Luton Town v Burnley Saturday 31st October 1959

Referee: Mr G.W.Pullen (Bristol)

Linesmen: Mr H.J.Gould and Mr E.D.Jux

Attendance: 15,638

Teams:

Luton:

Collier, Dunne, Daniel, Brown, Kelly, Groves, Bingham, Morton, Pacey, Turner, Warner.

Burnley:

Blacklaw, Angus, Elder, Seith, Miller, Adamson, Connelly, McIlroy, Pointer, White, Pilkington.

This week sees the Clarets on the road away to Luton Town, who are currently bottom of the league. Luton were losing finalists in the F.A. Cup last season and were one of those sides for some reason that Burnley always found difficult to beat. This game was to be no exception with the Clarets struggling to come away with a very hard earned point in what was one of the season’s poorest performances by both sides.

There really was little to write home about on this game with Burnley struggling to show any of their recent form and Luton squandering many of their chances.

Allan Brown, a Scot who went on to manage Blackpool and Nottingham Forest in the seventies (for the latter he was succeeded by the great Brian Clough), put Luton in front within the first 10 minutes, with Ray Pointer cracking in a superb left footed drive for the equaliser. A poor game fizzled out with the scores remaining at 1-1 at the full time whistle.

Here are the comments from Harry Potts on the game, which were published in his programme notes the week after:

"No doubt many of our supporters were counting on a win for our League side at Luton last week. I would remind you that it is always regarded as a good point for an opposing side to get one at Luton because the comparative smallness of the pitch is a very disturbing factor to visiting sides.

 

In my experience I cannot recall playing in, or seeing, a good football match at Luton's headquarters, which I feel sure is accounted for by the dimensions of the pitch. I have read that they are intent on extending it or setting up a new one and I hope they will be successful in whichever project they undertake, for I feel it would be of great benefit to them as well.

 

It would remedy the problem that one always senses of overcrowding and with the distance between the half-way line and the penalty areas very deceptive, particularly for those who are accustomed to something longer. But of Saturday's game I shall long remember Ray Pointer's great left foot shot that got our equaliser and that valuable point.

Well Harry I will have to pass that excuse on to either Mourinho or Ferguson as I am sure that they could use one or two new ones!

Programme Review:

Teams as printed in the programme:

The Luton programme was a little larger than most and was an 8-page affair costing 3d. The programme notes warmly welcomed Burnley, and a special welcome was given to Herr Liesengang, Mayor of Spandau who was especially interested in youth development… hmmm.

The half time entertainment was to be provided by the Butlin Young Ladies, who were to give their third display at the ground, Hi de hi.

I draw your attention to the front page of the programme at the top of this page which carries an advertisement for radios costing £14-3s-6d in plastic, and a walnut veneer, one costing £16-5s-6d, rather expensive for those days compared to today.

Next Game - Burnley v Wolverhampton Wanderers, Saturday 7th November 1959.