OCTOBER 25th and the Navigators

25th October 1961, England played Portugal at Wembley, in a World Cup Qualifier, European Group 6. John Connelly (below) and Ray Pointer (below-below), both of Burnley, scored after 5 minutes and then 9 mins, to grab an early lead in the match and that's how it stayed. 

As a homage to the rich history of famous navigators who set out on oceans in search of new territories, the national football team of Portugal decided to adopt the perfect nickname, paying homage to the countries navigating past, as they are called "Os Navegadores" — The Navigators!

Burnley FC was a surprisingly successful member of the First Division in the late 1950/early 60s, winning the First Division (top then) in 1959-60.  I saw them play Spurs at WHL in 1960 when the teams played out a 4-4 draw. Both Connelly and Pointer were in that side and they were cast iron England internationals in October 1961. England won this match against Portugal 2-0 and once qualified they were not called on to play another World Cup Qualifier for 11 years. They hosted the 1966 tournament and were "holders" when they went to Mexico in 1970.

The England team then was: Ron Springett (Sheff Wed), Jimmy Armfield (Blackpool), Ray Wilson (Huddersfield), Peter Swan (Sheff Wed), Ron Flowers (Wolves), Bobby Charlton (Man U), Ray Pointer, John Connelly, Bryan Douglas (Blackburn Rovers), Johnny Haynes (capt) (Fulham) and Bobby Robson (WBA). No Spurs' players, Chelsea, Arsenal, Liverpool, Everton, Man C.....etc etc

England and Portugal first met on an England tour in May (25th by coincidence) 1947, ending in a 10-0 defeat for the Portuguese side. The latest fixture was in June 2016, in a friendly, when England won 1-0 with an 86th minute goal by Chris Smalling. A struggle for England therefore. Roy Hodgson was in charge. 

The two sides have met in 23 internationals and England has won 10, Drawn 8 (2 lost on penalties) and lost in open play 5 times. 

In 1955 there was a first 3-1 defeat, away, in a friendly. England's manager was Walter Winterbottom..  In 1986 FIFA World Cup Group F; 0-1 in Monterrey under manager Bobby Robson. In the 2000 UEFA Championships 2-3 in Eindhoven: Manager Kevin Keegan.                                  

Then in 2004 in the UEFA Championships (Q-F) in Lisbon after a 2-2 aet draw. Pens were 5-6. This was under the managership of Sven and after Sol Campbell's "winner" was wiped out following a foul by Terry on the way to goal.                                                                                                                     

On July 1st 2006, in the FIFA World Cup in Gelsenkirschen, England lost on pens again after a 0-0 draw and then a 1-3 pens. Sven in charge again.

The last fixture was 02 Jun 2016 which England won at home 1-0 in a "friendly" and our goal scored by Chris Smalling in the 86th minute. Roy managed!

Global medical surveys also find that October babies tend to live longer than those born in other months — the Journal of Aging Research has found that people born in the fall (September through November), have a greater chance of living to see the 100-year mark. October birthdays also bring strong mental health. The primary October birth flower is the marigold, and the secondary flower is the cosmos. So there!

and finally, in 2000 on this day, ITV won the rights to to show Premier League highlights at 7pm on a Saturday evening! Cilla Black (a serious supporter of football) and her "Blind Date" programme was "ousted" by ITVs version of Match of the Day. After a couple of months, the ITV realised that the "football" ratings failed to match those of Cilla's and the bosses shifted the football back to 10.30pm. Cilla had given the "beautiful game" a pounding. Meanwhile in 1989 during the afternoon, Frankie Bunn of Oldham scored six goals against Scarborough to set a Football League Cup, individual scoring record.