‘NIMBLE-WITTED BROMLEY TOO GOOD FOR ST.ALBANS’
(By “THE CHIEL”)
Disconcerted by a goal against them in the first minute and dislocated at half-back, St Albans City were only half themselves at Bromley and well and truly beaten by four goals to one.
It was generally agreed that St Albans, who had gallantly disposed of the holders in the previous round, were not themselves. Their bad start shook them up and Bromley’s blend of briskness and brilliancy never permitted them to shake down. They appeared to be obsessed by a consciousness of the opposition’s superiority and at the same time sorely handicapped by the absence of Michell, their usual inside right, who was inadequately deputized by S.Hatton, a keen player better suited by his proper place at full back.
A Wasted Player
Hosier, the outside-right, missed his partner very much, for the others failed to recognise him as the best forward on the side and consistently starved him. Under the circumstances, Hosier might have busied himself a little more in tackling back or closing in instead of playing the role of a Macawber(sic). The few chances he had revealed him as a forward with a raking stride, useful pace and a capacity for passing and centering decisively whilst moving at top speed. He also made one or two brilliant shots which Wood did well to save and late in the game, when the team was beyond redemption, he was moved to inside-right. Perhaps the St Albans officials will permit me to suggest that in Hosier they have a ready-made and natural centre-forward. In this position, however, they have a player of repute in Edmonds, who has signed Southern League forms for Watford.
Grimsdell the Great
Replaying the match in my mind, I can see Grimsdell, the St Albans captain and left back, towering above the rest of his team figuratively and literally. This tall and courageous youth did splendidly against odds, being as fair as he was fearless. When he is less young he will learn to place the ball as well as he clears it and then, doubtless, take equal rank with his brother(1) of the Tottenham Hotspur team. Smith, in goal, and
Hearn, at right back, also strove heroically to stem the sweeping torrent of the Bromley attack.
Reprinted from “The Daily News & Leader” 3rd February 1913.
1 Arthur Grimsdell – After making 8 appearances for City he joined Watford before making his debut for Spurs in 1912 at the age of 18. He went to make 418 appearances for Spurs and 6 for England as well as captaining club and country. He helped Spurs win promotion to the First Division in 1919/20 and lifted the F.A.Cup in 1920/21. He was also played first class cricket.
Bromley were members of the Kent League. |
