a hat-trick. Finally Harry Hooper scored three times in the 6–1 rout of Doncaster Rovers. After this match the team went eight games without winning and slumped to nineteenth in the league table.
A 5–1 win over Swansea Town put the team in good spirits for the visit of First Division Preston North End in the FA Cup. Losing 2–1 at half-time, the Hammers fought back with a splendid hat-trick from Albert Foan and eventually won 5–2. Cardiff City were beaten 2–1 at home in the next round with the fifth-round opponents being Blackburn Rovers. Following a goalless draw at home the teams met again at Ewood Park, with West Ham winning 3–2. A huge crowd of 69,111 turned up to see the quarter-final tie at Tottenham Hotspur. An exciting match saw the Hammers race into a 3–1 lead with a hat-trick from Johnny Dick. The Spurs fought back to draw level at full-time and it was the North London side that won 2–1 in the replay. Only five more league games were won, leaving the Hammers to finish in sixteenth place. In March, to the fury of the supporters, Harry Hooper was sold to Wolverhampton Wanderers, and as the season came to a close Dave Sexton was transferred to Leyton Orient.
Note:
Players in BOLD made their debuts for West Ham United
ROTHERHAM UNITED
Upton Park
1 - 1 (Dare)
20 August 1955
Att: 18,952
Taylor
Wright
Cantwell
Malcolm
Allison
O'Farrell
Stroud
Bennett
Dare
Dick
Musgrove
The opening day of the season at Upton Park, saw the temperature rise up into the 80's. The heat had its effect on play, but there were two scores in the first half. The visitors went ahead through an own goal by Allison on 28 minutes who deflected a speculative pass by Wilson pass the helpless Taylor in the West Ham goal. This mishap was enough to upset any team but the Hammers equalised less than ten minutes later when Billy Dare ran on to a loose ball to crash it past the hesitant Quairney from the edge of the box. The second half was lacking in enthusiasm, and the 18,952 gate was not enthusiastic over the resulting 1-1 draw.
PORT VALE
Vale Park
1 - 2 (Allison [pen])
22 August 1955
Att: 19,259
Taylor
Wright
Cantwell
Malcolm
Allison
O'Farrell
Stroud
Moore
Dare
Dick
Musgrove
We fought an uphill battle after completely dominating the final hour of play, after conceding two goals to the home side that should never have come about. Unfortunately a mis-kick by a defender let in Stephenson to net in the 11th minute, and the second goaf came about following a free-kick awarded for doubtful obstruction a quarter-of-an-hour later whilst Taylor was actually in the process of clearing the bail upfield (Leake netted after receiving the ball from the indirect free-kick. This mishap was followed by a drastic tightening of our rear-guard and although inside-left Dick was a passenger on the left-wing for much of the time the forward-lino constantly threatened a desperate Vale defence. The home goal underwent some amazing escapes as Hayward twice headed off the line but our only tally finally came from a spot-kick which Allison converted with 26 minutes left for play, leaving the 19,259 in attendance on tenterhooks for the remaining period until the final whistle brought the Midlanders two points they could hardly call well-deserved.
SWANSEA TOWN
Vetch Field
2 - 4 (Bennett, Dare)
27 August 1955
Att: 19,960
Taylor
Wright
Cantwell
Malcolm
Allison
O'Farrell
Hooper
Bennett
Dare
Dick
Musgrove
The visit to Vetch Field did not find luck running our way, and we went under by 4-2 in a match that could have ended with us gaining at least one point. Alter being two down at the interval we rallied to 3-2 in the second halt, hit the post with what promised to be the equaliser and then saw Swansea add another in the final seconds. Before a 19,960 attendance the Welshmen put up a grand first-half display, and Griffiths netted in the 8th and 25th minutes, the former being a close-range conversion and the latter a terrific drive from 25 yards.
The second-half saw the Hammers lasting the pace much better than their opponents in almost torrid conditions and within a minute of the resumption Bennett scored to make it it "anybody's game." The Swans then went to 3-1 after 67 minutes through Medwin but two minutes later Dare brought us up to 3-2. Then Dick's post-cracking effort before Medwin headed what was actually the best goal of the match from Griffith's pass.
PORT VALE
Upton Park
0 - 2
29 August 1955
Att: 13,052
Taylor
Wright
Cantwell
Malcolm
Allison
O'Farrell
Hooper
Andrews
Dare
Dick
Musgrove
From the opening whistle it looked as if it was going to be the occasion for us to record our first victory of the season, and although bad shooting accounted for some of our miss opportunities there was no denying that the ball was not running our way again as the interval arrived with no score.
It was a shock when the Vale broke away to register their first tally n the 56th minute, Smith out-pacing our defence to crack home an unstoppable drive near the edge of the box. Ur discomfort was increased when Done met with a similar success three minutes later to put the visitors two up after a fast a tricky move through the centre that ended with another strong shot. From thence onwards the Midlanders were obviously determined to hold on the the points as the Hammers tried to penetrate their "Iron Curtain".
SOUTHEND UNITED : Essex Pro Cup Final
Roots Hall
3 - 3 (Blackburn, Moore, Tucker)
31 August 1955
Att: ?
Gregory
Bond
Hallas
Sexton
Nelson A.
ROBERT 'Gordon' JOHNSTONE
Stroud
Moore
Blackburn
Foan
Tucker
We visited Southend United in the 1954-55 season's Final of the Essex Professional Cup, the game having been postponed from last November to allow it to take place on the Shrimpers' new ground at Roots Hall. As the home sides First XI was engaged in a League game at Reading on that evening both clubs fielded Reserve Teams.
Taking the initiative from the start the Hammers gained a comfortable 2-0 lead and looked like holding this until the referee awarded a penalty against us when the ball appeared to strike Sexton on the "head! The Blues scored from the spot and were still 1-2 in arrears at half-time, but urged en by an enthusiastic crowd they levelled the scores in the second ha if to force extra time.
Once again we forged ahead but, in gathering gloom, the score went to 3-3 with a tally from our opponents. However, as it was then too dark to continue, the referee decided to abandon the game at the interval of the extra period. Our scorers were Blackburn, Moore and Tucker.
In the presentation which followed, the players received their mementoes and it was agreed that each club should hold the cup for six months, the Hammers being the first to have the honour.-
NOTTS COUNTY
Upton Park
6 - 1 (Dare 2, Hooper 2, Dick, O'Farrell)
3 September 1955
Att: 16,710
Taylor
Wright
Cantwell
Malcolm
Allison
O'Farrell
Hooper
Andrews
Dare
Dick
Tucker
In beating Notts County 6-1 our First XI gained their best victory since beating Plymouth Argyle here by the same score last February. It was a very Sine win and put our fads in good spirits for tomorrow's visit to Bristol City at Ashton Gate, where we have another League .game.
Against a County side suffering from enforced changes we went into a first-halt" scoring burst after threatening to take the lead several times. Then two goals by Dare and another by O'Farrell gave us a comfortable half-time lead. Hooper made it 4-0 before amateur centre-forward John Abthorpe scored for County in his first League game, but with Dick netting six minutes from time and Hooper adding another in the closing minutes we were well ahead after an excellent display of soccer.
BRISTOL CITY
Ashton Gate
1 - 3 (Tucker)
6 September 1955
Att: 25,993
Taylor
Wright
Cantwell
Malcolm
Allison
O'Farrell
Hooper
Andrews
Dare
Dick
Tucker
The visit to Ashton Gate to meet Bristol City promised to bring us further points, but unfortunately this did not prove to be so. Before a 25,993 attendance that reflected the "boom" in Bristol soccer the homesters proved to be the superior XI, and owed the majority of their success to better finishing despite our excellent mid-field play. The Reds took the lead after 20 minutes, Atyeo (newly-returned to the team after injury) hitting home in powerful fashion from Rodgers' pass. A few minutes later a free-kick by Eisentrager was sent into the goalmouth and Rodgers simply changed the direction of the strong kick by side-footing it and giving the defenders no chance. Although two down at the interval the Hammers came back strongly in the second half and Tucker banged home a cross-pass by Hooper into the top corner of the net to make it 2 -1, but our hopes were short-lived for the Bristolians were quickly up to 3-1 when Boxley's centre hit Cantweif's knee and the ball rolled over the line for the final goal.
LEEDS UNITED
Elland Road
3 - 3 (Tucker 2, Dare)
10 September 1955
Att: 21,,855
Gregory
Wright
Cantwell
Sexton
Allison
O'Farrell
Hooper
Bennett
Dare
Andrews
Tucker
Leeds put us under heavy pressure in the opening spell, and although repelling the majority of these our defence finally gave way when Nightingale ran through to slam the ball home from 25 yards. A cross-pass by Brook nine minutes afterwards was converted by Meek to make it 2-0 and the 21,855 attendance were nearly all looking for a heavy home success. However, the Hammers soon showed they were not out of the picture and drew level before the interval; Tucker headed home Dare's centre with the Yorkshiremen appealing for offside after half-an-hour, and two minutes later it was Dare's turn for a successful header over the advancing goalkeeper.
Dare almost had another soon after the resumption, his side-foot flick being only just parried on the line by Wood, but in the 74th minute Tucker again proved the thorn in the Leeds' side by coolly lobbing in Hooper's centre to give us a 3-2 lead, it was then our opponents" turn to fight back, and when, Ripiey scored a picture goal with twelve minutes left for play the scene was set for a rousing finish in which both Gregory and Allison were knocked out at the same time.
Altogether it could be deemed a fair result, after an exceptionally fine game in which both sides gave a 100 percent effort and the late equaliser saved the Leeds' home record.
FULHAM
Upton park
2 - 1 (Hooper 2)
17 September 1955
Att: 25,738
Gregory
Wright
Cantwell
Sexton
Allison
O'Farrell
Hooper
Bennett
Dare
Dick
Tucker
REPORT:
BURY
Gigg Lane
1 - 1 (Tucker)
24 September 1955
Att: 10,217
Gregory
Bond
Cantwell
Sexton
Allison
O'Farrell
Musgrove
Hooper
Dare
Dick
Tucker
A rather sparse attendance of 10,217 did not help to bring much "atmosphere to the Gigg Lane ground, and the game between Bury and ourselves actually gave the home spectators little cause lor rejoicing.
The sides were fairly evenly balanced in this rather uninspiring match, and a draw could be considered as the fairest result. Nevertheless we had some cause for disappointment, as the Shakers did not snatch the equaliser until about 10 seconds from time and it was only because of a defender losing his footing that Robinson was presented with the opportunity, to ram the ball home from range as it was about to be finally cleared.
Twenty minutes earlier the Hammers had taken the lead through Tucker, the left-winger having moved over to the right flank to beat two or three defenders before pushing it well wide of Conway.
Our own XI had shown a couple of changes. Hooper moved to inside-right with Musgrove coming into the XI on the right wing, and a late change was Bond for Wright at full-back (the latter having a recurrence of the trouble caused by a kick in the shoulder which he received against Fulham here on the previous Saturday).
BARNSLEY
Upton Park
4 - 0 (Dare 2, Hooper [pen], Jackson [og])
1 October 1955
Att: 20,863
Gregory
Bond
Cantwell
Sexton
Allison
O'Farrell
Hooper
Andrews
Dare
Dick
Tucker
REPORT:
PLYMOUTH ARGYLE
Upton Park
4 - 0 (Tucker 3, Allison)
8 October 1955
Att: 19,669
Gregory
Bond
Cantwell
Sexton
Allison
O'Farrell
Hooper
Andrews
Dare
Dick
Tucker
A very good display of football was seen by the attendance of nearly 20,000 here last Saturday, and although our First Team missed quite a few chances they were extremely comfortable winners against Plymouth Argyle.
The visiting defence was under pressure almost from the kick-off and could easily have been goals down in the opening minutes, especially when Dare's fine shot from 20 yards hit the post. However they finally succumbed in the 37th minute after Bond's free-kick rebounded from a defender for Tucker to hit it home into the far top corner. And, again before the interval, the Devonians had another stroke of fortune when Dare hit the post from extremely short range after eluding the opposing defence.
However, the Pilgrims came out full of light in the second half, and within a couple of minutes had their stroke of misfortune when Rowley sent in a beautiful left-foot drive from out on the touchline to hit the bar. Nevertheless this threat was not maintained, and in the 55th minute Shortt made the costly mistake of dropping the ball in the goalmouth after being harassed for Tucker to make it 2-0. Narrow escapes and near-misses continued to be the order of the day until ten minutes from time, but Tucker completed his hat-trick after a fine Dick-Andrews move and then Allison hit home a goal-to-be-remembered with six minutes to go from 35-yards range to make it a convincing success.
SOUTHERN FLOODLIGHT CUP
The Southern Floodlight Cup competition was instituted this season, at a time when floodlight football was a novelty in this country. Soccer clubs in general were "cashing in" on the attraction, and the tournament quickly drew five-figure attendances as increasing numbers of upper division teams participated.
The competition would have a life-span of five seasons, being superseded by the League Cup tournament in 1960 when all Football League Clubs eventually realised and accepted the additional welcome income that could be accumulated.
CRYSTAL PALACE : Southern Floodlight Cup (1st Round)
Upton Park
3 - 0 (Dare, O'Farrell, Tucker)
10 October 1955
Att: 6,000
Gregory
Bond
Cantwell
Malcolm
Allison
O'Farrell
Hooper
Andrews
Dare
Dick
Tucker
Our inaugural outing in this new competition took place at Upton Park, where we made one change in our First XI to oppose Crystal Palace in the First Round of the Southern Floodlight Cup. Dave Sexton sustained a leg injury last Saturday to keep him out of the side and Andy Malcolm therefore took his place at right-half.
The Palace team included three ex-Hammers - Alf Noakes (right-back), Jimmy Belcher (inside-right) and Harry Gunning (outside-left); Jimmy was also skipper of the visitors. All showed up quite well in an enthusiastic side whose play was at times very entertaining to watch and which several times tested Gregory with excellent scoring efforts. However, the superior quality of our XI gradually asserted itself, and three goals in the second half brought us a comfortable win.
Hooper had a hand in all three goals and although not scoring himself had a most successful evening. A combined move with Malcolm paved the way for the first success, and after beating three men the winger centred for Tucker to slam home on the run from 10 yards in the 53rd minute; six minutes later another beautiful move left O'Farrell in position 12 yards out to make it 2-0 with a ground shot; and then a little over a quarter-of-an-hour from the end a bemused defence saw the right-winger make a 40-yard dash to lay back the ball for Dare to side-foot it home from inside the goal-area.
There was an attendance of 6,000 to see a game that included several interesting incidents - plus the fact that the referee played six minutes short in the first half and a chimney-fire in Priory Road threatened to obliterate the field of play with a smoke-pall just before half-time!
LIVERPOOL
Anfield
1 - 3 (Hooper 44')
15 October 1955
Att: 32,187
Gregory
Bond
Cantwell
Sexton
Allison
O'Farrell
Hooper
Andrews
Dare
Dick
Tucker
The trip to Anfield failed to produce that first away victory we are still seeking in this season's League programme. The good work of the Liverpool wingers gained its reward when Court on 13 minutes and Payne on 36 minutes each scored to give them a 2-0 lead which Hooper reduced in the minute before half-time by taking the ball through the middle past a defence that made very few errors. That reply put us back into the game, but the home side regained the initiative to remain on top in the last quarter-of-an-hour, and with centre-forward Liddell taking advantage of an unexpected opportunity in the 82nd minute they ended as deserved winners - being assisted by our lack of finish.
DONCASTER ROVERS
Upton park
6 - 1 (Hooper 26', 49', 89', Dare 38', Andrews 74', Tucker 82')
22 October 1955
Att: 13,303
Gregory
Bond
Cantwell
Sexton
Allison
O'Farrell
Hooper
Andrews
Dare
Dick
Tucker
To the 13,303 spectators who braved the poor weather conditions saw six goals netted against Doncaster Rovers and there must undoubtedly be some who wonder why we have not done so well away from Upton Park, for it was certainly a dazzling display that overwhelmed the Northerners. But even so there were some anxious moments before we completely asserted our superiority, and we began to wonder whether we would overcome the "hoodoo" thrown upon us last season by the Rovers' shock win here on another inclement day.
A post-hitting effort by Hooper and a goal disallowed for offside did not put us in a happy frame of mind and, even after Hooper had netted in the 26th minute with an along-the-ground shot. Walker's 3Ist-minute equaliser soon dampened our spirits again. Then in the 37th minute Hooper's cross-shot was parried by the "keeper for Dare to head in - only for our hearts to jump when Mooney lobbed the ball against our bar seconds from half-time.
However there was no doubt of the result in the second halt', and a left-foot drive by Hooper from 25-yards four minutes after the resumption virtually decided the issue. The last quarter-of-an-hour completed the rout, and with Andrews lobbing into an empty net from 25-yards (75 minutes). Tucker scoring from I0-yards after a rebound (82 mins.) and Hooper completing his hat-trick (89 mins.t our margin was fully emphasised.
One way or another, Harry Hooper was concerned in all our goals, and it was only fair that he should receive the match-ball as a reward for notching his first League hat-trick after a very line display that kept the Rovers' defence in a near-panic when he had the ball.
LINCOLN CITY
Sincil Bank
1 - 1 (Dare 46')
29 October 1955
Att: 11.078
Gregory
Bond
Cantwell
Sexton
Allison
O'Farrell
Hooper
Andrews
Dare
Bennett
Tucker
Although that initial away win of the season still eludes our first XI they nevertheless added yet another welcome point to their total by forcing a 1-1 draw at Sincii Bank against Lincoln City. A leg injury that failed to respond to treatment caused John Dick to vacate the inside-left position, and we therefore made a couple of changes in the line-up of the side which beat Doncaster Rovers by 6-1; Jimmy Andrews moved across to fill Dick's place and Les Bennett took over at inside-right.
Before an 11,000 attendance the game proved to be one of two fairly distinct parts, the first half being very much in favour of the Imps and the second half largely being the Hammers' prerogative. Lincoln opened up with a strong onslaught and might well have scored more than once but for Gregory's ability. The homesters did succeed in taking the lead in the seventh minute from Middicton's free-kick, but their forwards were gradually subdued and the Hammers came more into their own.
In fact it was almost immediately after the start of the second half that we drew level. Tucker made the opening, and after beating the full-back pushed the ball across for Dare to lob it over the head of the advancing goalkeeper. Having got on equal terms our XI continued to exert pressure on the opposing defence and although actually netting again before the final whistle had the misfortune to have this disallowed. Nevertheless the sharing of the points was a fair reflection of the play, and neither side could be disappointed at the result.
BLACKBURN ROVERS
Upton Park
2 - 3 (Hooper 56' [pen], Dare 84')
5 November 1955
Att: 22,990
Gregory
Bond
Cantwell
Sexton
Brown
O'Farrell
Hooper
Andrews
Dare
Dick
Tucker
After twice fighting back to level terms in the home game v Blackburn Rovers our First Team found themselves once more in arrears with but a minute to go - not enough time to record yet another equaliser against a team whose fighting spirit finally gained them both points.
Although the match never reached really great heights there was nevertheless plenty of excitement for those present - especially after we had drawn level in the 57th and 85th minutes. The Rovers had taken the lead through Quigley's opportunism in the first half, but with Hooper successfully converting a penalty soon after the interval our XI were right back in the fight to gain a lead they should have ensured much earlier on. However, this effort was short-lived, and with Douglas putting the Rovers in the lead at the end of 65 minutes our chaps were once more "up against it." Nevertheless the Hammers were rewarded for their efforts by Dare's conversion of a rebound with five minutes to go, although Andrews earned most of the credit as his shot from 25 yards hit both uprights - but still stayed out (!) . . . only for Briggs to make it 3-2 whilst our defenders were still sorting out a goalmouth tangle.
HULL CITY
Boothferry Park
1 - 3 (Tucker 67')
12 November 1955
Att: 24,050
Gregory
Bond
Cantwell
Sexton
Allison
O'Farrell
Hooper
Andrews
Dare
Dick
Tucker
After last Saturday's game at Hull the City officials were naturally jubilant at the fact that their team had recorded a much-wanted victory. Nevertheless, the home officials were most emphatic that they considered themselves fortunate to be on the winning side, and it was undisputed that had the Hammers accepted only a few of their opportunities the points would have been on their way back to London with our team. Playing football that was voted the best seen at Hull this season our XI swept into the home sides half time and time again only to miss live gilt-edged chances through poor finishing. Even though we were two down at the interval there was still the chance of saving the game when Tucker reduced the arrears after 67 minutes, "Morty" practically ended those hopes by his opportunism 20 minutes from the end.
Allison had done well to block a shot from Bradbury on the goal-line, but before he had made an effectual clearance the City centre-forward nipped in to bundle the ball into the net for the decisive count. Earlier on Bradbury {acquired from Birmingham City a month ago) had scored in the ninth minute when the ball rebounded from Gregory's chest, and Clarke added the next in the 33rd minute during a goalmouth melee following Duncan's centre.
NOTTINGHAM FOREST
Upton park
1 - 2 (Hooper 72')
19 November 1955
Att: 17,121
Gregory
Bond
Cantwell
Sexton
Allison
O'Farrell
Hooper
Moore
Dare
Andrews
Tucker
Although Jimmy Andrews had been considered a doubti'ui starter earlier in the week, he proved fit to take his plaee in the line-up against Notts Forest, but an unexpected change in our selected XI took place when Johnny Dick caught a cold in the latter part of the week which precluded his appearance and gave Brian Moore his First X! chance instead,
However, before our slightly-altered formation had time to settle down the Forest struck home. They took quick advantage of a defensive error, and within throe minutes Alexander had hooked the ball past Gregory with his left foot to put the Midlandcrs one up. They added another seconds before the interval when unmarked jimmy Barrett headed home from a free-kick with our defenders appealing for offside - and we went in two down.
Our near-misses continued in the second half, and the visitors' goal had some amazing escapes to add to the first-half woodwork-striking efforts - but all to no avail until Hooper reduced the deficit in the 72nd minute. Mien two minutes later came a golden chance for the equaliser - only for an inexplicable miss to leave us still struggling in an all-out endeavour during the final 15 minutes when we were well on top, but still could not force at least a draw.
SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY
Hillsborough
1 - 1 (Tucker 43')
26 November 1955
Att: 20,767
Gregory
Wright
Bond
Sexton
Allison
O'Farrell
Hooper
Moore
Dare
Andrews
Tucker
After holding a 1-0 lead from the 43rd minute our First XI was robbed of victory at Hillsborough through Shiner converting a last-minute penalty-kick. This had been awarded after a late tackle on the Sheffield Wednesday centre-forward had caused him to tumble inside the box as he was going through - a stroke of fortune which enabled the Wednesday to save a point that they might not have had but for a first-half incident that deprived us of what appeared to be a perfect goal.
A run down the left-wing after about half-an-hour's play ended when Tucker slammed the hall past Williams inside the near post from about 20 yards out, To the consternation of our XI the referee - after awarding a goal - reversed his previous decision and gave a free-kick to the Wednesday in their own goal-area; the reason given was that one of our players was obstructing the home defenders - although the only Hammer in the vicinity of the goal was Dare who was standing near the far post!
This set-back was enough to daunt any team, but when Tucker repeated the feat a few minutes later the ref had no option but to decide it was a fairly-gained goal.
Although the game provided good first-half entertainment for the spectators it rather deteriorated after the interval, and one of the home defenders was cautioned for his tackling of Hooper. However, both our wingers continued to harass the opposing defence and we were unfortunate not to add to our lead when Hooper's 30-yard drive was only just turned round the post by Williams.
Thus, although pleased at gaining a point it was not without reason that we felt ourselves unfortunate not to record our first away win of the season.
LEICESTER CITY
Upton park
1 - 3 (Tucker 60')
3 December 1955
Att: 17,577
Gregory
Bond
Cantwell
Malcolm
Allison
O'Farrell
Hooper
Moore
Dare
Andrews
Tucker
The 3-1 defeat sustained by our First XI was another disappointing reverse, for it meant that we had lost our third successive home match. The similarity between this series of losses and that which we sustained towards the end of last season was largely comparable, for we had been expected to gain a majority of the points at stake - only to receive set-backs that caused our position in the table to visibly deteriorate.
This latest mishap was due to circumstances that found matters going very much against us. Twice, at vital stages of the game, we were deprived of likely penalty-kicks; the first was when a shot hit a defender who subsequently stated that he li was lucky to get away with it! "; the second appeared to be a very well-founded appeal when Dare fell in the penalty area after having eluded the Leicester City defence, with the exception of the goalkeeper who advanced and appeared to bring down our centre-forward.
Then, again, we found ourselves up against a team who apparently showed their best form of the season so far (according to those who have seen them several times). Playing with a dash and verve that reflected their confidence the City mounted well-directed attacks that were bound to bring the desired results before the finish. The outcome was some splendid goals; Rowley's seizing of a slim chance in the eighth minute and Froggatt's pile-driver just on half-time were goals to be remembered, and the strength and direction of their shots (both from outside the penalty-box) showed that these two veterans have lost none of their skill!
Another tally ten. minutes after the interval almost set the seal on the visitors' victory, but with Tucker netting from a narrow angle a few minutes later it was Leicester's turn to be worried, and they certainly had to fight a "rearguard action" in order to stave off our attackers' efforts in the last 20 minutes.
SOUTHEND UNITED : Essex Pro Cup (Semi-Final)
Upton Park
2 - 3 (Parker ?', Blackburn ?')
5 December 1955
Att: ?
Taylor
Wright
Cooper
Sexton
Brown
Parker
Musgrove
Bennett
TOMMY LAWRENCE
Dick
Blackburn
As a result of Monday evening's floodlight game here Southend United qualified for the Final of the Essex Professional Cup for the sixth time in seven seasons. They did so after a tussle which went into extra time and finally brought a 3-2 result.
After a goalless first half Blackburn put the Hammers into the lead 13 minutes from the end, and it looked odds-on a win for us until the 89th minute when inside-right Anderson evened the scores. This meant another quarter-of-an-hour each way, and it was the Blues' turn to go ahead through centre-half Stirling after goalkeeper Taylor dropped a corner kick and the Southend player scrambled it over the line. Another half-back - Parker - levelled the tally for the Hammers, but then "man of the match" Anderson hit home his second to give the Seasiders' a narrow victory in a dour but somewhat unspectacular match.
BRISTOL ROVERS
Eastville
1 - 1 (Dick 40')
10 December 1955
Att: 20,710
Gregory
Bond
Cantwell
Malcolm
Allison
O'Farrell
Hooper
Moore
Bennett
Dick
Tucker
Our
ROTHERHAM UNITED
Millmoor
2 - 3 (Moore 34', Hooper 82')
17 December 1955
Att: 10,293
Gregory
Bond
Cantwell
Malcolm
Allison
O'Farrell
Hooper
Moore
Bennett
Dick
Tucker
A late rally by our First XI had the 10,293 attendance at the Millmoor Ground very worried, and it was a relieved Rotherham United following that saw their side gain the spoils with a 3-2 victory in this League match. The Yorkshire club thus brought their points total to twelve from the last seven games, but with such a meagre attendance must be wondering what more the stay-at-homes among their supporters want before they return to boost the "gate."
From our own viewpoint it was a disappointing afternoon. Rotherham had gone ahead through Farmer four minutes after the start, but the Hammers fought their way back to equalise through Moore half-an-hour afterwards, 1-1 at half-time looked good to us. but a defensive error nine minutes after the restart left centre-forward Dixon in front of an open goal - and it was 2-1 to the home side. Then came a disputed goal to gain Rotherham a further advantage; the referee had to consult a linesman before deciding the ball had crossed the line in a goalmouth scramble, and our XI was 3-1 in arrears. Then the rally - Hooper making it 3-2 with nine minutes to go, only for the home side to hold out by stalwart defence to retain their advantage.
SWANSEA TOWN
Upton Park
5 - 1 (Dare 2', Bond 3', Dick 55', Hooper 63' [pen], Tucker 68')
24 December 1955
Att: 15,857
Gregory
Bond
Cantwell
Malcolm
Allison
O'Farrell
Hooper
Moore
Dare
Dick
Tucker
A really sparkling display was given a good start through two goals in the first four minutes, Malcolm's drive being deflected by Dare for the opener and Bond's 30-yard free-kick leaving King floundering in the mud. Cliff Jones netted in the 17th minute to make it 2-1 at the interval, but our lads really "went to town" in the second-half.
After three shots had been charged down in the 56th minute Dick hit home a close-range rebound to put us further ahead, and then Hooper converted a penalty (63 minutes) and Tucker netted the fifth (68 minutes) to ensure our success. Earlier we felt that we had been "robbed" of further goals through the referee not giving us the benefit of the advantage rule after some drastic tackling from the Swans and indeed the margin would have probably been even greater but for this and the valiant efforts of Willis, who kicked the ball oft" the line on four occasions. However, the 15,000 attendance went home very pleased at the outcome of a most entertaining 90 minutes.
MIDDLESBROUGH
Venue
? - (??)
Date
Gregory
Bond
Cantwell
Malcolm
Allison
O'Farrell
Hooper
Moore
Dare
Dick
Tucker
Our
MIDDLESBROUGH
Venue
? - (??)
Date
Gregory
Bond
Cantwell
Malcolm
Allison
O'Farrell
Hooper
Sexton
Dare
Dick
Tucker
Our
NOTTS COUNTY
Venue
? - (??)
Date
Gregory
Bond
Cantwell
Malcolm
Allison
O'Farrell
Hooper
Foan
Dare
Dick
Tucker
Our
PRESTON NORTH END : FA Cup (Third Round)
Venue
? - (??)
Date
Gregory
Bond
Cantwell
Malcolm
Allison
O'Farrell
Hooper
Dare
Dick
Foan
Tucker
Our
LEEDS UNITED
Venue
? - (??)
Date
Gregory
Bond
Cantwell
Malcolm
Allison
O'Farrell
Hooper
Foan
Dare
Dick
Tucker
Our
FULHAM
Venue
? - (??)
Date
Gregory
Wright
Bond
Malcolm
Allison
O'Farrell
Hooper
Foan
Dare
Dick
Tucker
Our
CARDIFF CITY : FA Cup (Fourth Round)
Venue
? - (??)
Date
Gregory
Bond
Cantwell
Malcolm
Allison
O'Farrell
Hooper
Dare
Dick
Foan
Tucker
Our
BURY
Upton Park
4 February 1956
Postponed : Frozen Pitch
BARNSLEY
Venue
? - (??)
Date
Gregory
Bond
Cantwell
Malcolm
Allison
O'Farrell
Hooper
Foan
Dare
Dick
Musgrove
Our
BLACKBURN ROVERS : FA Cup (Fifth Round)
Venue
? - (??)
Date
Gregory
Bond
Cantwell
Malcolm
Allison
O'Farrell
Hooper
Dare
Dick
Foan
Musgrove
Our
BLACKBURN ROVERS : FA Cup (Fifth Round Replay)
Venue
? - (??)
Date
Gregory
Bond
Cantwell
Malcolm
Allison
O'Farrell
Hooper
Foan
Dare
Dick
Musgrove
Our
LIVERPOOL
Venue
? - (??)
Date
Gregory
Bond
Cantwell
Malcolm
Allison
O'Farrell
Hooper
Andrews
Dare
Dick
Tucker
Our
TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR : FA Cup (Sixth Round)
Venue
? - (??)
Date
Gregory
Bond
Cantwell
Malcolm
Allison
O'Farrell
Hooper
Dare
Dick
Foan
Tucker
Our
TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR : FA Cup (Sixth Round Replay)
Venue
? - (??)
Date
Gregory
Bond
Cantwell
Malcolm
Allison
O'Farrell
Hooper
Dare
Dick
Foan
Tucker
Our
BRISTOL ROVERS
Venue
? - (??)
Date
Gregory
Bond
Cantwell
Malcolm
Allison
O'Farrell
Hooper
Sexton
Dare
Dick
Tucker
Our
BLACKBURN ROVERS
Venue
? - (??)
Date
Gregory
Bond
Cantwell
Malcolm
Allison
O'Farrell
Hooper
Matthews
Dare
Dick
Tucker
Our
BURY
Venue
? - (??)
Date
Gregory
Bond
Cantwell
Malcolm
Allison
O'Farrell
Hooper
Matthews
Dare
Dick
Tucker
Our
HULL CITY
Venue
? - (??)
Date
Gregory
Bond
Cantwell
Malcolm
Allison
O'Farrell
Dare
Matthews
Dick
Foan
Tucker
Our
DONCASTER ROVERS
Venue
? - (??)
Date
Gregory
Bond
Cantwell
Malcolm
Allison
O'Farrell
Musgrove
Matthews
Dare
Dick
Tucker
Our
STOKE CITY
Venue
? - (??)
Date
Gregory
Bond
Cantwell
Parker
Allison
O'Farrell
Dare
Matthews
Dick
Blackburn
Tucker
Our
PLYMOUTH ARGYLE
Venue
? - (??)
Date
Gregory
Bond
Cantwell
Parker
Allison
O'Farrell
Musgrove
Andrews
Dare
Dick
Tucker
Our
STOKE CITY
Venue
? - (??)
Date
Gregory
Bond
Cantwell
Parker
Allison
O'Farrell
MIKE GRICE
Matthews
Dare
JOHN SMITH
Tucker
Our
READING : Southern Floodlight Cup (Semi-Final)
Venue
? - (??)
Date
Gregory
Bond
Cooper
Bennett
Nelson
Parker
Grice
Foan
Dare
Dick
Wragg
Our
SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY
Venue
? - (??)
Date
Gregory
Bond
Cantwell
Parker
Allison
O'Farrell
Dare
Matthews
Blackburn
Dick
Tucker
Our
LEICESTER CITY
Venue
? - (??)
Date
Gregory
Bond
Cantwell
Parker
Allison
O'Farrell
Dare
Matthews
Blackburn
Dick
Tucker
Our
NOTTINGHAM FOREST
Venue
? - (??)
Date
Gregory
Bond
Cantwell
Parker
Allison
O'Farrell
Dare
Matthews
Blackburn
Dick
Tucker
Our
LINCOLN CITY
Venue
? - (??)
Date
Gregory
Bond
Cantwell
Parker
Allison
BILL LANSDOWNE
Grice
Dare
Blackburn
Dick
Tucker
Our
ALDERSHOT : Southern Floodlight Cup (Final)
Venue
? - (??)
Date
Gregory
Bond
Cantwell
Parker
Nelson
Lansdowne
Grice
Smith
Dare
Dick
Tucker
Our
BRISTOL CITY
Venue
? - (??)
Date
Gregory
Bond
Cantwell
Parker
Brown
Lansdowne
Dare
Sexton
Blackburn
Smith
Tucker
Our