PROGRAMME OF THE WEEK with MARK JONES

By Dave Jones on Apr 15, 07 08:07 PM

SWANSEA CITY v RHYL
FA CUP THIRD ROUND PROPER - JANUARY 2, 1971
Programme
THE turn of the new decade brought Rhyl one of their frequent runs in the FA Cup and after having disposed of Hartlepool in the first round and then Barnsley 2-0 at Old Trafford after draws at Oakwell and Belle Vue, the Lilywhites awaited the third round draw with considerable interest.
But a glamour tie at one of the first division’s big guns evaded them and a trip to the Vetch Field to take on third division Swansea was Dick Jones’ side’s reward.

According to a mate ‘who was there’, 2,000 fans made the journey south from Rhyl but despite a brave show, the Swans had too much firepower for the Lilywhites and ran out comfortable 6-1 winners.
This match entered the record books as the day two brothers faced each other in goal, Tony Millington for Swansea and Rhyl and Chester legend Grenville at the other end.
The Swans team - managed by former Chelsea and England star Roy Bentley - boasted some big names, the biggest being former Welsh internationals Mel Nurse and Len Allchurch while David Gwyther went on to become one of Swansea City’s folk heroes.
Lining up for the Lilywhites were Millington, Dave Congerton, Phil Weston, Howard Smart, John Evans, Jimmy Curran, Laurie Davies, Eurwyn Davies, Percy Allen, Mick Metcalf and David Evans.
Had Rhyl won through they would have had an awayday at Anfield in round four as a reward but the Swans found Shankly’s Red Army in no mood for a giantkilling and Liverpool coasted home 3-0 (and it should have been 13 by all accounts).
The programme for the day was a functional 20-page issue costing 5p.
Printed in red on white glossy paper it gave plenty of info about Rhyl and an interesting season-by-season account of the Swans league history, 1931/2’s second division campaign was featured in this issue.
I am always on the lookout to buy old football programmes, call me on 07753 966805. Best cash prices paid for clean, quality items.
Mark Jones.