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50 years ago today: Colin Alty's champagne winner

January 25, 1966 will always be remembered as one of the greatest nights in the history of Southport FC.

50 years ago today, under the floodlights at Portman Road, Ipswich, the Sandgrounders achieved one of their finest results of all time with a notable giant-killing in an FA Cup third round replay.

The cup run of season 1965-66 has a special place in Southport folklore, and the victory away at Ipswich Town is a defining part of that story.

As cup wins go, they do not come any more dramatic. After a goalless draw in the original tie at Haig Avenue in front of a crowd of more than 9,000, the teams met again three days later at Portman Road.

Scoring a first-half opener before squaring the match at 2-2 after Ipswich had fought back, Alan Spence found the target twice for the Sandgrounders that night.

But just when a draw had looked certain and with extra time beckoning, along came Colin Alty, who claimed the headlines with a dramatic last-minute winner.

The local lad of the team, Alty spent six years at Haig Avenue and, half a century on, that night at Portman Road still brings back special memories.

“There were a lot of people there from Southport that day and it still gets mentioned to me even now,” says Alty.

“People come up to me and say they remember me scoring that goal at Ipswich. It’s amazing how many people still mention it.

“Ipswich were a good team with a good reputation. They had won the Football League a couple of seasons earlier and had played in Europe before they got relegated.

“The game was incredible. We went in at half-time 1-0 ahead and I remember Arthur Peat telling us to keep it tight as we came out for the second half. Not long after, we found ourselves 2-1 down.

“It stayed like that until about ten minutes from the end when Spenny scored an absolute screamer which almost broke the net. I don’t think he’d ever hit one from that far out before and it flew into the top corner.

“That got it back to 2-2 and Ipswich just went. In the last ten minutes we were all over them and they were struggling. We hit woodwork and then we got the winner.

“Terry McDonald put the cross over, Spenny flicked it on at the near post and I was there at the far post to head it in off the crossbar. There must have been about six seconds to go.

“Everyone went mad and there were people coming onto the pitch. They are fantastic memories.”

The third round win at Ipswich was the fifth of Southport’s seven matches in that memorable cup run. They had also claimed an impressive victory to beat Stockport on a replay in the previous round but this was the result that started to get Bingham’s team noticed.

“It could have actually been all over in the home game because Spenny hit the post in the last minute but we went on to win the replay,” Alty adds.

“After the game the champagne was flowing, which we were getting used to by that stage.

“We then went into the pub by the ground and when we walked in everyone there started signing Irish Eyes Are Smiling because of Bingy. It was brilliant.”

Having started out with Preston North End, Alty had joined Southport at the start of the previous season, and says the arrival of Bingham changed the landcaspe at Haig Avenue.

“We were a fit team, Bingy brought new ideas to the club in terms of the training and it worked,” says Alty, who was moved from full-back to centre-forward under the new manager.

“When Bingy came in we were at a different place every day. We would be on the beach, at Princes Park, Southport baths, running along the Promenade and then playing five-a-side. Everything was different.

“He got everybody moving and everyone training. These days every team concentrates on fitness regimes but back then it was new.”

Bingham’s methods quickly brought Southport success, and after victory at Ipswich thanks to the last-gasp winner from Alty, the Sandgrounders’ cup journey continued.

“By now things were fairly buzzing at Haig Avenue,” explains The Sandgrounders: The Complete League History of Southport FC. “The press were beginning to take notice of this team which had come from nowhere the previous season and its youthful, ambitious manager.

“Bingham handled the publicity aspect well and kept the club’s name to the forefront. The draw was again kind and Cardiff were destined to make the trip north.”

For Southport, another chapter was about to be written, but for Bingham’s team and Alty, in particular, this was the night that dreams came true.

 

*With special thanks to Colin Alty, Steve Beverley, and Geoff Wilde and Michael Braham, The Sandgrounders: The Complete League History of Southport FC

* Bingham’s Boys: The Heroes of ’66, an event hosted by Trust in Yellow celebrating 50 years since Southport’s historic FA Cup run, takes place in the Grandstand Bar on Saturday February 13 at 5.30pm.


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Minutes of Trust in Yellow Board Meeting - Tuesday January 12

Apologies

Rob

 

1. Minutes of last meeting and matters arising.

The official switch-on of the new floodlights took place before the recent home match against Wrexham. Among those representing the Trust were Colin, Martin and members of the families of Phil Carder and Sally Devine.

The Trust has been in contact with Champion reporter Ron Ellis following the recent withdrawal of his press pass by the club.

There are 11 calendars for 2016 still remaining of the 100 produced.

The issue of dangerous footballs during the warm-ups at home matches, which was raised at the Trust’s AGM, was passed on during the Trust’s recent meeting with the club.

The Trust had been contacted by a member offering to help with communications for the Trust and club. The Trust will use their help with the newsletter and their details have also been passed to the club.

 

2. Taking of minutes

The taking of minutes at Trust meetings will be rotated between board members.

 

3. Treasurer’s report

The Trust’s net funds available currently stand at £11,569.76.

£13,000 for the balance of the Trust’s contribution to the floodlights projects has been paid. The Trust is now waiting to receive the equivalent sum for the Trust’s full contribution in shares.

 

4. Memberships

Memberships currently stand at 214.

 

5. Report back on meeting with the club and future projects

Representatives from the Trust board met with Haydn Preece before the recent home match against Bromley. The club agrees with the Trust that there is a need to improve facilities for disabled supporters, particularly the allocated disabled area during matches and toilets. The Trust would want any project to include improvements in both of these areas.

The Trust has also been contacted recently by the group, Southport Access For Everyone. The Trust will meet with the club again in the coming weeks.

Howard has contacted a number of companies regarding a possible temporary disabled viewing structure.

The Trust has received further details from Jonathan O’Byrne regarding plans for the proposed bar behind the Jack Carr Stand. Colin, Howard, Rob and Jonathan will form a sub-committee to explore the project further.

 

6. Events

The Christmas part took place after the match against Bromley. A special thanks to Noel, Howard, Bill and Sarah Sloan for their work on the night and in preparation for the event. Thanks also to Ema Ryding from the Co-Op and John Wood from Mecca Bingo for their kind donations of food and items for the party.

Dino Maamria is keen to hold a Meet the Manager session with supporters but would prefer a midweek date for the event. This will be confirmed shortly.

A reunion to celebrate 50 years since Southport’s memorable FA Cup run to the fifth round under Billy Bingham will take place on February 13 after the home match against Braintree Town. Noel and Alan will meet with Geoff Wilde to finalise arrangements for the event.

Alan has written to local schools to invite their students to take part in a competition to design a special ten-year badge for the Trust. 144 entries have been received from four schools and these were narrowed down to a shortlist of 23. The final four designs were selected at the meeting and supporters will be asked to vote for the winner.

A special thanks for Stanley High School, Ainsdale St Johns CE, Kingsmeadow and St Phillips for taking part.

Colin will continue to liaise with the Parker Brewery so a date can be arranged for the brewery trip.

They Think It’s All A Question of Sport, arranged by Rob Urwin, will take place after the match against Halifax Town on March 5. Noel and Alan will meet with Rob to discuss plans for the event. The Fifa night has provisionally been arranged for April 2 after the game with Woking.

 

7. Coach travel and proposed weekend trip

The coach to the match at Chester on January 23 is fully booked. Bookings for a possible second coach are being taken but 20 names are needed for this to run.

The fare for the match at Tranmere Rovers will be £8 members, £11 non-members. The departure time will be confirmed.

After consulting with members, it was decided that Torquay would be the preferred destination for the proposed weekend trip.

The main issue is that this match, scheduled for March 19, clashes with the FA Trophy semi-final second leg and half of the full cost needs to be paid six weeks before trip. The Trust had asked for bookings by January 19. At the time of the meeting, both clubs remain in the FA Trophy. If neither club remains in the competition after the weekend, in which case the fixture will definitely go ahead, the deposit due of £100 will be paid so as to allow fans further time to book.

 

8. Next match signs

The current next match signs will be used until the end of the season.

The Trust board will look into longer-term changes to make the signs more visible and cost-effective.

 

9. Any other business

The plaque for the Trust office to remember Phil Carder has been re-ordered and will hopefully be ready shortly.

Board members will look into ways to improve and update the back pages on the Trust website.

Every board member is currently having a profile in the club’s matchday programme and Trust newsletter.

 

10. Next meeting

Members: TBC

Board: March 1

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Minutes of Trust in Yellow Board Meeting - Tuesday January 12

Apologies

Rob

 

1. Minutes of last meeting and matters arising.

The official switch-on of the new floodlights took place before the recent home match against Wrexham. Among those representing the Trust were Colin, Martin and members of the families of Phil Carder and Sally Devine.

The Trust has been in contact with Champion reporter Ron Ellis following the recent withdrawal of his press pass by the club.

There are 11 calendars for 2016 still remaining of the 100 produced.

The issue of dangerous footballs during the warm-ups at home matches, which was raised at the Trust’s AGM, was passed on during the Trust’s recent meeting with the club.

The Trust had been contacted by a member offering to help with communications for the Trust and club. The Trust will use their help with the newsletter and their details have also been passed to the club.

 

2. Taking of minutes

The taking of minutes at Trust meetings will be rotated between board members.

 

3. Treasurer’s report

The Trust’s net funds available currently stand at £11,569.76.

£13,000 for the balance of the Trust’s contribution to the floodlights projects has been paid. The Trust is now waiting to receive the equivalent sum for the Trust’s full contribution in shares.

 

4. Memberships

Memberships currently stand at 214.

 

5. Report back on meeting with the club and future projects

Representatives from the Trust board met with Haydn Preece before the recent home match against Bromley. The club agrees with the Trust that there is a need to improve facilities for disabled supporters, particularly the allocated disabled area during matches and toilets. The Trust would want any project to include improvements in both of these areas.

The Trust has also been contacted recently by the group, Southport Access For Everyone. The Trust will meet with the club again in the coming weeks.

Howard has contacted a number of companies regarding a possible temporary disabled viewing structure.

The Trust has received further details from Jonathan O’Byrne regarding plans for the proposed bar behind the Jack Carr Stand. Colin, Howard, Rob and Jonathan will form a sub-committee to explore the project further.

 

6. Events

The Christmas part took place after the match against Bromley. A special thanks to Noel, Howard, Bill and Sarah Sloan for their work on the night and in preparation for the event. Thanks also to Ema Ryding from the Co-Op and John Wood from Mecca Bingo for their kind donations of food and items for the party.

Dino Maamria is keen to hold a Meet the Manager session with supporters but would prefer a midweek date for the event. This will be confirmed shortly.

A reunion to celebrate 50 years since Southport’s memorable FA Cup run to the fifth round under Billy Bingham will take place on February 13 after the home match against Braintree Town. Noel and Alan will meet with Geoff Wilde to finalise arrangements for the event.

Alan has written to local schools to invite their students to take part in a competition to design a special ten-year badge for the Trust. 144 entries have been received from four schools and these were narrowed down to a shortlist of 23. The final four designs were selected at the meeting and supporters will be asked to vote for the winner.

A special thanks for Stanley High School, Ainsdale St Johns CE, Kingsmeadow and St Phillips for taking part.

Colin will continue to liaise with the Parker Brewery so a date can be arranged for the brewery trip.

They Think It’s All A Question of Sport, arranged by Rob Urwin, will take place after the match against Halifax Town on March 5. Noel and Alan will meet with Rob to discuss plans for the event. The Fifa night has provisionally been arranged for April 2 after the game with Woking.

 

7. Coach travel and proposed weekend trip

The coach to the match at Chester on January 23 is fully booked. Bookings for a possible second coach are being taken but 20 names are needed for this to run.

The fare for the match at Tranmere Rovers will be £8 members, £11 non-members. The departure time will be confirmed.

After consulting with members, it was decided that Torquay would be the preferred destination for the proposed weekend trip.

The main issue is that this match, scheduled for March 19, clashes with the FA Trophy semi-final second leg and half of the full cost needs to be paid six weeks before trip. The Trust had asked for bookings by January 19. At the time of the meeting, both clubs remain in the FA Trophy. If neither club remains in the competition after the weekend, in which case the fixture will definitely go ahead, the deposit due of £100 will be paid so as to allow fans further time to book.

 

8. Next match signs

The current next match signs will be used until the end of the season.

The Trust board will look into longer-term changes to make the signs more visible and cost-effective.

 

9. Any other business

The plaque for the Trust office to remember Phil Carder has been re-ordered and will hopefully be ready shortly.

Board members will look into ways to improve and update the back pages on the Trust website.

Every board member is currently having a profile in the club’s matchday programme and Trust newsletter.

 

10. Next meeting

Members: TBC

Board: March 1

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Ten-year badge competition: Select your winner

Trust in Yellow is asking supporters to select a new badge to celebrate our tenth anniversary.

To mark a special year for the Trust in 2016, local school children have been invited to design a badge which will be used throughout this our tenth year.

The Trust was delighted to receive 144 entries in the competition. These were narrowed down to a shortlist of 23 before four finalists were selected.

The Trust is now asking fans to vote for their favourite design from the final four, which are pictured below and are numbered.

To vote, e-mail fans@trustinyellow.com, text 07813366742, send us a message on facebook or tweet @trustinyellow.

When voting, put the number of your favourite design. For your vote to count, it must also include your own name.

The closing date is Sunday January 31.

The winning design will then be transferred into a digital copy.

Entries were received from children ages seven to 15 and the final shortlist reflects the range of ages.

The Trust would like to thank Stanley High School, Ainsdale St Johns, St Philips and Kingsmeadow Primary Schools for taking part, and to all the children who entered the competition.

 

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50 years on ... FA Cup run 1965-66: Your help wanted

Trust in Yellow is celebrating 50 years since one of Southport’s greatest ever seasons.

In 1965-66, the Southport team managed by Billy Bingham reached the FA Cup fifth round, including famous wins against Stockport County, Ipswich Town and Cardiff City.

To celebrate half a century since then, the Trust is holding a special event on Saturday February 13 after the home match against Braintree Town.

The Trust is currently looking for help from fans to tell the story from that season.

Do you have any programmes, newspaper cuttings or photographs from that FA Cup run?

If so, the Trust would like to hear from you. Please e-mail fans@trustinyellow.com with anything you would like to share from that season.

The Trust is looking for items to use in a number of features planned in the lead-up to the event, at the event itself and for the matchday programme for the game against Braintree.

The Trust is also looking for fans to share their memories from that season. Were you part of the crowd of over 14,000 which saw the win over Cardiff at Haig Avenue? Did you travel to either of the replays against Stockport or Ipswich, or even the defeat at Hull City in front of almost 40,000 people? What do you remember about that Southport team?

The Trust is looking to use memories from fans to publish at the event on February 13 and in the programme, so please let us know what you remember about that glorious season.

Again, the e-mail address is fans@trustinyellow.com.

So whether it is programmes, press cuttings, photographs or memories, the Trust would be delighted to hear from you. Please get in contact as soon as possible to help with us with the planning.

Bingham's Boys: The Heroes of '66 - February 13 2016

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