There was a good muster of spectators round the ropes at Clarence Park on Saturday to witness the F.A.Cup tie between St Albans City and Tufnell Park and Albanians had the pleasure of seeing their team claim victory. It was a hard fought game, probably the hardest the City has ever fought and certainly the victory is the most meritorious that the City has claimed. In one or two respects the home team was new. G.Webb, the old Redbourn back, J.Squires, the old Redbourn half and Catlin, late of Crouch End Vampires, donned the blue and gold for the first time. Patrick turned out for the first time this season.
The spectators were given a real cup tie game right from the kick-off to the final whistle. Every praise is due to one and all of the City men for the energy they put into the game and the way they stuck to their guns right to the end. Perhaps the City men were a trifle lucky in winning, but why should they not have a little luck once in a way ?
Smith played a magnificent game in goal and is to be complimented upon some fine saves. Patrick was out for the first time this season, which fact probably accounted for him not being at his best. G.Webb, of Redbourn, made his first appearance with the City and as partner to Patrick he played a fine game. J.Squires, also of Redbourn, was in the City colours for the first time, being in the left-half position. Generally his exhibition gave cause for satisfaction but, like Davis and Price, he had a clever set of forwards to look after and if the halves were not always successful in their efforts, this fact has to be considered.
The City forward line turned out at its strongest for the first time and while there is, of course, room for more understanding between the five, their display gave every credit. Catlin made a good centre. He was not brilliant but generally he was where he was wanted and put in much useful work.
If the City can turn out the same team on Saturday in the Charity Cup match at Clarence Park against Apsley, they should win comfortably.
The number of people who paid for admission to Clarence Park last Saturday was 750, including 158 boys. The total receipts amounted to £10 19s. 1d. and, after paying expenses, the City’s share is – hold your breath – 15s. 5d. This will show that cup ties at Clarence Park are not very profitable undertakings. Tufnell Park took £5 5s. 9d. of the gate money, including the railway fares of their team. In the match against Apsley next Saturday all the profits go to Hertfordshire charities.
The City do not grumble about the conditions for the hire of Clarence Park and do not begrudge their help ; nay, they are only too pleased to do all they can for charity. At the same time it can be seen that the exchequer of the club is not being weighed down with gate receipts, the main source of income, and the secretary appeals to sportsmen to support the club in a practical manner, either by becoming vice-presidents or hon.members for which the minimum subscriptions are 10s. 6d. and 2s. 6d. respectively. We imagine there are large numbers of sportsmen who will be willing to at least become honorary members. Are you one ?
C.Watson, who captained the Tufnell Park team on Saturday and played at left-half, and R.B.Turner, the Park inside-left, have signed County League forms for the City, as also has F.Fayers, the Watford half-back and amateur international.
Previous to Saturday’s match, Smith, Webb, Price, Butcher, Catlin, Squires and Richardson had never played in senior football.
Reprinted from the The St Albans Post 22nd September 1909. |
