Burton Town vs Gresley Rovers
There were 1,800 spectators present when Gresley Rovers made the trip to the Crescent Ground to play Burton Town in a Bass Vase semi-final tie on 15th April 1932.
Town paraded Mossy Whittaker, who also played for Rovers during his career, and Rovers paraded two former Town players in Orme and Holland.
It was one of footballs phenomena how Rovers always managed to a height above their normal form when opposed to Town. They put up a gallant display for the whole of the ninety minutes and they had Town fully extended.
Reports said: "They were a team worthy of the old traditions and down at the Crescent hats were off to them for one of the keenest shows of the season."
Meers, Town's recent signing from Derby County made an encouraging debut. Rovers strong half back line snapped into stride from the off and the Town were staggered by the suddenness of Rovers' raiding.
For the first ten minutes Rovers attacked without a break but Town defended well with Reid and Whittaker outstanding - Whittaker relishing the part he played in checking his old team-mates.
Town then put on some pressure and player-manager Neil Harris brought a good save out of Hallam who pushed his stinging shot round the post for a corner. From Reay's corner Moore put Town one up and then a mistake by Rovers' keeper Hallam let Town in again when Reay scored direct from a free kick 26 minutes into the second half.
Three minutes later Rovers got right back into the game when Tinty Dennis beat Ormann from the penalty spot after a handball offence against Reid.
Soon afterwards Town were awarded a penalty but Reay shot straight at Hallam. However, Town got a third near the end. Reay lobbed the ball into the goalmouth and Mears and 'Tin Hat' Causer bundled the keeper and the ball into the net.
Rovers: Hallam, Wheeldon, Clements, Chambers, Holland, Orme, Walton, Jones, Dickenson, Dennis, Hulse.
Town: Ormann, Reid, Whittaker, Maddison, Evans, Wallace, Reay, Harris, Moore, Causer, Little.
Final Score: Burton Town 3 - 1 Gresley Rovers
Attendance: 1800
