QPR (7) – Luton Town (1) 

Football League (South) 

Team: Gregory (G), Rose, Dawes (G), Gillies (G), Ridyard, Farrow, Sibley (G), Daniels, Heathcote, Mallett, Abel,   

Attendance 5,000 

After winning 2-1 at Charlton the previous week, the R’s then took on Luton Town on 25th November 1944 at Loftus Road, with a starting line-up that included four guest players. 

The following account appeared in the Crystal Palace match programme a week later: 

‘Last Saturday we showed sufficient good form to warrant our 7-1 win against Luton Town.  

Had it not been for some fine goalkeeping by Miller we would certainly have taken the lead in the opening minutes. 

We set about our opponents right from the start and all our forwards were in good forceful mood, but it was left to the ever-green Sam Abel – playing in an uncustomed position at outside-left – to open our account. 

Young Harry Daniels engineered some fine raids, and it was very fitting that he should get his name in the honours by scoring two goals in his first home match in the league. 

It was also pleasing to see Wilf Heathcote running into last season’s form with a nice hat-trick. 

Apart altogether from our seven goals, the real strength lay in our middle line. 

Ridyard was very solid, while Gillies fed his forwards with a spoon, and I am certain we have made a find in young Farrow, he knows just how and when to part with the ball.  

Gregory, Rose and Dawes were always masters of the Luton attack.’  

The Reserves had beaten Chelsea 4-0 the previous week in front of a crowd of 1,200. That win increased their lead at the top and brought ‘their goal average to 39 for, against 6.’ 

Steve Russell 

(My thanks to Joe English for his assistance and to Gordon Macey (RIP) as always)