FEW of tomorrow’s spectators will recall the last meeting between Dorchester Town and Plymouth Argyle but long-time supporter Melvin Cross is one of them.

The club historian was just 12-years-old when he made the trip to Home Park for an FA Cup second round tie in 1957.

The Magpies lost 5-2 against their more illustrious opponents but were left cursing their luck after spurning a host of opportunities on a memorable December day.

Harry Penk gave the home side a 12th-minute advantage before Wilf Carter and Jimmy Gauld – recent acquisitions from West Brom and Everton respectively – put Plymouth into a commanding lead prior to half-time.

The visitors refused to surrender and cut the deficit through Bobby Barker before the same man was upended in the box and Derek Stroud converted from 12 yards.

Carter went on to add two more to complete his hat-trick and earn Argyle a home tie with Newcastle in the third round but it could have been a very different story had the Magpies not missed several chances in both halves.

Looking back at the December 7 clash, Cross said: “My memory is a bit hazy as I was only 12-years-old at the time.

“My father and mother were landlord and landlady of a public house in Dorch-ester and my dad arranged an outing for the pub regulars to go to the match, and I was taken along as well.

“I do remember being stood on the terraces behind one of the goals and there were a lot of drunken sailors at the match, which was a bit intimidating for a 12-year-old boy.

“My recollection of the match itself is a bit vague but we pulled it back to 3-2 and I expect the players started to tire, especially with them being part-time and Ply- mouth most likely full-time.

“I was also at the game in 1954 when we lost 5-2 in the second round to York City, who went on to reach the semi-finals that year.

“We have had some very good runs in the past, and not only in the FA Cup. I remember when we almost made round four of the FA Trophy but lost 3-2 to Woking (1996/97) – that was a big game at the Avenue.”

Cross went on to add: “We have had our days in the competition and hopefully this one will be another.

“Plymouth have pulled their socks up a bit of late, despite being in the lower half of League Two.

“It’s all about what happens on the day, as well as having a bit of luck. A lot will also depend on Dorchester’s defence being fairly solid.”

Also present at the last encounter with Argyle was Helen Curtis – widow of Magpies’ legend Dinky Curtis.

Although not married to Dinky at the time, Helen was in the crowd to watch her beloved Dorchester.

She said: “I was about 17 at time and I remember there being a terrific atmosphere at the game.”

Magpies’ 1957 line-up: Ken Bird, Roy Targett, Laurie Cunningham, Joe O’Boyle, Ray Walbridge, Martin MacDonald, Dinky Curtis, Derek Stroud, Denis Cheney, Charlie Purves, Bobby Barker.