Game of the Day

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UPTON PARK v CLAPHAM ROVERS
The return match between these clubs, which was played in Upton Park on Saturday last, 7th February 1874, resulted in the defeat of the home team by two goals to one. Soon after three the ball was started by the Rovers, who, making use of their superior weight, carried it almost immediately into the vicinity of the Upton posts, through which P.R.St.Quintin, passing the backs and upsetting the goal-keeper, ultimately passed it. After the change of ends the game became more even, although the excellent back play of R.Ogilvie prevented the Rovers goal from being seriously endangered. At length a free kick from the corner flag, to which the Rovers became entitled, enabled C.C.Tayloe by a well-judged shot to land the ball, just in front of the Upton posts, through which the visitors, again making use of their weight, speedily carried the ball. Once again ends were changed, but no further noteworthy incident occurred before the call of time. For Upton Park, E.Curwen and T.Kitson made perhaps the most of an uphill game, but the home club was by no means well represented, the want of a properly qualified back being on this, as on other occasions, a constant source of weakness to the team, and a serious stumbling-block in the way of success. Among the visitors, H.S.Bevington and W.S.Buchanan were the most prominent, and P.R.St.Quintin, as usual, made his presence felt when called upon in an emergency. Sides:
Upton Park: M.Jay (captain), T.Kitson, C.Curwen, E.S.Curwen, A.Stair, H.Compton, P.Hunter, J.B.Hunter, W.R.Helmore, S.R.Bastard, and F.Barnett.
Clapham Rovers: C.C.Tayloe (captain), P.R.St.Quintin, R.St.Quintin, W.S.Buchanan, R.Ogilvie, H.S.Bevington, A.K.Hatch, H.Sprott, C.D.Chapman, H.A.Stanley, and H.Lawford.
The Sportsman Thursday 12th February 1874

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WANDERERS v UPTON PARK
On Thursday, 8th February 1877, this match was played on the ground of the First Surrey Rifles, at Flodden Road, Camberwell, it being the return to that played a short time since. The Uptonians won the toss for the choice of ends, and elected to play with the wind at their backs, notwithstanding which, the Wanderers pressed them very much at the outset, and corner kicks to the latter were frequent, though without resulting in anything serious. After a short time the Upton team improved in their play, and working the ball into close proximity to the Wanderers' goal; and presently Winterbotham, who had the co-operation of Spreckley, was enabled to score a goal for Upton Park. With the change of ends at half-time, the Wanderers made great exertions to retrieve their lost fortune, and Fox made several attempts; but the 'fickle dame' was not favourable to them, and, when time was called, the score stood the same, Upton Park winning by one goal to none. Sides:
UPTON: L.R.Bastard (captain) and F.L.Woolley (right side), F.Winterbotham and F.G.Sparkes (centres), W.J.Jervis and H.Spreckley (half-backs), C.E.Leeds and H.Hailley (backs), and F.Wilton (goals).
WANDERERS: F.B.Maddison (captain) and A.H.Stratford (backs), A.F.Kinnaird and F.T.Green (half-backs), J.G.Wylie, J.Daly, E.C.Foa, W.J.Maynard, R.L.Allport, G.Macan, and C.J.Fox.
Bell's Life in London Saturday 10th February 1877

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WANDERERS v HARROW SCHOOL
The return match between these old opponents was played at Harrow on Saturday last, the 9th February 1867, and after a most evenly-contested game terminated in a draw, no goal having been obtained by either team. The ground, owing to the increased rains to which it has lately been exposed, was on this occasion even in a muddier state than usual, and in combination with an exceedingly hot sun had the effect of rendering the game a little less lively than usually played by the boys. The Rovers, however, have passed too often through the ordeal of Harrow mire to be disheartened even at the ocean of mud which greeted them on their arrival at the football field. The places of the absentees having been filled by substitutes, the Rovers had the good fortune to win the toss for choice of goals, by which they secured the privilege of kicking down the hill, which to a heavy team is always a great advantage.
At about a quarter to three o'clock the ball was kicked off from the centre of the ground by the School captain, and with this signal both sides commenced the fray, the superior weight of the strangers first carrying the ball down the hill towards the School goal. The state of the ground, however, was adverse to any exhibition of 'dribbling' on the part of the Rovers, who but rarely piloted the ball past the School goal keepers, the latter defending their territory with great skill. The superior training and style of the boys soon compelled the Rovers to assume the defensive to preserve their goal from the attacks of their opponents who in the course of the match made many unsuccessful attempts at the Wanderers' goal. A splendid catch was made by J.Broadmead, only a few yards in front of the strangers' goal, though the subsequent kick did not carry the ball between the two goal posts. In spite, however, of the energetic efforts made by the players of the two sides to obtain a goal, no success greeted either team, and thus the match ended in a draw.
For the School, W.B.Money (the captain) was more than usually conspicuous for the extreme elegance of his play, ably supported by C.J.Smith and H.S.Willis. For the Wanderers, who received invaluable assistance from their emergencies, E.E.Bowen, A.Crompton, C.M.Tebbut, and R.D.Elphinstone greatly distinguished themselves. It was gratifying to notice that a considerable improvement is now being made in the path leading to the football field, which has been for many years such a disgrace to the school, and it is hoped that in future there will be a decent road to the field, suitable and acceptable for visitors, who have hitherto, in consequence of the disgraceful state of the approach, been prevented from appearing at the school matches.
The following were the sides:
Harrow School: W.B.Money (captain), C.J.Smith, F.R.Broughton (H.S.Willis), C.W.Walker, S.Gore, F.Templer, C.W.Archer, F.Carlisle, J.Palmer, J.R.Graham, and J.Broadmead.
Wanderers: C.W.Alcock, E.E.Bowen, A.Crompton, C.C.Parr, C.M.Tebbut, J.S.Young, R.D.Elphinstone, S.Carlisle*, H.H.Shakespeare*, B.Major*, and A.Carlisle.
*Emergencies.
Field Saturday 16th February 1867

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CIVIL SERVICE v WANDERERS
A match having been arranged between these clubs for Saturday last, 10th February 1866, at Battersea, there were found out of the two elevens no less than 16 who had the hardihood to show up at the appointed time and take their chance of the weather's treachery.
The park lying low, it may be supposed that, after all the rainy torrents of last week, the ground was just a little swampy. So damp was it, indeed, that the ball, as it rolled its way along, called up a watery following after it, and the players splashed about at and after one another in a way more suggestive of sniping and waterproofs than of football and long stockings. Still with such an ardent enthusiast as Mr Alcock as captain on one side, play was the word of the day; and play all did well, and with a right good will; and although running was heavy work, and kicking, on uncertain footing, and ball wet, a disappointment, there was at least the consolation of knowing that many a worse game had been played on many a better day, while neither side could have been thought to relax aught in its exertions or come short in its duty, since neither yielded to the other goal.
The Wanderers were: C.F.Buller, E.W.Burnett, H.G.Phipps, R.D.Elphinstone, Tebbut, Martin, Thompson, and C.W.Alcock.
Civil Service: C.G.Waudby, J.Kirkpatrick, F.Deacon, Wood, Circuitt, Thompson, Q.Hogg, and J.Hearne.
Bell's Life in London Saturday 17th February 1866

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WANDERERS v GITANOS
The return game between the Wanderers and the Gitanos was played at the Oval on Saturday 11th February 1871, when the former, as in the first trial of strength, proved victorious. The Wanderers secured through the instrumentality of Messrs Hooman and Wallace, two goals to none. On the same side, Q.Hogg proved himself, as usual, a very broad 'back', with every capacity for weight-carrying.
The Sportsman Saturday 18th February 1871

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THE FOREST CLUB v THOMPSON'S ELEVEN
(This) game was played on Saturday, 13th February 1864, when Thompson's Eleven came down to Leytonstone to endeavour to win back the laurels they had lost to the Forest Club on a former occasion. In spite, however, of all their efforts they were unable to attain the height of their ambition, for though the result was not so disastrous to them as before, yet the game was drawn, both sides obtaining two goals. Messrs C.Alcock and Pardoe for the Forest and Thompson and Greaves for Thompson's were the fortunate players to get them. The afternoon was, to say the least of it wet, and most of the players were fully aware of the 'power of the rain' before the game commenced; but they managed by a judicious application of another kind of wet to keep their spirits up for this encounter. The play of Messrs Greaves and Burnett for Thompson's and Messrs J.F.Alcock and Pardoe for the Forest was justly admired.
We think it saying a good deal for Thompson's Eleven when we record the fact that in no other match have the F.F.C.lost a goal, and it must be a satisfaction to the members of the Forest Club to know that the only adversaries who have got goals against them were able players and good fellows.
Forest Club: J.F.Alcock (captain), C.W.Alcock, Absolom, Cotton, Cutbill, Edwards, Gardener, Jackson, Pardoe, C.Tebbut, and A.Tebbut.
Thompson's Eleven: Burnett, Finlay, Greaves, Harper, R.Y.Head, Lucas, Melhurst, Reeves, C.Wright, F.Wright, and A.Thompson.
Bell's Life in London Saturday 20th February 1864

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WANDERERS v CIVIL SERVICE
The second match of the season between these clubs was decided at the Oval on Wednesday, 14th February 1872, resulting in a complete victory for the Wanderers. The Service on this occasion were only one less than their complement, and to make up the deficiency the Wanderers, who were 12 in number, sent one of their players to the other side. The Wanderers had the upper hand of their opponents throughout, which was hardly to be wondered at, considering their strength and weight, so that by the time arranged upon for the cessation of play the Wanderers had achieved four goals, the honours being divided between Bonsor and Wollaston. It was then determined to continue the game, and so well did the Civil Service make use of this new opportunity that they succeeded, after a determined rush, in eluding at once the vigilance of their adversaries, and secured an unexpected goal. During the remainder of the match, however, they were less fortunate, as before play ceased two more goals had fallen to the Wanderers, the game ultimately being recorded in their favour by six goals to one. For the Civil Service, J.Kirkpatrick and Giffard worked hard throughout; and Blomefield (back) showed such promising form that with more practice we venture to think he will prove a useful ally for the Service. For the Wanderers, Thompson's kicking was, as usual, excellent, and Bonsor and Wollaston were also conspicuous.
WANDERERS: C.W.Alcock, A.G.Bonsor, C.Childs, R.E.W.Crawford, E.H.M.Elliott, H.Emmanuel, C.F.Reid, A.C.Thompson, C.M.Thompson, R.C.Welch, and C.F.Wollaston.
CIVIL SERVICE: J.H.Giffard (captain), J.Kirkpatrick, A.W.Cruikshank, C.R.Marindin, G.F.Congreve, E.W.Wylde, T.W.Blomefield, W.H.White, W.Archer, G.R.Becker, and C.W.Lockhart (Wanderer).
Bell's Life in London Saturday 17th February 1872

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WANDERERS v BRIXTON CLUB
On Wednesday, 15th February 1871, was played at the Oval the return match between the Wanderers and the Brixton Club. The Wanderers sent into the field a small but select team, consisting of Messrs C.W.Alcock, Q.Hogg, C.F.Reid, F.Stileman, C.W.Stephenson, and R.W.S.Vidal, which half dozen were opposed by eight Brixtonians. In the end, the Wanderers were successful by one goal, secured by R.W.S.Vidal. The defence of Q.Hogg was most energetic, and contributed very materially to paralyse the exertions of the opposing team.
I may take the opportunity of congratulating the Novices on the matches which they have on hand. It is no case, I think, of 'vaulting ambition, which o'r leaps itself', but the exercise of a sound discrimination. In match-making - except in matrimony - the golden rule, depend on it, is not to aim too high. With marriage it is different, and for my part, if I had any views that way, I should go in point-blank for a duchess, supposing always that there was one in the market.
Next season the novices will be glad that they have not over-estimated their strength, and may find themselves capable of better things.
Chi va piano va lontano as the Italians put it.
The Sportsman Saturday 18th February 1871

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WANDERERS v WESTMINSTER SCHOOL
A match was played at Vincent Square on Saturday last, the 16th February 1867 between the Wanderers and Westminster School, the former club at the conclusion of the game retiring with the honours of victory. This was the second meeting this season between the teams, and the Westminsters were naturally anxious to retrieve the laurels they had lost by their defeat in the first contest. The Wanderers having won the toss, selected the lower goal. For a short time the superiority was decidedly with the Westminsters, who are playing in much superior form to that shown by them last term, the ball flying about in dangerous proximity to the 'rovers' goal, which was well defended by H.Forsyth and C.M.Tebbut. The advantage gained at the commencement by the Westminsters was soon, however, counteracted by the Wanderers, who with full numbers gradually drove the ball and the boys back into neutral ground, in the neighbourhood of which the fight was kept up with great spirit, varied only by the occasionally dashing charges of E.C.Bovill and W.J.Dixon for Westminster, and C.E.B.Nepean for the Wanderers. At last, however, Dame Fortune decided in favour of the Wanderers, for whom a goal was rather luckily obtained by J.Butter. Notwithstanding all the united efforts of the Westminsters, headed by H.R.Dupre and W.J.Dixon, they could not succeed in capturing the much-coveted goal, and when time was called the 'rovers' had not added to their score of one goal. For the Westminsters, W.J.Dixon, H.R.Dupre, A.G.Lee, and E.C.Bovill played up well, while their captain was as conspicuous as usual for his back-play. For the Wanderers, C.E.B.Nepean, W.J.C.Cutbill, and H.Forsyth were the most prominent. The following were the sides:
Wanderers: C.W.Alcock, J.Butter, W.J.C.Cutbill, R.D.Elphinstone, H.Forsyth, S.T.Holland, A.S.Mammatt, C.E.B.Nepean, C.F.Reid, P.Rhodes, and C.M.Tebbut.
Westminster School: S.H.West (captain), A.G.Lee, E.C.Bovill, W.J.Dixon, H.R.Dupre, J.C.Smith, C.E.Bickmore, F.Miller, H.S.Curteis, S.Randolph, and G.H.Lee.
Sporting Life Wednesday 20th February 1867

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CHARTERHOUSE SCHOOL v WANDERERS
On Wednesday last, 17th February 1869, a match came off between these old antagonists at the Middlesex Cricket Ground, Islington, which after a capital game, well contested on both sides, resulted in favour of the boys by two goals to one. The goal for the Wanderers was obtained by Baker, while Nepean had the credit of the first goal got by the School, the second resulting, after a general scrimmage, from an unlucky kick by one of the Wanderers. The latter coming to the ground short of their proper number were allowed two substitutes, both of whom gave great assistance. The names of the players on either side were:
CHARTERHOUSE: C.E.Nepean (captain), R.Dunn, F.Brown, A.Russell, H.Cameron, G.A.Bushnell, D.Barry, A.G.Lloyd, J.F.Inglis, W.S.Houghton, and A.Phillips.
WANDERERS: C.M.Tebbut (captain), A. and R.Cutbill, A.Baker, W.J.Dixon, C.F.Reid, J.M.Yates, F.Luscombe, and E.Fairfield. G.Carter and T.C.Hurley also played as substitutes.
Sporting Life Wednesday 24th February 1869