Ushaw Moor Memories

In the 1950s I saw two of the very local amateur teams playing professional league teams in the FA Cup. First up were illustrious amateurs Crook Town who played a first round tie against Derby County in November 1955. About 9,818 fans witnessed an exciting match. Many of the locals had got there by train, often thanks to efforts made by Working Men’s Clubs. Derby had actually won the FA Cup ten years earlier but in 1955 they were in the doldrums – second off top in the Third Division North. The first twenty minutes belonged to Derby County thanks to some silky football and the score line reflected this – Crook 0 Derby 2. Part of Crook’s problem during that opening half hour was that they were trying to match Derby’s classy football. It changed from then onwards as Crook, by sheer determination, forced their way into the game. Crook were not dirty – merely determined- and they fought back to equalize by halftime.


The second half brought cut and thrust from both teams until a crisis hit Derby – a penalty was awarded to Crook. The Crook centre forward had persistently fouled Terry Webster the Derby keeper throughout the game and seemed just about to do the same when Webster, with the ball safely in his hands, lost his cool and elbowed him. That meant a penalty and it was correctly given, even though it was very rough on Derby. The penalty kick grazed the outside of the right hand post, much to Derby’s relief.

For much of the remainder of the game Crook held on despite significant pressure applied by Derby. Towards the end the amateurs, having put so much into the game, were clearly tired. Jesse Pye, the England international, almost won it for Derby with a jinking run that ended in a 35 yard shot that crashed against the Crook woodwork. It would have been rough on Crook if that shot had gone in because their display on the day had been magnificent. Crook Town supporters had a right to be proud of their team’s performance. They were a major amateur force at this time and their display against professionals had not let down the Crook faithful.


The second game was Durham City’s 1957 second round clash against Tranmere Rovers. Durham had come into the game after a comfortable 3-1 first round win against Spalding United. Tranmere were expected to win bearing in mind that they fielded three Irish international players. Durham could not have had a worse start because they conceded a goal after 25 seconds, scored by Eglington. The Durham players picked themselves up and fully contributed to the remainder of the game. The score line of 3-0 to Tranmere was a little flattering especially as their remaining two goals came very late in the game. Even as a youngster I could see that the professional side had a cutting edge – quick to take their chances – whereas Durham had a lot of possession but created few chances.


Durham; Briggs, Nainby, Newton, Ayre, Thompson, Wilson, Armstrong, Walton, Bowron, Stevenson, Johnstone.

I recall Raymond Ayre and he is mentioned elsewhere on site [you can use the search button to find him]. Ken Bowron was a schoolteacher and I am sure he subsequently played some professional league football.


Best wishes


Wilf Bell