ON THIS DAY

LEEDS UNITED (H) 1955

1954 turned out to be a big year for United when they decided to adopt gold and blue stripes instead of black and white ones to better represent the town’s “sun, sand, and sea” theme.

This adjustment also came about in tandem with the team’s historic cup run in the 1954–55 campaign, which made the football world finally sit up and take note of the team. Torquay advanced to a third-round matchup with Leeds United after victories over Blyth Spartans and Cambridge United in rounds one and two, respectively.

Jack Smith scored two goals in the first half to give United the lead in their first encounter at Elland Road on January 8, 1955. Leeds equalised five minutes into the second half through Kerfoot, and Charles’ goal in the 70th minute forced a replay, which was played the following Wednesday afternoon at Plainmoor.

Though they included Wales striker John Charles and were captained by former England forward Raich Carter, Leeds were nothing like the side that would go on to become a major force in the English game under Don Revie in the late 1960s and early 1970s.

In the United team that drew at Elland Road, United manager Eric Webber made one change: John Smith replaced Bill Towers, who was unable to pass a late fitness test. Carter, his opponent, selected an unaltered starting lineup.After just two minutes, Torquay’s strong start rewarded off as Sammy Collins outran the Leeds defence and found the back of the net.

Then, as Ron Shaw and captain Don Mills made rapid breaks down the right side, United kept up their offensive pressure.

Charles’ long ball to Williams found him, but United player-manager Webber cleared it, and Leeds weathered the storm.

Leeds looked threatening in control even though they were behind, and they came dangerously near again when Williams’ free kick just missed the crossbar.

Charles continued to pose a threat to United, and they were dealt a serious blow when a misplaced clearing from John Smith ended up at the Welshman’s feet. To United’s relief, he missed the mark and blasted wide with the goal at his mercy.

 

As Shaw’s penalty claim was rejected, the home team gradually reclaimed control. Jack Smith then had two excellent opportunities to put Torquay ahead: first, he connected with a cross from Shaw and forced an easy save from Wood; second, he missed the target by a short margin.

Five minutes before halftime, United keeper Alf Jefferies needed treatment after he collided with Nightingale, which caused play to be temporarily stopped.

When play started up again, Jefferies had to step up to stop Williams’ 30-yard attempt.

Leeds suffered a big setback in the first few minutes of the second half when Harry Smith found Collins, but Collins’ header missed the mark and struck the post.

At the hour mark, Torquay’s efforts paid off as they broke free on the counterattack. Jimmy Dunn, a charging Leeds defender, unintentionally redirected Harold Dobbie’s shot into the goal after Shaw had set him up.

Five minutes later, Shaw ran down the wing and sent in a cross that the Leeds keeper misread, allowing the ball to sneak in under the crossbar, giving United an even bigger lead.

Both teams fought it out until the absolute end, and Mills scored Torquay’s fourth goal with one minute remaining to give his former team a well-earned victory.