This page gives a selection of some of the football programmes and cards in my collection, accompanied by some personal notes. In my 'early days', I was a Spurs fan. My father took me to see Wrexham, and Spurs took second place! More programmes to come.............

    


FOOTBALL PROGRAMMES
from my personal collection


My oldest Wrexham F.C. Programme.
Top right corner of the Racecourse Ground on the cover is the
old wooden Mold Road Stand, where my father would take me to watch The Robins

Division Three
Saturday, December 14th, 1963
Wrexham v Peterborough United



Wrexham were bottom of the League, and lost 2v3 with Ernie Pythian scoring both goals, in front of a 4,527 crowd.
Wrexham had beaten Luton Town 2v0 (Arfon Griffiths and Mickey Metcalf the scorers) in their previous match, which had ended a run of 12 games without a win, 11 of them being straight defeats. 
In the Peterborough side was  DEREK DOUGAN - the programme noted; 6ft 2 1/2 ins tall, this Irish International came to 'Posh'  from Aston Villa. A personality who can play. "The Doug" is a maker and taker of goals, and at 24 years of age is due to grace the game for many years.

Player / Manager Ken Barnes in his programme notes wrote; "What wretched luck befell DAVE MACKAY last Tuesday at Old Trafford and the sympathy of all the football world goes out to Dave, along with best wishes for a speedy and complete recovery." A year later, Mackay would break his leg again.


 MY OLDEST WALES (away) PROGRAMME
Denmark v Wales
21st October 1964

This was Wales' first qualifying match in Group VII of  the 1966 World Cup Finals. Countries in Wales' group were  Denmark, Greece and Russia.
Wales lost this game 0v1 in front of 22,800 people. Sondergaard scored the only goal of the game. 
Welsh group results were;

Denmark 1 v 0 Wales
Greece 2 v 0 Wales
Wales 4 v 1 Greece
Russia 1 v 2 Wales
Wales 2 v 1 Russia
Wales 4 v 2 Denmark


  MY OLDEST TOTTENHAM PROGRAMME
Wolves v Spurs 
14th November 1964

Wolves beat Spurs 3v1 but were eventually relegated from the First Division that season with Birmingham City. They were replaced by Newcastle United and Northampton Town. The latter had a meteoric rise from the Fourth Division, only to return there in quick succession.
Spurs were sixth that season, below Champions Manchester United, runners up Leeds United, followed by Chelsea, Everton and Nottingham Forest in fifth spot.

WREXHAM F.C CONNECTIONS
Southend Utd v Workington 1965

Personal note; The Southend team was managed by Penmon born Alvan Williams, who became manager at Wrexham in 1967. He took Terry Bradbury and Ray Smith with him. He also appointed John Neal as his first team trainer. All three appear on the team sheet.
John later became Wrexham managed, laying the foundations for Arfon Griffiths to take the team into the then Second Division of the Football League, in 1977/78

  REPRESENTATIVE MATCH
Arsenal v Brazil XI 1965

Arsenal won 2 v 0 in this pre-World Cup friendly for the Brazilians

LONDON'S FIRST BIG SCREEN
SOCCER PROMOTION
Workington v Millwall 1966

 

This Football League Division Three match was played at Borough Park, Workington, on January 28th 1966, and relayed to The Den, Millwall, for 'away supporters' to see the match 'at home'.
This is the Millwall 'away' programme. 

MY FIRST LEAGUE CUP TIE
Sheffield United v Burnley 
5th October, 1966

This was my second first class game. The first Football League match I ever saw was the previous season, also at Bramhall Lane, against Fulham. 
Bramhall Lane in those days had an open side to the pitch, as it was also used to play cricket!


My second game in three days!
Second Division
Derby County v Millwall
8th October 1966

  
 

 

We were on holiday with my uncle and aunt in Bakewell, and visited the Baseball Ground for Derby County's home game against Millwall.

Derby won 5v1. It was only their second home victory, but it took their unbeaten run to four games.

Derby completed the season in 17th position and Millwall 8th.
Coventry City were  Champions, Wolves were runners-up.
Northampton and Bury were relegated 

 CENTENARY &
GRAND CHALLENGE MATCH
Queen's Park v British Amateur Select
Celtic v Tottenham  1967


TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR F.C.
F.A. Cup Winners 1966-67
Back row; Jennings, England, Knowles, Clayton, Mullery, Kinnear
Front row; Robertson, Greaves, Gilzean, Mackay, Venables, Saul, Jones

MY FIRST INTERNATIONAL
FOOTBALL MATCH
Wales v Northern Ireland 1968

Personal note; My first International game. Played at Wrexham, Wales won 2v0. Pat Jennings, in my opinion, the best goalkeeper of all time, was magnificent.
Daily Post wrote; A major reason why Wales did not get more goals than the two scored by Ron Rees (75 minutes) and Wyn Davies (87) was a superb display by Pat Jennings, the Irish goalkeeper.
He earned the 'Man of the Match' rating from Welsh team manager, Dave Bowen. 'But for him, we would have had at least five goals'.

MY FIRST TOTTENHAM MATCH
Manchester Utd v Tottenham 1968

  Personal note; My father took my cousin Geraint and I to see Spurs for the first time. They lost 3v1 - Old Trafford went quiet when Spurs scored!
After the game, in the car park, I approached Mike England, one of my heroes and asked for his autograph. He told me in no uncertain terms where to go!
Fortunately, Jimmy Hill was on hand to restore my faith in human nature, and he willingly supplied his autograph!

However, there is a happy ending to the Mike England story........... some 32 years later, in the year 2000 a colleague of mine, Ian Evans, a Spurs fan, who was well aware of my Mike England autograph story, saw the former Spurs and Wales Captain on the same flight as him.
Ian kindly obtained Mike's autograph for me, although he did not relate the whole story to him!  


SOUVENIR PROGRAMME
Croeso '69
Investiture Match

 

I am very grateful to Paul Holland, a Sheffield United supporter,  for the following information:
The game ended 2-0 to United, I don't know who scored but am working on that one - the line-up was:
Wales:
1. Gary Sprake, 2. Peter Rodrigues, 3. Rod Thomas, 4. Terry Hennesey, 5. Mike England, 6. Ollie Burton, 7. Gil Reece (Ex-Blade), 8. Jones, 9. Wyn Davies, 10. John Mahoney, 11. Ronnie Rees.
Manchester United:
1. Alex Stepney, 2. Tony Dunne, 3. Francis Burns, 4. Paddy Crerand, 5. Bill Foulkes, 6. David Sadler, 7. Willie Morgan, 8. Brian Kidd (Ex-Blade), 9. Bobby Charlton, 10. Dennis Law, 11. George Best. Sub: Don Givens (Ex-Blade).

**SPECIAL FEATURE **

Remarkable vintage action  from the game
Manchester United
v
Welsh International XI
(click here to view)

I'm extremely grateful to Maldwyn Edwards of Bangor,
who filmed the footage and
kindly granted permission for its use here.
Maldwyn converted it on to DVD, forwarding a copy to Manchester United F.C..
The club sent Maldwyn a letter aknowledging the DVD
and have added it to their club archive.
I would also like to thank Derek Davies
for his kind assistance in liaising with
Maldwyn on my behalf. KD


 European Cup Winners Cup
Second Round, First Leg
Wednesday, 25th October, 1972
Wrexham v Hajduk Split

Wrexham qualified for the European Cup Winners Cup
by beating Cardiff City in the 1971/72 Welsh Cup Final.

ECWC Round 1 1st Leg;
Sep 13. F.C. Zurich 1 v 1 Wrexham
ECWC Round 1 2nd Leg;
Sep 27. Wrexham 2 v 1 F.C. Zurich
Wrexham won 3 v 2 on aggregate

19,013 of us saw Wrexham beat Hajduk Split 3 v 1 at The Racecourse with goals by Brian Tinnion 2 and Dave Smallman. Unfortunately, the Yugoslavian team scored an away goal, which was all important as Hajduk won the second leg 2 v 0 - 3 v 3 on aggregate, but Hajduk went through on away goals.

Hajduk beat Scottish side Hibernian 5 v 4 on aggregate in the third round,
but went out to Leeds United in the semi final, 1 v 0 aggregate.

Milan were the eventual winners, beating Leeds 1 v 0.



Football League
Division Three
Saturday, March 3rd
1973 

BLACKBURN
ROVERS
1 V 1
WREXHAM


I am very grateful to Dave Almond for donating this programme to my collection.
Dave is a great Billy Ashcroft fan, and has set up the following brilliant blog about his hero!

Billy Ashcroft
Facebook
(click here)

 Sunday Football
Football League Division Three
20th January 1974
kick-off 2.30
Walsall  v  Wrexham



"Admission to the ground will be afforded free to anyone who has purchased an Official Team Sheet, which will only be available at the turnstiles"

The winter of discontent had hit the Football clubs.
Wrexham were 5th with 30 points from 25 games, behind Bristol Rovers top, Bournemouth, York and Chesterfield. Walsall were 13th, but ran out 3v0 winners.
On the Walsall team sheet was a certain Bobby Shinton, who would help transform the fortunes of Wrexham F.C. when he signed from Cambridge United for the 1976-77 season.


The end of the road...........

F.A.Cup 6th Round
9th March 1974
Burnley v Wrexham

 

Wrexham's magnificent cup run came to an end - through a deflected own goal.

Wrexham had beaten Shrewsbury 1v0 in a replay after a 1v1 draw in the first round, saw off  Rotherham in the second round 3v0, beat Crystal Palace 2v0 at Selhurst Park, conquered Middlesborough at the Racecourse 1v0 in the fourth round, shocked Southampton 1v0 at The Dell, in the fifth, then that own goal at Turf Moor.

Travelled up to Burnley with some mates in my Ford Anglia, not knowing where Turf Moor was. Then, as if by magic on entering Burnley, we saw a 'Beadles Bus' from Newtown in front of us, and followed them to the ground!

We lost 1v0.  

  "This could be the last time...."
sang the Rolling Stones..... and it was!
 EUROPEAN NATIONS CUP
Quarter Final
Wales v Yugoslavia 1976
Wales have failed to 'qualify' for the finals of an
international competition since then.

Back row: Toshack, England, Evans, J. Roberts, Lloyd, Davies, Dwyer, Lewis, D. Roberts, Jones
Front Row; Dr Jones, Griffiths, Thomas, Harris, James, Yorath, Mike Smith (Manager), Flynn, Mahoney, Phillips, Page, Lea (Asst. Manager)

F. A. Cup 4th Round
Cardiff City
3v2
Wrexham
29th January 1977

I am delighted that Cardiff City supporter, Dai Woosnam,  
has got in touch with this cup tie memory

May 18th 2011
Dear Ken,
I see that you are a Racecourse fan from your site. 
I could talk a lot about games between the two clubs.

The best I ever saw was a tremendous encounter in the 4th Round of the FA Cup in January 77.  

Wrexham - the better team throughout - had a great team then under John Neal.  Mel Sutton (ex-City), Arfon Griffiths, Billy Ashcroft, Bobby Shinton, Graham Whittle, Mickey Thomas ... and a few others whose names will come if I think about it.  Was Dai Davies playing in goal?  No, I don't think he had arrived by then.  Was John Roberts at centre half?  I cannot recall.


I remember Billy  Ashcoft equalising just as the game went into injury time, and then John Buchanan going straight down the other end and scoring the winner.  3-2.  Heck of a game.  Peter Sayer also scored for City. He had scored in the third round win over Spurs, pictured here.

Photo copyright; Football Echo

But I go back even further with Cardiff City.  I never missed a game as a boy and youth ... even saw all the Welsh Cup home games like the time they defeated Knighton Town 16-0. 
I even recall the great Wyn Davies playing for Wrexham, before moving on to Bolton and even greater glory.    He was - after John Charles - the best header of a ball that I ever saw.  
We have a good friend who is 87 and is a retired GP who has  lived in the Wrexham area since starting married life there 60 years ago.  We were over at his house on top of the mountain in Llanfynydd, just 3 weeks ago.   He told me how sad so many Wrexham fans are these days, and how there seems no immediate solution.


F.A. Cup
Third Round Replay
Tuesday 6th January 1981
Wrexham v West Ham United


West Ham were the current F.A. Cup Holders.
Both teams were in the Second Division.
The Hammers had already reached the semi-finals of the League Cup.
Wrexham's first game was a 1 v 1 draw at Upton Park,
when the Hammers were awarded a dubious penalty to take the lead.
Skipper Gareth Davis equalised for the Robins. 

The replay was a 0 v 0 draw at The Racecourse, resulting in those days in a second replay which was also held at The Racecourse. Dixie McNeil scored the only goal of the match in extra time, to give Wrexham a home tie against Wimbledon, which they won 2 v 1.
Wrexham fell to Wolves 3 v 1 at Molyneux in the 5th Round. 


F.A. CUP 4th Round
Tottenham Hotspur v Wrexham
Monday 12th February 1979
K.O. 7.30pm 

 



NORTHERN PREMIER LEAGUE
FIRST DIVISION
Newtown v Accrington Stanley
Saturday November 5th, 1988
K.O. 3pm 

Newtown's programme notes stated; The club  now has the Ground and Social Club equal to any in Non-League Welsh Football and the present Officials and Committee see the move into the Northern Premier League as a significant one in keeping with the progressive traditions of the Club.
Chairman John Hughes wrote; Today it really does give me great pleasure to welcome our visitors from Lancashire to Latham Park. The name of Accrington Stanley does conjure up in ones mind the great traditions of Soccer and we hope that their visit to the area is a pleasant one. 


A Family Heirloom?

Blue Square Premier League
Wrexham v Darlington
20th November, 2010

"WREXHAM A.F.C. 1977/78"
webpage serialised in
The DRAGON
the official match day programme of
Wrexham F.C.

 
Wrexham v Darlington  programme cover, 20th November 2010
reproduced here courtesy of
JJ Sports Promotions Ltd 

A Step Back In Time.

Ken, a long standing Wrexham supporter, took it upon himself to put together a scrap book of information, including match reports, paper clippings and photos profiling our 1977/78 campaign. Between now and the end of the season we will be profiling sections of that past campaign so that some of you supporters can relive one of the most memorable seasons in the club's long and distinguished history.
You can check out Ken's collection here;  www.penmon.org/page70.htm

I am extremely grateful to Scott Smith of JJ Sports Promotions Ltd
for the professional way in which he has profiled this webpage,
featuring a month at a time in each Wrexham home programme,
from and including the Darlington game.
The programme itself is outstanding, and worthy of a club in the
Premier League, let alone Wrexham in the Blue Square.  Ken Davies

CONTIRIBUTIONS FROM OTHER COLLECTORS


 

Great Britain v Rest of Europe
May 10th 1947

 

I'm very grateful to Jeff Gaydish for supplying the following rogramme from his collection. Jeff writes;
Even though it was an exhibition match, it, and its successor played in 1955, represent watersheds in European football.  Team GB/UK won the 1947 match 6-1, but lost 1-4 in 1955, so if nothing else it probably represents a symbolic power shift towards the continent.  And, of course, the European championships (today's Champions League) were just around the corner.

 


Great
 Britain


Frank Swift (England)
England's premier goalkeeper those last six years, Swift is 6ft. 2in. tall and weighs 13.5 stones. Native of Fleetwood, where he used to be a fisherman. Played in the 1934 Cup Final at Wembley and fainted at the end of the game. Helped Hamilton Academicals during the war.
Club;- Manchester City

George Hardwick (England)
The Engalnd left full back, Hardwick was seriously injured by a flying bomb during the London blitz, but came through to continue a football career which began in earnest when he joined Middlesborough as an amateur when fifteen years of age. He was born at Saltburn, and is equally efficient at centre half where he has often played.
Club:- Middlesbrough 


William Hughes (Wales)
Born in Llanelly, "Billy Hughes" has long since been recognised as one of British football's most cultured full backs.
He played for Wales against Scotland, England and Ireland in 1938-39, and during the war was a distinguished member of the splendid R.A.F. team.
He played in all the Welsh International engagements this season.
Club;- Birmingham

Archie Macaulay (Scotland)
The Falkirk lad whose brilliant play and red hair made him such a conspicuous delight in the Egland - Scotland match at Wembley last month. MacAulay's first senior club was Rangers, and before the war he transferred to West Ham. It was as an inside forward he was first known. Now he israted among the best wing halfs Scotland has produced. First came into Scotland's teams in 1944.
Club;- Brentford  

Jack Vernon (Ireland)
Ireland's representative in the British team has been one of the game's outstanding centre halfs since he became a member of his 'national side in 1941. He is not a stranger to Hampden, having played here against Scotland in November of last year- and a mighty fine game he played too. Later in the season he was transferred to West Bromwich Albion. Vernon was born in Belfast and played junior for Dungelly. He had trials for Liverpool before becoming such a big success with Belfast Celtic. Jack has all the physical qualifications for his important job.
Club:- West Bromwich Albion

Ron Burgess (Wales)
Played for Wales in the Victory International against Scotland at Hampden in November, 1945, and has been regarded since as one of the game's most outstanding wing halfs.

Native of Ebbw Vale and went to London football when only 17.

Welsh people say he is the best wing half their little country has ever had.

Club;- Tottenham Hotspur

Stanley Matthews (England)
When the greatest forward of modern times played for England against Scotland at Wembley last month it was the 48th time he had represented his country. That record alone would pin-point the great player, but British football folk everywhere look beyond the records and see in Stanley Matthews the glamour player of the game who remains completely unspoiled and is first and foremost a great sportsman.
There is nothing new, one can say about Matthews. His selection today was acclaimed by all. Born Hanley, and is a hotel keeper at Blackpool.
Club:- Stoke City 

Wilf Mannion (England)
You'll pick out Mannion easily.
He's a "blonde."
In the senior game since 1938, Mannion was not long in making his name and in the season now ending, he has by common consent been recognised as the ideal inside forward.
Had several honours during the war and quickly gained "Full" caps. He scored a hat trick against Ireland this season and two goals against Wales.
Born at South Bank, one of England's
great football nurseries.
Club:- Middlesbrough

Tom Lawton (England)
British football's most dymanic centre forward those last twenty years. Bolton born Lawton, in three seasons of schools football scored 570 goals. Burnley was his first senior club and he joined Everton at a record fee for a boy of 17. Last season Chelsea paid £10,000 for him. Lawton had his first full cap for England against Scotland in 1939 and since then there have been few England elevens without him.
Club;- Chelsea


William Steele (Scotland)
The boy from Denny in Stirlingshire, won his first cap for Scotland against England at Wembley last month.
Greenock Morton has been his only
senior club.
Most of the war years he spent in the Army and he played in many important games for Services sides in Berlin and other continental cities.
Club:- Greenock Morton 


William Liddell (Scotland)
The British outside left came into a Scotland team for the first time in April, 1942 and he has held down the position ever since, unless when not available. He only played in minor football in his native "Kingdom of Fife", as we say in Scotland. He played in many war time representative games and scored grand goals in them too. This season he won his first full caps against Wales and Ireland.
Club:- Liverpool

Pathe News Report
Great Britain
v
Rest of Europe
(click here to view)

From the Rt. Hon. Ernest Bevin
Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs

I am very glad to send a message of welcome this afternoon to the representatives of so many nations.

After the terrible years of the war, we are all gald to see these contacts in sport resumed once more.

I am sure that on the football fieled and elsewhere, they can make a great contribution to the promotion of ynderstanding between peoples of the world, which is our most important job today.

I know it will be a grand game and I hope only the first of many like it. I should like to see the teams of all nations coming to Great Britain and our teams going to their countries.

To the crowd I say: Let them hear a proper Hampden roar of welcome. Remember there are some English, Welsh and Irish helping your Scottish lads out, and give them a cheer. I wish I could be with you.

Good luck to you all.

(Sgd.) ERNEST BEVIN 


 Courtesy of
Brian F. Jones
Newtown

 

ISLE of MAN
NATIONAL
FOOTBALL
TOURNAMENT
JUNE 1955

FEATURING;
ISLE of MAN NATIONAL XI
CLIFTONVILLE F.C.
(Irish League - 7 Amateur Internationals)
BOHEMIANS F.C.
NEWTOWN F.C.
(Welsh Amateur Cup Winners)
British European Airways INTERNATIONAL XI
BISHOP AUCKLAND F.C.
(F.A. Amateur Cup Winners)

The series of matches is designed  to bring together in competition the cream of the Amateur Clubs from various countries comprising the British Isles, in a manner never attempted before; and I am satisfied that we shall enjoy a feast of Football of the highest standard.
It is our intention to make this Tournament an annual event and develope it to the advantage of all.
E.C. Fletcher
President I.O.M.  F.A.

 

NEWTOWN F.C. SQUAD
B.F. Jones
G. Lumsden     B. Jones
E.P. Williams    G. Jones    J. Evans
P. Woosnam    S. Evans     G. Stephens
I. Oliver    J. Richards    P. Rees    S. Stephens


B.F. Jones - Obtained his country's Youth Team Cap against Scotland in 1952
G. Lumsden - International trialist
E.P. Williams - Capped for Wales against Ireland
P. Woosnam - Has the unique distinction of having the Schoolboy, the Youth and 11 full Amateur caps
P. Rees - Has been awarded 13 International Caps including five Youth Caps.
S. Evans - Leading scorer in Mid-Wales League last season.

 

 

FIVE A SIDE
TOURNAMENT
 
 

Participating Teams;

1. Bishop Auckland 'A'
2. Newtown 'B'
3. B.E.A.
4. Isle of Man
5. Cliftonville
6. Newtown 'A'
7. R.A.F.
8. Bishop Auckland 'B'

 Newtown 'A'
B.F. Jones
P. Woosnam
E.P. Williams
P. Rees
G. Jones
I. Oliver

Newtown 'B'
B. Rimmer
L. Stephens
R. Pugh
I. Richards
B. Jones
S. Evans

First Round;
Bishop Auckland 'A'  5v2  Newtown 'B'
B.E.A.  3v2  Isle of Man
Cliftonville  1v 7  Newtown 'A'
R.A.F.  4v3  Bishops Auckland 'B'

Semi Finals
Bishop Aukland 'A'  4v2  B.E.A.
Newtown 'A'  3v2 R.A.F.

Final
Bishops Auckland 'A'  5v0  Newtown 'A'

 

 

WELSH SENIOR CUP COMPETITION
5th Round Tie

NEWTOWN A.F.C.
v
SWANSEA TOWN

Latham Park, Newtown
Saturday January 28th 1956

                              NEWTOWN A.F.C.

Goalkeeper; H. Jones, 26, Van driver, holder of Welsh Amateur Cup Medal, losing finalist 1952/53
Backs; T. Evans, 26. Builder. Ex-Welshpool player. Amateur trialist. Toured I.O.M. last season with Newtown. Formerly an outside right.
G. Lumsden, 29. Local Government Officer. Amateur triallist. Plays either left or right back. Toured I.O.M. last season. Winner of W.A. Cup last season.
Half backs; E.P. Williams,29. School teacher. Welsh Amateur International v England 1954-55. Utility player.Toured I.O.M. last season. Winner W.A. Cup last season. Captain this season.
D. Jones, 20. R.A.F. National Serviceman. Had trial with Reading.
G. Jones, 18. Recently called up for National Service with Royal Artillery. Had trial with Middlesborough.
K. Bowen, 10. Royal Artillery Serviceman.
A. Davies, 19. Student at U.C.W. Aberystwyth.
Forwards; I. Oliver, 30. Bus driver. Amateur trialist. Toured I.O.M. last season. Winner W.A. Cup last season.
B. F. Jones, 20. R.A.F. National Serviceman. Welsh Youth International v England 1951-52. Goalkeeper of no mean ability. Winner W.A. Cup last season.
S. Evans, 25. Factory Employee. Amateur triallist. Winner W.A. Cup last season.
G. Stephens, 22. Factory Employee. Amateur triallst. Toured I.O.M. last season. Trial with Leyton Orient. Winner W.A. Cup last season.
L. Stephens, 24. Tractor driver. Equally at home on right wing. Toured I.O.M. last season. Losing Cup finalist 1952/53
D. Powell, 19. Student Birmingham University. Welsh Youth International v England, Scotland and Ireland 1954/55. Winner W.A. Cup last season.
J. Richards, 35. Post Office and Telegraph Officer. Toured I.O.M. last season.
 

                              SWANSEA TOWN

 

Goalkeeper; J. King, 22. 6 Welsh Schoolboy Caps. Represented British Army, Gt Britain A.C.F.,and Welsh representative side. Represented Wales v England last season.
Backs; A. Willis, Joined Swansea from Tottenham last season. Represented England v France 1951. Equally distinctive at either back position.
D. Thomas. Joined Swansea 1948. Plauyed also as winghalf. Reserve for Wales on two occasions.
S. Leavy. Signed from Sligo Rovers Eire Amateur International. Represented League of Ireland. Also played as centre half. Captain of the Combination side.
Half backs; M. Charles, 20. Brother of John Charles, Leeds United.Represented Wales against Ireland, England, Scotland and Austria. Centre half in first team at 17. Also plays centre forward.
R. Henning, 24. Welsh Schoolboy International.  
T. Brown, 25. Centre or wing half. Signed from Doncaster Rovers, a was a regular player of theirs in 1953-54. Has since played non-League football with Llanelly in the Southern League.
T. Kiley, 31.Reserve for Wales. With club since 1945. Playing brilliantly at beginning of season until injury kept him out of team.
R. Burgess, 39. Team Manager. Transferred from Tottenham 2 years ago as Player-coach. Representes Wales over 30 occasions, laterly as Captain. Captain of Tottenham in most successful seasons after War (they won the Div 1 Championship). Represented Gt. Britain v Rest of Europe 1947.
B. Jones, 24. Elder brother of Cliff Jones and son of Ivor Jones ex-Swansea, West Bromwich Albion and Wales player. Brilliant ball player, destined for international honours in the near future.
Forwards. L. Allchurch, 22. Younger brother of Ivor, comes from footballing family. Welsh Schoolboy International. Brilliant ball player who has represented Wales on two occasions.
H. Griffiths, 24. Capped for Wales as right winger in 1953. Last season made the inside right position his own. Is playing very well this season.
T. Medwin, 23. Welsh Schoolboy International. Had three caps for Wales as left winger 1953. Scored 13 goals this season.
Ivor Allchurch, 26. Needs no introduction. Regular choice for Wales since 1950.
C. Jones, 20. Welsh Schoolboy International. In first team since he was 18. Capped for Wales last season. Has produced many scintillating performances this season.
It should be noted that the whole forward line are ex-Swansea Schoolboys, as are B. Jones, T. Kiley and M. Charles. 

 

The following businesses advertised in the Programme

D.W. CORFIELD & TUDOR LTD. Radio, Television, Cycle, Pram and Electrical Goods. Shortbridge Street. Tel 480
THE LION CAFE for Luncheons, Teas and Dinners. Parties and Weddings catered for.  Phone 320
G.H. POSTON, Family Butcher of 43 Kerry Road, Newtown.All home-killed meat of the finest quality.
D.R. DAVIES LTD. The Ironmongery Stores.We cater for all you need in the Home. After the match, please call and look around our shop.
C.P. MORGAN for your Fish, fruit and vegetables, wreaths and bouquets. 3 Broad Street, Newtown  Tel 554
THE CROSS HOTEL, Newtown. Commeercial and Private Hotel. Morning Coffee, Luncheons, Teas, Suppers, Parties Catered for, Weddings a speciality. H. & C. in all bedrooms.  Tel 325
NEW HOTEL, Kerry. Southams bottled ale a speciality.   Tel Kerry 26
ELEPHANT & CASTLE HOTEL, Newtrown. If it's a Party Large or Small Weddings etc. we do them all!.
WILLIAM ROBERTS Wholesale Builders Merchants. (Est 1820). Enquiries invited for all classes of building materials. Complete Service by Own Transport.  Tel   Newtown 309   Welshpool 186
TURNERS of NEWTOWN for Style Cutting and Permanent Waving. Phone 492 for Appointment.
CAMBRIAN VAULTS. Don't forget to visit us, during your stay.
MESSERS RICHARDS, Broad St. Newtown. High Class Sweets and Tobacconists.Guaranteed! A high class display with a Team of Star Names - Cadbury, Rowntree, Meltis etc.
G.S. EVANS, 5 Market Street for all kinds of Footwear.
NEW INN Severn Street. When in Newtown, visit us.
WRIGHT'S Kerry Road, Newtown. They always seem to have what you want.
ERIC W. THOMAS. Grocer & Provision Merchant. Best bacon and ham, choice as & coffee. Phone 403
MID-WALES MOTORWAYS LTD, Transport House, Severn Square Newtown. Passenger Road Transport Operators, Luxury Coaches are at Your Service. Express Coah Service between Newtown and Cardiff via Brecon.  Tel 345
HUGHES & ROBERTS. Agents for UMBRO and BUKTA Sports Wear. The Sports Outfitters of Newtown. Jerseys, Knickers and Hose worn by Newtown F.C.
W.J. HART for all kinds of Sports, Travelling and Fancy Goods. Visit 10 High Street.  Tel 586
GLYN PARRY M.P.S. for Sick Room Requisites, Veterinary Medicines, Toilets. Broad Street Pharmacy. Tel 235
DAVID LEWIS & SON, LONDON HOUSE, NEWTOWN. Ladies', Gents and Children's Clothing and Millinery.
HUGHES & JOHN LTD (Late Castell) Follow the example of members of Newtown F.C. by wearing the famous Arthur Rowe STREAMLINE Soccer Boots. Now fitted by X-Ray. 39 Broad Street   Tel 292. Also at Aberystwyth and Machynlleth.
CASTLE VAULTS, Ind Coope House. Try the Better Beer here. Broad Street.
E. & B. ROWLANDS for all Ladies' and Children's Wear. Mostyn House, Newtown
SHUKER & SON (Shrewsbury) LTD, Old Church Place, Newtown. Something of interest to all farmers. Power for all jobs with the Ferguson Diesel Tractor.  Tel 559
After the match, meet the SWANSEA TEAM at the BEAR HOTEL Music in the Ballroom for your Entertainment.  

  THE GAME

Swansea and Newtown leave the changing rooms.
Below, Captains Edgar P. Williams and Ivor Allchurch call the toss.


Newtown 4 v 9 Swansea

Newtown v Swansea

1v0 (5 mins) Stephens crosses ball to Stan Evans, who ran a few paces and drove the ball wide of King in goal, into the corner of the net.
1v1 (9 mins) Jones in the Newtown goal made a partial stop of Ivor Allchurch's shot, Griffiths followed up to score.
1v2 (17 mins) Griffiths, close on goal gave Jones no chance.
1v3 (20 mins) Cliff Jones hits the ball high into the net follwing a Len Allchurch cross.
1v4 (23 mins) Griffiths and Medwin burst through with Griffiths netting his hat trick.
2v4 (25 mins) Glynn Lumsden set up Les Stephens who unleashed a 40 yard drive past King - an amazing goal.
2v5 Len Allchurch fires Swansea further ahead.
2v6 Griffiths nets his fourth to make this the half time score.
3v6 (47 mins) Edgar Williams and Iorrie Oliver dazzled 4 defenders, with Oliver crossing the ball for Brian F. Jones to head into an empty net.
3v7 Overhead kick by Williams gave Swansea an own goal.
3v8 (75 mins) Ivor Allchurch broke through Newtown's defence to score an easy goal.
4v8 (77 mins) Stan Evans swivelled round and drove the ball hard into the Swansea net from 20 yards
4v9 (87 mins) Ivor Allchurch, after a brilliant solo run in which he beat several defenders, added the ninth.


Were you there?

Newtown v Swansea
Glynn Lumsden, Gilbert Jones, Gordon Stephens, Les Stephens, Tony Evans (2), Cliff Jones (11), Mel Charles

Welsh Football Data Archive
1955/56 Welsh Cup
Click here to see all the 1955/56 results

Keith Harding

DID YOU KNOW?

The largest crowd to watch a game at Latham Park was 5,004 when Newtown played this Welsh Cup tie against Swansea Town. Swansea won 9 - 4.



ISLE of MAN
NATIONAL
FOOTBALL
TOURNAMENT
JUNE 1956

FEATURING;
LEAGUE 'A'
CLIFTONVILLE F.C.
(Ireland)
EAGLESHAM AMATEURS
(Scotland)
LEYTONSTONE F.C.
(England)

LEAGUE 'B'
BISHOP AUCKLAND F.C.
(England)
BOHEMIANS F.C.
(Ireland)
NEWTOWN F.C.
(Wales)

It is with great pleasure I take this opportunity to extend a very sincere welcome to this our second year of the Isle of Man National Tournament.
We are confident it will eventually be the premier amateur competition of the British Isles
Eric Fletcher
President I.O.M.  F.A.

 

NEWTOWN F.C. Programme Photo

H.G. Jones, goalkeeper, holder of Welsh Amateur Cup medal.
Tony Evans, and S. G. Lumsden, full backs, both amateur trialists who visited the Isle of Man last year.
E.P.  Williams, right half, club captain this season. Welsh Amateur International, versus England 1954-55.
D. L. Jones, centre half, an R.A.F. National Serviceman; he has had trials with Tottenham Hotspur and Reading.
G.Jones, left half, another National Serviceman ; has had a trial with Middlesbrough.
D. Powell, half back, a Welsh Youth International against Ebgland, Scotland and Ireland.
I. R. Oliver, Amateur triallist
B.F. Jones, Welsh Youth International against England 1951-52
W.E.S. Evans, an amateur trialist and the club's leading scorer.
G. Stephens, signed amateur forms for Port Vale in the past season.
L. Stephens, an amateur trialist; was on the Isle of Man tour last year.
P. Woosnam, has the unique distinction of gaining Schoolboy, Youth and 14 full Amateur International caps. He assisted Leyton Orient to win the Division III (South) championship of the Football League in the past season.
P. Rees, has five youth and 11 full International Caps.
R. Stephens, at present on National Service with the R.A.F.; also plays for Taunton F.C.. A brother of G. Stephens. 

Rafe Pugh and Ken Reynolds also travelled and played in the competition.

 

 NEWTOWN'S MATCHES 

NEWTOWN 2v1 BOHEMIANS
Newtown pulled off a great win against the fighting Irish team.
A goal early in the game and another just before the half time whistle gave them a sound lead which they hung on to.
A perfect move in the 7th minute commenced with a ground pass from Les Stephens to Gordon Stephens who pushed the ball along the grass for Ray Stephens to run on to and hit it low into the corner of the net.
On 42 minutes, Gordon Stephens robbed McCauley and shot along the ground past the advancing keeper.
The Bohemian goal was nothing spectacular, as Doherty headed the ball into the net as it bounced about in a melee of players.

NEWTOWN 0v4 BISHOP AUCKLAND
Like a pack of fighting Welsh terriers, Newtown stole the show from the star-studded, much bigger built Bishop Auckland side during the first half of this National Competition. The Robins often outplayed the 'Bishops' and never deserved to be goal down at half time.
The 'Bishops' had several lucky breaks in the first half and that alone gave them the interval lead.

The second half was different with the English side having about 805 of the play. They were 2v0 up on 52 minutes and scored a third on the hour.
Their last goal came after 77 minutes 


Bishop Auckland beat Cliftonville 3v1
in the Final to win the Tournament


 


FOOTBALL CARDS
from my personal collection

ARDATH TOBACCO CO LTD.
Manufacturers of
STATE EXPRESS and ARDATH CIGARETTES
(Information contained up to 1935/36 season)
(Expanding de Luxe Albums for
Ardath Photocards on sale Tobacconists Price 6d)

No 1 The Vine (Bridgtown) F.C.


 

Left to right, back row:
A. Clewly, L. Eningham, T. Rainey, W. Allport, W. Amieson,
W. Shepherd (Manager)
Front row:
J. Grey, E. Rainey, W. Yapp (Capt.), L. Green, W. Evans,
Seated on ground;
E. Jones, K. Armshaw and "Bob".

Formed in 1935/36 and played friendly matches with other teams in the district. Winners of the Bridgtown Shield 1935/36. 

4 Leamington Town F.C.



Left to right, back row:
W. Woottoon (Trainer), A. Sabin, S. Symonds, W. Handy, G. Cole, W. Reading, A. Forrest
Front row: G. Green (Capt.), H. Askew, W. Spencer,
F. Eastwood, D. Sayce.

Mamber of the Birmingham Combination League, this team was formed in 1890. The Captain, G.H. Green is an old English International.

 

9 Kenilworth Early Closers' F.C.


 

Left to right:
A. Haydon, C. Hawkins, R. Whitlock, G. Harris, G. Compton, J. Booden, H. Payne (Sec), J. Neale, J. Bugg, S. Cockerell, H. Carter (Capt.), W. Lumbers (Comm.), Mr. G. Tisdale (Vice-Pres.).

Playing in the Warwick & District Thursday League, this club won the League Cup 1935/36 as well as the Warwick & District Knock-out Cup. The same feat was performed in 1935/35, in addition, two other cups were won.


15 Nunteaton Town F.C.


Left to right, back row:
E. Hewett, J. Brown, J. Taft, S. Woodall, H. Butt
Front row;
W. Blessed, T. Ashall, J. Dowesy (Capt.) J. Taylor, V. Poole, G. Brindley.

Formed in 1908, this club, members of the Birmingham and District League, won the Nunteaton Hospital Cup and Nuneaton Charity Cup, both in 1934 and 1935.
In 1930/31 Nuneaton created a record when they won the Birmingham Senior Cup and Championship of the Combination League in one season.

18 Haunchwood Colliery F.C.


Left to right:
P. Fletcher, J. Hall, J. Jones, J. Phillips, U. Brooks, W. King (Linesman), P. Barsby, T. Phillips J. Diskin (Capt.) J. Shilton, G. Hodgekins, H. Barnett, A. Jones, I. Robinson, G. Wardle (Sec.).

Playing in the Nuneaton Combination League this club finished third in 1935/36. In the same season they won the Nuneaton Hospital Cup and were finalists in the Fazey Cup..

59 Clayhanger Villa F.C.


Left to right, back row;
A. Price (Trainer). A. Jones, E. Fellowes, D. Martin (Capt.), J. Bradley, W. Davis, E. Kinsall, W. Pearson (Asst. Trainer).
Front row:
W. Dolphin, C. Brookes, A. Hales. G. Banks, W. Powell, A. Tennant (Sec).

Formed in 1931/32 this team were Champions of the Walsall Amateur League and winners of the League Junior Cup, 1935/36. In 1934/35 they were successful in five Cup Competitions. G. Banks is on the books of West Bromwich Albion.


66 High Heath F.C.



Left to right, back row:
E. Gunn, D. Aston, G. Wray (Treas.), W. Hall, T. Heap, D. Craddock, E. Jones, E. Taylor (Comm.). A. Astin (Capt.) J. Gunn
Front row:
B. Wilkinson (Pres), T. Wilkinson, J. Matthews, J. Hewiit, J. Kilgallon, J. Smith, J. Dunn (Sec.) A. Taylor (Mascot).

Members of the Walsall and District Amateur League, this club was founded about eight years ago. The club reached the sem-finals of the Walsall Challenge and Amateur League Cups in the 1935/36 season.

67 Lichfield Wednesday F.C.


Left to right, back row:
E. Johnson, T. Astle, W. Dalloway, W. Hackett, Geo. Meddins, Ger. Meddins, F. Edginton, (Capt.). W. Griffiths (Chairman)
Front row:
D. Ashdown (Sec), G. Andrews, R. Cotteril, F. Knight, R. Swain (Hon. Treasurer),
Seated on ground:
D. Venables, J. Salford.

Playing in the Lichfield and Disctrict Wednesday League, this club won the Lichfield Challenge Cup and Shield in 1935/36. Gounded 1922/23, was originally the old Lichfield Post Office Club.

71 Tamworth F.C.

Left to right, back row:
B. Reeves (Trainer), H. Noyce, J. Whitehouse (Capt.), W. Cormell, S. Jones, T. Neale, W. Warham, J. Smith
Front row:
H. Shilton, F Whitehouse, P. Vials, A. Read, J, Shepherd.

Members of the Birmingham Combination, the club finished fifth from the top in 1935/36. Formed only three years ago and won the Athelston Cup 1934/35. Top scorer in 1935/36 was P. Vials, who found the net on 48 occasions.


72 Tamworth Early Closers F.C.


Left to right, back row:
T. Hunt (Ref.), W. Rammel (Sec.), F. Chesters, L. Wharton, A. Thompson, C. Adams, T. Lycett (Capt.), T. Mulvey, O. Brookes, G. Mulvey (Comm.)
Front row:
W. Adams, S. Jones, J. Cunningham, H. Chiles, J. Adams, C. Malkin (Trustee), E. Dent (Trainer), G. Mulvey (Vice-Chairman).
Seated on ground; D. Mulvey (Mascot).

Formed only nine years ago and play in the Birmingham and District Wednesday Amateur League, of which they were Champions, Division II, 1935/36. Finalists in the Butler Cup, 1931/32 and Wilkinson Cup, 1932/33.

75 WATELEY BRICK & TILE F.C.


Left to right:
J. T. Harris (Ref.), P. Blabey, C. Adams, H. Chesters, J. Lycett (Comm.), A. Quiney, S. Jones, A. Thompson, A. Wood, J. Oliver, C. Oliver, H. Sibley, J. Goodall (Comm.), O. Brooks, J. Andrews, C.T. Lycett (Capt.), A.E. Norrey (Trainer).

1935/36 was the first season of the club and it celebrated its entry into the Tamworth and Trent Valley League Division 1, by being Runners-up. The club was also one of the finalists in the Amington and Suttingham Cup.

76 Kingsbury Colliery F.C.


Left to right, back row:
R. Jones, T. Prince, H. Storer, S. Vernon, R. Gould, W. Vernon, G. Williams, T. Argent (Trainer).
Front row:
G. Head (Sec.), A. Faulkener, T. French (Capt.), H. Evans, A. Sidwells, W. Tate (Pres.)
Seated on ground:
J. Hall, W. Hughes, J. Gilleran, H. Childs, J. Adams.

Winners of the Amington and Shuttington and three other cups, besides being Champions of the Nuneaton and Disctric League in the season 1935/36, is a fine record. The chief scorer was H. Childs, with 27 goals to his credit.


82 Public Services (Burton-on-Trent) F.C.

Left to right, back row:
H. Manning (Trainer), G. Toome (Comm.), G. Lawton, F. Holmes, G. Taylor, V. Cooper, E. Bailey, T. Birch, F. Savage (Sec.)
Front row:
W. Frost, D. Fowers (Capt.), F. Savage, H. Preece, E. Boyce.
Members of the Third Division (A Section) of the burton and District League,, in which they finished fourth in 1935/36. F. Savage was pricipal goal scorerwith 80 to his credit. Not a single foul was given against them during the whole of the 1935/36 season..

83 Burton Town F.C.


Left to right, back row:
E. Williams (Capt.), G. Birch, J. Wilkinson, T. Smith, A. Brown, L. Marshmont.
Front row:
D. McPhail, W. Crewe, J. Nicol, J. Loftus, G. Bowater.

This club, members of Midland, Midland Mid-week and Central Combinations Leagues, was founded in 1899. Winners of the Bass Charity Cup in 1935/36, they reached the second round proper of the F.A. Cup before being beaten by Southend Utd.

89 Elkes Athletic F.C.


Left to right, back row:
W. Kirkhead, H. Wood (Capt.), D. Hudson, C. Buckley, A. Handley (Sec.).
Middle row:
M. Farmer, J. Dycne, S. Buckley.
Front row:
H. Holmes, A. Harris, H. Leese, J. Parker, L. Sampson.

Formed 1932 and play in the Uttoxeter and District League. Champions of this League 1935/36 besides winning Uttoxeter and District League Challenge Cup and being in the final of the Uttoxeter Challenge Cup.

91 English Electric (Stafford) F.C.


Left to right, back row:
A. Machin (Trainer), W. Sturgess, J. Walker, A. Hewitt (Vice-Captain), S. Dix, E. Stretton, H. Evans, (Comm.)H. Hewitt, A. Gibson (Comm.) H. Aldridge, E. Boyden (Asst. Trainer)
Front row:
V. Fife, C. Meddings, J. Hamer (Capt.), E. Turner, A. Carter.

Members of the Tunstall and District Football League, Senior Division, 1935/36 saw this club Champions of the Stafford Amateur League and joint holders of the Stffordshire Junior Challenge Cup. In 1934/35 the club won the Stafford Borough Cup, the Stafford Infirmary Pageant Cup and Championship of Stafford Amateur League.

 

92 Stafford Rangers F.C.


Left to right, back row:
R. McTyghe (Trainer), C. Ashley (Asst. Trainer), A. Chell, H. Smith, L. Bacon, W. Cansfield, W. Bowdler, S. Horton, A. Haywood (Director) A. Wilson, R. Brown (Sec. Dir.)
Front row:
W. Day, S. Smith, S. Duckers (Capt.). J. Moss. R. Luton

This club was founded in 1876. Now members of the Birmingham and District League. Champions of the League 1926/27 and in the following season, were Runners-up. In1935/36 reached the final of the Staffordshire Senior Cup.

 

93 Longton Amateurs F.C.


Left to right, back row:
J. Goodwin (Capt.), H. Amison (Trainer), E. Collier, H. Bickerton, B. Walker, W. Rushton, R. Plant, J. Shaw (Sec.)
Front row:
A. Collier, W. Manley, W. Jones, W. Manley, E. Emery.

Members of North Staffordshire Half-Holiday League. The club were League Runners-up in 1935/36 besides reaching the final for the Haig and Haig Cup.

Would love to be able to add to this selection of cards (e-mail copies).
Other cards include Rugby Union Football Clubs.
mail@penmon.org   if you can help please