Opponents - Blackton Wanderers

Blackton vs Melchester Rovers, July 81

One of the teams of the 60s, Yorkshire club Blackton won the FA Cup, First Division (63/64) and European Cup (64/65), mainly thanks to the influence of star amateur goalkeeper Bernard Briggs. Known as the "No Goal Goalie" part time scrap dealer Briggs was famous for never conceding a legitimate goal. A strange loner, Briggs's talent as a sportsman was undoubted and unrivalled. Briggs had two spells at the club, firstly leading them to the Cup, before handpicking Dave Dobbs as his replacement. Briggs returned for the European Cup, taking his trade all round the continent.

Briggs would depart a champion and the fortunes of Blackton would decline dramatically. The former European Champions would plummet down the leagues in the 70s ending up in the Fourth Division. Some success would follow with back to back promotions as Division 4 winners in 79/80 and Division 3 winners in 80/81. The early 80s were a struggle before another remarkable back to back promotion. And in 86/87 Blackton won promotion back to the First Division.

Back in the big time and after two average seasons, Blackton were stranded at the bottom staring at relegation, when former player turned "Matchwinner for Hire" Jon Stark offered his services. The former England international did what he did best scoring twice in his first game for a 2-0 win. Stark didn't neglect his mercenary status jetting to France before returning to set up the winning goal as Blackton gave themselves every chance of avoiding the drop. However, fog meant Stark was late for the vital next home match of the season. Arriving by helicopter and subbed on he set up the equaliser before netting the winner. Blackton had won three in a row.

Stark nets his second in the relegation game

But Stark's magic didn't last and defeat followed, it was down to the final match of the season. Of course Stark was not to be denied netting a brilliant hat-trick to save the day for his home town club and the club that gave him his chance in football.

Star Men

Jon Stark - Stark began his career at Blackton before becoming a football mercenary, travelling the globe playing important matches for a whole manner of clubs. Stark was an England international, but only appeared around his other commitments. As a veteran Stark returned to save his first club from relegation in 90/91.

Bernard Briggs - The "No Goal Goalie" had two spells at the club winning the FA Cup and European Cup. He never conceded a legitimate goal for Blackton. 

Basil Widney - The school teacher inside left played as an amateur winning the FA Cup. A classy player was also an amateur England international.

Lol Nevis - England international goalkeeper of the 40s.

List of players

Betts RW 7 68/69

Bernard Briggs GK 1 62/63

Burt IL 10 68/69

Morgan Byers CH 5 69/70

Dave Carrrick    GK 1 68/69

Fred Cresser    CH 5 62/63

Cliff Curtis    LB 3 62/63

Dillon    GK 1 68/69

Dave Dobbs GK 1 64/65

Donkin RH 4 68/69

Tom Evans    Cap 65/66

Ginger Green CF 9 69/70

Charlie Greer RB 2 68/69

Grey IL 10 69/70

Holden RW 7 90/91

Jim Jackson LW 11 69/70

Jerrolds FB 69/70

Trevor Jones LW 11 WAL 69/70

Cyril "Bud" Lawless IL 10 69/70

Lanky Lettis GK 1 69/70

Graham Machell LH 6 69/70

Angus McKinlay CF 9 69/70

McLean 68/69

Modley LH 6 68/69

Lol Nevis GK ENG 43/44

Paxton IR 8 69/70

Quigley IR 8 68/69

Alf Rimmer CF 9 63/64

Ginger Ross CH 5 64/65

Ginger Russt CH 5 43/44

Shaw CH 5 68/69

Monkey Slack GK 1 69/70

Smaile LW 11 68/69

Jon Stark CF 9 90/91

Kevin Price CF 9 90/91

Andy Jones LB 3 90/91

Brian Johnson LW 11 90/91

Maurice Stenton RB 2 69/70

Pongo Tate RW 7 63/64

Vickary CF 9 68/69

Walters RB 2 68/69

Basil Widney IL 62/63

Guthrie Woods CH 5 CAP 68/69

Young LB 3 68/69