MIDDLESBROUGH FOOTBALL CLUB
PAGES FROM HISTORY
PRE-
Match Reports from Middlesbrough’s victorious run in the 1895 Amateur Cup.
The Route:–
Bishop Auckland, away, won 3-
Darlington, away, drew 1-
Darlington, home, drew 1-
Darlington, home, won 2-
Old Brightonians, away, won 8-
King’s Own Lancaster Regiment, at Derby, won 4-
Old Carthusians in the final, won 2-
North Eastern Daily Gazette
Game played 9th February 1895,
Bishop Auckland v Middlesbrough
My Auckland correspondent writes:– The Cup tie between Auckland and Middlesbrough was disappointing, neither side coming up to expectation. Auckland expected to have put a representative team on the field. But Bousfield lost his train at Barnard Castle, and the result was that Stainthorpe had to come from forward to full back, and for ten minutes Auckland had to play with ten men until Wilson got on the field. Not long after Brown was laid out and had to retire, but returned for a few minutes in the second half. Strophair, the Auckland goalkeeper, appeared for the first time after his illness, and he was lamed and rendered useless after the first ball he attempted to stop. Foster was also laid out in the first half, and was never the same afterwards.
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Middlesbrough scored thrice to Auckland’s once the first half. The first goal
was disputed. It was got from a free-
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Of the teams, Middlesbrough was by far the heavier of the two, and did not forget to use their weight. This led to much more feeling being put into the game than I cared to see. Tom Bach was by far and away the best of his side. He is a big fellow, and I watched him closely, and I am bound to say that I could not see anything in his play that could be called objectionable and unsportsmanlike. His smart tackling and clean kicking were the salvation of his side. He was always at the right spot when wanted. His brother, Phil Bach, and Piercy played a sturdy game at full back. Of the forwards I should have liked to have said that Mullens was the smartest if it had not been for his peculiar tactics.
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For Auckland Upton and stain Thorpe played a good game at full back. Both men worked very hard. Brown played well at half until lemon, and after that Marshall was the pick. All the forwards played well, but with the chopping and the changing they never had a fair chance. But some good chances were missed. In fact, it was Auckland’s unlucky day. But taking all the cases into consideration a defeat by a single goal was nothing to be ashamed of.
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A morning contemporary in its report of the game says:-
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A Middlesbrough gentleman, who was present at the match, informs me this morning that the conduct of the spectators was disgraceful throughout, and on the visiting team leaving the field they were pelted with snow and filthy language used towards them.
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North Eastern Daily Gazette
Game played 23 February 1895,
Darlington v Middlesbrough
FOOTBALL
NOTES ON GAMES AND PLAYERS.
When last I visited the Feethams, Darlington, I had the pleasure of seeing a grandly and fairly fought game. But on Saturday what I anticipated would have been a trial of skill at the game between the representatives of the Darlington and Middlesbrough clubs turned out to be really little better than a game in which brute force was the leading feature. Hacking, kicking, jumping, and tripping were freely indulged in, especially in the later stages of the match, and for my part I would never desire to see another match if I thought it had to fall to my lot to witness such a disgraceful exhibition. There were exceptions on both sides, and I congratulate them on showing their companions that there were a few who could control their tempers and play a gentlemanly game.
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The match was brimful of exciting instances throughout. Middlesbrough had slightly the better of the general play in the opening half, notwithstanding that a goal was scored against them: while in the second portion they just about worried the Darlington team, so far as attacking was concerned, but owing to a most miserable shooting display they failed to score, except from a penalty kick, and it was only at the second attempt that they scored from that. Each side had two corners conceded in the first half, while in the second period Middlesbrough had three to Darlington’s two, and in the extra time Middlesbrough had two to Darlington’s none. Further, it is worthy of note that each side got the ball into the net three times. Each side had a goal disallowed for offside, and each side got the ball into the net from a free kick without the leather having touched anyone in transit.
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The Darlington team’s great strength was in their defence, and right splendidly
did the custodian, backs, and half-
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For Middlesbrough Richmond was very moderate, and it was well for hid side that
he was not troubled a great deal. Had he been I have an idea that the Tees-
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Every reasonable-
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Mr Boldison had never signified by blowing his whistle that everything was in order for the kick to be taken, and consequently he ordered the ball to be again placed, and when he had got the players behind the line he blew his whistle, and Davison landed the ball into the net. Mr Boldison was in no way to blame, for no kick taken prior to a referee having blown his whistle as a signal that such should be done is legitimate. I heartily sympathise with Mr Boldison in having had to suffer indignity through the fault of another. Phil Bach’s hasty action was the cause of the whole trouble. He no doubt did it without thought, and in the excitement of the moment. The “gate” amounted to £44.
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Northern Echo, March 4, 1895.
Match played March 2, 1895.
SATURDAY'S FOOTBALL.
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MIDDLESBROUGH V. DARLINGTON.
English Amateur Cup.
This replayed tie was on Saturday witnessed by about 4,000 spectators, assembled
on the Linthorpe-
MIDDLESBROUGH. -
DARLINGTON.-
The homesters played against a strong sun in the first half, but were the first to
look dangerous, Nelmes shooting closely, but the ball went behind. Some nice combination
on the part of the Darlington men reversed the position, but being repulsed Middlesbrough
again went to the front, and Nelmes receiving from Davison gave Henderson and his
backs a lot of trouble before the danger was removed. Piercy and Phil Bach were next
called upon, the latter clearing in great style. Callaghan returned but Richmond
was equal to the task, till by illegal interference with the custodian the Skernesiders
got the ball between the posts. No point was allowed, and after Henderson had thrice
rejected the Darlingtonians had again the mortification of getting the ball into
the Middlesbrough net without scoring, Oliver being given off-
Middlesbrough ................1 goal
Darlington ........................1 goal
On restarting Middlesbrough were the first to the front, and after some smart passing
between Hewitson, Mullen, and Davison, the latter shot in, but was given offside.
After Darlington had been repulsed, the home team again attacked, and Rogers missed
a capital chance. Middlesbrough had the best of some hard exchanges, but they could
not break through the Darlington defence. Norris was temporarily incapacitated, but
soon returned to his post. When Darlington had a look in Callaghan's effort was fruitless
and though Middlesbrough next succeeded in forcing a corner, the visitors crowded
the goal, and no score accrued. At this point the heavy going was telling plainly
upon both teams, but though some of the Middlesbrough men seemed to be more fagged
than their opponents, play continued to rule chiefly in Henderson's territory. Though
the players were fairly well pumped the game proceeded amid increasing enthusiasm
on the part of the spectators, and as each goal was called the score still stood
at one goal each, and this was not altered after extra time of ten minutes each way
had been played. Final result:-
Middlesbrough ................1 goal
Darlington ........................1 goal
Athletic News 4 March 1895.
Separate them somewhat. Who? Middlesbrough and Darlington. They cling closer to each other than brothers. A week ago they could not be divided at Darlington when they met to decide their right to enter the next round of the Amateur Cup competition; the tie was replayed on Saturday at Middlesbrough, and so, at least, the “Ironsides” should have settled the “Quakers.” But no; a second draw of a goal each ensued after extra time, and the teams will have to met a third time. Unfortunately for Middlesbrough they played with 10 men the greater part of the afternoon, Phil Bach being injured. I hear that he sustained a serious fracture of the hip bone.
Athletic News 18 March 1895.
The Amateur Cup, sir, is coming to the North. It was just a question of whether
it would go to Darlington or Middlesbrough, but making no mistake in their third
replayed tie with the “Quakers” on Saturday Middlesbrough won handsomely by two goals
to nil. It was a ding-
TOM TIDDLER
Northern Echo, March 18, 1895.
Match played March 16 1895.
SATURDAY’S FOOTBALL.
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ASSOCIATION.
MIDDLESBROUGH V. DARLINGTON.
English Amateur Cup. -
The above teams met for the third time in the third round of the Amateur Cup
at Middlesbrough on Saturday, before 4,000 spectators. Two previous encounters had
proved drawn games, and this had greatly intensified public interest in the tie.
Teams:-
MIDDLESBROUGH. -
DARLINGTON. -
Middlesbrough started the ball against wind and sun, but were at once driven
back. A free kick in close quarters reversed the position, and the Darlington defence
was called upon. Jack Walsh put in a beauty when “hands” was called, but Nelmes missed
his opportunity. Darlington then went to the front, and hands off Piercy made matters
dangerous for the homesters, but Johnson headed away and the ball was returned over
the crossbar. Cooper had shortly to defend, and narrowly escaped having his colours
lowered by conceding a corner. Darlington again had hard lines, when a free kick
for hands off Piercy just grazed the upright. The same player again deliberately
handled, but again the ball was got away, and in a fine run Middlesbrough’s left
forced a corner, which came to nothing. At the next attempt Walsh kicked just too
full for Rogers to reach, and the ball went behind, but the goal-
Middlesbrough……………..… 0
Darlington ……………………..0
On restarting, it did not at first seem as though Middlesbrough would make much of
the advantages of wind and sun. The Skernesiders were first to the front, but Almond
shot over. Middlesbrough retaliated, but were again driven back, and a corner fell
to the visitors, who failed to convert. The homesters from this point had an immense
advantage in the play, and kept Henderson lively. Morren sent in a beauty, and Johnson
carried the ball and custodian into the net. No score. Again Middlesbrough pressed
vigorously, and from a well-
Middlesbrough………..……… 2
Darlington ……………………..0
It was stated on the field that Darlington would lodge a protest against Murphy playing for Middlesbrough, on the ground that he was not eligible, having played for Hebburn Argyle in the qualifying round of the professional cup competition.
North Eastern Daily Gazette, March 18, 1895
FOOTBALL
NOTES ON GAMES AND PLAYERS.
Middlesbrough will make the journey down south, possibly on Friday afternoon, in order to antagonise the Old Brightonians in the third round on Saturday next. The players have done wonderfully well for their club, and are deserving of a good outing. I wish the lads every success, and trust that the directors will see they have the good time they deserve. The “gate” on Saturday realised just over £100.
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South Durham and Cleveland Mercury, Friday 29 March 1895.
Old Brightonians v. Middlesbrough
To all appearances Middlesbrough will this season be the destination of the
English Amateur Cup. On Saturday they very easily-
Athletic News 15 April 1895.
MIDDLESBROUGH v KING’S OWN ROYAL
LANCASTER REGIMENT
In consequence of the ground at Leicester not being available this match in the penultimate round of Amateur Cup Competition was played on the baseball ground at Derby on Saturday evening. The soldiers won the toss and attacked, but Middlesbrough were the first to press seriously, albeit the opening exchanges were somewhat even. Both goals were assailed, and but for the splendid goalkeeping of S.Cooper the Lancastrians would have scored more than once. Indeed, the soldiers were much more aggressive than their opponents, though the defence was to good to allow of any liberties. At length Gettins scored for Middlesbrough, who crossed over with a lead of one goal. The second half opened with an unfortunate accident to Private Ward, the soldier’s centre forward, who was kicked over the eye and temporarily retired to have the injury attended to. Lancastrians played up pluckily, but could not penetrate the Middlesbrough defence, and Gettins put the leaders further ahead. From now to the finish the Middlesbrough men asserted their superiority, and won by four goals to nil. The winners did not have so much of the play as their score would indicate and their easy victory is principally due to the excellence of their defence.
And a report from the local paper.
North Eastern Daily Gazette, April 15, 1895.
FOOTBALL
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NOTES ON GAMES AND PLAYERS
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Saturday, the 13th. April 1895, will always be looked upon as a memorable day in
the history of local football by reason of the brilliant performances of Tees-
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Then there is South Bank’s fine performance at Leeds in effecting a draw with Old Carthusians, the Amateur Cup holders, who are now the only representatives of the south left in the competition. I sincerely hope that the Bankers will come off victors in the replayed match. If they do I believe the final will be played at Stockton. Should the Old Carthusians conquer them it is possible the final will be played at Sheffield.
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Lately comes the fact that the Middlesbrough Reserves have won the Gazette Cup
and Tees-
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It is usual for a team on entering the arena to be cheered by the spectators; but at Derby on Saturday matters were reversed, as it was the solitary spectator from Middlesbrough, not counting the three officials who had accompanied the players, that received an ovation from the team on arriving on the ground just prior to the game commencing. The day was perfect for the playing of football, the sun only shining moderately and there being very little wind. The ground, which is some seven yards shorter than the Middlesbrough ground, was in splendid trim, and everything promised well for an excellent contest.
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The attendance was most disappointing, the having been miserably advertised, but
those who were present were treated to an exhibition which, in a Derby County Club’s
official opinion, was vastly superior, particularly in the first half, to what had
been given during the season at many League matches at Derby. Many may think that
Middlesbrough had a very easy task, but such was not so. The soldiers were a very
excellent team, and knew how to play the game, and it was with considerable anxiety
that the three officials of the Middlesbrough Club watched the match for two-
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Sid Cooper was in great form; indeed, had it not been for the skilful and daring
fashion in which he acquitted himself during the opening half, the soldiers must
have scored on two or three occasions. I may here mention that the soldiers’ front
rank combined beautifully, and their swift runs, during which the ball was passed
from man to man very cleverly, was a treat to witness. There was no hesitation about
their shooting either. The passing, dribbling, and dodging were not overdone, and
being well fed as they were by the halves and full-
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Piercy played a plucky, hard, and very effective game, but Wilson was anything but
safe. He was not in the best of health, and that may be some explanation for his
weak display. Of the half-
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I hope the Middlesbrough forwards will take one lesson from the soldiers, and that
is to have no hesitation in having a pop at goal. The Tees-