The City came up to expectations in their Amateur Cup-tie with Hertford, sailing home comfortably by 5-2. The team was again without Webb and Price, both being called away at the last minute by business. In the circumstances, Patrick was partnered by one who assisted the City last season and who went to the county town with no intention of playing. Webb Richardson got knocked about a bit in the Barnet match on Thursday and it was thought best that he should have a rest. His place was taken by Weston, last year’s winger, who was also in the team on Thursday. With Price absent and J.Richardson required at centre-half, the City found themselves hard pushed for a centre-forward. Luckily Green, who will be remembered as the centre on occasions last year, was in St Albans and a chance meeting with the officials of the club led to him making the journey to Hertford. The City players all did well. Davis excelled himself, as also did Walker, who potted three of the five goals; Green got the other two.
It should be pointed out that up to half-time, when St Albans led 3-2, there was little to choose between the two teams and the home were if anything a trifle unfortunate to be behind at that period, for the second and third goals for St Albans were gifts. Hertford had the misfortune to lose Wright, their full-back, immediately after half-time and with only ten men for the whole of the second half it would be unfair to suggest that they deserved to lose.
The winners have a good defence and Smith, in goal, was in no way to blame for either of the goals and, in addition, he saved a penalty, so it must be admitted he did his share. The backs were good, with Patrick perhaps the best, but both spoilt a good display by far too much kicking out. Of the halves, Davis was perhaps the best and he had Rudd well held in the second half. Hosier and Butcher were fast and clever on the right, but the former hung up too far with the result that he was often offside, although it was not always given.
Reprinted from “The St Albans Post” Wednesday 13th October 1909. |
