Football League South
Team: Brown, Pte. Reay, Cpl. Jefferson, A/C R. Gunner, Ridyard, A/C Mallett, Cpl. Sibley, Sgt. Smith, Abel, Pte. Hatton, Burley,
Attendance: 4,700
On 17th October 1942, Luton Town were the visitors to Loftus Road. The following report appeared in the Luton News & Bedfordshire Chronicle five days later:
‘Luton Town brought off a fine performance at Shepherd’s Bush on Saturday when they shared points with Queen’s Park Rangers.
It was a fierce struggle, and although the Rangers had the better of the general play, the Town defence put up such a stout opposition that the point was deserved.
Rangers did most of the pressing, but the Town defenders adopted the offside tactics very cleverly for a time, until the crowd’s attitude seemed to affect one of the linesmen and thereafter his flag was not very much in evidence.
The Town players complained that they had a raw deal in this respect.
Duke made many fine saves in the first half-hour, but at the other end, although there were fewer shots, some went close.
Then a movement by the Town forwards brought a corner kick, and from this, well-placed by G. Roberts, Stephenson headed through.
This lead was held to the interval in spite of repeated attacks by the Rangers.
Soon after the resumption, a free kick from midfield enabled the Rangers to level the scores.
Young and Dreyer collided and fell, and this left Hatton with a chance which he promptly accepted.
Then, play became hotter than ever, but once more the Town drove off the assaults, and eventually took the lead.
The left-wing made the move, and Burke carried on with G. Roberts, and the latter was successful with a shot that left Brown helpless.
Rangers made desperate efforts and the Town were appealing loudly for offside when Sibley went away and centered for Burley to head the equalising goal again.
In the closing stages, the Rangers were awarded a penalty kick, but Ridyard shot wide.’
And from the Supporter’s Club programme notes: ‘Grateful thanks were given to Mr W. Dade of Harrow for his generous donation to Supporter’s Club funds.’
Rangers won 3-2 at Brighton the following week.
Steve Russell
(Thanks to Colin Woodley for his assistance)