North-Eastern Daily Gazette, March 25 1895

WOMEN ATTEMPT TO PLAY FOOTBALL.

There was a very large attendance at Nightingale-lane, Hornsey, on Saturday, to witness the initial public match organised by the British Ladies’ Football Club, but the game was more fit for a house lawn than a public football ground. The girls did their best, and seemed in earnest, but their ideas of play were most comical, and their ignorance of the rules most amusing. The goal-keeper on one side had, on one occasion, a goal kick to take, and calmly kicked it through her own goal. Then she innocently asked Charles Squires, who acted as referee at the last moment, whether it was a goal to her. The lady players looked charming in their costumes, used a very small ball, did not unduly exert themselves, charge roughly, or indulge in foul play. The special bit of play in this game was the goalkeeping of Mrs Graham, who saved, kicked, and punted in beautiful style. Ultimately her side, the North, dressed in red, won by seven goals to one, but had she been on the other side matters might have been reversed. Another young lady who calls for special mention is Miss Obres, who worked hard and well at left back for the South. Miss Gilbert, who is of diminutive stature, was the pick of the forwards, and gained for herself the distinctive appellation of “Tommy,” many spectators loudly declaring from her tricky style of play that it was a boy in the team. At the close of the match the players were escorted to their dressing-rooms by an enthusiastic crowd, and it was with difficulty that they gained seclusion.

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