150 Years Ago Today

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WANDERERS 6 CIVIL SERVICE 1
The Hitchin area's most prominent footballer of the era, the Wanderers' 'high kicker' Cecil Frederick Reid appeared in this match.

From the Bell's Life match report:
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 complement, and to make up the deficiency the Wanderers, who were twelve 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 the cessation of play the Wanderers had achieved four goals, the honours being divided between Bonsor and Woolaston. 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 Woolaston 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.Woolaston.
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).