Two relegations in consecutive seasons during the late 1950's meant that the Rovers found themselves in the newly-formed Fourth Division which had commenced operations 12 months earlier. A number of players had been brought in to replace those who had been released at the end of the previous season and, together with Jackie Bestall, who had been appointed Team Manager some months earlier, hopes were high that the club would go some way to arrest the decline in its fortunes over the previous two seasons.

The season began with a defeat at Torquay United, but consecutive home games with Millwall and Northampton Town provided a goalless draw and the first win of the season respectively. The return fixture at Millwall provided a further point and the next home game, against Watford, another win, before Barrow came to Belle Vue in early September and left with a handsome victory to their credit.

The early part of the new season certainly proved to be a topsy turvy affair, and was never better illustrated than when the Rovers beat Southport by five clear goals at Belle Vue in late September, only to lose by exactly the same scoreline at Gateshead just two days later. October proved to be a dreadful month. Five of the seven games played were lost, although, as far as the Rovers were concerned, the best was saved until last as Hartlepool were hammered at Belle Vue on the last day of the month. The next two months saw much of the same, with the Christmas fixtures providing a brace of draws with Oldham Athletic.

The New Year opened with another away defeat at Northampton Town and the Rovers' League position was beginning to provide a reason for concern. However, an astonishing run of eight wins and a draw from the next eleven games provided relief to all connected with the club. Three were a number of creditable performances, including away wins at Watford, Notts County and a particularly pleasing six-two thrashing of Hartlepool at the Victoria Ground.

Such a run came as a tremendous gee-up to the whole club, and whilst the remainder of the season provided little to get excited about, the Rovers' League status was secure for another season, and that was something to be grateful for. A final league placing of 17th had been achieved and that in spite of the fact that, of their last six League fixtures, no less than five had been away from home!

The FA Cup provided much in the way of excitement. The Rovers found themselves three goals down at home to non-League Gainsborough Trinity in the first round, but hit back with three goals of their own in the last 20 minutes to secure a draw. The replay was duly won, but not without a fight from the minnows. The second round saw a the Rovers blessed with a further home draw, this time against old rivals Darlington. The Rovers sneaked through by the odd goal in five, but were disappointed to draw Bristol Rovers away in the third round. They did well to gain a draw at Eastville, but the Rovers from the West Country came out on top in the return game at Belle Vue before what proved to be the Rovers' best 'gate' of the season.

Leading scorers (league) Fernie 19, Leighton 15, Clark 8