1886/87
From Weekly Exchange.
Match played October 2 1886
MIDDLESBRO’ v STOCKTON.
Played at Middlesbro’ on Saturday. The Stocktonians winning the toss, played
with the sun at their backs during the first half. The play was fast throughout and
frequently very exciting, and Stockton, although never in it, made several plucky
and determined struggles to force a goal. Emmerson and Pickles (forwards) particularly
distinguishing themselves. The Rev. E. J. Wilson drew first blood, sending in a very
stiff ball soon after the start, which Welch had no chance of stopping. He followed
this up with a capital long shot, which was, however, not equally successful. The
ball was then rushed swiftly through the Stockton ranks by the home forwards to Borrie,
who sent it clean through a second time. R. Wilson, after making a capital single-handed
run up, passed cleverly to the Rev. Wilson, who sent it in to Dennis, and the latter
quickly landed the third goal. Just before half-time Stockton twice carried the ball
into the Middlesbrough quarters, but failed to score. On the second occasion Dawkins,
rushing out of goal to catch the ball, collided violently with Pickles, and winded
him. After half-time, when Stockton got the sun in their faces, the home team scored
rapidly. On the resumption of play the Rev. Wilson sent in a splendid long shot from
the right wing, which Welch beautifully fisted out, but R. Wilson at once rushed
it through, and added the fourth goal. Almost immediately the ball was sent in again
by Fox to Dennis, who headed it through. Fox followed this up with a brilliant screw
kick from the extreme right edge of the ground, landing the sixth goal in capital
style. The game was at this point most stubbornly contested. Welch defending his
goal most admirably, as indeed he did throughout. After a bit of smart passing R.Wilson
made another good shot, which struck the crossbar, and the Rev. Wilson catching it
on the rebound, sent it into goal. The ninth and tenth goals were also kicked by
the Rev. Wilson, who played an excellent game. Cochrane, Wynn, and Bach also did
good service. Teams:-- Middlesbrough -- J.Dawkins, goal; T.H.Wynn, T.Bach, backs;
S.Crase, O.H.Cochrane, W.Pickstock, half-backs; F.Dennis, R.Wilson, A.Borrie, (capt.),
Rev.E.J.Wilson, and W.Fox, forwards. Stockton -- Welch, goal; W.Borrie (capt.), Watson,
backs; Atkinson, Rogers, Allison, half-backs; Pickles, Emmerson, Faber, Brown, and
Gray, forwards.
Weekly Exchange 6 November 1886
Game played 30 October 1886
Football.
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MIDDLESBROUGH v. BISHOP AUCKLAND CHURCH INSTITUTE.
This important match in the first round of the English Challenge Cup, was decided
on Saturday afternoon, in the cricket field, Auckland, in the presence of between
2,500 and 3,000 spectators. Rain fell very heavily throughout the morning, but ceased
towards noon, and this rendered the field very slippery and close dribbling out of
the question. The partisans of each team were confident as to the result, and a more
evenly matched encounter has not been witnessed on this ground for a long time. Auckland
was without the services of three prominent players in past engagements in the persons
of Ainslie, Bryson, and Foster, the latter two being hors de combat. It was a quarter
past three before proceedings commenced, the home team electing to play down the
field. Their forwards getting possession made the visitors’ custodian use his hands,
and a corner kick which followed failed. The visitors’ forwards now came away in
grand form, but Theakstone checked them before they became dangerous. The attack
was kept up with much spirit, and Strachan turned a dangerous ball at the expense
of a corner, which Every got away in admirable style. Other two were treated in a
similar way. Mid-field play followed, and the ball now travelled from one end of
the field to the other, neither side seeming to have any decided advantage. This
play continued for some time, when half-time was announced and nothing gained on
either side. After the usual interval, the game became fast and furious and the excitement
waxed intense. Auckland played with “hard lines.” Dennis and Wilson were now conspicuous
on the visitor’s left, but the sure kicking of Theakstone, who played a resolute
game throughout, the neat head work of Lowes and Buchanan, along with the tackling
of Dobinson, kept their opponents at bay. The next piece of play calling for mention
was a corner off Auckland, which Pallister got away and sped down the field at a
terrific pace, and a goal seemed very probable, but he hesitated in shooting, and
Wynn knocking him down from the sphere allowed Miller to take a punt. A throw-in
by Buchanan, Lowes shot at goal, but it went past. After the goal kick the visitors’
forwards were to the fore , and Borrie passed to Dennis, who was, however, “off-side,”
and the free kick was awarded to the home team. Middlesbrough began to assail the
Auckland fortress. Borrie, Ewbank, Cochrane and Cruse assisting in the assault, but
Theakstone would not be denied, and several times relieved the pressure by his tackling,
which was of the highest order. Several raids were made into the visitor’s territory,
but Millar and Wynn by their determined kicking prevented their opponents from affording
Dawkins much work. A good run by the home left was also checked, and Slack afterwards
got away, but made a wide shot, and after a throw-in, it again went behind. The game
now assumed a different aspect as the visitors’ forwards broke away, and goal seemed
imminent, but the shot for goal was fisted out by the custodian, and it very shortly
went behind off an Auckland player. The corner failed, but the visitors maintained
their vigorous attack, and a splendid defence followed. Pallister once more made
himself conspicuous, and when about to become dangerous Miller intervened and upset
his calculations. Midfield play followed, in which Every, the home centre, showed
up in grand form. The game was now forced into the Auckland territory, and Dennis
centred to Borrie in neat style, who headed through the posts with little difficulty.
Applause greeted this registration of the first goal, obtained after most evenly-balanced
play, and much excitement prevailed as it only wanted about ten minutes to call of
time. Auckland began to press their opponents hard, and it was only by the dexterous
playing of Wynn and Miller that they were kept from doing the needful, the several
shots for goal being well saved. Close on time the home left wing men wound up a
wonderful run by Strachan sending in a swift shot for goal, which touched the cross-bar
and fell underneath. The excitement increased, and general cheering prevailed in
the belief the game had now become a tie of one goal each, but the referee declared
it a no goal. A mist now began to render a witnessing of the match somewhat difficult,
and operations, which had been fast and exciting, were now suspended, the resulting
in favour of Middlesbrough by one goal to nil. For Middlesbrough Miller and Wynn,
backs, played exceedingly well, whilst Bach, Cochrane, Borrie, Cruse, and Fox were
deserving of praise. On the Auckland side W. Strachan, as a goal-keeper, performed
his duty in a capital manner, considering that he had been disabled in the match
against Guisbrough in the previous week, but the occasions for actual defence were
rendered less by the grand defence of the home backs, Theakstone and Dowling. The
half-backs were first-class, their tackling being extremely good, whilst the forwards
were never seen to better advantage.
Weekly Exchange - November 20 1886
Played 13 November 1886
Football.
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SATURDAY’S MATCHES
ASTON VILLA V. MIDDLESBROUGH
Played in dull, wet weather on the Aston Villa ground, at Birmingham. The attendance
was meagre owing to the depressing atmospheric conditions. At 1.10 the Villa took
the field, their opponents having been disporting themselves on the meadow for some
twenty minutes previously. Middlesbrough, winning the toss, took the upper goal,
and Archie Hunter kicked off for the Villa, Cochrane returning sharply into the Villa
goal, which, from a splendid return by Coulton, Hunter got possession and passed
to Richardson, who ran up the wing in firm style, and from a beautiful centre Hunter
finally put the leather through the posts within three minutes. A corner next fell
to the Villa but was badly taken by Hodgetts, who kicked outside. A grand xxily ??
in front of goal called forth loud shouts of goal ! goal ! As one after another of
the Villa string peppered away vainly at the desired haven. At length Brown put in
a hot shot, and the goalkeeper stepping back to punch out, the referee ruled that
the ball was punted ?? Much to the dissatisfaction of the visiting team, who stoutly
contested the validity of the decision. Game-- Villa 2, Middlesbrough 0. From the
kick-off some give and take play ensued, mostly in Middlesbrough quarters, and a
foul in goal looked dangerous. Dawkins saved at the expense of a corner, which Davis
took beautifully, but Wynn, Bach, and Dawkins proved worthy defenders. Still the
play was confined to the upper end of the field, the ball rarely passing the half-way
line, Hunter being specially notable for his cool judgement and masterly play, his
passing being very neat and thoroughly baffling his opponents. Borrie, Fox, and Dennis
now gave a pretty exhibition of the dribbling game, passing in fine style as they
travelled quickly down the field, and it took Randell all he knew to save his charge.
Hodgetts now had an inand Dawkins returning. Hunter put in a lightning shot that
struck the cross-bar with a shock that was heard all over the field, and bounced
outside. Nothing but the grand defence of Wynn, Bach, and Dawkins prevented the score
from being considerably increased, shot after shot being sent in with a rapidity
somewhat bewildering. The greasy state of the ground was as good as an extra man
to the visitors, and though they tried hard the Villa seemed as if they could not
increase the score. Warm was the affection that Loach displayed for the visitor’s
goal-keeper, and kindly the interest taken in him by Brown as the shots were put
in, but the ball would not go through, and still it was -- Villa 2, Middlesbrough
0. The circle of spectators was now greatly increased, some 1,000 people being gathered
around the ropes at this stage of the game. A grand scrimmage in front of goal took
place, and the ball bobbing about just under the bar causing enthusiastic shouts.
A corner falling to Hodgetts, that player put in a beauty and Hunter being to the
front just touched it with his toe, turning its course prettily between the uprights,
and at last it was Villa, 3, Middlesbrough 0. Directly afterwards the whistle blew,
and the half-time adjournment took place. Borrie set the ball in motion afternings,
and scudded up the meadow, and he and Loach tried hard to score ten minutes’ rest,
and Hunter at once sent it spinning down the field and Loach screwed it through before
anyone was aware that play had resumed, only half a minute having elapsed before
the score was effected. Two runs up the field and Warner for the first time was called
upon to handle the leather, Wilson by a nice shot fetching him out. A grand shot
by Brown, from a pass by Hunter, some thirty yards from goal, was only just saved
by the goalkeeper, who was compelled to give a barren corner. Ewbank and Fox at length
changed the venue of the game, executing a skilled run, and with the goal at their
mercy, Fox failed in the final shot, which went just over the crossbar. A back shot,
one of the hunter’s peculiars, all but scored, going right into the mouth of the
goal. Dawkins, who was keeping goal splendidly, handled smartly out. At last Davis
put in a grand shot, and Loach, making for the custodian, put the ball nearly through.
Peel got rather a bad shock, and for a minute or two was disabled. He had been playing
a strong game, and met with loud expressions of sympathy. Albert Brown next put on
a daisy cutter from the right, and again the visitors’ colours were lowered. Three
minutes later Brown scored, and shortly afterwards added the eighth point, the game
finishing:--
ASTON VILLA…………………….8
MIDDLESBROUGH…………….0
Aston Villa.--goal; Riddel and Coulton, backs; Burton, Dawson, and Yates, half-backs;
Hunter, Hodgetts, Davis, Loach, and Brown, forwards.
Middlesbrough.-- Dawkins, goal; Wynn, and Bach, backs; Bell, Cochrane, and Peel,
half-backs; Borrie, Fox, Dennis, Ewbank, and Wilson, forwards.
The Weekly Exchange, 27 November 1886
Match Played 20 November 1886
Football
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ENGLISH CUP COMPETITION.
SECOND ROUND.
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MIDDLESBROUGH V. LINCOLN CITY
A large number of spectators gathered round the ropes of the Middlesbro’ Football
Field, on Saturday afternoon, to witness the second round in the English Cup Competition
between Middlesbrough and Lincoln City. The attendance far exceeded that of any previous
match played here during the present season, the utmost enthusiasm being manifested
by the spectators. Middlesbro’ kicked off, and during the first half of the game
played against the wind. The advantage enabled the City to occupy the home team territory
for some time and once, having succeeded in reaching the home goal, had a splendid
chance to score but the centre forward showed a want of judgement and kicked the
ball over the bar. From the kick off in consequence of the bye Borrie took possession,
and passed to Dennis, who made a plucky attempt to score, only resulting, however,
in a bye. For some time the ball alternated between the two goals, but no score was
made, the backs of each side offering a stubborn and successful resistance. Miller
did splendid service for Middlesbrough, and on several occasions saved his goal.
Wynn was equally successful in his attempts, Bach and Cochrane as half-backs supplementing
his efforts, and balancing a slight weakness on the part of the forwards. When play
had proceeded for some time the wind slightly abated, and the game assumed a more
equitable aspect. Quite the feature of the afternoon’s play was a brilliant shot
by Bach who kicked from the centre of the field for goal and the ball only escaped
going through by an inch, striking the cross-bar and passing behind the goal. When
warmed to their work the visitors played at times a rough game and were heartily
hissed by the spectators for their horse-play. Amidst the utmost excitement the game
was proceeded with, the decision of the City umpire being frequently called into
question, the spectators alleging glaring cases of unjust awards. Both sides waxed
fiercely hot, and feeling ran high, not only between the players but also the spectators.
Every one of the members of each team seemed to be straining himself to the utmost,
but despite the brilliant play of the forwards and the equally commendable conduct
of backs and half-backs, no score had been made when the sound of the whistle announced
the conclusion of the first three-quarters. When the players re-entered the field
none of their zeal seemed abated, but on the other hand both were more resolved than
ever to score a victory. Borrie, who had been slightly lamed during the first half,
seemed to forget his ailment, and having secured possession of the ball made a spirited
run through the lines of the visitors and had succeeded in getting within a few yards
of the city goal when he was tripped from behind by a City man. For this a foul was
claimed and granted, but no score was made from the free kick. After some further
play the ball was again brought down to the Lincoln ground, and a hard tussle took
place. Ultimately the ball was kicked to the left wing and Dennis promptly returned
to centre forward, where Borrie kicked the ball through, scoring the first goal for
Middlesbrough. This event was signalled by the most frantic cheering on the part
of the spectators, who kept up the applause for several minutes. Not satisfied with
this the home team played with still more eagerness and brought and kept the ball
in their opponent’s ground. Unfortunately at this period Dennis, who was playing
left-wing forward, fell, and so severely injured his arm that he had to retire from
the field. Middlesbrough thenceforth playing a man short. Notwithstanding this disadvantage
Middlesbrough continued to keep the upper hand and made several byes and corners,
one of the former being the result of a splendid shot by Borrie, The visitors then
became desperate, and rushed the ball down to the Middlesbrough goal, but, arrived
there, their attacks were repelled by the home goalkeeper but shortly afterwards
the visitors succeeded in scoring a goal, thus putting themselves on an equal footing
with their opponents. Although the Middlesbrough team succeeded two or three times
in getting the ball to their opponents goal, the visitors showed their want of pluck
and spirit by deliberately kicking it out of play. A corner given by the City shortly
before time only resulted in a bye, and before anything further was done the whistle
blew, time having expired. The result being a tie, it was decided to play for another
half hour.
The first quarter of an hour was played without any score being made by either
side. When ends were changed, Middlesbrough showed in better form and were several
times within measurable distance of success. A foul was allowed near the City goal
through the keeper running with the ball in his hands but no score was made, and
the visitors having gained possession, ran the ball down the field to the bottom
end. The Middlesbrough backs, however, were again to the fore, and quickly return
it. Every effort was made on either side, but to no avail, the game resulting in
a tie.
Teams:-- Middlesbrough--Goal J. Dawkings; backs, T.H. Wynn, Geo. Millar; Half
Backs, T.Bach, O.H. Cochrane, J. Grant; Forwards, F. Dennis, R. Wilson, A. Borrie,
(captain), J. Ewbank, W. Fox. Lincoln City ; Goal, K. Bayne; Backs, H. Simpson,
R. Aspden; Half Backs, J. Duckworth, A. Mettam, W. Rawlinson; Forwards, J. Slater,
E.D. Teesdale, (captain), W. Fox, G. Hallam, W. Gregson. Referee, John Wilkinson,
Sheffield.
REPLAY
South Durham and Cleveland Mercury. December 4 1886
Match played November 27 1886
FOOTBALL
ASSOCIATION.
MIDDLESBROUGH V. LINCOLN CITY.
The tie between Middlesbrough and Lincoln City in the second round of the English
Cup was played at Lincoln on Saturday. Great interest was manifested in the result,
as from the match played at Middlesbrough the week previous, when the game resulted
in a draw of two goals each. It was clearly demonstrated that the teams were very
well matched. It was most unfortunate for Middlesbrough on that occasion that they
lost the services of Dennis, who, through injuries received was compelled to retire
before the end of the game. But for this circumstance the result might have been
otherwise. When the game had to be played at Lincoln the chances of the City men
were greatly improved. The ground is one which they are well accustomed in having
defeated thereon Cambridge University, Mellor’s Notts, Derby Junction, and Birmingham
Excelsior. The visitors were also handicapped by having to undertake a long journey
before playing, and though a saloon carriage was put at their disposal, a ride of
over 120 miles must naturally have an adverse effect upon the players. The trip
run by the railway company from Middlesbrough and other Teesside towns was very largely
patronised, about two hundred people making up the compliment of excursionists. The
visitors were met at Lincoln by the club officials, and conducted to their headquarters
for refreshments. The kick-off was timed for two o’clock. Long before that hour the
principal street of the city was thronged with people making their way to John o’
Gaunts field were the match was played. Shortly before two o’clock the Middlesbrough
representatives entered the field and stretched their legs in a little preliminary
play. The Lincoln men followed, and were heartily greeted by the four thousand spectators
assembled to witness the game. Both teams dressed well, the Lincoln men, if anything,
looking more lithe, though heavier built. Lincoln winning the toss, had the advantage
of ground in the first half, the field having a slight incline from north to south.
Borrie started the ball at 2.13. Lincoln at once returned, and Millar was at once
called upon to relieve the home goal. This he did in fine style, and the Middlesbrough
forwards following up, carried the ball into home territory. Loose play followed,
when Borrie made a long shot for goal. The Lincoln custodian saved by kicking the
ball over the line. Grant placed the ball neatly in front of the Lincoln goal but
the home team worked out brilliantly. “Hands,” however, were obtained off Lincoln
to the right of their goal. Wynn undertook the kick, but made a very bad shot, the
ball passing outside the uprights. Lincoln kicked off, and after some loose play
in the centre, the Middlesbrough forwards skilfully worked towards their opponents
goal, where Borrie made a second shot for goal. The kick was made with excellent
judgement, but unfortunately the ball passed outside. Lincoln having restarted the
play their forwards made a succession of raids into the Middlesbrough territory,
Millar and Wynn being kept busy at it. They relieved in grand style, Millar especially
putting in some magnificent kicking. Centre play followed upon this, but only for
a short time, as the home forwards began to press the visitors hard, and The ball
began to remain for long periods in the Middlesbrough quarters. A succession of corner
kicks and one or two free kicks for “hands” were secured by Lincoln, and though they
resulted in some sharp scrimmaging in front of the Middlesbrough goal, in addition
to many brilliant shots for goal, Dawkins Made an excellent defence, and each time
was successful in repelling the charge. The venue of the play was at brief intervals
in the Lincoln quarters, and the home team backs were several times compelled to
kick out of play to save their goal. Notwithstanding this Middlesbrough were successful
in obtaining several corner kicks, but though they were neatly placed by Grant, the
Lincoln backs each time kicked the ball out of their quarters, and then once more
charging the visitors’ goal. It was during these sallies, made first into the Middlesbrough
and then into the Lincoln quarters, that the only accident of the game happened.
Millar had relieved the Middlesbrough goal, and from play in the centre the ball
was taken into the left wing, and Powson endeavoured to head it. A Lincoln back,
imbibed with the same idea, also attempted to head the ball The result was that ,
though Powson succeeded In his object, his opponent’s head collided against his left
eyebrow with terrible force, and the two fell together on the ground. The game had
to be stopped for a minute or two, and though Powson deemed it prudent to retire,
within five minutes he resumed playing in a most plucky manner. The first Forty-five
minutes were gradually drawing to an end, and doubts were being expressed that the
teams would turn over without scoring. This, however was not to be. The ball had
been sent into the Lincoln ground, when by a vigorous kick Simpson returned it well
in front of the Middlesbrough goal. The home team forwards immediately rushed it
into the mouth of the visitors’ goal, and thence a sharp and exciting scrummage ensued.
Dawkins kicked and fisted manfully; but the Lincoln men caught the ball each time
in the rebound, and, eventually Duckworth sent it through and scored the First goal
within three minutes of half-time. Middlesbrough having restarted the ball, soon
after, from some centre play, it was taken well into the Lincoln quarters and there
secured by Ewbank Jackson. At the time between him and the goal was the Lincoln goal-keeper;
but regardless of the cries of “offside,” Jackson dribbled up and, uninterrupted,
put the ball through the posts. The goal, of course, was not allowed, and after the
kick off loose play followed to the end of the first half. Lincoln, one goal, Middlesbrough
none. In the second half Middlesbrough had the advantage of playing down the field.
From the kick off they assumed the aggressive, but failed in some good, spirited
attempts to get into very close quarters with the home team. Gradually, however the
Lincoln men began to increase their attacks upon the visitors’ goal. The Middlesbrough
men worked hard; they played admirably in what was palpably certain defeat. Lincoln
scored a second at the end of thirty-five minutes. They were making one of their
repeated raids upon the Middlesbrough backs, and a lucky kick passed Millar, and
hit the upright of the Middlesbrough goal. In the rebound Millar caught it but kicked
to the left of the Middlesbrough goal. The Lincoln forwards secured the ball, and
by a quick, continued rush carried it back to the Middlesbrough goal, where a slight
scrimmage followed In which Dawkins received a nasty kick on the leg, and in the
end Hallam put the ball within the goal and himself falling through after it. A plea
of off-side was disallowed. The rest of the game needs no remark and at the call
of time the score remained Lincoln City two goals; Middlesbrough none.
Teams:-- Middlesbrough -- W. Dawkings, goal; T.H. Wynn, Millar, backs; J. Grant,
O.H. Cochrane, T.Bach, half-backs; W. Fox, J. Ewbank, A. Borrie, R. Wilson, Powson,
forwards. Umpire S. Kemp.
Lincoln City -- K. Bayne goal; H. Simpson, R. - - -, backs; J. Duckworth, T. Mettam,
W. Rawlins - , half-backs; J. Slater, E.D. Teesdale, W. Fox, Gregson, and G. Hallam,
forwards. Umpire J. West. Referee - J. Wilkinson, of Lockwood, Sheffield.
Secondary note in the same paper above.
South Durham and Cleveland Mercury, 4 December 1886.
NOTES BY “OFF-SIDE.”
Middlesbrough failed to pull off their tie with Lincoln City --a fact which
many people now say they anticipated when the Teesside club had to replay the match
at Lincoln. There seems a certain fatality following the Middlesbrough men when playing
from home, for every match they have thus played has resulted in more or less ignominious
defeat. Saturday’s match was not such a hollow affair as the previous matches Middlesbrough
have played away. It is true that practically the visitors were “never in it,” yet
they nevertheless played a plucky game, and by the sterling defence of their back
division prevented the home team from registering a much higher score. The victory
of Lincoln undoubtedly laid in the brilliant set of forwards which they possess.
Though they at times indulged in some unnecessarily rough play, every one must otherwise
admit that there play was faultless and far superior to that exhibited by the Middlesbro’
forward division. In fact, the Middlesbro’ forwards appeared at a great discount,
and against the fine head play of the Lincoln men they were utterly unable to cope.
The long railway journey undertaken by the Middlesbrough men prior to the match undoubtedly
acted adversely upon them, and this, with the fact of playing upon strange ground,
may be taken as extenuating circumstances for the very poor form exhibited by several
of the team. Millar and Dawkins were the most prominent exceptions, the two making
a particularly good defence against the repeated attacks of the Lincoln forwards.
