The Newportonians paid their first visit of the season to Clarence Park on Saturday in search of Spartan League points. The most improved team in the League, the Newportonians team came with a good reputation and record, but the defeat by two goals to nil which they sustained practically puts them out of the running for the championship and takes the City another step in it’s direction.
The game was spoiled in a large measure by the large number of stoppages for minor injuries to players and by the ill mannerly behaviour of the crowd. Soon after the commencement Grimsdell strained or twisted his knee and retired behind the goal-line for repairs. Newportonians attacked and Clark, dropping back to assist the depleted defence, received an accidental kick on the ankle and was put out of action without the knowledge of the referee, who was following the play. The game continued and Edmonds was hurt in similar fashion. Then the game was stopped and the unusual sight was seen of three players being attended by colleagues and opponents in different parts of the field.
The gross proceeds of the match were to be devoted to the Mayor’s Hospital Fund and there was a good attendance.
Reprinted from “The Herts Advertiser and St Albans Times 12th April 1913.
It has been decided to devote the total proceeds of the “gate” on April 5th when the City meet the Newportonians (the most improved team in the League and one quite likely to lift the cup this year) to the St Albans and Mid Herts Hospital funds. The City Club will bear all expenses of the game and the Mayor (Councillor W.Fisk) will pay the ground charge, so that every penny taken at the gate and stand, or raised by the sale of tickets, will go to the Hospital.
Reprinted from “The Herts Advertiser and St Albans Times” 15th March 1913.
This was the occasion on which the squad photograph featured on the frontispiece was taken, the Reserves not having a fixture that day. |
