Season Review 1955/56

After a series of fine performances on a pre-season tour of South America, Roy Race and Blackie Gray are thrust into first-team action on the opening day of the First Division calendar. Elbury Wanderers are Melchester Rovers' formidable opponents, with England international Arty Hedlow at inside-right expected to cause trouble for the defence.

In a thrilling encounter Roy scores twice adding to a goal from inside-left Jim Hallett, but Hedlow inspires the Wanderers who battle to a 3-3 draw. It was a fantastic opening to an eventful first season of top level football for Race and Gray.

Manager Ben Galloway was more than impressed with the performance of Roy, yet his lingering doubts over Blackie's quality led to a surprise transfer. With Hedlow's powerful display fresh in his memory the Rovers boss jumped at the chance the sign a proven internationalist, splashing out £10,000 to sign up the classy inside-right.

Melchester Rovers vs Cobdale United 1955/56Of course Blackie was disappointed, but even at this early stage his dedication to the Rovers was evident. He buckled down and set about starring for the reserves, the aim to put pressure on the new big money signing, Hedlow.

Hedlow proved a natural leader, his attacking plans complimenting the midfield and defensive abilities of skipper Andy McDonald. Debuting against Cobdale United, Hedlow and Roy combined effectively on the field, but the eager Race had trouble accepting Hedlow's criticisms. The pair almost came to blows at half-time, but it was Roy's bravery that set up Hedlow's second and the Rovers winner.

Fortune favours the brave and Blackie's bravery in taking care of the new Rovers mascot, Billy the Goat, led to his fortunate recall to the first team. Billy escaped Gray's grasp, butting Hedlow, the resultant injury preventing Arty from taking his place in the number 8 jersey for the local derby match versus Hamville.

Blackie took his chance and on a snowy field scored twice to give Rovers the two points. Galloway was satisfied and Gray had secured his place as Rovers inside-right, one he would not give up for some time!

The season came to a close with Rovers unable to make an impact at the top of the table or the Cup. However Hedlow's return to from injury created more headaches for our hero pair of Race and Gray. The traditional end of season floodlit challenge match with Cliffport United was the catalyst for a series of bizarre events surrounding Arty Hedlow and the special medals gilded for the winners of the friendly. Attempts to frame Blackie as thief of the precious medals were fruitless, however on the field, playing in place of the injured McDonald at centre-half, Hedlow's tricky display made Gray out to be useless.
Cliffport United vs Melchester Rovers 1955/56

Over-hit, under-hit and spinning passes caused Blackie to miscontrol and lose possession constantly. And Cliffport surged into a two goal lead. At half-time, Roy having noticed Arty's foul play, confronted the brash midfielder, who promptly fled onto the roof of the main stand. Blackie and Roy talked him down and with quick forgiveness given the Rovers were all set for a second-half comeback.

Hedlow settled into the game, creating the goals that would give Rovers a 3-2 victory.

Results:
1955/56 Melchester Rovers stats, opponents, line-ups, scorers

Line-up:

1955/56 Melchester Rovers line-up


Squad: 
1 - Len Dolland 
2 - Dave Williams 
3 - Doug Roberts 
4 - Hughie Griffiths 
5 - Andy McDonald (c) 
6 - Buster Brown 
7 - Charlie King 
8 - Blackie Gray/Artie Hedlow 
9 - Roy Race 
10 - Jim Hallett 
11 - Tom Dawson 

Reserves: Porky Jones (LB), Allan, Blake, Riley, Sam Higby (RW), Bill Biggs, Pete Crowley (RH) 

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