1887/88 - Match Reports
F.A.Cup - Qualifying v Hallam, Round 1 v Whitburn, Round 3 v Sunderland, and replay,
Round 6 v Crewe
South Durham and Cleveland Mercury. Saturday, 15 October 1887.
MIDDLESBROUGH V. HALLAM (SHEFFIELD).-- At Middlesbrough, before about 500
spectators. Hallam kicked off towards Linthorpe-road, and the ball was immediately
carried to the visitor’s goal, where it was sent out. After a pretty run on the right
wing to the vicinity of the home goal, which was stopped by McCrie, the ball was
again taken to the Hallam territory, and H. Kinman missing it, Powell conceded a
corner, and directly afterwards Bowen conceded a second corner, which like the first,
proved fruitless. Middlesbrough got a third corner, and Fox centred well, but Powell
headed the ball out of danger, repeating the action a moment later, when the leather
was returned. Hallam could not get the ball away from the neighbourhood of their
goal, and within the first ten minutes Fox scored for Middlesbrough with a capital
shot. Some give-and-take play followed for a time, chiefly in the visitor’s quarters.
Then a corner was obtained by Middlesbrough, and the ball was well placed, but Walsh
lifted it over the bar. A rush to the home goal resulted in a corner off Wynn, who
made up for the slip by getting the ball away from his goal to Fox, who made a capital
run with it. A couple more corners were obtained by Middlesbrough, and then Wynn
sent in a magnificent shot from the centre of the field, which Bower only stopped
on the line. A few minutes later Bach was dealing with the ball and came scoring,
Kinman having to concede a corner. Dennis took the leather and centred so well that
it glanced off the heads of the group near the goal mouth into the arms of Bower.
About ten minutes before half-time Borrie was called upon to handle the leather.
T. Kinman and Elliott making a capital run to the home goal. Borrie saved, and Fox
setting it well up on the wing sent it over to R. Wilson, who placed it through.
Directly after this the home forwards did a bit of brilliant work, and Fox sent the
ball through again, but being off-side the goal was disallowed. The visitors now
made a couple of raids into the home quarters, but the home back-division repulsed
them on each occasion, and at half-time the ball was in the Hallam territory. On
crossing over Hallam assumed the offensive, but a minute had scarcely passed before
they were kept fully employed defending their own citadel, Middlesbrough pressing
them hard for some minutes. At last they broke away, but it was only a flash in the
pan, and a very pretty run by the Rev. E. J. Wilson was followed by a well-calculated
pass to the right wing. Humberstone was successful in securing the next goal. Middlesbrough
continued to press, and Humberstone again scored. Dennis added a fifth goal, which
was speedily followed by a sixth, secured by Walsh. Result:-- Middlesbrough, six
goals; Hallam, none..
Middlesbrough Team. -- Borrie, goal; Wynn, McCrie, backs; Walsh, Cochrane, Bach,
half-backs; Fox, Humberstone, E. J. Wilson, R. Wilson, Dennis, forwards.
South Durham and Cleveland Mercury. 22 October 1887.
MIDDLESBROUGH V WHITBURN. -- Played at Middlesbrough, and proved a very one-sided
affair. There was only a poor field of spectators, the weather being wretched. From
the beginning of the game it was evident that the Whitburn men were out-matched.
In their forward division they had one or two fast men, and smart passing at times
gained them advantages which were only temporary. Their goal was almost continually
being assailed by the home team. Within the first fifteen minutes Borrie, who was
again centre forward sent in a shot which the Whitburn custodian failed to stop.
Shortly afterwards “hands” was claimed by the Middlesbrough men in a good position,
and from the play which followed the free kick another goal was scored. In the second
half the visitors managed to prevent scoring for a considerable time although playing
altogether on the defensive. Towards the latter part of the match, however, two more
goals were added to the score, and the game resulted in a win for Middlesbrough by
four goals to nil. Teams:- Middlesbrough -- Dawkings, goal; T.H. Wynn and G. Millar,
backs; Walsh, McCrie, and F. Bach half-backs; W.Fox, S. Humberstone, A. Borrie and
R’ Wilson, forwards. Whit burn -- J.Young, goal; J. Stanton and Walkington, backs;
W. Stanton, Robson, and J. Hope, half-backs; Scott, Hogg, T.K. Dobson, J.E. Young,
and F. Dobson, forwards. Mr F. Hardisty and Mr A. Grundy, umpires; Mr P. Huntington,
referee.
South Durham and Cleveland Mercury. 3 December 1887.
MIDDLESBROUGH V. SUNDERLAND. After causing a great deal of interest and even
excitement in Middlesbrough this match proved a most unsatisfactory affair. The boisterous
weather was against all prospect of good football; but there were nevertheless some
five thousand spectators ohn the field when the ball was kicked off. Sunderland had
the wind in their favour during the first half, and scored two goals. Middlesbrough
had the same advantage in the second half, and made the same score. But this is not
a fair record of the merits of the rival teams. Middlesbrough, with the wind against
them, made the game far more offensive than did Sunderland under the same conditions.
The home team also had hard lines several times in the second half, and the two goals
they did score were got in much finer style than characterised the successes of the
opposing team. Another thing speaking strongly against the Sunderland team was their
manner of playing towards the end of the match when the chances of a draw became
apparent. The impression on the minds of most of the spectators was that they were
simply marking time and kicking the ball out of play whenever it could be done with
any decency. When, at the call of time, the teams remained on an equality the question
of playing extra minutes was discussed, but the people burst into the field from
all sides, and the thing was not further entertained. The match thus remains to be
played off at some future date. Teams:-- Middlesbrough -- Goal, McNellis; backs Wynn,
Millar; half-backs, Walsh, McCree, Bach; forwards, Fox, Ewbank, Borrie, R. Wilson,
Dennis. Sunderland -- Goal, Kirtley; backs, Oliver, Ford; half-backs, Richardson,
Halliday, Dale; forwards, Davison, Stewart, Gloag, Hastings, Monaghan.
South Durham and Cleveland Mercury. 10 December 1887.
FOOTBALL.
------------
SATURDAY’S MATCHES.
------------
MIDDLESBROUGH V. SUNDERLAND.
A WELL FOUGHT MATCH.
The replayed tie Middlesbrough v. Sunderland, in the third round of the English
Cup competition, came off at Sunderland on Saturday, and created a large amount of
excitement. Middlesbrough journeyed to Sunderland by the midday express via North
Stockton, and arrived at the Wearside town shortly before two o’clock. This was the
hour for the kick-off, so very little time was allowed for dressing. They proceeded
by brake to the Royal Hotel, and then on to the Newcastle-road ground. Here a lively
scene was presented, the field of play being crowded round with enthusiastic spectators
-- about 6,000 were present. They were almost solely supporters of the home team.
A trip was run from Teesside, and conveyed close upon two thousand admirers of the
Middlesbrough combination, but they did not arrive upon the scene until half the
game had been played! The field arrangements were perfect. On each side, taking
the field lengthways, huge stands are erected, thus enabling the people to secure
an excellent view of the game. The pent-up excitement of the crowded sightseers was
quite manifest, and when the home team appeared their enthusiasm knew no bounds.
Some time elapsed, and then the visitors entered the arena of play, and were cordially,
but not quite demonstratively, received. Every one was eager for the fray. Meanwhile,
it may be noted, anxious speculations had been indulged in with regard to the result
of the “toss.” The day was not the best for good football, and a great deal depended
upon the choice of goal. Though fine and warm for the spectators, a wind blew obliquely
across the field, and the sun shone with much brilliancy. Middlesbrough won the toss
and they thus secured the advantage of the wind and sun, and also a point with regard
to the ground, which is upon a slight slope. This success had a damping effect upon
the spirits of the supporters of the home team, some of whom gave themselves up to
despair, ejaculating “It’s all up with them now.” Though there was some reason for
this, the result proved strangely different; and as the game progressed it was delightful
to see how the blighted hopes of these enthusiasts rose, until towards the end it
was with difficulty that several could contain themselves, so jubilant had they become.
The two captains settled their preliminaries, and then the referee drew the players
round him for a few moments. While he reminded them of the penalties of foul play,
it will not be out of the way to notice the composition of the teams. In point of
physique the Sunderland players are the superior set. To use a hackneyed phrase,
“They are a level lot,” and the forward division is much more powerful than that
of Middlesbrough. However, the latter had it in speed, and their combination proved
to be very strong. But the whistle is heard and the game at once commenced. Middlesbrough
were immediately in their opponents’ quarters, and it was apparent that Sunderland
would have to play a defensive game - at least during the first period. The first
rush was successfully coped by Oliver, who kicked with fine judgement; but the half-back
line of the opposing team returned with equal celerity, and before the spectators
were hardly conversant with the fact the ball was cleverly rushed through the goal.
Middlesbrough one goal. Not a sound was heard; not a cheer. The recommencement of
play was made amid a deathly silence; the anxiety of the supporters of the Sunderland
team had deepened into disgust at this early reverse, and they vented their wrath
upon the umpires and referee, who they asseverated were prejudiced in favour of Middlesbrough.
But the siege on the home goal was merrily kept up, though owing to the strong wind,
good football was impossible. Middlesbrough looked dangerous again and again, but
the defence was clever as it was spirited. Once the home men broke away, but Millar
quickly returned, and more hot work followed in front of Sunderland goal. Corners
were conceded without result, and a free kick for hands was obtained by the visitors
in front of goal. The ball was passed back to Millar, who put it well into the goal
mouth and a sharp, severe scrimmage resulted in Cochrane deftly securing a goal.
Middlesbrough, two goals. The demeanour of the Sunderland supporters was very bad,
and angry recriminations were poured out with terrific volume. Monaghan broke the
Middlesbrough defence, and a magnificent run up was made, but the ball went over
the line. Middlesbrough were pressing hard, but the defence was grand, especially
that of Kirtley in goal, which would have been difficult to surpass. Shots were poured
into the goal, but each was frustrated in a manner which called forth very hearty
plaudits. Numberless corners were secured and scrimmages in front of goal were endless,
but the defence could not be broken, and haf-time came with the score standing --
Middlesbrough, two goals; Sunderland, none. The sun had now gone down, but the wind
was blowing strongly. With the turn over, it was anticipated that Middlesbrough would
be playing entirely on the defensive, as to score against the wind was out of the
question. These anticipations were not fulfilled, the visitors playing fairly throughout.
With the restart the home forwards were at once upon the opposing backs, and a shot
was made. McNellis fumbled the ball out, when Monaghan rushed in and scored, Sunderland
one goal. The enthusiasm of the spectators knew no bounds. The ball had not fairly
been kicked off when the home forwards -- with a dash that was not to be denied --
were again upon the Middlesbrough goal, and after some severe scrimmaging the ball
was fairly rushed through. Sunderland, two goals. But three minutes of the second
half had been played, and the success of Sunderland was already more than assured.
The spectators were now on good terms with themselves. Their jocularity was something
to hear and remember. It was not long before the third goal was registered. Sunderland
secured a corner. The kick was well placed, but the shot for goal went over the bar.
With the kick-out Halliday returned, the forwards took it up, and rushed the ball
through, McNellis being clean knocked-out of goal. Sunderland, three goals. After
this Middlesbrough came on more even terms with their opponents, and several very
creditable runs were made into the home ground. This was not for long. Again a sustained
siege was kept up upon the visitor’s goal, and Millar cleared with the greatest difficulty.
The whole of the work seemed to fall upon him. Several very narrow escapes at scoring
on the part of the Durham Cup-holders were witnessed, and two or three shots were
nicely handled by McNellis. Middlesbrough had another break, and pressed, but the
return was quick, and shortly before time another goal was rushed through. Result:--
Sunderland, four goals; Middlesbrough, two goals. It was a hard fought game. Middlesbrough
playing very pluckily. The success of Sunderland depended largely upon their goal-keeper.
It was here that the greatest weakness of the Middlesbrough team was shown. How McNellis
came to occupy the position he did is difficult to say -- certainly he is entirely
unfitted for goal in a team like Middlesbrough. He would suit a second or junior
combination : but a leading county team --no. The first goal was secured simply through
his awkward handling of the ball, and in the case of the second he did not display
the slightest judgement. McCrie was only weak -- indeed the back play almost solely
devolved upon Millar, who played with great determination. His kicking was strong
and his tackling excellent. The opinion was freely canvassed that he was the only
man who played in the Middlesbrough team; but this is beyond the mark. Millar was
a conspicuous player, but it was not a “one-man-game” by any means. The half-back
line played well together, and the forwards showed sterling play. The superiority
of Sunderland lay in their defence and especially in that of their goal custodian.
But for his almost miraculous saves in the first half, Middlesbrough must undoubtedly
have scored three more goals. It is a noteworthy fact that Sunderland put fewer shots
into goal tham Middlesbrough: and also that the latter , against the wind, at intervals
played on much more even terms that Sunderland did when likewise situated.
Teams:--
Middlesbrough-- McNellis, goal; Millar, McCrie, backs, Bach, Cochrane, Walsh,
half-backs; Dennis, Wilson, Borrie, Ewbank, and Fox, forwards.
Sunderland-- Kirtley, goal; Ford, Oliver, backs; Richardson, Halliday, Dale,
half-backs; Stewart, Davison, Smith, Monaghan, and Gloag, forwards.
C.S. Craven, of Darlington, and J. Wilkinson, of Sheffield, umpires; J.C. Stacey,
of Sheffield, referee.
1887/88
From The Athletic News.
Match played January 28 1888
------------------
THE ATHLETIC NEWS.
TUESDAY, JANUARY 31, 1888.
================================================
ENGLISH CUP TIE.
----------
CREWE ALEXANDRA IN THE FAR NORTH
EXIT MIDDLESBROUGH.
[BY TWO-FOOT RULE.]
The draw caused Crewe Alexandra to visit Middlesbrough on Saturday, and, having
been an eye-witness of the previous contests in which the L. and N.W.R. men have
taken part in the National trophy, nothing gave me greater pleasure than an opportunity
of accompanying the Railway team on their visit to “the Far North.” Consequently,
on Friday afternoon one of the capacious and elegantly furnished saloons was taken
possession of by sixteen players and directors of the Alexandra. The “guardian angels”
had, as usual, made every provision for the comfort and wants of the inner man during
the tedious journey. The train steamed from the platform at 4-30p.m. on Friday, amid
the encouraging shouts of some hundreds of members and friends who had assembled
to wish them the best of good luck in their efforts to land into the semi-final stage
of the competition. “Coming events,” it is said, “cast their shadows before,” and
the party accepted as an excellent omen “Pa” Jackson’s sneering prediction that the
“two-foot-rule team” would pass into the semi-final, and once again would be in good
company. The train was strengthened at Greenfield by the addition of two other saloons,
containing the Rugby champions of Lancashire and Cheshire, on their way for East
Hartlepool and Newcastle-on-Tyne respectively. Evidence was afforded at Northallerton
junction that no ill-feeling existed between the followers of the different codes
of football in Cheshire, three hearty cheers being given by the railway lads for
the county representatives. Middlesbrough was reached about half-past nine, and upon
alighting it was bitterly cold, and snow falling made the aspect anything but cheering.
Thanks however to the careful provision of the jovial host of the King’s Head Hotel,
the outside elements were quickly forgotten. Next morning the team were up early,
and, after a supervision of the ground ample amusement in a well-appointed billiard
saloon, where some of the players discovered to their cost that Halfpenny was a champion
in disguise, especially in the “hazard” line, and he surprised his colleagues by
pocketing the lot at one stroke. At noon the visitors made preparation for the match,
and were taken to the ground in a wagonette. A few minutes after half-past two Mr.
Gregson gave the signal to start, both teams being well represented, Payne being
the only absentee from the Crewe team. Conde having lost the toss, Price kicked off
with the disadvantage of the wind and sun, and uphill, and as one of the Middlesbrough
scribes put it, “one of the most important fixtures ever played on the banks of the
Tees” was started. The Crewe men at once commenced the attack, but Millar relieved
with a huge kick, and the leather was transferred to the opposite end. Conde and
Cope were evidently in fine form, as the ball was once more returned towards the
Middlesbrough citadel, Pearson being an especial hero, judging from the remarks of
the thousands of spectators. It was after a smart run by “Jacky” that Miller was
seen to stagger and limp up to the goal, where he remained incapacitated, and, with
their idol lame, the hopes of the Middlesbrough team fell below zero. After some
sharp exchanges Price scored the first goal for Crewe, and this proved the only point
secured in the first half, the home team having had quite enough of the contest at
the interval. After changing ends the game was continued in earnest by both elevens,
but the railway men played by far the best. Bayman received an injury, which also
caused his retirement in the latter portion of the game, so that the teams were even
on this score. Just before “Time” was called “Jim” Ellis dashed down and scored a
second goal for Crewe. This proved to be the last point, and the Crewe team were
declared victors by two goals to none.
Alexandra, to my mind, never played a worse game during the whole of the competition.
Middlesbrough have a lot to learn in Association football, as they have no idea of
passing. Owing to the state of the ground, the Cheshiremen were not able to steady
themselves for accurate play, but there is no doubt that the best team won. On the
whole, the match was contested in the most friendly spirit and the injuries received
by Millar, of the home team, and Bayman, of the visitors, were purely accidental.
The crowd gave the visitors no encouragement throughout the game, but they could
not avoid expressing their quiet approbation of Pearson’s play. In the evening the
Crewe team were the guests of the Middlesbrough Club, and a right jolly time was
spent, the visitors expressing the hope that on some future occasion they would meet
again. The journey home was of the liveliest description, and the Lancashire guests
participated in the entertainment, which was only broken by occasional visits to
the refreshment buffets, where the Lancashire Rugby team were “never behind.” The
railway team were met at Crewe by some hundreds of enthusiastic admirers, who heartily
cheered them as they left the station.
==============================
Athletic News 7 February 1888
A Middlesbrough correspondent takes exception to our “special” of their game with
Crewe Alexandra and mentions that while Miller met with his accident before the game
was ten minutes old, Bayman was not “retired” until ten minutes from the finish.
Naturally he does not see where the equalising business came in, especially as O.H.Cochrane,
the Middlesbrough centre half back, when playing a grand game, met with a terrible
kick in the mouth, so that his services were of little or no value to the team afterwards.
The correspondent thinks that if the Middlesbrough shooting had been anything but
so wretched as it was, the Yorkshiremen would have won, although practically with
only nine men.
