From The Wiltshire Times, February 6th 1904

An unpleasant game resulted in the meeting of these teams at Chippenham on Saturday, and the referee's apparent want of armness was much criticised.

In the first half the visitors played up the slope and vigorously attacked, but at half time there was no score.

On ends being changed Wootton Bassett continued to be aggressive, though Chippenham broke away several times and made some fine runs.

A penalty was awarded to Chippenham, and in taking the kick, Todd put the ball outside, thereby throwing away a good chance.

Close upon it the visitors scored and Cooper, a Chippenham player, was ruled by the referee to have committed an offence and was ordered off the field. Cooper for a time refused to leave and the referee decided to allow the game to proceed and went off the field himself.

Ultimately, Cooper departed and the referee returned, when play was resumed, and the visitors added a second goal.

One of the Wootton Bassett players was ordered off and was absent for a time, but subsequently returned.

Bromley, a Chippenham man, was also given marching orders, but the referee afterwards altered his decision to a caution and allowed the players to remain.

In the end the visitors were victorious by two goals to nil.

Credit: Wiltshire Times
Last modified on Tuesday 8th March 2022 at 15:40