Centre pages of the EVERTON v ROVERS programe Chrismas Day 1953, a 4-0 defeat for Rovers followed by a 0-0 result in the return fixture 3 days later. Over 61,000 watched both matches
The first match of the 1953-54 season (20 Aug) was an amazing game at Craven Cottage, a 4-4 draw with Geoff BRADFORD notching a hat trick, full back Geoff FOX nabbing the other. 2 days later Rovers visited Blackburn Rovers with Barrie MEYER's goal getting a point in the 1-1 draw....ad 2 days later Rovers lost at home to DONCASTER ROVERS (0-1)
The first match of the 1953-54 season (20 Aug) was an amazing game at Craven Cottage, a 4-4 draw with Geoff BRADFORD notching a hat trick, full back Geoff FOX nabbing the other. 2 days later Rovers visited Blackburn Rovers with Barrie MEYER's goal getting a point in the 1-1 draw....ad 2 days later Rovers lost at home to DONCASTER ROVERS (0-1)ODD SPOT Geoff FOX played 307 games for Rovers managing a total of 2 goals.
The new design for the Rovers' programme, it was to remain virtually unchanged until 1961. The picture in the flag shows one of Rovers' 3 goals in the victory over Newport County that gave us promotion in April 1952, the result 3-1, and a BRADFORD hat-trick.
An away victory at BRENTFORD on 5 Sept 1953~ result 3-0
The new design for the Rovers' programme, it was to remain virtually unchanged until 1961. The picture in the flag shows one of Rovers' 3 goals in the victory over Newport County that gave us promotion in April 1952, the result 3-1, and a BRADFORD hat-trick.
An away victory at BRENTFORD on 5 Sept 1953~ result 3-0 (a hat trick for ~ guess who? ~ G---F -RAD----)
English international Gil MERRICK in goal for Birmingham.
Cover and centre page from the Birmingham City v Rovers game, when Rovers drew 1-1 with a Pat LEONARD goal in front of a 22,000 crowd at St Andrew's. Leonard replaced Peter Wilshire who is listed at no. 9. This game was Alfie BIGGS' fourth (just 420 more appearances to go Alfie).
Won 5-1 at Notts County ~ guess who scored a hat-trick! Geoff BRADFORD of course!
English international Gil MERRICK in goal for Birmingham.
Cover and centre page from the Birmingham City v Rovers game, when Rovers drew 1-1 with a Pat LEONARD goal in front of a 22,000 crowd at St Andrew's. Leonard replaced Peter Wilshire who is listed at no. 9. This game was Alfie BIGGS' fourth (just 420 more appearances to go Alfie). 
Centre page from the Leeds' programme [Oct 10 1953] Rovers drew 3-3 [2 for Geoff BRADFORD 1 for Bill ROOST] with a crowd of 19,000.
Back Row Manager Bert TANN, Jackie PITT, Harry BAMFORD, Howard RADFORD, Geoff FOX, Peter SAMPSON.
Georgie PETHERBRIDGE, Vic LAMBDEN, Geoff BRADFORD, Barrie MEYER, Peter HOOPER, Ray WARREN.
Won 5-1 at Notts County ~ guess who scored a hat-trick! Geoff BRADFORD of course!-----ooooo00000ooooo-----
Rovers experienced a stop-start season - win a few - lose a few and would finish 9th at the end of the season with not much to celebrate.
Played 42 Won 14 Drew 16 Lost 12 For 64 Agnst 58 Pts 44
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ONE HIGHLIGHT must have been Geoff BRADFORD's hat trick in the final game of the season v. Stoke City (Won 3-1) in front of 23,000 at Eastville. Probably 22,900 came to see Geoff return to action after receiving a broken leg in November. 21 goals in just 18 games made fans wonder "what if he had been playing all season?". Those 21 included 5 hat tricks!
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LEICESTER CITY and EVERTON were promoted to Division One and MIDDLESBROUGH joined LIVERPOOL in the drop from Division 1.
WOLVES (57), WEST BROM (53) and HUDDERSFIELD (51) occupied the top 3 places in Division 1. THEY NEVER WILL AGAIN!!!
Click here>>>>> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N3GmVpb0Hf4
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