MOOR LANE’ S CLASS ACT
In keeping with Manchester FC ' s high standing in English rugby union, on 3 December 1938 Moor Lane was chosen as the venue for a trial match between England and a Possibles XV. Earlier that year the tall banking on the Moor Lane side of the ground had been terraced and an attendance of between 8,000 to 10,000 was expected for the match. Though no official crowd was given, the ground was said to be full to capacity, making it probable that somewhere approaching 10,000 were at Moor Lane that afternoon. However, with Salford, Swinton and, for a while, Broughton Rangers on their doorstep, Manchester FC were in the middle of a rugby league stronghold, and they departed Moor Lane in 1968 and moved to Grove Park in Cheadle Hulme.
Next at Moor Lane were Langworthy ARLFC, who stayed for three seasons before ground owners Salford Council announced plans to demolish Moor Lane and replace it with a school. Nothing came of the plans but, empty and unloved, Moor Lane fell into disrepair until Salford Amateurs arrived on the scene in 1979. Formed as Salford Central in 1940, the club had enjoyed some success in the Manchester League, latterly playing at a basic ground in Hough Lane. With the view of playing at a higher level, Salford Amateurs merged with Cheshire League side Anson Villa in 1980. Changing their name to Salford FC, the club set about bringing Moor Lane back to life, fixing the roofless stand and making the venue habitable again. Rewarded with a place in the Cheshire County League for 1980 / 81, Salford became founder members of the North West Counties League in 1982 / 83. Floodlights were erected in 1990 as Moor Lane was gradually brought up to
Moor Lane in 1981 Photo: Bob Lilliman
Matchday at Moor Lane in 1987 Photos: Bob Lilliman
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