The St Albans City team experienced somewhat of a surprise in the good form shown by their Spartan League visitors, Sutton Court. They had to struggle harder than they expected to secure both points.
The visitors played fine, dashing football, their defense and wing play being especially good. For the City Patrick and Grimsdell, although playing together for the first time, showed a good understanding and with Smith in his best form between the sticks, the City defence was very effective. As to the forwards, Hosier and Hammond were at their best but Walker was not quite so prominent as usual, while Meagher proved that he is a better half-back than forward.
Cavanna started well and might have finished in the same fashion had not certain “critics” in the crowd commenced a senseless and unscrupulous “barracking” which they continued throughout the game. This had the effect of putting the Watford youth completely off his game and in the second half he could do nothing right.
Quite apart from the bad form displayed in harassing a sensitive players nerves, it should be remembered that the City Club are under an obligation to those players(of whom Cavanna is one) who come from other places to assist them. Therefore they should be treated with all consideration. The “noisy” portion of the Clarence Park crowd – to describe these individuals mildly – should bear these facts in mind.
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Since the above note was written we have been asked by a correspondent to refer to “that action of the spectators who insult players on both sides.” The behavior of these people disgusts the players and the more intelligent portion of the crowd. It should be abated before it becomes notorious.
Reprinted from “The Herts Advertiser & St Albans Times” – 4th February 1911. |
