WIGAN TO PORT VALE

Wigan Athletic has played in the Premier League, as you know. Their highest home attendance was recorded in pre-League days in 1953, on this day December 12th, in an all non-league FA Cup 2nd Round tie against Hereford United at Springfield Park, Wigan's former home stadium. 27,526 saw Wigan win 4-1 and earn a Third Round tie against the very important Newcastle United, at their ground.

The next time Wigan and Hereford met was in August 1978 in Division Four, a 0-0 draw. Wigan Athletic now plays in League One. Wigan was founded in 1932, they have played at the 25,200 seat DW Stadium since 1999, before which they played at Springfield Park. 

The eventual winners of the 1954 Cup were WBA who beat Chelsea 1-0 in R3 , next Rotherham Utd 4-0 Tottenham in R6 3-0, Port Vale 2-1 in the Semi-final and Preston NE 3-2 in the Final.

Port Vale's excursion in the cup was remarkable: R1: v Darlington away win 0-1; 

R2: Southport 1-1 a and 2-0 home win in replay; R3: QPR 0-1 away win; 

R4: Cardiff 0-2 away win; 

R5: Blackpool (Cup holders from 1953) 2-0 at home win ; 

R6: Leyton Orient 0-1 away win and then 

WBA in the Semi.

As well as their cup exploits, Vale also won the 3rd Division North.

and here's another.....I was exactly three years old! 

can't explain two different progs??

Those accustomed to the geography of the English Midlands, might be able to explain the make up of the top part of this match day programme for January 15th 1955.