Gresley Rovers vs Shrewsbury Town Reserves
Rovers saw off the challenge of Town by five goals to nil on the 26th October 1957 and they gave a sparkling display of grand football all the way.
It was good to see Rovers playing as a team again. This victory was over a young but strong side, five of the Shrewsbury players had had Third Division experience.
One of the dramatic moments of the game came when the Gresley crowd cheered what looked a goal - and then realised that the ball had ended up outside the net. But their eyes had not deceived them, Alf Millin had hit the ball so hard that it went into the goal and right through the side netting.
Peter Boulton was a late change in the side he replaced his uncle John Boulton. McLaren scored in the 6th minute beating three men in a brilliant solo effort. Five minutes later Bradley made it two. In the 37th minute Bradley made it three with another individual effort.
Shrewsbury put up a hard fight but Middleton got onto the score sheet following further heavy pressure. Milln's net buster (described above) completed the scoring in the 65th minute.
Rovers: Lightfoot, Cashmore, C Bridgett, King, Jones, E Bridgett, P Boulton, Middleton, Bradley, McLaren, Millin.
Town: Macpherson, Manders, Griffiths, Wallace, Draycott, Skeech, Owen, Harley, Gryba, O'Donnell, M Jones.
The gate receipts £45 (£30 lower than the previous home game)
Derek Bradley signed professional forms after this game.
