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THE 1950s were rollercoaster times for supporters of Derby County, writes Anton Rippon.

Relegation in 1955, after arguably the worst season – and the worst team – in the Rams’ history, saw the club dumped into the Third Division for the first time.

But then two great seasons in the Northern Section, in which they scored more than 200 goals, ended with promotion back to the Second.

Then, in August 1957, Derby made a disastrous start to their first season back in Division Two.

They lost 2-0 at Fulham on the opening day, 5-2 at Bristol Rovers in midweek, and 4-1 to Barnsley (managed by former Rams’ star, Tim Ward) in their first home game which was watched by more than 22,000 fans.

Our picture shows Barnsley scoring one of their goals at the Osmaston End of the Baseball Ground.

Rams’ goalkeeper Terry Webster looks disgusted.

Centre-half Ray Young is on the goal-line and the other Rams’ defenders are Geoff Barrowcliffe and Martin McDonnell.

Clearly, manager Harry Storer had to make changes for the return match with Bristol Rovers.

Out went Straw and in came little George Darwin, signed from Mansfield Town the previous May.

Rugged Martin McDonnell switched to replace the polished local product Ray Young at centre-half and the Rams recorded their first win.

Parry and Darwin scored in the 2-1 victory.

Derby went on to finish 16th at the end of the season.

• Webster woes

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County:  Derbyshire
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This article is from the Derby Evening Telegraph and is reproduced online here.