Tributes to Quakers FA Cup hero Dave Carr

Former Quakers striker Dave Carr died on November 12 aged 76.

The ex-colliery bricklayer played for the club for five seasons in the late 50s and early 60s, scoring 57 goals in 145 games, after singing from Spennymoor United.

Club historians say he will be best remembered for helping the club perform a giant-killing act by beating Chelsea in the fourth round of the FA Cup in 1958.

The Quakers, then in the Third Division North, stormed into a 3-0 lead in front of more than 40,000 people at Stamford Bridge.

Mr Carr had already had two shots saved, before a defensive mix-up allowed him to score an easy tap-in for the second goal.

He then set up the third, but Chelsea hit back to earn a 3-3 draw.

The replay saw 15,150 squeeze into Feethams. After 90 minutes it was 1-1, but Mr Carr scored one of three goals in extra time to put the club into the fifth round, which it lost to Wolves.

Mr Carr stayed at Darlington until 1962 when he signed for Workington, going on to score 47 goals in 108 appearances, before moving to Watford for a single season.

Defender Ron Greener was part of the team which beat Chelsea.

He said: “He was only average height but he could get up well for headers.

“He was a quiet lad but was well respected.”

Dave Mills, Darlington FC community and fans’ liaison manager, described Mr Carr as a great servant to the club.

“He was the kind of man who would be an excellent role model to any aspiring young players out there.

“We send out sympathy and condolences at this sad time to his family.”

Darlington FC historian Frank Tweddle added: “I think his finest hour would have been that victory over Chelsea.

“When you tell young people about that win now they just can't believe it.”

Mr Carr was born in Wheatley Hill, but lived most recently in Ormesby, Middlesbrough.

A service and cremation for the father-of-three will be held at Hartlepool Crematorium on Thursday, November 21 at 1pm. All friends welcome.