BRISTOL ROVERS ~ 1956-57

TOP: Peter HOOPER scoring the first goal against NOTTS COUNTY (9 Feb 1957)
then we see Norman SYKES (how could he miss?) scoring the 3rd in the 3-0 win.

Norman played 214 games for The Pirates just 5 goals before moving to Plymouth Argyle, Stockport and finally Doncaster Rovers.

Bristol born SYKES was an English Schoolboy and Youth international and perhaps didn't fulfil his potential in a fairly short football career.

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This team photo appeared in the September 1956 edition of Charles Buchan's Football Monthly, one of just a couple of football magazines available at that time.

Team: Jim ANDERSON, Peter SAMPSON, Ron NICHOLLS, Harry BAMFORD, Paddy HALE, Ian MUIR.

Georgie PETHERBRIDGE, Alfie BIGGS, Barrie MEYER, Dai WARD, Peter HOOPER. @@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@

A crowd of 24,658 saw Rovers beat FULHAM 4-0 at Eastville, with goals from Biggs, Roost, Meyer and Hooper. Notice Johnny Haynes and Roy Bentley in the Fulham line up, and Elton John's uncle!!! Rovers were defeated 2-0 at home to Middlesbrough a crowd of 24,000+ watched the game. Brian Clough and Peter Taylor in the Boro' team.
Rovers finished a respectable 9th with 18 wins and 9 draws in their 42 games.
Alfie BIGGS (17) Dai WARD (19)and Peter HOOPER (16) accounted for 52 of the team's 81 goals.
Weirdest 3 games in 5 days:
Dec 22 BRISTOL ROVERS 6 DONCASTER ROVERS 1
Dec 25 BURY 7 BRISTOL ROVERS 2
Dec 26 BRISTOL ROVERS 6 BURY 1


ELSEWHERE............... League Division 1
Manchester Utd 64 pts
Tottenham Hotspur 56 pts
Preston North End 56 pts
Blackpool 53 pts