GERALD Parsons, from Halwill, celebrates his 83rd birthday this week.

Prior to the Plymouth Argyle v Liverpool game at Home Park last night (Wednesday), he shared his memories of the two teams meeting 61 years ago.

“When I saw the draw for the fourth round of the FA Cup it brought back memories of the same fixture just over 61 years ago but a league game as Liverpool took on Plymouth Argyle.

“I was stationed at ‘The 64th Training Regiment’ Royal Artillery, Park Hall Camp, Oswestry, Salop. I was a drill instructor on the square and training other young men aged 18-21-years-old during their national service (ten weeks training).

“One of the many young men I met during my time at Park Hall was a professional footballer called Reg Wyatt from Plymouth, who at this time was mainly playing at weekends for Argyle Reserves. He was a tall man and played centre-half or full-back.

“He was always training in the camp and we would kick around the ball together for hours. He was working in the regimental stores as chief storeman.

“I had my 500cc Matchless motorcycle in the camp and I was amazed when Reg came around to my bunk to ask me if I could take him to Anfield as he had been selected to play for Argyle’s first team to play against Liverpool. It was about 45-miles each way. He was very excited about it and so was I.

“The big day came and away we went, we arrived safely. I parked up near the Plymouth Argyle dressing room 40 minutes before kick-off. Reg said, ‘just wait there and I will see if I can get you a ticket’.

“He came back after about ten minutes and was smiling, and so was I when he gave me a complimentary ticket to watch the match and have tea after the match — I ended up in the Liverpool directors’ box and what a wonderful afternoon I had.

“Plymouth Argyle lost 4-1, but I will never forget it. We had a safe journey back to camp.

“I really hope that Argyle did the business last night and beat the mighty Liverpool in their replay at Home Park – wonders never cease!”