Game of the Day

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OLD HARROVIANS v WANDERERS
On Saturday last, 27th January 1877, these two ancient antagonists held their annual field day at the Oval. The general plan of the campaign was as follows: A force of Old Harrovians, eight men strong, was supposed to be marching from the Rink goal to force the position of the Wanderers, who with a small body of seven men held the upper fortress. The fight was stoutly maintained by both parties with varying success. Twice the beleaguered band made successful sorties, and carried the enemy's position, while a breach was once effected in their own walls. A flank movement of the besieged party was only stopped by a vigorous charge, which reduced the list of Wanderers on active service to six. Thus weakened, the chosen few could with difficulty keep their opponents at bay, and no less than four assaults were successfully made upon their citadel. The desertion to the enemy of an Old Harrovian made the contest more equal; but ere time was called, the invaders had achieved their sixth and last success. Score, six to two.
Old Harrovians: R. de C.Welch (captain, back), C.Colbeck, A.A.Hadow, G.Macan, C.C.Baulby, L.W.R.Carnac, W.B.Paton, W.T.Langford.
Wanderers: J.Kenrick (captain), A.H.Stratford (back), C.E.Smith, J.B.Hughes, H.Wace, two others.
Field Saturday 3rd February 1877

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THE WANDERERS v THE SHEFFIELD CLUB
FA CUP3
29th January 1876
It was arranged to commence this tie on the ordinary playing ground at one o'clock, but it was fully forty minutes before the ball was set in motion. Sheffield won the toss, and Birley kicked off from the gasworks end, even play being the order of the day for some little time. After they had been playing fifteen minutes a dense fog came on, despite which the game was carried on with great spirit, and on the time arriving for changing ends no goal had been obtained by either side, though once or twice the Sheffield fortress had been seriously menaced. Ten minutes after half-time the Wanderers bore down upon Sheffield and F.Heron sent the ball under their line. After this, in a melee near the Northerners' goal, Ellison sprained his leg, and was eventually obliged to retire. Once Kenrick kicked a goal, but it was disallowed, and ten minutes before time was called F.Heron gained a second for the Wanderers, who won by two goals to none. Mr C.W.Alcock was umpire for the Wanderers, Mr F.Whelan for Sheffield, and J.Kirkpatrick (Civil Service) was referee. Sides:
WANDERERS: F.H.Birley (captain) and F.T.Green (half backs), W.Lindsay and A.H.Stratford (backs), W.D.Greig (goal keeper), F.Heron, J.Kenrick, C.H.Wollaston, Hubert Heron, T.B.Hughes, and F.B.Maddison (forwards).
SHEFFIELD: M.Ellison (captain) and W.R.Wake (backs), W.E.Clegg and T.Wiley (half backs), W.H.Chambers (goal keeper), J.C.Clegg, R.A.Sorby, H.Sorby, J.Matthews, J.S.Wiley, and A.W.Kersham (forwards).
Athletic News Saturday 5th February 1876

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HAMPSTEAD HEATHENS v WANDERERS
This match was played at Hampstead on Saturday last, 30th January 1869, and ended in a most decided victory for the Hampstead men. The game began at a quarter past three, the Hampstead Heathens having ten men, and the Wanderers nine. The Wanderers won the toss, and chose to kick with the wind; but this did not help them much, and in about five minutes a goal was kicked for the Heathens by Evans. This was followed by others in such rapid succession that in three-quarters of an hour the Heathens had scored four goals. Another Wanderer (Gribble) then arrived, and this made the game much more equal. A fifth goal was, however, kicked by the Heathens, the Wanderers' goal-keeper kindly standing behind the goal-posts. After this the Wanderers played better, and several times placed their opponents' goal in danger, but the Hampstead men were always equal to the emergency. Time was called at a quarter to five, leaving the Hampstead Heathens victorious by five goals to none. The Hampstead men were much surprised at the result of the game, as they had expected that they would have to work their hardest to hold their own against such a crack club. This is only their first year, and they have not played many matches. The Wanderers did not appear to know one anothers play, and two goals at least were owing to their putting a wrong man in goal. They wasted their time and strength in endeavours to charge their adversaries, who were, however, too quick for them. Barnett, Hooman, and Cameron played well for the Wanderers. The Hampstead Heathens played very evenly, Crawford and Lake were perhaps the most effective.
Hampstead Heathens: H.Sharpe (captain), Boevey, Crawford, Chamberlain, Evans, Lake, Pitchford, Riley, P.Tatham, and S.Tatham.
Wanderers: Wade, Hooman, Rhodes, Cameron, Jutsum, Atkinson, Barnett, Brown, Gribble, and Welch.
The Sportsman Wednesday 3rd February 1869

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WANDERERS v OXFORD UNIVERSITY
This, the last match of the third ties, was played in the Parks at Oxford on Saturday last, 31st January 1874, and was naturally looked forward to with much interest, owing to the teams having met before, but without any decided advantage being obtained. The day was favourable as regards weather, and a tough struggle was anticipated. Unfortunately, however, the Wanderers were placed at a great disadvantage, owing to being deprived of the services of their usual backs, A.C.Thompson and Edgar Lubbock being detained by electioneering matters, and L.S.Howell by illness. One of their best forwards, C.F.Wollaston, was also absent, and after reaching the ground a telegram arrived stating that Captain Kenyon Slaney was detained in barracks in London on the off chance of there being any call for the military during the elections. The attendance of spectators was very large, and amongst others present was His Royal Highness Prince Leopold.
Shortly after 3 o'clock, the Wanderers having won the toss and chosen the lower ground, the ball was kicked off by their opponents, who lost no time, and soon drove the ball behind the Wanderers' goal line. It was, however, speedily returned by the visitors, and the game progressed without any advantage to either side for over an hour and a quarter, and it began to be the opinion of many the match would prove a draw. This, however, was not to be, as R.Barker unfortunately drove the ball over the Wanderers' goal line, and Oxford being entitled to a free kick, R.W.S.Vidal was deputed to do his best; this he did with a vengeance, sending the ball directly in front of one of the goal posts, and the goal keeper just touching it, and putting it more into the centre, Paton and Hughes were able to secure a goal for Oxford. This was the only advantage gained during the afternoon, and Oxford thus won by a goal. The Wanderers played pluckily and well, but, owing to the circumstances before mentioned, were over-matched. Mr H.B.Dixon (Oxford University) was umpire. The winners will have to meet the Clapham Rovers during this month, and, if successful in that match, will have to play the Royal Engineers for the final. Sides:
Oxford University: C.J.Ottaway (captain), R.W.S.Vidal, T.B.Hughes, J.W.Leahy, W.B.Paton, D.Johnson, R.H.Benson, F.H.Birley and F.B.Maddison (half backs), J.H.Bridges (back), and C.E.Nepean (goals).
Wanderers: C.W.Alcock, R.Barker, C.J.Chenery, W.P.Crake, R.K.Kingsford, H.S.Otter, W.F.O'Shaughnessy, R.C.Welch and S.R.Tatham (half backs), A.H.Stratford (back), and A.F.Kinnaird (goals).
Bell's Life in London Saturday 7th February 1874

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WANDERERS v CLAPHAM COMMON CLUB
The return match between these clubs was played on Clapham Common on Saturday last, 1st February 1868, and terminated in a victory for C.C.C. by two goals to one. The wind at the time appointed for the commencement of the game was blowing with such tremendous force that the advisabilty of attempting to play was discussed, but it was at length decided to carry out the original programme, and accordingly at 3.35 the ball was thrown up by the captain of the three C's. The home players won the toss and thus secured the invaluable aid of the wind, which was blowing straight down the ground from the upper goal. The Wanderers were at once placed on the defensive as the ball was soon speeding down to their lines, from which it appeared utterly impossible to remove it. Only a few minutes, however, elapsed before C.C.Dacre got a clear run, and planted the leather safely between the Wanderers' posts, thus securing the first goal for the home party. The Wanderers, now backed up by the wind, carried everything before them, though the excellent defence of the Clapham goal-keepers kept them for some time at bay. A run down the side by F.G.Paulson and E.A.Hammick, followed up by a good kick by H.J.Almond, at length secured the fall of the Clapham goal, and again the two sides changed ends. Some resolute attempts were now made by the Wanderers to carry the ball up into the territory by their opponents, but the adverse wind rendered all their efforts utterly powerless, and the ball was again borne down close to the rovers' goal, which soon surrendered to H.M.Dealtry. Play was kept up till 4.50, but the Wanderers failed to achieve any further score, and thus the C.C.C. remained the victors by one goal. It is impossible to make any comments on the style of either party, as the first kick off showed the utter fallacy of any attempt at long kicking, while all hopes of guiding or dribbling the ball with any degree of certainty was equally fallacious. The following is a list of the players:
Wanderers: C.W.Alcock, H.J.Almond, C.C.Boyle, E.A.Hammick, J.Kirkpatrick, F.G.Paulson, J.M.Yates, *R.Ker, *E.Tayloe. (*Emergencies)
C.C.C.: J.E.Tayloe (captain), F.B.Soden, H.M.Dealtry, P.V.Turner, C.C.Dacre, J.C.Ker, F.Cloete, F.Hartung, M.Eliot, W.Duthie.
The Sportsman Thursday 6th February 1868

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WANDERERS v CLAPHAM COMMON CLUB
The first match between these clubs was played on Clapham Common on Saturday last, 2nd February 1867, and, after a long contest, resulted in favour of the C.C.C. by one very flukily obtained base to none. The Wanderers, who appear only to shine with any degree of brilliancy in first-class matches, were, on this occasion, but poorly represented, only eight men having made their appearance at the time appointed for the commencement of the game, but four of whom were rovers of any renown. Having arrived at the scene of action, the Wanderers had the misfortune to lose the toss, which, in consequence of the extremely strong wind blowing straight down the ground, proved a great disadvantage, and, in fact, to their bad luck in losing the toss, more than any play of their opponents, may be attributed the defeat suffered by the rovers on this occasion. At about ten minutes past three the ball was started, the Clapham men kicking, of course, from the upper base, with the wind and hill in their favour. Westminster rules were supposed to be the basis of play, but, from what we could see, rules appeared to be but a second consideration with many of the players. For the first quarter of an hour the Wanderers struggled up bravely against the strong breeze, which effectually stopped all their attempts to keep the ball within their opponents' territory. In consequence of accidents, which had at the commencement of the game almost entirely disabled two of the most conspicuous rovers, the ball was, with the aid of the wind, gradually carried down towards the Wanderers' base, from the neighbourhood of which it was not easily extracted, except on one or two feeble attempts at a run up by the crippled rovers. In spite of the continual cannonade which was most effectually kept up on all sides of the Wanderers' base, no success was obtained by the men of Clapham, whose goal was on one or two occasions seriously threatened by the united efforts of the rovers, who played as well as, from their weakness, could be expected. The base which, thanks to the excellent defence of the Civil Kirkpatrick, had held out so bravely, at last fell to a very fluky kick almost from the extreme side of the ground, which, with the wind, carried the ball through the Wanderers' base. On changing sides, the Wanderers, who had now gained the assistance of the wind, in their turn, began to attack the lower base, which once or twice all but fell to the rovers, who, knowing the brief period now left for them to recover their lost ground, struggled gamely to effect the overthrow of their opponents, who now assumed the defensive to secure the success they had already gained. In spite, however, of the energetic and united efforts made by the members of the roving band, fortune appeared determined to cling to the Clapham party, for when time was called, the Wanderers had failed to score a base, and thus the match terminated in favour of the C.C.C. by one base to none. For the C.C.C. the most conspicuous were C.C.Dacre (of Clapham Grammar School), J.E.Tayloe, and H.Dealtry; for the Wanderers, who exhibited but little of that style of play for which they are so celebrated, the most prominent were H.Forsyth and W.J.C.Cutbill, while the base-keeping of the untiring Kirkpatrick was extremely elegant and effective. The names of the players were as follows:
Wanderers: J.F.Alcock, C.W.Alcock, W.J.C.Cutbill, W.Finch, H.Forsyth, C.Kirkpatrick, J.Kirkpatrick, A.Morten. *A.Townsend and *E.Tayloe (*Emergencies).
C.C.C.: J.E.Tayloe, H.Dealtry, C.C.Dacre, C.G.W.Gwatkin, A.Gordon, F.B.Soden, H.Wilkinson, H.Franks, C.Davidson, J.C.Ker, A.French.
The Sportsman Tuesday 5th February 1867

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HARROW SCHOOL v WANDERERS
The return match between the Wanderers and the School was played at Harrow on Saturday last, 3rd February 1866, and resulted in a victory for the 'rovers' by two bases to none. The persistent manner in which the great Pluvial Jove used his watering cans during the game, and the state of the ground, which can best be described as of Harrow - Harrowy, were rather trying to the most energetic, and rendered the match a pursuit of football under decided difficulties.
The School won the toss, and chose the upper base, with hill and wind, but in spite of these difficulties, shortly after the commencement of the game, a base was got by J.A.Boyson, after a good run-up by Messrs Alcock and Richardson, and just before time was called, a second was kicked by J.Worsley.
For Wanderers, H.G.Phipps and J.A.Boyson played in their usual style; for the School, H.H.Montgomery and W.B.Money.
School: H.H.Montgomery, Sir W.Ffolkes, C.L.Tupper, J.A.Ainslie, W.B.Money, G.O.M.Bridgeman, J.S.Holmes, C.S.Smith, F.P.Barlow, R.Thornton, J.F.Gibson.
Wanderers: C.W.Alcock, J.A.Boyson, A.Crompton (J.Broughton), R.D.Elphinstone, G.Hogg, J.B.Martin, H.Noyes, H.G.Phipps, J.T.Prior (J.Worsley), W.Richardson, A.Thompson.
The Sportsman Tuesday 6th February 1866

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WANDERERS v HARROW SCHOOL
The return match to that which took place on 5th November 1870, was played at Harrow on Saturday last, 4th February 1871, and was productive of a well contested game. Play began shortly after half past 2 o'clock, the Wanderers, who had won the toss, selecting the upper position, which, as the ground was in a very heavy state, proved no inconsiderable advantage. For a short time the lines of the visitors were closely invested, but after some hard fighting the Harrovians were driven back, and for a long time the game assumed so strictly even an aspect that when time arrived for changing positions at 3 o'clock neither goal had fallen, although so narrow an escape had the Wanderers' fortress suffered just prior to this movement, from a well-directed kick by one of the Harrovians, that much uncertainty existed as to whether the ball had passed between, or over the posts. After this the Harrovians, making full use of the benefits derivable from the aid of the hill, kept the Wanderers well employed on the defence, although they in their turn had their lines on more than one occasion seriously threatened. Once or twice the School had chances that could hardly be called difficult, and when play ceased at a quarter to 4 o'clock, in default of any score to either side, the match ended in a draw.
For the School, who, owing to Childe-Pemberton's retirement soon after the kick off, during the greater part of the game only mustered 10, Baily, Paton, Crawford, and Leaf (forward), and Welch (back), were most conspicuous; while for the Wanderers, Bowen's back play was as usual faultless from first to last, and Betts, Chenery, and Cruikshank worked very energetically throughout. Sides:
Wanderers: C.W.Alcock, A.J.Baker, M.P.Betts, H.P.Bouverie, E.E.Bowen, C.J.Chenery, J.A.Cruikshank, T.C.Hooman, A.F.Kinnaird, H.R.Bosworth-Smith, and C.W.Walker.
Harrow School: W.B.Paton (captain), R.E.W.Crawford, E.P.Bailey, G.Macan, W.F.O'Shaughnessy, T.A.Smith-Cunningham, R.C.Welch, C.G.O.Bridgeman, J.Mews, H.M.Leaf, and C.B.Childe-Pemberton (retired).
Bell's Life in London Saturday 11th February 1871

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WANDERERS v HARROW SCHOOL
The return match between these clubs took place at Harrow on Saturday last, 5th February 1870, and, after a game marked throughout by the absence of any great superiority on the part of either side, ended in favour of the Harrovians by one goal to none.
The Wanderers were fortunate in winning the choice of goals, and thereby gained the advantage of the hill; the ground, it may be remarked, having become so sodden by the rain of the two previous days as to be even more heavy and dirty than is the general rule even at Harrow. During the first half-hour the Wanderers made the best use of the advantage incidental to the occupation of the upper ground, and closely besieged the School goal, which was on one occasion on the verge of surrender to a well-aimed kick by T.Hammond, the ball passing directly over one of the posts.
At three o'clock, as neither party had secured any tangible success, ends were changed according to a rule lately introduced at Harrow, and within a few minutes the Harrovians were able to achieve the fall of the Wanderers' goal, C.W.Walker accomplishing this feat after a free indulgence in the objectionable system of catching, to which we have frequently called attention as the chief blot on the Harrow game. After positions had been reversed, the play was maintained with the greatest spirit, but without any further event, although the Wanderers on several occasions approached so close to the School goal as to be within a few feet of recovering their lost ground.
For the Wanderers, F.A.Elliot, A.W.Howard, and A.F.Kinnaird (forward), E.E.Bowen and A.H.Thornton (back) were most conspicuous, the last named exhibiting throughout play of the most brilliant description. For the School, W.P.Crake was at times prominent, and Brown (back) did much to atone for the severe loss the Harrovians suffered by the absence of W.Law.
As this is the last match of the Harrow Eleven this season, we should like to suggest the addition of another to the list of improvements they have lately made to their rules. Why not effect the abolition of the senseless principle of giving catches, which renders the Harrow game (otherwise so easy of comprehension) utterly inexplicable to all but those at the School, or only lately removed from its immediate influence? The eradication of a practice so capable of abuse is a consummation devoutly to be wished, and would moreover contribute no little to remove some of the barriers that at present impede the progress of football.
Wanderers: C.W.Alcock, E.E.Bowen, J.A.Cruikshank, F.A.Elliot, T.Hammond, A.W.Howard, A.F.Kinnaird, H.Noyes, and A.H.Thornton. *R.Macan and * H.Grey (*substitutes). Q.Hogg and P.M.Thornton were absent.
Harrow School: C.W.Walker (captain), W.P.Crake, G.C.Rivett-Carnac, R.E.Crawford, W.Paton, W.E.Openshaw, R.M.Warwick, W.D.G.Brown, J.S.Hood, and R.C.Welch.
Field Saturday 12th February 1870

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WANDERERS v HARROW SCHOOL
This return match was played on the School ground on Saturday last, 6th February 1869, and resulted in a second defeat for the Wanderers by two goals to none. The School won the toss, and elected to occupy the upper goal. The Wanderers made a desperate resistance, and it was not until three o'clock had struck, and - according to the new rule - ends had been changed, that either side succeeded in obtaining any advantage. Just at this point of the game, however, the Wanderers appeared to relax in their efforts, and at a critical moment a lucky chance fell to A.A.Apcar, which resulted in the fall of their goal. With the hill in their favour, the School soon added another goal to their score, C.W.Beaufort making the successful kick. During the last half hour the game was very even, neither side making any further score; and when time was called the School were hailed victors by two goals. For the Wanderers, F.E.R.Fryer and A.Tabor, and for the School, R.M.Warwick and C.W.Beaufort, played well.
Harrow School: S.W.Gore, W.Law, A.Apcar, R.M.Warwick, W.P.Crake, M.A.Bennett, S.F.Hood, W.D.G.Brown, C.W.Beaufort, A.H.Thornton, and G.R.Carnac.
Wanderers: G.G.Kennedy (captain), E.E.Bowen, J.A.Cruikshank, R.E.Crawford, F.E.R.Fryer, H.Holland, P.Rhodes, W.H.Rodwell, F.Stileman, A.Tabor, and E.M.Young.
Field Saturday 13th February 1869