BRISTOL ROVERS ~ 1960-61

Above: Harold JARMAN watches his shot hit the crossbar during the home game v. Sheffield United April 22 1961~ Rovers won 3-1 against the team that would finish runners up to Ipswich and be promoted to Division 1.

Below: Doug HILLARD on goal line duty v. LIVERPOOL

At Eastville, Rovers beat Liverpool 4-3 a crowd of 16,522 enjoyed the victory.

Geoff BRADFORD draws the Aston Villa goalkeeper and sets up Alfie BIGGS to score in the FA Cup 3rd round tie at Eastville with a crowd of 34,060 (plus me). (7 Jan 1960)

1-1 at home but Villa won 4-0 in the replay.

These 3 pictures from the ROVERS' SUPPORTERS' Club Handbook of 1961-62

Rovers visited Elland Road in their second league game of the 60-61 season and managed a point with a 1-1 draw with a goal from Peter HOOPER. Oddly, the return fixture was at Eastville just 5 days later.

Rovers played FULHAM in the first ever League Cup tie on Sept 1st 1960 and beat the First Division opposition 2-1 with Harold JARMAN and Geoff BRADFORD scoring in front of a 20,000+ crowd at Eastville.

Fulham boasted a number of international players including Johnny HAYNES, George COHEN, Graham LEGGATT, Alan MULLERY and Tony MACEDO.

The 2nd Round saw Rovers visit Reading and win 5-3. A disappointing league season finishing 17th in a league of 22 and just 4 points above relegated PORTSMOUTH.
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One highlight must have been 8 consecutive victories in the team's last 8 home games of the season, including a 4-3 victory over LIVERPOOL who ended up in 3rd position.

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A few other positives must have been the appearance of Bobby JONES, Ray MABBUTT's industry in mid-field, a young Joe DAVIS in defence and the skill of Peter HOOPER on the left wing (playing all 42 games and 20 goals).

A game I recall was the home game against LEEDS UNITED on the 29th August, Rovers were 4-0 down at half-time but goals from Georgie PETHERBRIDGE, Ian HAMILTON and 2 from Peter HOOPER got us a point. I was at the Muller Road end and all 8 goals were scored at the Tote End!