From The Wiltshire Times, Saturday April 11th 1903

Though climatic conditions were decidedly unfavourable to a large attendance at this match, which was played on the Chippenham Town ground on Saturday, a crowd of fully a thousand persons assembled, this number being far in advance of that on the occasion of the final cup tie played two years ago on the same ground between Warminster and Even Swindon United.

On Saturday large contingents came from Warminster and Wootton Bassett, and local patrons of football turned out strongly, despite the miserable state of the weather. But it cannot be said that those who braved the elements to witness what was supposed to be the final struggle for possession of the county trophy were rewarded by seeing a display of football on either side at all up to the standard expected of the two elevens on such an occasion.

Play was started by about 3.30, the ball being put in motion by the Mayor of Chippenham, Councillor Bowker. Warminster won the toss, and preferred to play down the slope, having if anything a slight advantage from the wind, which was blowing from the north west. Wootton Bassett started off at great pace, and at once got into the Warminster territory, but were quickly repulsed, Humphries clearing from a shot headed in by Selby.

After some play on the right wing, Warminster got in, and Curtis centred beautifully, but Holton and Whitmarsh both missed the opening presented. Some midfield play followed, and Selby was getting away when he was robbed by Galpin. Rutty took up the running, and the Minsterites forced a corner; Rutty put in nicely, but nothing came of it, the ball being kicked out of play.

Ogbourne, by some tricky play, secured the leather, and made a splendid run up the field, finishing up by a screw shot from the left wing, and the ball just grazed the upright.

The speed of the "lads in green" flagged somewhat, and Warminster asserted superiority. Whitmarsh, from a corner kicked by Holton, headed in with excellent judgement, Ponting clearing just in the nick of time. Page was again called upon to save from a swift shot from the centre, and then Wootton Bassett raced away to the other end, where they forced Adlam to yield a corner, which however was abortive. A foul against Wootton Bassett relieved the pressure, and Warminster made matters lively. Whitmarsh got a chance, but kicked wide. From the goal kick, the ball was taken up the field, and Curtis reversed matters, racing down the wing in fine style. He wound up by putting in a grand centre, and Sims tried to turn it to advantage by heading into the net, but failed.

Selby relieved the pressure and, getting away, passed to Ogbourne. The relief was only temporary for the ball was soon back again and Page brought off a smart save.

For the remaining portion of the first moiety Wootton Bassett had the better of the play and just upon the interval the ball went between the uprights but before it had reached there the whistle had gone for an infringement of the offside rule and "no goal" was declared.

After the breather "the lads in green" went off briskly but were forced back. Holton centred and Rutty placed the ball into the net, but the referee ruled him offside. Indifferent play followed and Curtis threw away a chance by kicking out when he should have centred. Close upon it the same player missed in front of goal from a pass by Ratty.

"Hands" against Wootton Bassett in front of their goal caused some anxiety. Humphries put in a splendid shot but so well was the goal defended that the defence could not be penetrated. Corner fell to each side without effect, and in one conceded by Robinson, Rutty placed the ball in the moth of goal. Page ran out to save, and Whitmarsh, when he had a chance of kicking into the net put the ball over the crossbar.

A little later the same player missed what was the best opening to score presented throughout the match. He had got through with the ball and, having the goal at his mercy, kicked wide. Towards the end of the 90 minutes, neither side having found the net, the excitement increased greatly, and both side were entreated by their respective supporter to get "just one".

This, however, was not obtained, and the final whistle was heard with the result standing at a pointless draw.

Mr. Stancomb was on the ground ready to present the cup to the winning team, but as the result of the match did not reveal them a meeting of the Council of the Wilts Association was subsequently held, and it was decided that the match be re-played next Saturday, at Bradford.

The teams were: - Warminster: Adam; Pinnel and Humphries; Rutty, Galpin and Haines; Curtis. Carter, Sims, Whitmarsh and Holton. Wootton Bassett: J.C. Page; Robinson, Ponting; Fry, Hunt, Hawe; Little, C. Leighfield. P. Leighfield, Selby and Ogbourne.

Credit: -
Last modified on Thursday 3rd September 2020 at 10:20