60 years ago today (5/12/1960) Saints v Leeds

[Badger]

Something for the older supporters or those who like delving into the past, but on 5/12/60 quite an memorable match took place at The Dell. Saints v Leeds in the then fairly new League Cup.

It went into folklore and history books for a couple of reasons:

Due to floodlight failure it took 2 hrs 40 minutes to complete (this was the longest time to complete a single "90 minute match" for some years, not sure if this still stands).

Also Derek Reeves scored all five Saints goals - a record for a League Cup match that stood until 1989.

This is contained on the Wikipedia page for Derek Reeves:

Quote

In December of that year, Saints drew Leeds in the League Cup at The Dell. Due to two lengthy floodlight failures the match lasted an incredible 2 hours and 40 minutes. Injuries meant that the match became effectively nine against ten (Huxford in goal and no subs in those days). Saints led the match 4–0 with all four scored by Reeves. In the second half, Leeds threw everything at the home defence and with 10 minutes remaining drew level. But with virtually the last kick of the game, Reeves slotted the winner and for the fifth time in the game, Paine provided the assist!

 Interesting about the no subs, and also that not being able to hold on to a commanding lead is nothing new.

This predates my time following Saints by a few years but recall older family talking about this match. Any of the older Saints fans remember it, or there that night ?

 

 

[Toussaint]

Taking a bit of pity on your post that fell on stoney ground. I’m going to take a bit of license. It was actually a Leeds game is wasn’t at or didn’t ever see that made me become  a Saints fan. I lived  bitterne park, I was listening to the match on radio Solent (a midweek fa cup tie I believe) when I stepped outside and to my amazement could see the glow of the floodlights and hear the roar of the crowd. For those that did nor experience the noise of the 30 thousand crowd in the Dell, it  was spectacular. The rest is history. 

[spyinthesky]

I was there with my Dad.
Ron Reynolds, the GK, was injured and half back (remember them?) Cliff Huxford (approx 5'8") went in goal.
There were a number of floodlight failures throughout the game and I remember standing at the back of the Milton Rd end near the exit with my Dad, and others, ready for a quick get away when Derek Reeves broke away to score his 5th and winning goal.
I think he outpaced Jack Charlton to score the winning goal.
The view was fairly restricted as the overhang from the Chocolate Boxes obscured the view (and I was only a little 'un at the time) but the joy was palpable.
Dad I had had to leg it to the Bus Station to get our last Hants & Dorset bus home.
We didnt get home until nearly midnight so my Mum was quite worried about where we where.
Still both Dad and I were happy about the result and this game remains one of the more memorable ones in my long history of being a Saints fan.
Next round we lost 4-2 at home to Burnley who were one of the top sides at the time.