Plymouth Memories

Experienced campaigner Kerrins shares his memories of days gone by against Plymouth Argyle.

Sat Oct 5th 1957 at Loftus Rd Div 3 (South)

A victory for the R’s 1-0 over table topping Plymouth. I cant remember who scored the goal but I do recall some ‘Teddy Boy’ pushing past me on the South Africa halfway line terrace trying to invade the pitch in order to ‘ave it out with a Plymouth defender who had roughed up our left winger Pat Kerrins. Thankfully he was restrained by fellow supporters.

I have still got the match Programme. The R’s team that day was Springett, Woods, Ingham, Petchey, Rutter, Angell, Dawson, Cameron, Smith, Locke, Kerrins

Harry Brown the Ex QPR Keeper played in goal for Plymouth – All Brylcreme and suntan lol Plymouth finished 3rd and just missed out on promotion by two points to Brighton…R’s ended up in 10th place.

…and only one shilling (5 new pence) to get in!

Dec 27th 1958 at Loftus Rd Div 3

Another win for the team in White Shirts and Navy Blue Shorts. R’s beat league leaders 2-1 in an explosive Christmas fixture.

The previous day Rangers had lost away at Home Park 3-2 and now took their revenge. There was a bumper crowd and a big crush in the Boys Pen. Also it was the very first time I had witnessed such a large away following – even Brentford never sent that many.

I am sure Arthur Longbottom scored the deciding goal at the LR end running through from the halfway line but what I am certain of is that THIS Season spectators DID manage to invade the pitch. There was an altercation in the centre circle involving Plymouth forward Jimmy Gauld(he of the 1960’s bribery scandal) and certain R’s supporters took objection and on they came to express their opinion lol..not for the only time that season I might add – no tidings of comfort and joy there!

Plymouth brushed aside this setback and went on to become Champions whilst R’s finished 13th after flirting with relegation.

Bernard Lambert (Kerrins)




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