21-03-55: Torquay United (a) 3-1 (HT 1-0) Crowd (3,879)

Programme: Courtesy Mark Ledgard

Thanks to Steve Barnes for Half-time score, crowd and Torquay team details and scorer.

Match Report:

A hard physical match at Plymouth Argyle on 19th March 1955 saw United finish the game with just ten men after Harold Williams had received a kick on the thigh in the 1-3 defeat at Home Park. Several others were feeling the combined effects of the robust home team and the grassless pitch, with Albert Nightingale suffering a similar plight as his Welsh winger teammate, but managed to limp through the second half. United enjoyed the southern sunshine and despite the energetic efforts of treatment from Physio and Trainer, Bob Roxburgh, neither Harold Williams nor Albert Nightingale were fit to take the field in the floodlit encounter at Plainmoor against Torquay United. Travelling Reserve, Bob Forrest, came in for Albert Nightingale at Inside Right and Norman Lloyd of Torquay United was pressganged into service as his wing partner. Once more the pitch was devoid of grass and the United players responded by wearing special rubber boots. With little at stake the game provided a fine exhibition with both teams playing grand football, allbeit without the hard and tenacious tackling usually associated with competitive matches. Jock Henderson gave many glimpses of the generally accepted style of Scottish football, and together with George Meek, formed a more than useful wing, as the Torquay backs repeatedly found. The perveying of the ball by the former Rotherham man was a delight to see, and he gave his partner numerous ground passes which were gleefully accepted. So much so that Meek not only scored the first, but had a hand in the other goals. When Lloyd added our third goal it was amusing to notice the reaction of the spectators, While many applauded the point, others in quite a sporting sort of way showed their disapproval at one of their own players adding to the discomfort of their favourites. Former Leeds player, Don Mills, was in good trim, and his ball control and pin-point passing earned the admiration of the crowd.

Match Report: Yorkshire Post 22-03-1955: Courtesy Steve Bell

Guest player scores for Leeds United

TORQUAY UNITED 1 LEEDS UNITED 3

Leeds United, who were beaten 4-0 in the F.A. Cup at Torquay two minths ago, were always the superior side in a floodlit match last night. United made the ball do the work, and their half-backs and forwards used the open spaces to perfection. After the interval, when Torquay rallied, the Leeds defence was often under strong pressure, without ever being in serious trouble. The consolation goal which Don Mills scored ten minutes from the end should not have been conceded. His header, after a corner, lacked sting, but Wood appeared to misjudge the flight of the ball and it entered the net tamely near the post. John Charles at centre-half was always the dominating figure on the field. He completely tied up Torquay's centre-forward Harold Dobbie, up to the interval, and similarly checked Jack Smith, who led the attack subsequently. Gibson and Kerfoot used the ball well, although opposed to keen-tackling inside-forwards in Dougan and Mills. Leeds, hit by injuries after the game at Plymouth, borrowed outside-right Norman Lloyd from Torquay, and he scored their third goal five minutes from the end with a capital cross shot. Leeds went ahead after twenty minutes. Perfect understanding between Henderson and Meek split the home defence, and when Henderson pushed the ball through along the ground the winger raced roumd full-back Towrs before driving past Hayes. Meek also played a prominent part in the second goal, midway through the second half. After a touchline dash he crossed an inviting centre which Brook had a simple task in running the ball home.

Torquay United:Hayes; Towers, Smith (H.); Lewis, Webber, Norman; Smith (J.), Dougan, Dobbie, Mills, Thomas.

Leeds United:Wood; Dunn, Hair; Gibson, Charles, Kerfoot; Lloyd, Forrest, Brook, Henderson, Meek.