Back to Saturday 19th November 1983 and Crewe’s annual day out for the first round of the FA Cup.
Once again we were drawn away from home,this time a trip to Spotland to take on a Rochdale side managed by Jimmy Greenhoff. For Dario Gradi’s first FA Cup match the Alex lined up – Naylor, Edwards, Brady,King, Scott, Hart,Blissett, Crabbe, Waller, Leonard,Pullar. Substitute Bowers. In front of a gate of 2465 the Alex exited the competition at the first hurdle losing to a Peter Farrell goal on the stroke of half time.
The winning goal was greeted with an invasion of the home penalty area by a large contingent of the away following which resulted in a police enquiry!
