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Memory Lane A Century Ago -Southend United 1919-20 - Episode 23

DoDTS

The PL League Boss⭐⭐
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A Century Ago - Southend United 1919-20

Episode 1: A New Ground and Pre-Season

Whenever you read a history of the club it always seems to say “after the First World war the club moved to the Kursaal and were elected to the Third Division for the 1920-21 season”. What about the 1919-20 season, probably the most important for the survival of the club, this season often seems to have been totally overlooked

GETTING BACK TO NORMAL?
Southend United had been founded 13 years previously and after an explosive and free scoring start in the Southern League Second Division, they soon came up against the Northern monopoly and bureaucracy of the league when Bradford P.A. took Southend’s rightful place in the fop flight of the Southern League. However they did eventually gain promotion but later tasted relegation to the largely Welsh Second Division, struggled back to the First division just before the First World War broke out. Some clubs folded during the War but the spirit was still alive in Southend, they wanted to keep their football club. The problems in doing so were largely financial and various schemes were started to raise the revenue, but found a poor response from the public. Our previous football history was all forgotten, only the horrors of the war remained, every person, family and community had been touched by the effects and the tragedies of the war and wanted now to get back to normal. The trouble was there was no normal, the “stiff upper lip” attitude had been corroded by the tragedies and suffering. The upper structure tried to maintain the “status quo”, but as the soldiers returned to find the land fit for hero’s was not quite as they had imagined, being asked for cash for the local football team wasn’t top of their priorities.

THE GROUND
Apart from the finance the major problem had been a ground to play on, “good old” Roots Hall” was no longer available and now little more than a vegetable patch. The council keen to keep the club going came up with options for pitches at either Southchurch Park or Chalkwall Park, but while these were being debated a deal was being agreed with an American businessman Clifton Jay Morehouse for a one year lease (with an option for a second year) on the pitch at the Kursaal Ground. A scheme was raised to raise a 100,000 shillings (£5,000 by the sale of 5s (25p) shares. Then as now, the football fan wanted an hour and half break from the household worries and responsibilities, a time when you could let yourself go, shout, and swear if you wanted, but that came at a price. A season ticket before the war had cost 12/6d (62½.5p) for 1919-20 it was £1 2s 6d (£1.12½d), is there any wonder share issues were greeted by a “luke warm “ reception.

20th May 1919
A meeting was held at the Kursaal regarding the reconstruction of Southend United Football Club and there were between 350 and 400 present including many ladies. It was felt that while their was no need to back track over the chequered history of the club, it should be emphasised the desire and advantages of having a first class club in the Borough. Lovers of sport it was hoped would soon be able to hear “Play up the Blues” from southern League games at the new ground at the Kursaal, and the advantages of the borough in holding first class football in the town were considerably. Funding always had and was still the problem and the idea was agreed upon to try and raise 100,000 shillings to put the Club in a workable position. It was felt that this £5,000 fund would be sufficient as outstanding depts. Were outlined and it was also stated that the club had signed Percy Sands and the Arsenal had never had a better man than he.

From the Southend Standard 22nd May 1919.

MANAGER

A big surprise was the fact that the pre war manager Joe Bradshaw was not offered his old job, instead a former player Ned Liddell was given the job. For the returning soldiers who all assumed they were going back to their old jobs, this was not an uncommon situation. Joe Bradshaw went on to manage Swansea and he guided them to promotion to the second division, but later took over at Fulham and was in charge when they were relegated from the second division.

Mr Lidell has a wide selection of well known players eager to come to Southend but he is handicapped by lack of funds and the wherewithal with which to pay transfer fees. Unless supporters provide the money to obtain a good team they must not grumble next season if the eleven is not of the calibre which they require. The onus is on them. Mr J. Bradshaw, Southend United’s late manager will arrive back in England on Sunday for demobilisation after having spent four years in France. He will at once take on his duties as manager of the Swansea Football Club.
From the Southend Standard 19th June 1919

The Southend United fund to raise 100,000 shillings had lists of subscribers published in the paper with the fund now up to 6,419, The paper had other stories many connected to the war, such as “Ammunition dumped on Fishing Ground”, which had the Oyster merchants protesting over this action, and other articles relating to the war, advising of postings and Honours for Officers, Peace Celebrations, “Town’s War Memorial”.

In June 1919 the fixture lists were published and at this time the total number of the required 100,000 shillings stood at 6,290.

UNITED’S GROUND PUBLICLY INSPECTED
Southend United’s football ground was thrown open to the public on Saturday and the occasion was favourable with ideal weather. The group of people were entertained by Mr. Meek’s Hippodrome band whose services had been requisitioned to brighten the day. Many hundreds treated both ground and dressing rooms to a critical examination and had the various points for and against explained by the management. Those who knew the old ground at Prittlewell readily saw the advantages the present pitch holds over Roots Hall. Spectators after their look round usually visited the table from which shares were readily being taken up. The Mayor and party arrived at 04.30 p.m. and the crowd were entertained until 8.00 p.m. when the ground was closed.

The ground measuring 115 yards by 75 yards, like the Arsenal’s it is fenced three yards from the touch line. It is capable of accommodating and it is hoped will accommodate, 36,000 people. There remains yet to be considered the terracing round the pitch and a start in that direction has already been made. Directly opposite the dressing room is a terraced enclosure for directors. The turfing of the pitch is complete which is beautifully green and in excellent condition like a carpet and the fence round a pitch is also completed. Entrance to the ground are from Burdett Road on the south and Woodgrange Drive on the north. A special appeal goes out for the purchase of a grandstand and it is hoped that this will be up by October at the latest, until then a temporary shelter will be arranged. Contained in the handsome structure on the South side are the directors rooms, baths, dressing rooms, gymnasium and store room. The directors room which opens on to there enclosure, will later be turned into a recreation room and gymnasium for the players. Attached is a smaller room for the referee and linesmen. Below stairs are the teams dressing rooms with separate accommodation for players in their different positions. These open into a room containing a large concrete bath with geyser also a shower bath arrangement. The comfort of the visiting team is similar.
From the Southend Standard
14th August 1919

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THE PLAYERS
The Southend United players as printed in the Southend Standard 14th August 1919

Player …………....….Birthplace...………….Position...………...Height...…...Weight...……………. Former Clubs
R.J Leahy...………..Canning Town,,,,,,,,Goalkeeper……... 6ft 1 in...…... 12st 6 lbs
R.G. Hill *………….Leigh.........................Goalkeeper...……...6ft...………….. 11st 6 lbs
G.H. Marshall...….Walker on Tyne.....Left back...………. .5ft 8in...…... 11st
H.S. Britton *……..Rayleigh...…………..Right back...……... 6ft 12st...…..6 lbs........................….Rayleigh
M. Woodward......Nuneaton...………...Left half...………... 5ft 11.5 in.. 12st
P.R. Sands...……….Lewisham...………...Centre half ……….5ft 11in …...13st...…………………... Arsenal
E.W. Emery...……..Leigh..................…….Right Half ………...5ft 9.5 in--- 11st
R.H. Young *……..Southend...………….Right Half ………...5ft 8in...…... 10st 6 lbs
A.A. Grant *…...….Southend...………….Centre Half...……. 5ft 8 in ……..10st
G J. Nicholls...…….Victoria Park...…….Outside Right...…. 5ft 7 in...…. 10st.............................Chelsea
J. Bellamy...……….Bethnal Green...…...Inside Right ……….5ft 9 in...….. 12st......…..Fulham & Burnley
D. Upex…………….Peterborough...…..Centre Forward...... 5ft 10in...... 12st........Croydon Common
A.H. Clark *……….Wanstead...………...Centre Forward...... 5ft 10.5 in ...11st 11ib...………….Wanstead
F. Burrill...…………..Manor Park...……...Inside left...…………. 5ft 9 in …….11st
W. Bridgeman......Bromley by Bow...Outside left...………. 5ft 8.5 in.... 11st 8 lbs.........……….Chelsea
J. Young...………….Whitburn...………... Outside left ………...5ft 9.5 in..... 11st 8 lbs.

* amateur

The list above was not complete there was still two weeks till the start of the season, other players were added.

Ned Liddell set about preparing for his first season, and the first problem was getting a team together without recent matches to gauge players the obvious option was to re-sign as many of the pre war team as he could. The following players were re-signed Hinege Wileman, Frank Burrill, Maurice Woodward, Ted Leahy, George Marshall, Ernie Emery. R H Young, and Jack Young.

The outstanding signing was Lot Jones signed from Manchester City and already a Welsh International. Lot Jones an extremely clever inside forward, had over sixteen caps for Wales and had just had a benefit from Manchester City after making over 800 appearances.

Other signings were Right Back Reed from Huddersfield who came with a fine reputation, Bob Reid from Burnley, John Bollington from Walsall, George Nicholls and Billy Bridgeman both and from Chelsea, Dick Upex from Croydon Common and Percy Sands from Arsenal (Percy had spent 17 years at The Arsenal making 350 appearances but was 38 when signing for Southend. Making only a few appearances before retiring from football)

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Percy Sands​

For the start of the season the anticipated first team were:

Goalkeepers: First choice was Ted Leahy but a useful alternative was Emblem
Full Backs
Former player George Marshall and new signings Bob Reid were the regular choices.
Centre Hall two new pivots were signed John Bollington and Percy Sands
Half backs
long serving Henage Wileman and Ernie Emery
Wingers
too new signings Jack Young and Billy Bridgeman
Inside Forward
former player Frank Burrill and new signing, 16 Welsh cap Lot Jones
Centre Forward
Albert Frost

PRE SEASON
A high profile friendly against West Ham had to be cancelled because the ground wasn’t ready but they did manage two trial games.

16th August 1919
First Public Trial Match Blues 1-1 Reds

It was the first football match for Southend United since the 1st May 1915 and the whole country had more important things to worry about than football but now four and a half years later, the first Public Trial match kicked off at 3.30 p.m. The weather was remarkably hot, too hot it seemed to play a winter pastime, but a good crowd of about 800 were in attendance at the new ground which still needed much attention especially in the form of a grandstand. The players in such tropical weather weren’t going to exert themselves too much but in an entertaining match Simons and Burrill both scored making the score 1-1 at half time. The second half was even tamer and the game finished 1-1

I understand that a representation has been made to the Midland Railway Company to erect a halt at Brewery Road Bridge (what is now Southend East Station). This would be a great convenience for spectators coming from Westcliff Leigh and straight from the City and should be a great source of income to the company for a small expenditure.
From the Southend Standard 28th August 1919

23rd August !919
Second Public Trial Match Blues 2-1 Reds

The second Trial started with more enthusiasm than the first, and with the addition of more players to the squad such as Henage Wileman who had resigned for the club the Blues won 2-1 with Bellamy and Upex scoring for the Blues in the first half, while the second half was disappointing as the players struggled Hadley scored for the Reds to reduced the lead

Next Monday Episode 2: The season begins
 
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Great stuff Pete,
looking foreward to the 67-68 and 71-72 seasons
 
John Bollington only played one game this season, went to Brighton for about a dozen games then went to Holland, eventually managing the national side for one game in 1924
 
That strange name Hen(e)age Wileman caught my eye, and when I tried googling him I found to my surprise that he has his own (albeit brief) Wikipedia page: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heneage_Wileman

His brother Arthur also played for Southend, but that was before the war (which sadly he died in). Click on Reference 4 on the Wikipedia page and it takes you, courtesy of the Wayback Machine, to a 15-page pdf with biographies of many other Southend United players who fell during that war.
 
Henage Wileman died in a very sad way in 1926

TRAGIC DEATH OF FORMER SOUTHEND SKIPPER
A report in the Southend Standard told how Henage Wileman who was with the club for twelve years had sadly taken his own life after falling on hard times. After drinking a bottle of bleach he then threw himself off Trent Bridge in Nottingham.
 
That strange name Hen(e)age Wileman caught my eye, and when I tried googling him I found to my surprise that he has his own (albeit brief) Wikipedia page: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heneage_Wileman

His brother Arthur also played for Southend, but that was before the war (which sadly he died in). Click on Reference 4 on the Wikipedia page and it takes you, courtesy of the Wayback Machine, to a 15-page pdf with biographies of many other Southend United players who fell during that war.

Great find, it is a real shame the "The Original Blue Army" by Steve Newman is currently only available on the wayback site. It should not by lost, so I thought I would reproduce it again for posterity.

All credit to Steve Newman and Robert Pike who it would appear has visited to sites of some of the War Graves and left a Southend United scarf which is a lovely touch.

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Episode 2: The season begins


SOUTHEND UNITED 0-2 PORTSMOUTH
No. 1 Southern League - Saturday 30th August 1919
Few were argue that Southend were well beaten by a very strong Portsmouth side, but spectators should not have been downhearted by what they had seen, as the Blues put on an excellent performance and few sides in the Division are going to do well against the team from the Naval town. The game started at a hectic pace and both sides had chances but after twenty three minutes a Portsmouth player found himself with only Leahy the goalkeeper to beat and he side tapped the ball into net. Five minutes later Portsmouth scored again with an oblique shot that beat the goalkeeper, and at half time Pompey led by these two goals. Southend started the second half strongly and looked liked they could reduce the arrears but Portsmouth took up the running again and the score remained unchanged. Two other sides also lost their homing home fixture in the Southern League.
Team: Leahy; Reid and Marshall; Emery, Sands and Woodward; Nicholls, Bellamy, Upex, Jones and Bridgeman.

The attendance was distinctly encouraging, 5,400 people being present and the receipts amounted to £270. It was a good start but it must be remembered that there were many visitors amongst the crowd and there would have been many more had the game been advertised by sandwich men amongst the thousands of people who teemed down the High street on Saturday morning.

The absolute necessity of doing something in the nature of through trams to the Kursaal was demonstrated. The scramble for one was far worse than a Rugby scrum many hundreds could not get aboard and the public inconvenienced. Seeing the Light Railways Committee were approached last week it is time they took action. By three o’clock (kick-ff 3.30pm) there were over a thousand spectators in the ground and the turnstiles were kept merrily clicking until long after the progress of the game. The need for a grandstand was demonstrated and it is also a pity no provision has been made for a reserved enclosure.
From the Southend Standard 4th September 1919

PORTSMOUTH Reserves 2-1 SOUTHEND UNITED Reserves
South Eastern League - Saturday 30th August 1919

The Reserves put on a good performance at Fratton Park against a strong Portsmouth side but lost by 1-2. Southend were playing against the wind in the first half, but even so Dixon opened the score but Portsmouth equalised before the interval, and in the second half were just too strong for the Blues and scored a second which proved to be the winner. The crowd was very impressive for a reserve fixture who were paying 8d (about 3p) admission and the receipts were £152 17s 9d (£152.88)


SOUTHEND UNITED 3-0 NEWPORT COUNTY
No. 2 Southern League - Monday 1st September 1919

Newport had been beaten at Norwich 1-4 two days previously and they were clearly not of the same quality as the Portsmouth team had been, but Southend put on a much more convincing display, with dash and enthusiasm. Newport had their goalkeeper, (who had played in a Cup Final), keep the score to a respectable level, as Southend could easily have doubled their three goal advantage. The first goal came from a penalty after a blatant handball and Burrill had the honour of scoring Southend’s first competitive goal at the Kursaal. It was Burrill who set up Lot Jones for the second goal who scored with an excellent first time drive, and at half time the score was two nil to the Blues. It wasn’t until the eightieth minute that Southend scored their third and final goal, when Bollington scored from a corner. With the disappointment from Saturday’s defeat forgotten, Southend had now achieved a very impressive win. at the start of the 1919-20 season, Newport wore a kit of chocolate and blue shirts which had been donated by West Bromwich Albion.
Team: Leahy; Reid and Marshall; Bollington, Sands and Woodward; Nicholls, Wileman, Burrill, Jones and Bridgeman.

SOUTHERN LEAGUE TABLE
  1. ….Plymouth Argyle….......2 …. 1….1….0….3….0….3
  2. ….Portsmouth….......... .....2 …. 1….1….0….2….0….3
  3. ….Queens Park Rangers….2 …. 1….1….0….2….0….3
  4. ….Luton Town….........…….....2 …. 1….1….0….3….1….3
  5. ….Norwich City…………………2 …1….1….0….6….3….3
  6. ….Millwall…..................……......2 ….1….1….0….4….2….3
  7. ….Reading…………………………2….1….1….0….4….2….3
  8. ….Watford………..…………...……2….1….1….0….2….1….3
  9. ….Swansea Town…......…........2 ….1….1….0….3….2….3
  10. ….Brentford…...............………..2 …. 1….1….0….4….3….3
  11. .Southend United………2 …. 1….0….1….3….2….2
  12. ….Exeter City…………………….…2 .0….2….0….3….3….2
  13. ….Crystal Palace………………..2….0….2….0….2….2….2
  14. ….Swindon Town….........''....2 …. 0….2….0….2….2….2
  15. ….Brighton & Hove Alb...….2 …0. ….1….1….3….4….1
  16. ….Northampton Town…......2 ….0….1….1….3….4….1
  17. ….Bristol Rovers….........….....2 …. 0….1….1….4….6….1
  18. ….Cardiff City…...............….....2 ….0….1….1….4….6….1
  19. ….Southampton….........….......2 …. ….1….1….2….3….1
  20. ….Gillingham…...............…......2 ….0….1….1….0….2….1
  21. ….Newport County…...…........2 …. ….0….2….1….7….0
  22. ….Merthyr Town….........….......2 …. ….0….2….0….3….0
At one period on Monday I had my doubts as to whether there was going to be a match and more serious doubts as to whether it could be a completed game. At five minutes past six, five minutes after the advertised time for kick off the visitors dressing room was empty and no one knew what had become of Newport. Then about 6.10 they arrived. It appears they travelled down from Norwich that morning arriving in London at 2.45. they had ordered lunch at the Arundel Hotel in the Strand and had to chase up there from Liverpool Street and got back to Fenchurch Street to catch the 14.45 which as usual was late.
From the Southend Standard 4th September 1919

OTHER ENTERTAINMENT

For something completely different at the end of the Pier you could visit the: GERMAN SUPER SUBMARINE “THE DEUTSCLAND” Open 9.30 a.m. to 6.30 p.m. Admission Adults 1/- Children 6d The admission of 1/- (now 5p) was the same as admission price to Kursaal for league games.

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Next Thursday Episode 3:
Northampton and Newport Away
 
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Episode 3: Northampton and Newport Away


NORTHAMPTON TOWN 2-1 SOUTHEND UNITED
No.3 Southern League - Saturday 6th September 1919

The first half was very even but Northampton had the luck with them, Southend didn’t. Lot Jones crashed the ball against the crossbar but the rebound fell into the goalkeepers arms, a similar effort from Northampton ended up in the net for the only goal of the half. The second half was barely a minute old when the Bootmen were awarded a penalty and went two goals up but afterwards it was largely constant attacks from Southend trying to get back on level terms, after several near misses Wileman hit a shot with ”express” speed which the goalkeeper probably never saw. With four minutes to go Southend were awarded a penalty which was entrusted to Wileman, of whom it is said had never missed a penalty for the Blues, but on this occasion to his horror the ball went six inches the wrong side of the post.
Team: Hill; Reid and Marshall; Emery, Bollington and Woodward; Nicholls, Wileman, Burrill, Jones and Bridgeman


SOUTHEND UNITED Reserves 6-3 ROYAL ENGINEERS (Purfleet)
Friendly Match - Saturday 6th September 1919

The opening home game for the Reserves was friendly against the Royal Engineers from Purfleet, but their was only a small attendance as the County sports were being held at Southchurch Park.. Several players were given a trial and the Engineers can feel unlucky to have lost by 6-3. Newton, Johnson and Young gave the Blues a half time lead, Bull added a fourth before the Engineers pulled two goals back. Bailey and Johnson added No’s 5 and 6 before the Engineers scored a final consolation.

NEWPORT COUNTY 0-0 SOUTHEND UNITED
No.4 Southern League - Monday 8th September 1919

Newport had lost all three Southern League games but on their own ground they were not to be underestimated. The match kicked off at 5.45 p.m. Southend certainly counted themselves unlucky in the first half when a goal was disallowed for a foul committed, and in another instance with Nicholls clear through he had his legs taken from beneath him, but no penalty was awarded. In the second half Newport were greatly improved although they still lacked effective combination but by the end of the game no goals had been scored but the Blues had obtained their first away point
Team: Emblem; Reid and Marshall; Emery, Bollington and Bellamy; Nicholls, Wileman, Burrill, Jones and Young


Southern League Table:
  1. ….Plymouth Argyle….......2 …. 1….1….0….3….0….3
  2. ….Portsmouth…...............2 …. 1….1….0….2….0….3
  3. ….Queens Park Rangers….2 …. 1….1….0….2….0….3
  4. ….Luton Town…................2 …. 1….1….0….3….1….3
  5. ….Norwich City…………………2 …1….1….0….6….3….3
  6. ….Millwall…........................2 ….1….1….0….4….2….3
  7. ….Reading…………………………2….1….1….0….4….2….3
  8. ….Watford………..………………2….1….1….0….2….1….3
  9. ….Swansea Town….............2 ….1….1….0….3….2….3
  10. ….Brentford…...................2 …. 1….1….0….4….3….3
  11. .Southend United……2 …. 1….0….1….3….2….2
  12. ….Exeter City……………………2 .0….2….0….3….3….2
  13. ….Crystal Palace………………..2….0….2….0….2….2….2
  14. ….Swindon Town….............2 …. 0….2….0….2….2….2
  15. ….Brighton & Hove Alb..…….2 …. ….1….1….3….4….1
  16. ….Northampton Town….......2 ….0….1….1….3….4….1
  17. ….Bristol Rovers…..............2 …. 0….1….1….4….6….1
  18. ….Cardiff City…...................2 ….0….1….1….4….6….1
  19. ….Southampton…...............2 …. ….1….1….2….3….1
  20. ….Gillingham…....................2 ….0….1….1….0….2….1
  21. ….Newport County…...........2 …. ….0….2….1….7….0
  22. ….Merthyr Town…...............2 …. ….0….2….0….3….0
ALSO AT THE KURSAAL
For those that wanted an alternative to football, the Kursaal had plenty of entertainment such as the Scenic Railway, the Joy Wheel, Fun Grotto and although these were intended for the visitors to the town, there was still Dancing, Skating and Billiards, indeed Southend was one of the top seaside attractions in the country.

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Next Monday Episode 4; The "Glassboys" visit the Kursaal
 
Episode 4; The "Glassboys" visit the Kursaal


SOUTHEND UNITED 1-1 CRYSTAL PALCE
No. 5 Southern League - Saturday 13th September 1919

Crystal Palace had not started the season well and were still waiting their first win, the previous week that lost 1-4 to Watford. In the first half it was Crystal Palace in the claret and blue shirts that dominated. The Glassboys took the lead after seventeen minutes, but the Blues pressed hard and five minutes later a through ball from Wileman allowed Burrill to dash between the backs and score. Before half time a goal was disallowed for the Blues but in the second half Palace were the stronger of the two teams. However the match became scrappy and deteriorated and at the final whistle it ended all square.
Team: Emblem; Reid and Marshall; Emery, Bollington and Bellamy; Nicholls, Wileman, Burrill, Jones and Young


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George Nicholls takes a corner​

BRIGHTON & HOVE ALBION Reserves 2-2 SOUTHEND UNITED Reserves
South Eastern League - Saturday 13th September 1919
Southend reserves put up a very creditable display in drawing 2-2 against Brighton in Hove. Brighton took the lead when the ball hit the hand of a Southend player and a penalty was awarded. The Brighton spectators numbering about 2,000 sympathised with Southend as clearly the handball was unintended and unavoidable. A second goal was added and a reply from Oakley to give the homesters a 1-2 advantage at half time. In the second half Southend were the superior side and equalised through Upex

GILLINGHAM 0-1 SOUTHEND UNITED
No.6 Southern League -Wednesday 17th September 1919
Gillingham had drawn 0-0 against Watford on the opening day, but as Watford were the last side to win the Southern League and Gillingham had finished bottom this wasn’t seen as a bad result. For the first twenty minutes Southend were the superior side but for the last twenty minutes of the half Gillingham had the Blues fully extended. The only goal of the game came after eight minutes when a Corner by Young was headed on by Wileman and Upex added the final touch. It proved to be Southend’s first away victory of the season and fully deserved as they were the smarter side.
The game was on a Wednesday afternoon with a kick off at 5.45, and according to the Southend Standard a number of enthusiastic Southend supporters made the tedious journey from Southend to Gillingham and congregated in the end Southend were kicking and swollen with a large amount of Naval men, gave the Blues a strong and vocal backing, so much so that the Gillingham Directors were convinced that Gillingham must have scored judging by the noise the fans made, but it was in fact the Southend contingent. The gate was estimated at 6,000, and the Southend Standard headline was “Gillingham Win A Tonic”, Southend were playing in Blue as Gillingham played in these days in Black & white striped shirts and white knickers (shorts)
Team: Emblem; Reid and Marshall; Emery, Bollington and Woodward; Nicholls, Burrill, Upex, Jones and Young


Southern League Table:
  1. ….Watford………..…………………6 …. 5….1….0….11….4….11
  2. ….Portsmouth…...............5 …. 3….1….1….8….2….7
  3. ….Reading…………………………6 …. 2….3….1….7….4….7
  4. ….Brentford…...................5 …. 3….1….1….10….7….7
  5. ….Exeter City……………………5 …. 2….3….0….7….5….6
  6. ….Millwall…........................6 …. 2….3….1….10….8….7
  7. ….Plymouth Argyle….......5 …. 2….2….1….5….2….6
  8. ….Merthyr Town…...............6 …. 2….2….2….9….4….6
  9. ….Queens Park Rangers….5 …. 2….2….1….4….2….6
  10. .Southend United……6 …. 2….2….2….6….5….6
  11. ….Swindon Town….............5 …. 2….2….1….6….5….6
  12. ….Gillingham…....................5 …. 2….2….1….3….3….5
  13. ….Norwich City……………………4 …. 2….1….1….9….7….5
  14. ….Cardiff City…...................5 …. 1….3….1….9….8….5
  15. ….Crystal Palace………………..5 …. 1….3….1….6….8….5
  16. ….Southampton…...............6 …. 2….1….3….6….10….5
  17. ….Luton Town…................6 …. 1….2….3….7….12….4
  18. ….Northampton Town….......6 …. 1….1….4….10….15….3
  19. ….Swansea Town….............5 …. 1….1….3….4….6….3
  20. ….Bristol Rovers…..............5 …. 0….3….2….6….11….3
  21. ….Brighton & Hove Alb..…….4 …. 0….2….2….4….6….2
  22. ….Newport County…...........6 …. 0….1….5….3….16….1
NATIONAL NEWS
Post-First World War Britain was strongly affected by industrial unrest. In 1919, roughly 2.4 million British workers went on strike. Problems were particularly evident in two of the industries still largely under government control, the railways and the mines.

Next Thursday Episode 5;
Blues Fail to fulfil Fixture, Fined and Upset Fans
 
Episode 5;
Blues Fail to fulfil Fixture, Fined & Upset Fans


Saturday 20th September 1919

WATFORD 1-1 SOUTHEND UNITED
No.7 Southern League - Saturday 20th September 1919

Watford were the reigning Southern League Champions and the London Press gave Southend little chance, rather pondering how many goals Watford would score. From the very beginning of the match their was rough play, Young leaving the field in the first minutes and several others had to leave the pitch for short periods, and at half time there was barely a Southend player unscathed. In the second half Southend had two men carried off, Bollington and Upex and had to play in effect with only nine men After twenty nine minutes after good work by Nicholls Burrill crashed the ball into the net, but ten minutes before half time Watford were awarded a penalty but Emblem saved. The second half started in explosive fashion with the Brewerymen scoring after only two minutes, the next minute a second penalty was awarded against the Blues and for a second time Emblem saved. The nine men of Southend held on to the end of the game and gained a very creditable point.
Team: Emblem; Reid and Marshall; Emery, Wileman and Woodward; Nicholls, Burrill, Upex, Jones and Young


SOUTHEND UNITED Reserves 0-2 WATFORD Reserves
South Eastern League - Saturday 20th September 1919
After the good performance at Brighton, a keenly contested game was expected as the Blues opened their home fixtures with the visit of Watford but they well beaten by the Brewerymen by 0-2.

Thursday 25th September 1919

QUEENS PARK RANGERS 2-2 SOUTHEND UNITED
No.8 Southern League - Thursday25th September1919
The game at Shepherds Bush against QPR kicked off at 5.45 p.m. and also ended all square, but this time by 2-2. They had just moved to a new ground at Loftus Road close to the White City which was tight ground with a good playing surface but little in the way of accommodation although the girders of the grandstand being erected were visible. After seventeen Minutes Southend opened the scoring with a fast drive from close range but five minutes later the Rangers equalised. Seven minutes from the interval Young sent in a fierce shot which the goalkeeper parried but only succeeded in diverting into his own net. Due to the lateness of the kickoff and the poor light it was decided to turn around at half time and not have an interval, and the new half found the Blues pressing hard to increase their lead, and QPR resorted to playing the one back game with the result numerous offside decisions. In one instant to the merriment of the crowd Young was given offside in his own half, but after seventy three minutes the equaliser came. Team: Emblem; Reid and Marshall; Emery, Sands and Woodward; Nicholls, Burrill, Upex, Jones and Young

  1. ….Portsmouth…............8 …. 6….1….1….17….5….13
  2. ….Watford………..…………………7 …. 5….2….0….12….5….12
  3. ….Queens Park Rangers.8 . 4….3….1….11….4….11
  4. ….Reading…………………………8 …. 3….4….1….10….5….10
  5. ….Exeter City……………………7 …. 3….4….0….9….6….10
  6. ….Brentford…...................8 …. 3….4….1….11….8….10
  7. ….Southampton…...............8 …. 4….1….3….12….12….9
  8. .Southend United………8 …. 2….4….2….9….8….8
  9. ….Crystal Palace………………..7 …. 2….4….1….9….9….8
  10. ….Millwall…........................8 …. 2….4….2….12….13….8
  11. ….Cardiff City…...................7 …. 2….3….2….15….10….7
  12. ….Merthyr Town…...............8 …. 2….3….3….13….10….7
  13. ….Plymouth Argyle….......7 …. 2….2….3….7….6….6
  14. ….Swindon Town….............7 …. 2….2….3….8….10….6
  15. ….Luton Town…................8 …. 2….2….4….10….17….6
  16. ….Gillingham….................8 …. 2….2….2….4….3….6
  17. ….Norwich City……………5 …. 2….1….2….10….10….5
  18. ….Swansea Town…..........7 …. 2….1….4….7….9….5
  19. ….Northampton Town....8 …. 1….3….4….13….18….5
  20. ….Bristol Rovers…...........7 …. 1….3….3….9….15….5
  21. ….Brighton & Hove Alb...7 …. 1….2….4….7….12….4
  22. ….Newport County….......8 …. 1….1….6….6….19….3
NORWICH CITY v SOUTHEND UNITED - POSTPONED
Southern League - Saturday 27th September 1919

The National Rail strike was in full swing and travelling by train virtually came to a standstill, Southend were due to play at Norwich and the local players arrived at the G.N.E.R. station at 7.00 a.m. but there was little chance of them getting through and eventually gave up. Criticism was made that the Club hadn’t hired a Charabanc but the club explained that several players lived in London and it was impossible to get in touch with these players, and the game had to be postponed

SOUTHEND UNITED Reserves v LUTON TOWN Reserves -POSTPONED
South Eastern League - Saturday 27th September 1919

Luton were due at the Kursaal and a wire was sent off to them to find out if they would be able to make it but no reply was received. The spectators had already paid to get into the ground before it was realised that Luton weren’t coming so a hastily arranged scratch match was put on which proved more comical than anything else.

The Southern League took a dim view and Southend were fined £50:

The Southern League Emergency Committee have issued a notice to clubs stating that they are expected to carry out their engagements notwithstanding the Strike. There is therefore no doubt that Brentford will play their game at the Kursaal next Saturday. A wire received from them on Wednesday stated that they would travel down by Charabanc arriving about 12.30.
From the Southend Standard 2nd October 1919:

“A Supporter” writes protesting against the fact that the Public before paying for admission at the Kursaal ground on Saturday were not informed that Luton had not arrived. The Town was billed with posters “Match Certain” and yet money was taken at the gate the officials well knowing Luton had not arrived. This is not the way to get support by misleading the Public.
From the Southend Standard 2nd October 1919

Next Monday Episode 6: 10 Men Southend beat Brentford
 
I wasn't exactly sure what a 'charabanc' was, so googled it (and saw some fascinating photos). This Wikipedia page about charabancs includes a photo of a motorised one from the early 1920s, and apparently they were uncomfortable for long journeys, and to some degree dangerous too. They haven't been common on the roads since the 1920s.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charabanc
 
Episode 6: 10 Men Southend beat Brentford

SOUTHEND UNITED 3-1 BRENTFORD
No. 9 Southern League -Saturday 4th October 1919

Sitting eighth in the league and with a home game against Brentford who were having an uninspiring season, Southend were in a great position to move up the league. Brentford arrived, after their charabanc excursion, with their normal strip of blue and gold jerseys but as there was a clash Southend agreed to change and wear their black and white striped away jerseys. The first half was full of incident but when the break came the score sheet was still unmarked, but Brentford opened the scoring eighteen minutes after the break with a high shot which beat Emblem. Shortly afterwards Nicholls raced down the wing but was tackled strongly but fairly but it was immediately obvious that he was seriously injured. Two doctors, present at the ground, attended him and it was clear that his leg was broken and was put in splints before being carried from the pitch by the V.A.D. men (Voluntary Aid Detachment). The delay lasted a good ten minutes, but from the resumption the ten men of Southend went all out for the equaliser which soon came thanks to Burrill with a shot that went in off of a post. Barely had the cheers died down than Burrill raced away again centred to Young who scored with an unstoppable shot. Southend were irresistible by now and young centred the ball for Burrill to add a third goal, and for Southend to win in sensational style. Southend moved up to seventh place in the league.
Team: Emblem; Reid and Marshall; Emery, Wileman and Woodward; Nicholls, Burrill, Upex, Jones and Young




1558942111802.png

George Nicholls


South Eastern League - Saturday 4th October 1919
The United reserves were due to play at Thorneycrofts but because the Rail strike was on the match had to be postponed for the second week running.



SEASON TICKETS
The directors of Southend United have decided to issue season tickets for the ground at a price of £1-2-6p (£1.12½p) inclusive of Tax. The enclosure adjoining the dressing rooms have now been covered in, the Directors have been approached by a number of supporters to be allowed to take season tickets in this enclosure. As the accommodation is so limited the Directors have decided to set the price for Season tickets at £4-19-6d (£4.97). Several of these have already been sold and a limited amount is still available. The money received is being put towards the Stand fund, if other supporters would like to club together to cover any other part of the ground, the Directors will favourably consider it. From the Southend Standard 2nd October 1919:


Note: So as I understand it if you wanted to pay to cover part of the ground, the Directors would let you, that was very good of them wasn’t it, this article was printed after four home games out of the twenty one had already been played. Ten years earlier a season ticket cost 12/6d (62½p) so the cost of a season ticket had almost doubled.


EXETER CITY 3-0 SOUTHEND UNITED
No.10 Southern League - Wednesday 8th October 1919
The rail dispute was making clubs paranoid and for Southend’s next match at Exeter due on the Wednesday afternoon, the players left on Tuesday for the game, Due to Nicholls injury the team had to make enforced changes, but these changes didn’t work. Exeter scored an early goal from close range, Burrill had a good chance, but before half time Exeter’s centre forward Billy Goodwin scored. The second half followed the same pattern and Goodwin added a third in much the same manner as his second.
Team: Emblem; Reid and Marshall; Sands, Woodward and Emery; Bridgeman, Burrill, Upex, Jones and Young.

Southern League Table:
  1. ….Portsmouth…...............10 …. 6….3….1….17….5….15
  2. ….Queens Park Rangers….9 …. 5….3….1….11….5….13
  3. ….Reading…………………………10 …. 4….5….1….11….5….13
  4. ….Watford………..…………………8 …. 5….2….1….12….6….12
  5. ….Exeter City……………………9 …. 4….4….1….12….7….12
  6. ….Millwall…........................10 …. 4….4….2….19….14….12
  7. ….Plymouth Argyle….......9 …. 4….2….3….13….6….10
  8. ….Brentford…...................9 …. 3….4….2….12….11….10
  9. .Southend United.…10 …. 3….4….3….12….12….10
  10. ….Cardiff City…...................8 …. 3….3….2….16….10….9
  11. ….Crystal Palace………………..8 …. 2….5….1….10….10….9
  12. ….Southampton…...............9 …. 4….1….4….12….13….9
  13. ….Merthyr Town…...............10 …. 2….4….4….14….12….8
  14. ….Swindon Town….............8 …. 3….2….3….13….12….8
  15. ….Norwich City……………………6 …. 3….1….2….11….10….7
  16. ….Brighton & Hove Alb..…….9 …. 2….3….4….8….12….7
  17. ….Bristol Rovers….............8 …. 1….4….3….9….15….6
  18. ….Luton Town…................9 …. 2….2….5….10….19….6
  19. ….Gillingham…....................10 …. 2….2….6….5….16….6
  20. ….Swansea Town….............8 …. 2….1….5….7….11….5
  21. ….Northampton Town….......8 …. 1….3….5….13….22….5
  22. ….Newport County…...........10 …. 1….2….7….7….24….4


SOUTHEND UNITED Reserves 1-2 WATFORD Reserves
South Eastern League - Wednesday 8th October 1919
Watford visited the Kursaal and came away with both points in a 1-2 win, with goals after fifteen minutes and five minutes after the break. Rodgers scoring for the Blues in the second half.

Next Thursday Episode 7: Blues make a Big Signing
 
Episode 7: Blues make a Big Signing

MERTHYR TOWN 1-1 SOUTHEND UNITED
No.11 Southern League - Saturday 11th October 1919
A trip to Merthyr which usually proved unsuccessful for Southend, but as the Southend Standard reported “Two records Broken at Merthyr”. The two records being the first goal we had ever scored at Pennydarren Park, and secondly the first time we had come away from Merthyr with a point. The attendance was estimated at 10,000. The game started at a hectic pace with an early appeal for a penalty for Merthyr but denied by the referee, Young the forced a corner which came to nothing, and then only two minutes from the onset Bridgeman put the Blues in front with a shot from an oblique angle. Southend were unlucky not to go further ahead when Burrill was ruled offside, but as the half progressed Merthyr came more into the game. The second half was twenty minutes old when Merthyr equalised with a fine as goal as you could hope to see, it was a half which had chances at both end with missed open goals and a disallowed goal but the game ended in a draw.
Team: Emblem; Reid and Marshall; Wileman, Sands and Woodward; Bridgeman, Burrill, Upex Emery and Young.


SOUTHEND UNITED Reserves 2-1 WOOLWICH POLYTECHNIC
Friendly Match - Saturday 11th October 1919
Having a free Saturday the Reserves played a hastily arranged friendly against Woolwich Polytechnic of the London League at the Kursaal which ended 2-1 in front of only a small crowd, due to the lateness of it being arranged and the fact that Shoebury Garrison who were playing an FA Cup Match. Haley and Grant were the scorers in the first half, and the Poly pulled one back in the second half.

MID RHONDA 0-0 SOUTHEND UNITED
Friendly Match - Monday 13th October 1919

A guarantee match was played in Wales against Mid Rhonda at Tonypandy in front of a large crowd, renewing acquaintances from Southend’s days in the Southern League Second Division. A trial was given to Jimmy Evans who originated from Rhyl, who played splendidly bidding fair to become a second Marshall. He was signed by the club after the match. Mid Rhonda and Ton Pentre were local rivals both in the Southern League Second Division, when they met in an FA Cup match a crowd of 20,000 attended.

Association Football was booming in South Wales even at the expense of the more traditional Rugby, for instance Swansea had played Swindon in front of 16,000 spectators while on the same day Swansea Rugby Club played Cardiff in front of only 3,000.

1559198824062.png

Jimmy Evans

SOUTHEND UNITED 1-0 PLYMOUTH ARGYLE
No. 12 Southern League - Saturday18th October 1919
Plymouth were currently in seventh place in the League having just won their last two games 4-0 and 2-0, and were managed by former Southend manager Robert Jack and his son David Jack was playing for them as was former Southend player Price Blott. In order that Plymouth’s green jerseys didn’t clash with Southend’s Blue ones we again wore the change strip of Black and white stripes but it was generally thought this change was unnecessary as the two clubs had met several times previously and never needed to change. Southend dominated the first half without breaking down the Plymouth defence, the closest the Blues came was when Young shot fiercely into the side netting but somehow the ball ended up inside the net, no goal was given. In the second half the deadlock was eventually broken when Frost was unmarked and scored from close range. So for the second home match running wearing black and white stripes proved successful. Southend moved up to seventh place in the in the league.
Team: Emblem; Reid and Marshall; Wileman, Sands and Woodward; Bridgeman, Burrill, Upex, Frost and Young.

Southern League Table:
  1. ….Queens Park Rangers….12 …. 7….4….1….15….4….18
  2. ….Portsmouth…...............12 …. 7….3….2….23….8….17
  3. ….Reading…………………………12 …. 6….5….1….16….7….17
  4. ….Watford………..…………………10 …. 6….3….1….13….6….15
  5. ….Millwall…........................12 …. 5….4….3….21….17….14
  6. ….Exeter City……………………11 …. 4….5….2….13….9….13
  7. .Southend United………12 …. 4….5….3….14….13….13
  8. ….Norwich City……………………9 …. 5….2….2….18….11….12
  9. ….Crystal Palace………………..11 …. 3….6….2….16….13….12
  10. ….Plymouth Argyle….......11 …. 4….3….4….13….7….11
  11. ….Cardiff City…...................10 …. 3….5….2….16….10….11
  12. ….Swindon Town….............11 …. 4….3….4….16….15….11
  13. ….Brentford…...................11 …. 3….5….3….13….13….11
  14. ….Southampton…...............11 …. 5….1….5….15….18….11
  15. ….Merthyr Town…...............12 …. 2….5….5….15….17….9
  16. ….Brighton & Hove Alb..…….12 …. 3….3….6….11….16….9
  17. ….Luton Town…................11 …. 3….3….5….12….19….9
  18. ….Bristol Rovers…..............10 …. 2….4….4….13….20….8
  19. ….Gillingham…....................12 …. 3….2….7….7….19….8
  20. ….Swansea Town….............10 …. 3….1….6….9….13….7
  21. ….Northampton Town….......11 …. 1….3….7….14….28….5
  22. ….Newport County…...........13 …. 1….3….9….7….27….5

LUTON TOWN Reserves 5-2 SOUTHEND UNITED Reserves
South Eastern League - Saturday 18th October 1919
The Reserves played their strongest opponents so far when they played a very strong Luton side. The homesters were in a two goal league at half time and added three more goals in the second half with just two goal reply for the Blues from Oakley and R.H. Young for an end result of a 2-5 win for Luton.


Next Monday Episode 8;
Three teams turn up for one Reserve fixture
 
Episode 8; Three teams turn up for one Reserve fixture

BRISTOL ROVERS 4-1 SOUTHEND UNITED
No. 13 Southern League - Saturday 25th October 1919
Bristol Rovers were having a poor season, and they were our next port of call, but the omens were against us. It was our 13th game of the season, we had obtained 13 points and conceded 13 goals, inevitably it all went wrong from the very beginning of the game. After a complete mix up in the defence Rovers were gifted a goal after only five minutes, continual pressure by the Blues failed to produce a goal but after half an hour a defensive error by Sands gifted a second goal. Upex reduced the arrears but Bristol added a third before half time. The final point of the match came fifteen minutes into the second half a goal which appeared to be blatantly offside. Southend strongly appealed and the referee consulted the linesman but the decision was unaltered. Southend dropped to ninth in the League.
Team: Emblem; Reid and Marshall; Wileman, Sands and Woodward; Bridgeman, Liddell, Upex, Frost and Young.


SOUTHEND UNITED Resereves 2-0 LUTON TOWN Reserves
South Eastern League- Saturday 25th October 1919
It was the rearranged fixture against Luton which had been postponed on Strike day, and the Junior Blues, at the Kursaal, recorded their first win in a 2-0 victory. Southend were good value for their win, only five minutes had gone when Cheesman put the Blues in front. Luton pressed for the equaliser but the game deteriorated when both sides started to play the one back game. In the second half Oakley walked the ball into the net to score Southend’s second.

A KINDLY ACT
The Brentford players and trainer have sent Nicholls a handsome hamper of fruit and flowers with a letter wishing him a speedy recovery. This kindly act is much appreciated as Nicholls broke his leg playing against the club .
From the Southend Standard 30th October 1919

SOUTHEND UNITED 2-2 READING
No. 14 Southern League - Saturday 1st November 1919

Reading were second in the League, level on points Queens Park Rangers. After twenty four minutes after good work by Jones and Upex, Burrill scored from an oblique angle, on Thirty minutes Reading equalised but the second goal for Southend followed shortly afterwards and was also scored by Burrill and was a result of good movement by the Southend team. The second half started with a fair exchange of chances but then Reading started to dominate and eighteen minutes from the end they equalised for the second time. It was Southend’s sixth draw of the season, and Reading were “decidedly lucky to half the points” according to the Standard. Southend dropped to twelfth place in the League, while Reading went to, Rangers conceded five goals as many as they had conceded in their previous thirteen games. .
Team: Leahy; Reid and Marshall; Wileman, Bollington and, Woodward; Bellamy, Burrill, Upex, Frost and Young.

  1. ….Reading…………………………15 …. 7….7….1….20….10….21
  2. ….Queens Park Rangers….14 …. 8….4….2….20….9….20
  3. ….Portsmouth…...............14 …. 8….3….3….27….10….18
  4. ….Watford………..…………………12 …. 7….3….2….18….9….17
  5. ….Exeter City……………………13 …. 5….6….2….16….10….16
  6. ….Crystal Palace………………..13 …. 4….7….2….19….13….15
  7. ….Plymouth Argyle….......13 …. 5….4….4….17….7….14
  8. ….Cardiff City…...................12 …. 4….6….2….21….14….14
  9. ….Norwich City……………………11 …. 6….2….3….23….16….14
  10. ….Swindon Town….............13 …. 5….4….4….24….20….14
  11. ….Millwall…........................14 …. 5….4….5….23….22….14
  12. .Southend United……14 …. 4….6….4….17….19….14
  13. ….Luton Town…................13 …. 5….3….5….18….20….13
  14. ….Brentford…...................13 …. 3….6….4….14….15….12
  15. ….Merthyr Town…...............14 …. 3….5….6….17….23….11
  16. ….Brighton & Hove Alb..…….14 …. 3….5….6….12….17….11
  17. ….Southampton…...............14 …. 5….1….8….18….29….11
  18. ….Swansea Town….............12 …. 4….2….6….13….14….10
  19. ….Bristol Rovers…..............12 …. 3….4….5….18….26….10
  20. ….Gillingham…....................14 …. 3….2….9….8….26….8
  21. ….Northampton Town….......13 …. 2….3….8….21….34….7
  22. ….Newport County…...........15 …. 2….3….10….10….31….7

READING Reserves 1-1 SOUTHEND UNITED Reserves
South Eastern League Saturday 1st November 1919
The United second team were putting on better performances away from home, and that’s how it proved at Elm Park where they played a very strong Reading side, in a game full of dash and spirit. Oakley scored a fine goal for the blues mid way through the second half but the Biscuitmen equalised shortly afterwards and the game ended 1-1.

There was a mix up on behalf of the Reading officials who seem to have overlooked the South eastern league fixture and arranged a friendly against Brentford instead and it was the Brentford game that had been advertised locally. Both teams of Southend and Brentford arrived on the same train and after production of fixture cards the Southend game went ahead. The Brentford players seemed to take the situation in good heart and seemed to thoroughly enjoy the game.

The reserves were having a torrid time in the South Eastern League, but this match was their best performance of the season so far. It was later stated that the Directors were taking steps to strengthen the Reserve team, and blended with good local loyal amateurs. Southend supporters should endeavour to attend reserve games in greater numbers. From the Southend Standard 6 November 1919

1559546093454.png

Please can I have some more penalties”.
”No you’ve had your ration and made poor use of them”.


"Pa Shrimper" Cartoon that appeared in the Southend Standard

Next Thursday Episode 9;

Complaints about the Unruly Southend Crowd
 
Episode 9;
Complaints about the Unruly Southend Crowd


SOUTHAMPTON 4-0 SOUTHEND UNITED
No. 15 Southern league – Saturday 8th November 1919
Southampton had started the season well but had slipped of late to seventeenth place and in their last home match they had lost to Northampton, who were second from bottom. Thirty minutes of the half had elapsed and Southend had missed a host of easy chances, but then a shot from a Southampton player which looked ordinary was somehow fumbled by the goalkeeper and ended up in the net. Two minutes later a very similar situation made the score two nil to the Saints. Another piece of poor goalkeeping gave Southampton a third and five minutes from time they scored the fourth. In the final seconds Lot Jones was unlucky with an effort which the goalkeeper had to make two attempts to stop. It was the Blues fifth defeat of the season and their heaviest but they still maintained 12th position. The Directors were again getting poor press when it was stated that again no directors travelled with the team to Southampton, the third time it had happened this season, and it also stated that we should be getting some new directors. Team: Leahy; Reid and Marshall; Wileman, Bollington and, Woodward; Bellamy, Burrill, Frost, Frost and Young.

1559804200583.png

Southampton took the wind clean out of Southend sails
scoring four direct hits without reply.
Cartoon from the Southend Standard​

SOUTHEND UNITED Reserves 1-2 SOUTHAMPTON Reserves
South Eastern League: Saturday 8th November 1919
The Reserves put on a good performance against Southampton at the Kursaal, but the Saints proved to be the stronger side, with the Blues down to ten men in the second half when Upex had to leave the field. The visitors opened the scoring five minutes into the second half and a second was added two minutes later but this appeared to be offside. The referee refused all appeals and after this received a lot of barracking from the home supporters, his referring had been weak all afternoon. Upex scored for Southend before his injury.

Southern League Appearances:
Marshall and Reid 15; Burrill, Jones, Wileman and Woodward 13: J. Young 12; Emblem and Upex 10; Nicholls 9; Bollington and Sands 8; Bridgeman 7; Emery 6; Bellamy 5; Leahy 4; Frost 2; Hill and Liddell 1 each, (15 games in all).

Goalscorers :
Burrill 8; Upex and J Young 2 each: Lot Jones, Bollington, Henage Wileman, Bridgeman and Frost 1 each. (17 in all)


Letter to the Southend Standard
I visited the Kursaal last Saturday and watched a creditable display by the local men against the more experienced opponents, and also a sorry display from a small section of the spectators in the north West side of the ground, towards the visiting players. I have always understood that the Southend public paid their money to see a game of football to be played by teams that strive to mastery by all legitimate means and I was therefore astounded to hear from some of the crowd reported exhortations to the local players to “lay them out Southend” and to see with what pleasure an accident to a visiting player was greeted. In the second half the Southampton outside left received a bad kick and left the field for a short time, but with commendable pluck resumed at a crucial period of his side. and because he strove to overcome the effects of his blow was greeted for the rest of the game with cries such as “Get off the field” “Swanker” “You never were injured” “You ought to get the V.C.” The decisions of the referee who seemed very fair was also subject to some uncomplimentary remarks from these same gentleman.
From the Southend Standard 13 November 1919

LOCAL NEWS
In the town a spate of household burglary’s had taken place with over £1,000 of goods stolen, but the thief was eventually caught after a severe struggle at Bournemouth Park School where he was caught breaking and entering.

SOUTHEND UNITED 3-0 LUTON TOWN
No. 16 Southern League – Saturday 15th November1919

Luton were beaten 3-0 at the Kursaal, they went two goals up in the first half and a large proportion of the crowd congregated behind the Luton Goal for the second half it was a wise choice because the majority of play was down that end but despite their superiority Southend only added one more goal. The first goal came after twenty minutes when Wileman flashed in a cross which Frost redirected into the net, and fifteen minutes later a goal mouth scramble resulted in Frost scoring his second goal In the second half a third goal was added when Jones found himself unmarked but how the Luton goalkeeper kept a clean shot in the last few minutes was a mystery. The Southend Standard reported the game with the headline “A Word to some of the Crowd” the report went onto report on the bitterly cold conditions at the Kursaal, and how the lack of covered accommodation no doubt convinced some to stay at home, hence having a detrimental effect on the clubs revenue and the article finished with the comment that many would consider Roots Hall a far warmer place than the Kursaal ground. Later there were complaints about the behaviour of the crowd. Team: Emblem; Reid and Marshall; Evans, Bollington and, Woodward; Wileman, Frost, Burrill, Jones and Young.

1559804779601.png

Picture that appeared in the Southend Standard


Southern LeagueTable

..1….Reading…………………………17 …. 8….7….2….23….13….23
..2….Portsmouth…...............16 …. 9….4….3….29….10….22
..3….Queens Park Rangers….16 …. 9….4….3….24….13….22
..4….Watford………..…………………14 …. 9….3….2….23….10….21
..5….Crystal Palace………………..15 …. 6….7….2….27….16….19
..6….Cardiff City…...................14 …. 6….6….2….26….15….18
..7….Plymouth Argyle….......15 …. 6….4….5….20….10….16
..8….Norwich City……………………13 …. 7….2….4….27….20….16
..9….Swindon Town….............15 …. 6….4….5….27….22….16
10….Exeter City……………………15 …. 5….6….4….17….14….16
11….Millwall…........................16 …. 6….4….6….25….25….16
12.Southend United……16 …. 5….6….5….20….23….16
13….Swansea Town….............16 …. 5….5….6….17….17….15
14….Brentford…...................15 …. 4….6….5….16….18….14
15….Merthyr Town…...............18 …. 4….6….8….20….29….14
16….Southampton…...............16 …. 6….1….9….23….31….13
17….Luton Town…................15 …. 5….3….7….20….27….13
18….Bristol Rovers…..............14 …. 4….4….6….22….29….12
19….Brighton & Hove Alb..…….16 …. 3….5….8….14….22….11
20….Northampton Town….......15 …. 2….5….8….23….36….9
21….Newport County…...........17 …. 3….3….11….13….35….9
22….Gillingham…....................16 …. 3….3….10….9….30….9

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Caption to the Cartoon above:
Owing to the lack of stand accommodation a few advertisement
hoardings would make the wind less biting for supporters.
“Roots Hall was warm compared to the present ground”.​


LUTON TOWN Reserves 1-0 SOUTHEND UNITED Reserves
South Eastern League – Saturday 15th November 1919
The Junior Blues put on an excellent performance at Luton but were beaten by a snap shot which secured both points for the Hatters.

Letter to the Southend Standard
It is not the first time I have had occasion to address to the Southend crowd. If it is impossible for them to behave as sportsmen and recognise some good in the visiting team, they might at least learn to behave themselves. Scenes occurred in the stand on Saturday which are a disgrace to the people who caused them, and highly abhorrent to every reasonable person that sits near them. Such actions bring discredit on the game, and the club and keep decent minded people away. I have never heard such vile language or more repulsive intentions to the players on any ground in England. Not even those in Custom House than those used in the New Stand against Luton.

The language was intolerable for Ladies who happened to be in the vicinity, and if the ladies are to be expected and encouraged to come to games such conduct must be put down with a firm hand by the officials. The Pity was to me that no one seem to be in charge and a small remonstrate from the Press Box was met of course with vulgar abuse. Someone should be placed in charge, as steward of the stand to expel peck and crop such persons who spoil the game for everyone else
From the Southend Standard



Next Monday Episode 10;
Two Home games against Welsh Opposition
 
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