Independent Rs Messageboard

[Steve Russell]

My First Rangers Match: QPR (2) – Southampton (2) – 8th November 1958

I attended my first ever Rangers match on 8th November 1958 when the R’s took on the Saints at Loftus Road.

We were still living in Rylett Road, Shepherd’s Bush at the time and Dad took me for the short journey to the game.
I don’t recall very much about the match, but I do remember that we sat in the Ellerslie Road Stand.

The R’s lined up as follows: Drinkwater, Woods, Ingham, Petchey, Rutter, Angell, Dawson, Longbottom, Kerrins, Cameron,
Tomkys and that 11,287 attended the match. The following match report later appeared in the local Gazette:

‘The “Saints” came marching in with the mark of promotion candidates stamped all over them at Loftus Road on Saturday.
They all but took two points from battling Queen’s Park Rangers in this Third Division thriller (writes “TEMPO”).

What a curtain raiser for Rangers’ tough FA Cup tie at Walsall this Saturday! Rangers gamely fought back to preserve their
unbeaten home record. They have now played 15 home matches without defeat – a great run.

Cultured right-half, George Petchey, proved Rangers hero with their equalising goal late in the second-half. It was fitting he
should be so rewarded as he stood out as Rangers’ outstanding player.

Tony Ingham, Rangers’ skipper and left-back, played his heart out in defence and saved two certain goals with goal-line
clearances.

Rangers relied too much on Arthur Longbottom as the spearhead in attack, while Pat Kerrins was rarely seen.

It was an unhappy day for Rangers’ centre-half, Keith Rutter,as he was given the runaround by lively “Saints” leader
Charlie Livesey.

Rangers shook “Saints” by taking the lead after only two minutes. George Petchey slipped the ball through the
middle for tearaway Arthur Longbottom to run on to it and slam past the advancing goalkeeper, John Christie.

Fortunately for “Saints” they soon countered this setback nine minutes later. Livesey gave Rutter the slip and
his shot cannoned off a post. The ball was temporarily cleared but inside-left Tommy Mulgrew sent in a long, dipping
shot which dropped out of goalkeeper Ray Drinkwater’s reach into the net.

Goalmouth thrills abounded at each end and “Saints” escaped when left-half Peter Angell’s shot from the wing beat
Christie and crashed out from the far post.

Tony Ingham was again on the spot to kick clear from the line, this time from outside-right Terry Paine and
Ray Drinkwater pulled off a fine save from the elusive Livesey.

The more compact “Saints” team deservedly took the lead 14 minutes after the interval. Roper’s astute through pass
found outside-right Paine who drew Rutter and chipped the ball across from the goal-line for Livesey to nod an
easy goal.

Rangers struck back and forced a series of corners on the right which was mostly wasted by Dawson. However, it
was from one of his corners that Rangers equalised in the 72nd minute.

Alec Dawson swung the ball across and in the scramble,goalkeeper Christie lost sight of it and George Petchey
moved up and hammered the ball into the net from close range.

The game dramatically swung in Rangers’ favour and the “Saints” goal was subjected to a constant bombardment.
John Christie was forced to charge down a ferocious shot from Peter Angell.

Rangers’ wing-halves looked more likely to score than their forwards with the exception of Longbottom.

A draw was a fitting finish to a rip-roaring match which made the crowd forget the cold in their excitement.
This is the stuff to give them Rangers.’

Arthur Longbottom’s goal made him the Third Division’s leading goalscorer with 14 goals.

The programme editor warned in his notes that unless ‘youthful hooliganism’ ceases, the directors will consider
charging youngsters full price or even banning them from the ground.

For the FA Cup tie at Walsall the following week, coaches were scheduled to leave the ground at 8.30am.
Return fare was 14/9d and half-price for juniors.

Rangers went on to win the match 1-0. Alec Dawson was the R’s goalscorer.

[steveqpr881]

You're almost 10 years ahead of me; 9 yrs & 11 months, to be precise.
My 1st game was 8th October 1968, QPR 2 Ipswich Town 1 in the old Division 1.
A famous game for the Rs, because it was our first-ever win in the top flight.

[Steve Russell]

Remember that game well Steve....

[Kerrins]

I was there in the Loftus Rd Boys Pen that day in the match against the Saints

I must admit Steve R I feel a bit miffed that you did not say hello and join me in a half time Cheese Roll at the Tea Bar

[Steve Russell]

Pity you couldn't introduce me to that but I was in the Ellerslie with my Dad Bernard.

You did get to meet him a few years later I believe...

[Kerrins]

Yes Steve Excellent decorating work by your Dad at our new family home in Ashchurch Park Villas circa 1960/61.

A pity some scrawny sprog (who shall be nameless) put his dirty finger marks on the paintwork shortly after.

[ESSEXURs]

I probably attended the 1958 game one of my early visits although I had followed their fortunes prior to my first
visit with a loyal Rs supporting Dad updating me after each match attended.
In return I gave him the football results via out trusty valve radio and the morning paper match listings.

I also probably had an early game in the old Ellerslie Rd stand but I do not possess the memory of Young Kerrins
You just hoped the ball didn’t land on the roof above you as a rust shower would descend!!