1880/81
Weekly Exchange - 12 February 1881
Football
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NORTHUMBERLAND AND DURHAM COUNTIES v. CLEVELAND ASSOCIATION.
In spite of the inclement weather a good number of spectators turned out to
witness the match between these two Associations played on the Middlesbrough Cricket
Ground on Saturday. The contest was one which had been looked forward to with the
greatest anxiety for several weeks past. The Northumberland and Durham Association
having had a splendid cup to play for, knew perfectly well who would be able to fill
the various positions in the field to the best advantage, yet we think that they
must have made some mistake in the choosing of the goalkeeper, who was sadly out
of place, once or twice “spooning” with his hand when a kick might have saved his
charge. With this glaring exception the team was the best that the Northumberland
and Durham Association could put on the field. The Cleveland Association (which by
the way was not an association until a general meeting had been held at the close
of the match) had an eleven that would not have disgraced itself before the Sheffield
Association. The game was very one-sided throughout, Cleveland winning by ten goals
and one kicked under protest to nil. At three o’clock sharp the ball was kicked off
by Simms, for the Northumberland and Durham, against a strong wind, and the ball
was carried to the Northumberland and Durham quarters by Dales and Pickstock, when
the latter made three splendid shots, all of which were frustrated. Allen then got
the leather and made a good run the length of the field, but was not backed up, and
when he got near the goal Howcroft picked up the ball, threw it to Cochrane, who
kicked it well forward to Dales, who worked it down, then passed to Pickstock, who
tried one of his screws, which this time, by the aid of Kelleher in the centre, obtained
the first goal. The ball was only fairly started again when Ewbank made a good run,
the goal-keeper ran out to meet him, when Ewbank quietly passed to Harrison, who
put it through, making goal No. 2. Ewbank and Harrison were the first to show again.
The first attempt was badly missed by Kelleher, and the ball worked by Simms up to
about half-flag, where Cochrane sent it flying back to Ewbank. This time Kelleher
was in his place, and obtained goal No. 3 very easily. The game was now slightly
in favour of the visitors, Messent and Allen playing well, only to be frustrated
by Fidler, Cleveland back. The ball was run smartly down the wing again by Ewbank,
who shot too fine, the visitors’ captain having the ball, very wisely passed it to
his right wing. Here Hetherington and Ainslie were well forward, and looked very
dangerous until Howcroft picked up the ball and calmly threw it over their heads,
then very shortly afterwards tried the other side, only to be again drawn from their
own end thus allowing the way open for Pickstock and Dales, the latter securing goal
4. Goal 5 was soon after obtained by Harrison from a run and screw kick by Pickstock.
Dales obtained goals 6 and 7 in quick succession, the goal keeper having no chance
against such players. At half-time Kelleher kicked off for the Clevelanders, and
also commenced his old tricks, but this time hit the goal side post. The visitors
tried a fresh mode of working by making long kicks with the wind. Allen obtaining
a corner kick, but nothing came of this advantage. Harrison and Ewbank, by some capital
dodging, carried the ball to the visitors’ quarters, and Kelleher was the means of
scoring goal eight. Ewbank here met with a slight accident, which necessitated his
leaving the field for a short time. Harrison now made a run, but when about twenty
yards from the goal he claimed a free kick, having been charged behind; the ball,
however, was kept rolling, Dales shooting it between the goal; the goal, however,
was not allowed. From this point to the end of the game Cleveland had it much their
own way, and added two more goals to their already large score. For the victors all
worked well; for the visitors, Allan, Roberts, and Michael were most decidedly the
best. Teams :--Northumberland and Durham Football association team : W.Dodds. Haughton-le-Skerne,
goal; A.W. Michael, Corbridge, and R. Singleton, Sunderland, backs; G. Roberts, Sunderland,
and J.C. Warne, Darlington Grammar School, half backs; J. Hetherington, Rangers,
and G.H. Ainslie, Tyne, Newcastle, right wing; W. Simms (captain), Rangers, and
R.B.Summerson, Haughton-le-Skerne, centre; P.J. Messent, Tyne, and J. Allan, Sunderland,
left wing. Cleveland association :--Goal, How croft (Redcar); backs, Fidler (Redcar),
and Bastard (Middlesbrough), half-backs, Cochrane and Booth (Middlesbrough), and
Cruse (Redcar); J. Ewbank (captain), (Middlesbrough) and W. Harrison (Redcar) right
wing. -- Kelleher (South Bank), centre; T. Dales and Pickstock (Middlesbrough), left
wing. Umpires, F. Hardisty, Middlesbrough, and C. Glover, Haughton; referee, J.
Harrison, Middlesbrough.
THE CLEVELAND FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION.
On Saturday evening a meeting of representatives of Tees-side and North Riding
Football Clubs was held at the Swatters Carr Hotel, Middlesbrough, for the purpose
of forming the Cleveland Football association. On the motion of Mr J. Reed, Ald.
Dunning was voted to the chair. -Ald. Dunning spoke at some length in favour of the
association, which was afterwards formed, Mr J. Reed being elected secretary. Seven
clubs were enrolled as belonging to the association.
Weekly Exchange - 12 March 1881
CLEVELAND ASSOCIATION
This new association now consists of eleven clubs, having a total membership
of 400, the latest additions being Whitby and Linthorpe. Strong efforts are being
made to raise £100 for a challenge cup by subscription. At a meeting of representatives
held on Saturday the following trial teams were chosen to play at Redcar on March
12th. (detail not included here)
From these teams the final eleven will be chosen that will play in the return
match against Northumberland and Durham Counties at Newcastle on March 19th.
Weekly Exchange - 26 March 1881
Early in the present year a few energetic players, belonging principally to
the Middlesbrough Football Club, thought the time had arrived when the clubs in Cleveland
and the North Riding should combine together, so as to obtain the required strength
to engage in tussels with the County Associations, and to encourage the game generally.
This was done, and the Cleveland Football association has sprung into active life.
It has for its first President the bearer of the honoured name of Zetland, and among
the vice-presidents such names as Lord Helmsley, Milbank, Wilson (M.P.), Bolckow,
Cochrane, Gjers, Belk, and Dunning. Eleven clubs are enrolled, having a total membership
of over four hundred. It has played two matches - home and return - with Northumberland
and Durham counties, winning the first by two goals to nothing, but losing the other
by two to one. Everything promises well for the future. The Scotch association commenced
operations in 1873 with eight clubs, which has now increased to over 140, with a
total membership of over 7,000. Of course, Cleveland cannot be compared to Scotland
, and we only mention the above facts as an instance of the growth and extraordinary
popularity of the game.
There is one thing needed by the Association, and that is a Challenge Cup for
competition by its members. Whatever little abuses may hang around these competitions
, one thing is certain, and that is they help greatly to spread this, the finest
of games. Most associations have such a cup and the ties give rise to considerable
interest wherever they are played. Englishmen like something to show as the result
of their pursuit of the “sacred light of honour.”
As the challenge cup must be a permanent one, and only held by the winning club
for a year; the battle being fought anew each succeeding winter, it must be a cup
to be a credit to the North Riding. We hear the committee of the Association think
100 guineas will suffice to purchase an excellent one. They have issued an urgent
“whip” to footballers to subscribe what they can afford, It cannot be expected so
large a sum will be forthcoming from the players, therefore it is intended to issue
an appeal to the gentry and tradesmen so that the sum required may be subscribed
within the next few months. Those of our readers who are willing to assist in the
laudable efforts to establish firmly and spread a fine and innocent mode of recreation
can do so by sending a subscription to the hon. Treasurer, Mr J.Bastard, National
Provincial Bank, Middlesbro’; or to Mr J.Reed, jun., hon.sec., North-street, Midbroughdles.
It may be mentioned that the Scottish Association has given to various charities
sums amounting to no less than £2,055, during the last five years, and the Birmingham
Association over £100 in two years. These are facts creditable to these associations
and to footballers generally, and make us believe that football infuses a healthy
spirit in the votaries of the game.
CLEVELAND v NORTHUMBERLAND AND DURHAM.
The return match was played in the Northumberland Cricket Field, Newcastle,
on Saturday.
In the first match played at Middlesbro’ six weeks ago, the Cleveland team made
a rare example of their opponents, winning by ten goals to nil. On Saturday the fickle
Godess of Victory changed front, and her former favourites suffered defeat.
At the call of time Northumberland and Durham counties had won by two goals to one.
Scorers N and D, Anslie two, Cleveland, Whitehouse.
Teams:-
Cleveland.- Shearer (Middlesbrough), goal; Fidler (Redcar), and Bastard (Middlesbrough),
backs; Cochran (Middlesbrough), Cruse (Redcar), and Booth (Middlesbrough), half-backs;
Harrison (Redcar), captain; and Wetherell (Redcar), right wing; Whitehouse (North
Ormesby) centre; Pickstock and Dales (Middlesbrough), left wing, forwards. Mr J.Reed,
hon sec, Cleveland Football association, umpire.
Northumberland and Durham, - Simpson (Tyne), captain, gol; Lockhead (Gateshead
Rangers) and Michael (Corbridge), backs; J.Campbell (Rangers) and Warson (Tyne) half-backs;
He Herington (Rangers) and Tofts (Darlington Grammar School), right wing; Anslie
(Tyne) and Sims (Rangers), centre; Messent(Tyne) and J.Allan (Sunderland), left wing
forwards. Mr Evans (Newcastle), referee.
The Cleveland team was hospitably entertained to tea by the Northumberland and
Durham Association.
1881/82
Weekly Exchange November 26 1881
Match played 19 November 1881
Football
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CLEVELAND V NORTHUMBERLAND AND DURHAM ASSOCIATIONS.
This match, which was looked forward to with great interest by football players
in the Middlesbrough district, was played on the Middlesbrough Cricket Field on Saturday
last, before a great number of spectators. Both teams were strong, and it was expected
that a severe tussle would be witnessed. The game was started some few minutes later,
the Northumberland and Durham kicking off from the pavilion end against a slight
wind. The Cleveland forwards carried the ball to the visitors’ end. The play was
rather rough, the visitors being conspicuous in their severe charging. The pavilion
goal was threatened, but Haigh-Brown effectually relieved, and Glover getting a good
run, was not checked until he reached Bastard, who sent him to the right about. Ewbank
showed his old form, and caused the visitors to look carefully to their laurels,
but Dales getting the ball on his head it was bound to go through. The play for some
time was pretty even. Allen was the first to break away, but the final shot was too
high, passing over the bar. On the ball being set in motion again, the home team
were not to be denied. Dales and Pickstock, by some good passing, at once carried
the ball to the Northumberland and Durham goal, and ultimately scored, for which
the spectators loudly cheered them. Soon after this, Douglass, in goal, showed exceedingly
good form, and relieved his side, and, by a combined rush, the visitors dashed away.
A scrimmage was formed in front of the home goal, out of which a goal was kicked.
This seemed to arouse the home team, and they at once commenced a series of attacks
on the Northumberland and Durham goal, which for a time was particularly well looked
after by Douglass, and it was not until Ewbank got a throw in near the corner flag
that the fourth goal was obtained for Cleveland. In the second half of the game,
the play was pretty even throughout, the wind having raised a little higher kept
the ball in about the centre of the ground, although repeated break away caused both
goal keepers to be pretty active at times, Messant and Allen making some clever runs,
from one of which a throw in was gained, which enabled them to again score. This
caused the home team to show that they were not worked out, Dales and Pickstock making
a good run. The former placed the ball well in front of the goal, and Ewbank helped
it through. The game resulted in a victory for Cleveland by five goals to two. The
Northumberland and Durham showed up remarkably well, but their forward play was inferior
to that of Cleveland. Dales and Pickstock both being clever exponents, played well,
as they always do, while Allen, for the Northumberland and Durham, was undoubtedly
the best man in the team forward. Haigh-Brown, at half-back, played in grand form,
as did Simpson in the same place for Cleveland. The back play of Ransford showed
him to be a rising player, while the other backs on both sides played a consistently
good game. Both goal-keepers worked well, and did good service for their respective
sides. Frequent disputes occurred, which delayed the match considerably. Teams:--
Northumberland and Durham --Goal, T,Douglass (Rangers); J.W.Marshall (Corbridge),
and Samborne (Tyne), backs; J.Campbell (Rangers), and Haigh-Brown (Tyne), half-backs;
Coates and J.McDonald (Sunderland), centre; J.R.Allen (Sunderland), and C.J.Glover
(Haughton-le-Skerne), right wing; P.I.Messant (Tyne) and D.J.Browne (Rangers). Cleveland
-- F.J.Rowlands (Loftus), goal; W.Ransford and J.Bastard (Middlesbrough), backs;
Rev.E.J.D. Simpson (Whitby), C.Booth, O.E.Cochrane (Middlesbrough), half-backs; J.Thompson
and Jackson Ewbank (Middlesbrough), right wing; E. Low (White Star), centre; T.Dales
and W.Pickstock (Middlesbrough), right wing.
Weekly Exchange 31 December 1881.
Match played 24 December 1881
EDINBURGH v CLEVELAND
The most important match ever fixed to be played in Middlesbrough was fought
out on Saturday. This was the first match played by a team hailing from Edinburgh
in England, consequently it created the greatest interest in the Scottish football
world. The attendance of spectators, numbering about 800, was not nearly so large
as anticipated and must be accounted for by the bleak cold weather prevailing. Hardwick
kicked off for Cleveland, the ball being quickly returned by Heathcote, and as the
Scotchmen were aided by the wind, for a few minutes the play was in the home quarters.
Rowland twice being called upon to strike the ball from his goal. Then Cochrane caused
the play to be in neutral territory, but only for a minute, and then the visitors
dashed forward, a corner kick falling to their lot. From this nothing was scored,
but a throw in by Edinburgh proved much more dangerous, Rowland again saving his
charge, gallantly assisted by Cruse. Ewbank started a run, but was well tackled by
Robertson, who tried a shot, the ball flying high over the bar. Soon after another
corner kick fell to their lot off the foot of Bradbury. Finely judged, the ball dropped
in front of the Cleveland goal, and was put through by McBeth. Thompson and Bradbury
now shone in their respective positions, by were unable to get the ball far away,
and a claim of hands being allowed to the visitors, a corner kick resulted, no score
being made therefrom, Lees just missing with a great shot. After the visitors had
another corner kick, Thompson made a splendid run on the right wing, but being persistently
charged behind by one of the opposing half backs he, by this medium, came to grief
in a rough manner, when nearing the acme of his hope. For this a free kick was allowed,
but the Scotchmen got the ball, and with a long pass were quickly back to the home
quarters, gaining the advantage of a corner kick. The ball dropped in front of the
goal, a fierce scrimmage ensuing, but Rowland was on the alert, and saved the score
in rare form. Immediately, however, from a throw in from touch near the Yorkshire
citadel a decided advantage, and McBeth got the ball between the posts. The score
was disallowed on the plea of off-side. Dales now took the attack to Edinburgh territory,
but the run only resulted in a bye. From a hot scrimmage near the Cleveland goal
a corner kick was obtained, and Bryce, with a long shot, scored a goal. Booth was
now particularly active to prevent additional disaster, and passed the ball to Ewbank,
who for a moment looked dangerous, but Bryce tickled and tried a long shot, which
was frustrated by Rowland, who sprung up and sent the ball flying over the bar. Nothing
was gained from the corner kick. Several similar kicks proved of no real advantage
to the visitors, who gained them, and a free kick on the goal was rendered of no
account owing to a dash of the powerful Thompson. In vain did the last named player
and others strive to check the Edinburgh men, who penned their opponents back on
their goal. The last of the two more corner kicks was the means of increasing the
Edinburgh score to three goals to Cleveland nil, Bryce again with a long shot being
successful in lowering the Yorkshire flag. A movement directed against the visitors’
stronghold was well stopped by Waugh, and once again Rowland pluckily checked an
assault on Cleveland. Soon after half-time was called, the teams changed ends. Up
to this point the game had been entirely in favour of Edinburgh, their opponents
seeming to be overmatched in every point played, but in the next half this was shown
to be, in great measure, owing to the assistance of the wind. Neither team had played
up to form, the hard, unyielding, icebound ground greatly interfering with the movement
of the players. The home team indulged their opponents with innumerable free kicks,
the visitors taking advantage of the “hands” rule to the full, whereas in Cleveland
the rule “is more honoured in the breach than the observance.” The last half of the
game commenced with a strong attack on the Edinburgh goal. Thompson made a shot which
just missed. Then two “corners” were gained, but the Scots showed great judgment
in “heading” and no score was secured. Lowe, McBeth, and Mackenzie relieved their
goal quickly taking the ball into Cleveland ground, where Cruse met and sent them
back. Again the visitors advanced to the assault with some splendid long passing,
and Rowland’s services were again requisitioned. Pickstock worked his way out of
the scrimmage and down the left wing, where he fell a victim to Waugh. Still the
pressure on the Edinburgh goal was exerted to the full, and many corner kicks were
gained, which were splendidly played out. Hardwick tried a shot, but it was stopped
by Reid, and the goal relieved. Dales and Pickstock, however, brought the ball back,
and Ewbank, after a smart run, dashed the ball between the posts. Soon a throw in
placed the ball in dangerous proximity to the Scottish goal and three more corner
kicks were given against Edinburgh, none of them resulting in a score, owing to the
determined defence. A sortie by the Scotchmen developed in a smart attack, and in
a critical moment the ball was kicked from the mouth of the goal by Booth. A bit
of fine passing caused the ball to be once more in front of the Edinburgh goal, and
Booth taking a shot made the score - Edinburgh three goals Cleveland two. Intense
excitement now prevailed, as it appeared as if the home team would pull the match
out of the fire. They showed great energy, making it very warm for the defenders
of the opposite goal. Then Dales captured the goal amid thundering applause, but
to the utter disappointment of the spectators it was given a no-goal, on account
of off-side. Dales tried again, but the ball went over the bar. A corner kick by
Ewbank was then finely judged, dropping about a foot in front of goal, and a score
appeared certain. Bell, however, owing to his superior height, was enabled to head
the ball away. The few minutes to time were occupied in attacking the visitors’ goal,
but all efforts were unavailing, their back play being of the most formidable character.
The Edinburgh team won a good match, by three goals to two. McBeth, Lees, Bryce,
and Bell showed best form for the visitors, as did Ewbank, Booth, Cruse, and Rowland
for the home team. Both teams were in the evening hospitably entertained by the Cleveland
association.
Teams:-- Edinburgh -- J,Reid (Heart of Midlothian), goal; W.C.Waugh and G.Heathcote,
captain (St. Bernard’s), backs; A.Robertson, R.Boyce (St. Bernard’s), and B.Bell
(Brunswick), half backs; R.McBeth (St. Bernard’s), G.Mackenzie (Brunswick), R.Charlton
(St. Bernard’s), A.Lees (Heart of Midlothian), and W.Lowe (Rose), forwards. Mr H.Stuart,
vice president, umpire. Cleveland -- F.J.Rowland (Loftus), goal; W.Ransford (Middlesbrough)
and Bradbury (Redcar), backs; C.Booth (Middlesbrough), S.Cruse (Redcar), and O.H.Cochrane
(Middlesbrough), half backs; T.Dales and W.Pickstock (Middlesbrough), F.Hardwicke
(Marske). J.Thompson (Middlesbrough) and J.Ewbank, captain (Middlesbrough), forwards.
Mr P.Huntingdon, umpire. Mr F.Hardisty, referee.
======================
1882/83
Weekly Exchange 11 November 1882
Saturday 4 November 1882.
Football
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CLEVELAND v. SHEFFIELD
A match between the crack teams of the Cleveland and Sheffield Associations
took place on Saturday afternoon, at Middlesbrough. The contest, as might naturally
be expected in the iron town, where the game is becoming more and more popular, created
a great amount of interest, and the beautiful weather which prevailed that morning
gave promise of a pleasant day’s match. The ground of the Middlesbrough club, where
the contest took place, was soft; and in places rather spongy, owing to the overnight
rain, but it was an improvement on its condition last week. Play commenced shortly
after three o’clock, and Ewbank, the captain of the Cleveland team, winning the toss,
wisely resolved to play with the strong wind which was blowing during the afternoon.
After the ball had been kicked off it was well returned, and the Cleveland men passing
in capital style the first goal was secured by a splendid shot by Thompson. The Cleveland
men following up their good fortune soon scored another goal, the ball being neatly
put through the bar by Sept. Cruse. After this the Sheffield men worked the ball
into the ground of the Cleveland team, but it was immediately brought back by the
right wing forwards, and after some capital dribbling a corner kick was secured.
The ball was neatly centred in front of the Sheffield goal, and Borrie did what was
required by putting it through, amid the cheers of the spectators. The play was again
confined to the Cleveland quarters, and the Sheffielders obtained corner kicks both
on the right and left of their opponents’ goal, but owing to the high wind, the place
kicks failed, and the globe was splendidly doubled down the field by Pickstock, who
passed it to the centre, where it was handed over to Ewbank. Before the latter could
deal with it he was charged from behind by one of the Sheffield, and the whistle
of the umpire, Mr Hardisty, was heard. This secured for Cleveland a free kick, and
Ewbank by a clever screw kick passed to A. Pringle, who was very smart indeed in
kicking goal. This was four goals to nothing. The Cleveland team again threatened
their opponents but the ball bounded over the bar, and the Sheffield forwards securing
possession they treated the spectators to a grand exhibition of their fleetness of
foot in doubling, never leaving the ball until they had secured their first goal
amid loud cheers. Pickstock then came to the front, and bringing the globe down into
Sheffield quarters he had a splendid chance to score, but owing to the slippery state
of the ground he failed in his place kick. Half-time was then called, and after the
usual interval of rest the ball was re-started, when the Cleveland forwards took
it direct to the Sheffield goal, but Hay averted the threatened defeat by a well-timed
kick. The Sheffield men, who had now the advantage of having the stiffish wind at
their backs, quickly dribbling the ball into the Cleveland quarters, and succeeded
in gaining a corner kick from the left, and the ball was just sent over the bar by
the Cleveland goal-keeper, which gave Sheffield another corner kick, and this time
they succeeded in getting a goal, making two goals as against four for Cleveland.
Shortly after a third goal was kicked. Alvey, Booth, Cochrane, and Ewbank did some
splendid work for Cleveland, but notwithstanding the efforts of the Cleveland team
the visitors secured a throw in from the left and so well was the ball thrown that
it passed under the bar without having been touched by any of the players, and therefore
it was no goal. After this the globe was neatly worked into Sheffield territory where
some very hot work was done, but the Cleveland team were not to be denied, and they
scored their fifth goal amid loud cheers, and time was soon afterwards called. Teams:--
Cleveland. Goal, J.Pearson (Whitby); backs, S.Bradbury and T.Alvey (Redcar); half-backs,
O.H.Cochrane (Middlesbrough), S.Cruse (Redcar), C.Booth (Middlesbrough); forwards,
right wing, J.Ewbank and J.Thompson (Middlesbrough); centre, A.Borrie (Middlesbrough);
left wing, A.Pringle and W.Pickstock. Sheffield. -- Goal, T.Hay (Staveley); backs
H.Levick (Staveley) and T.Moss (Heeley); half-backs, J.Tomlinson, J.Swallow (Heeley),
and H.Fletcher (Pyebank); forwards, right wing W.A.Burridge and E.Barber (Attercliffe);
centre H.Hobson (Heeley); left wing C.H.Green (Pyebank) and L.McLoughlin (Lockwood
Bros.)
Weekly exchange 17 February 1883
F O O T B A L L.
---------------
SHEFFIELD ASSOCIATION v. CLEVELAND ASSOCIATION.
About 1,000 spectators congregated at Newhall Grounds, Sheffield on Saturday,
when the above teams met. Bramall-lane Grounds having been reserved for the international
match, the players who took part in the last match, Sheffield v. Glasgow, were barred,
so that virtually this was a second eleven of Sheffield, although a few of the players
have taken part in the Sheffield ranks this season. Were Newhall Grounds nearer to
the town and more easy of access, and procurable at all times, there is no doubt
that it would soon come into notoriety as a football ground. It is larger than Bramall-lane,
and much better drained, consequently dries a deal faster. In addition there is a
large stand which is capable of holding quite 1,000 spectators. Rain fell the greater
part of the day. At half-time it came down smartly, and made the ground and ball
slippery. Cleveland lost the toss, and Borrie kicked off. The match does not need
much description, as the Cleveland team were decidedly on the right side, and were
much over-matched. Eventually the Sheffielders secured an easy victory by five goals
to nil. The players who distinguished themselves were Sorby, who secured three of
the five goals, Gregory and Malpass being credited with the other two. These were
ably supported by Barber, Burridge, and Sellars (forwards), Fletcher and Betts (backs).
For the North-country team some good work was done by Alvey (back), and Cochran (half-back),
Ewbank, Borrie, and Pickstock (forwards). The Northern team several times seriously
endangered the Sheffield stronghold, but the Sheffield backs were too strong for
them, stopping them when their efforts were on the point of success. Sides: --CLEVELAND--
J. Bradbury and T. Alvey (backs), J. Cochrane, T. Booth, and A. Cruse (half-backs),
J. Ewbank, A. Borrie, F. Thompson, J. Pringle, and T. Pick stock (forwards). Sheffield
-- H. Fletcher and W. Betts (backs), T. Buttery, A. Malpass, and J. Houseley (half-backs),
F. Sellars, C.E. Sorby, R. Gregory, W.A. Burridge, and E. Barber (forwards).
Weekly Exchange, March 3 1883
24 February 1883
F O O T B A L L.
------------
LANCASHIRE v. CLEVELAND
Our local players entered on a new phase of their football career on Saturday,
and met the County Palentine (Lancashire) team, at Bolton. Great interest had been
displayed since the fixture was arranged as to the result of the match, and when
it became known the county executive were inclined to under-rate our men, it was
determined to spare no effort to secure victory. A good team was selected from Middlesbrough,
Guisborough, Redcar, and Stockton, probably, with one exception, the best that could
be got together, and the Cleveland Association committee sent them away on Friday
night, hoping by so doing to give them a good night’s rest at Manchester, at which
city the journey had to be broken. Arrangements were made to this end at the “Dog
and Partridge,” the well-known football resort, and the not very satisfactory result
obtained was an average of about ten minutes sleep per head. We would recommend the
committee in the future to administer a narcotic to each player before bed time.
At Bolton the players were driven in a great coach from their hotel, “The Saddle,”
to the Pike-lane ground, where from three to four thousand people were assembled,
among whom we noticed the well known faces of Coun. Sanderson, Middlesbrough, and
Mr Fraser, formerly Gas Manager. Ewbank won the toss, and elected to play with the
slight wind blowing, and very quickly his men gathered in a threatening manner round
the citadel of the Red Rose. Harrison put the ball into the centre and Ewbank headed
it through, drawing first blood. The Lancastrians now strove hard to make matters
equal, and after nearly losing a second goal they managed through Gregson to get
the ball in front of the Cleveland goal, the gallant defender of which (Woodcock)
got considerably the worst of the struggle, and it was captured. The visitors retaliated,
and scored again (by Harrison), and for the next 20 minutes the Yorkshiremen were
everywhere pressing their opponents, but out of the many chances afforded only one
more goal was scored, Borrie doing the needful. Many times during this period we
remembered, and wished heartily for the cool head sure foot of Tom Dales in front.
Now a change came over the game, “the white rose fadeth, and the red rose blooms”
as an old song puts it, and in quick succession from a good run by Hacking, the second
goal was scored for Lancashire, and a third was unfortunately put through by Alvey.At
the call of time the score stood three goals each. The change of ground and the advantage
of the wind made the supporters of the cotton county think it any odds on their men,
but the result was one of the best and most closely contested matches we have witnessed
this season. The Cleveland half-backs, Cochrane, Cruse and Pringle, played brilliantly,
and Grant (Guisbro’) in the last half of the game played with considerable dash and
tackled with great freedom, indeed, if the back division had played up as well in
the first as in the last half, two goals, two goals would have been saved. Davenport
and Fowler were instrumental in scoring the fourth goal for Lancashire, the first
named playing a very fine game. The cotton men now had the lead in the score, a fact
which naturally delighted the crowd. At that time Harrison was hit in the stomach
and retired from the field for some time, but despite this a goal was scored by Thompson,
and the game equalized. From this time until the finish the game was most fiercely
and stubbornly contested, and Woodcock, who had now quite recovered from the rough
unsettling charge which brought the downfall of his trust for the first time, played
now with great dash, and saved his goal many times, in which duty he was greatly
assisted by Grant. The Cleveland men suffered hard lines at times. Once Thompson
made a fine run the length of the field, but the ball hit the post and went outside,
he going to grass in the act of kicking. One minute before time was called Davenport,
from a scrimmage, managed to put the ball between the sticks, after the goal-keeper
had played it out once, and secured the fifth goal for Lancashire. Ewbank made a
dash up the field in a futile attempt to recover the lost position of the team, but
time was a bit too fast for him and Lancashire won by five goals to four. Woods,
Gleaves, and Davenport, were the pick of the victors and for Cleveland Grant and
the half-backs, especially Pringle, and deserve to be commended. The forwards, however,
while working hard, played without that combination so needed to secure victory.
In the evening a complimentary dinner was given in honour of the Cleveland men, at
which representatives from most of the principal Lancashire clubs were present. Teams:--
LANCASHIRE-- Goal, J.H. Wilkinson (Padiham); backs J. Woods (Bolton Wanderers) and
J.Kennedy, (Church); half backs, J. Scowcroft (Great Lever), and J. Gleaves, capt.
(Bolton Wanderers); forwards, right wing Christie (Bolton Wanderers) and Fowler (Bolton
Wanderers); centre R. Davenport (Gilmoor Rangers) and J.H. Hacking (Padiham); left
wing, A. Walton (Church) and J.H. Gregson (Church). CLEVELAND-- Goal, J. Woodcock
(Guisbrough; backs, T. Alvey (Redcar) and J.M. Grant (Guisbrough); half backs. O.H.
Cochrane (Middlesbrough), S. Cruse (Redcar), and A. Pringle (Middlesbrough); right
wing W.Harrison (Redcar) and J. Ewbank, capt. (Middlesbrough); centre A. Borrie (Middlesbrough);
left wing, J. Bulman (Redcar) and J. Thompson (Stockton). Umpires: Messrs S. Ormroyd,
Accrington, and J. Reed, jun., Middlesbrough; referee, W.W. Sheffield.
