In March 1954, Port Vale became only the second Third Division side to reach the FA Cup semi-finals. Freddie Steele’s famed Iron Curtain side defeated Leyton Orient 1-0 and we present media coverage of the historic win.
The 1953-54 season
The 1954 side’s fame meant they appeared in numerous publications
Renowned as probably Vale’s best-ever side, the Iron Curtain side of 1953-54 was renowned for its brilliant defence and comprised mainly of locally-born players. It stormed to the Third Division title and (as we’re about to explore) also reached the FA Cup semi-final. During that memorable season, it set three Football League records. You can see more features from that season in our dedicated section here
The match
A report on the police investigation into ticketing
This game was played during an astonishing run of form for Steele’s team. Between the 13th February and the end of the season they lost just one match (and that was the semi-final loss to eventual champions West Brom) – a run of nineteen games. For this game, 8,000 Port Vale fans travelled down to London. The team, meanwhile, were invited to meet comedian and actor Arthur Askey at the Palace Theatre. Such was the interest in the game that 1,200 tickets were stolen prompting action from the police.
A genuine ticket – provided by an Orient fan hence the note “Lucky old Vale”
The only goal of the game came from Albert Leake – who struck the ball into the net after controlling the ball from a Basil Hayward knock-down from an Colin Askey corner. Vale were grateful for a great save from keeper Ray King in the closing stages as they obtained a 1-0 victory.
Press coverage
Click on these for larger versions.
Warning: the following cartoon is of its time and some may find the racial stereotyping offensive.
About Port Vale's 1953-54 Iron Curtain side
Known as the “Iron Curtain” for their tremendous defensive qualities, the Port Vale FC side of 1953-54 set numerous club records and are regarded as probably the greatest Port Vale side of all-time.
Managed by Freddie Steele, the side were crowned Third Division North Champions and also reached the FA Cup semi-final where they unluckily lost to West Brom.
Their success was based on a squad of nineteen players, many of whom were locally born. Players included Ray King, Roy Sproson, Tommy Cheadle, Colin Askey, Dickie Cunliffe, Albert Leake and Basil Hayward.
The side set three Football League records including the least number of goals conceded in a season, a club record eleven successive home wins and they were undefeated at home all season.
We have a series of special features, press clippings, images and video about the 1954 Port Vale side. Click the button below for more…
From my memory, I had thought that we were the FIRST 3rd division club to reach the semi-final of the FA cup. Can anyone tell me which club got there before us?
Geoffrey, Millwall were a third division club in 1937 when they reached the semi-finals. They lost 2-1 to Sunderland.
Paine passed this on to us, great read and never knew that Vale side were known as The Iron Side, good luck at Chelsea Rob