Opponents - Railford Town

Rapper Hardisty in action vs Highboro Utd 91

The Mudlarks, the poor relations to The Toffs in the city of Highborough have had a largely anonymous existence as a football club. Always in the shadow of their illustrious neighbours, Railford have never graced the top tier of English football - a brief spell in the Second Division in the mid 70s being Town's best period. 

During this time, Town played a notable match against Melchester Rovers in the 4th Round of the FA Cup in 1976, giving Rovers a tough game, before debutant Gerry Holloway turned on the style to see the Rovers through.

Railford attack against Melchester Rovers 76

However, come the early 90s and The Mudlarks would suddenly make football fans sit up and notice, thanks to one man - Alexander Hardisty, better known as Rapper. Rapper was naturally talented yet unpredictable goalkeeper. Often seen exagerrating easy saves, punching the ball away spectacularly or dribbling upfield, all while tormenting opponents with cheesy raps. But, Hardisty was quickly growing into one of the best keepers outside the First Division. 

Town's results improved at the same rate as Rapper and soon they were in with a chance of promotion going top of the Fourth Division in March. Despite two horrendous defeats, Railford would cling on and gain promotion on the final day of the 90/91 season.

While Rapper was the undoubted star, Railford under Minty Mannion, had more than a few useful players. A physical front three of Badger Smith, Andy Gordon and Denzil Bishop gave Town thrust in the final third and ensured that the big burly defenders of the lower divisions would not get away with bullying. Harvey Benson at right back provided many chances for his big forwards. The American's constant raids up the wing and accurate crossing led to plenty of goals.

At the back, Killer Cain and veteran club captain Arnie Gibbons added steel and experience. The centre back pairing worked well to cover Rapper's often erractic performances.

Elvis Bygraves in the midfield engine room would run and run. Altogether, Mannion's men combined into an inconsistent yet sometimes brilliant little team.

However, after a difficult start to their first season in the Third Division for years, things would suddenly get far worse for Railford fans - Rapper Hardisty was sacked! Without their talismanic goalkeeper, The Mudlarks would go on a losing run. Rapper was eventually reinstated after buying the club himself. But after showing great form, Rapper was starting to make headlines for his keeping, not just his eccentricity. With Melchester Rovers suffering a goalkeeping crisis of their own, Roy Race made a shocking move for Hardisty and a big money move not only saw Rapper promoted into a First Division league championship battle, but secured the financial future of his club.

However, without Hardisty between the sticks, Railford would soon return to the new Third Division. An unremarkable team had one stand out player, a combative midfielder called Keith Durham. Durham too would turn heads, unincluding that of Roy Race, and as Race rebuilt a side to challenge for promotion to the Premiership, he snapped up Durham on a free transfer, making him joint captain.

So while another Railford star would join Melchester Rovers and go on to win titles, The Mudlarks happily paddled along in the lower tiers hoping one day another great player could lead them to glory.

Players:

1990-92

Rapper Hardisty GK 1 Sold to Melchester Rovers 91/92, England B caps

Arnie Gibbons CB 6 Captain in 1990

Denzil Bishop F 8

Elvis Bygraves M 4

Andy Gordon CF 9

Harvey Benson RB 2 American

Badger Smith CF 10

Billy Stokes CB 5

Clive… L

Stretcher Sid…

Barry Mason M 11

Ginger Ferris GK

Killer Cain D 3

Dean Pritchard 11

Gary Dixon 7

Ernie Giles GK Reserve

Mid 90s
Keith Durham    CM    Free transfer to Melchester Rovers in 97

Manager: Maurice "Minty" Mannion