Intriguing, will look forward to next Thursday, hope we did not do it.Don't jump the gun all will be revealed in Episode 24
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Memory Lane Final Episode; Review of Southend's Season and the National Scene 1946-47
- Thread starter DoDTS
- Start date
DoDTS
The PL League Boss⭐⭐
Episode 23 Happy New Year (1947)
Southend United 0-2 Reading.
No.22 Div 3 (South) Saturday 5th January 1947
About 11,500 pairs of eyes viewed Southend United in anticipation of the coming cup tie but they went home diappointing having seen little to worry their First Division cup opposition, yet Southend lost for one reason only the brilliance of the Reading goalkeeper. The opposition was muddling at best, if not downright poor but the flashing style that the United have acquired this season was rarely seen. There was no doubt that Southend were the superior side, not even the most partizan Reading supporter could deny it, but Reading became the first side this season to take four points off the Blues. In the first thirty five minutes the Reading goalkeeper was tested to the hilt but was not found wanting if he had the Blues would have been five goals ahead. Readings two goals came ten minutes after the restart and ten minutes from the final whistle and were so simplistic that they deceived the Southend defence.
Team; Hankey; Jackson and Linton; Harris, Sheard and Montgomery; Sibley, Smirk, Thompson, Bennett and Lane.
Division Three (South) Table as at 5th January 1947
Cyril Thompson 19, Harry Lane 12, Alf Smirk 8, Frank Dudley 7, Joe Sibley 6, Ken Bennett 4, Stan Montgomery 1 and 1 own goal
Crystal Palace 2-1 Southend United.
Saturday 5th January 1947 Football Combination:
After leading 1-0 at half time the United Reserves lost 1-2, a defensive error gifted Palace their first goal and they made a strong recovery to get the decider, however the Blues defence had played well it was the forward line which let them down.
LOOKING AHEAD TO THE EVERTON CUP TIE
SUPPORTERS BY AIR
It is anticipated that 250 supporters will travel early on Saturday morning. The supporters have booked nearly 200 by train and several more are going by private cars. Two aeroplanes have also been chartered to take two parties.
MR REG GOING
Mr Reg Going a supporter of Southend United for many years sent a barrel of oysters which formed part of the special pre Cup- tie diet.
THE TEAM
The United leave at Lunch time and are due in Liverpool by 7p.m. On Friday they will probably stretch their legs on a local ground and in the evening a visit to an entertainment has been arranged.
SOUTHEND STANDARD OFFICE
Bulletins will be posted in the window of Standard House at 15 minute intervals showing the position in the Cup tie at Everton. With the co-operation of Southend United the news will also be posted at the Stadium.
VIEW FROM A SOUTHEND STANDARD REPORTER.
I visited Liverpool on Saturday and saw Everton beat Blackburn Rovers 1-0. Everton must have one of the poorest teams they have had in their history. Having spoke to officials, people on tramcars, and in the ground, no-one seemed to have thought anything of their current team. Having seen Saturdays match I could name half a dozen Southern Section teams that could beat either side. If that was First Division football I shall never complain if United remain in the Third.
(Be careful what you wish for DoDtS)
Next Thursday: Episode 24; The Big Day out at Everton
Southend United 0-2 Reading.
No.22 Div 3 (South) Saturday 5th January 1947
About 11,500 pairs of eyes viewed Southend United in anticipation of the coming cup tie but they went home diappointing having seen little to worry their First Division cup opposition, yet Southend lost for one reason only the brilliance of the Reading goalkeeper. The opposition was muddling at best, if not downright poor but the flashing style that the United have acquired this season was rarely seen. There was no doubt that Southend were the superior side, not even the most partizan Reading supporter could deny it, but Reading became the first side this season to take four points off the Blues. In the first thirty five minutes the Reading goalkeeper was tested to the hilt but was not found wanting if he had the Blues would have been five goals ahead. Readings two goals came ten minutes after the restart and ten minutes from the final whistle and were so simplistic that they deceived the Southend defence.
Team; Hankey; Jackson and Linton; Harris, Sheard and Montgomery; Sibley, Smirk, Thompson, Bennett and Lane.
Division Three (South) Table as at 5th January 1947
- ….Cardiff City……..…..…………..22 …. 17….2….3….55….17….36
- ….Queens Park Rangers……..22 …. 14….6….2….39….13….34
- ….Bristol City………………………22 …. 12….5….5….57….33….29
- .Southend United………..22 … 11….6….5….43….32...28
- ….Reading…………………………22 …. 10….6….6….59….40….26
- ….Exeter City……………………22 …. 10….5….7….38….35….25
- ….Ipswich Town..…...…………..22 …. 8….8….6….32….26….24
- ….Bournemouth & Bos.....…23 …. 10….3….10….38….29….23
- ….Walsall….………………………..22 …. 8….7….7….33….28….23
- ….Swindon Town…..….…………22 …. 9….5….8….40….43….23
- ….Port Vale…....……..……………22 …. 8….6….8….35….33….22
- ….Torquay United……………….21 …. 8….6….7….32….34….22
- ….Northampton Town….….…..22 …. 9….3….10….37….35….21
- ….Mansfield Town……………….24 …. 7….7….10….28….45….21
- ….Watford………..…………………23 …. 9….2….12….36….44….20
- ….Crystal Palace…………………..23 …. 8….4….11….31….42….20
- ….Brighton & Hove Alb.....….23 …. 7….6….10….29….42….20
- ….Notts. County….………………22 …. 7….3….12….33….37….17
- ….Aldershot………………………..22 …. 7….3….12….32….52….17
- ….Bristol Rovers….…………….23 …. 4….5….14….23….45….13
- ….Leyton Orient…...….………..19 …. 4….4….11….21….35….12
- ….Norwich City……………………23 …. 5….2….16….33….64….12
Cyril Thompson 19, Harry Lane 12, Alf Smirk 8, Frank Dudley 7, Joe Sibley 6, Ken Bennett 4, Stan Montgomery 1 and 1 own goal
Crystal Palace 2-1 Southend United.
Saturday 5th January 1947 Football Combination:
After leading 1-0 at half time the United Reserves lost 1-2, a defensive error gifted Palace their first goal and they made a strong recovery to get the decider, however the Blues defence had played well it was the forward line which let them down.
LOOKING AHEAD TO THE EVERTON CUP TIE
SUPPORTERS BY AIR
It is anticipated that 250 supporters will travel early on Saturday morning. The supporters have booked nearly 200 by train and several more are going by private cars. Two aeroplanes have also been chartered to take two parties.
MR REG GOING
Mr Reg Going a supporter of Southend United for many years sent a barrel of oysters which formed part of the special pre Cup- tie diet.
THE TEAM
The United leave at Lunch time and are due in Liverpool by 7p.m. On Friday they will probably stretch their legs on a local ground and in the evening a visit to an entertainment has been arranged.
SOUTHEND STANDARD OFFICE
Bulletins will be posted in the window of Standard House at 15 minute intervals showing the position in the Cup tie at Everton. With the co-operation of Southend United the news will also be posted at the Stadium.
VIEW FROM A SOUTHEND STANDARD REPORTER.
I visited Liverpool on Saturday and saw Everton beat Blackburn Rovers 1-0. Everton must have one of the poorest teams they have had in their history. Having spoke to officials, people on tramcars, and in the ground, no-one seemed to have thought anything of their current team. Having seen Saturdays match I could name half a dozen Southern Section teams that could beat either side. If that was First Division football I shall never complain if United remain in the Third.
(Be careful what you wish for DoDtS)
Next Thursday: Episode 24; The Big Day out at Everton
DoDTS
The PL League Boss⭐⭐
Episode 24; The Big Day out at Everton
Everton 4-2 Southend United.
F.A.Cup Round 3 Saturday 11th January 1947
Although beaten 4-2 by Everton at Goodison Park the United were certainly not disgraced, on the contrary they enhanced their reputation as Cup fighters and they provided the best game seen on the ground this season. Everton were slightly the better team and deserved the victory, but the United had no complaints, no excuses, they met a formidable side and went down fighting. The attendance was 50,124 the largest any Southend side has ever played before, and but for the fact that the top deck of one of the stands is out of use due to war damage, there is little doubt that the ground record of 68,000 would have been equalled if not passed. The gates were closed before kick off and thousands were unable to gain admission. Southend were the first out and received a warm welcome as great in fact as Everton as all the usual “Anfield” supporters were over at Goodison cheering on Southend.
The United took the field in their borrowed Aston Villa kit of claret and Blue and indeed they glorified the colours more than Villa who lost to Burnley 5-1. The game started in lively fashion with Everton pressing for an early goal and after several near misses they had a goal disallowed for a reason obscure to most. Southend then had a spell of pressure forcing a couple of well directed corners. The home side had to wait thirty minutes before they gained their first corner, but succeeded in heading home the first goal from it.
Straight from the kick off Sibley went storming down the wing and sent over a centre which was misjudged and if the ball hadn’t already crossed the line Thompson made sure, with the ball, the goalkeeper and a defender all ending up across the line. A further minute later Everton were in the lead when Hankey misjudged a high centre and the ball was headed home.
For the remainder of the match the game swung from end to end with Southend just as dangerous as their hosts, and in the first ten minutes of the second half the United seemed certain to equalise but chance after chance went begging. With fifteen minutes gone with all eleven Everton players either in their own goalmouth or their own half they gained a breakaway and gained their third goal after 17 minutes, and four minutes later following a free kick they scored their fourth and last goal.
Southend were obviously beaten but their was no surrender and five minutes from the end secured their just reward when Sibley dribbled through passed to Bennett who scored a beautiful goal to atone for an earlier blatant miss. The two hundred or so supporters who were able to make the journey were more than satisfied and proud to wear their claret and blue favours.
Team; Hankey; Linton and F. Walton; Harris, Jackson and Montgomery; Sibley, Smirk, Thompson, Bennett and Lane.
Poor Quality but this is a picture that appeared in the Southend Standard
THE TWO PLANES
Owing to adverse weather conditions the two planes were unable to make the journey, but the intending passengers travelled by railway.
STANDARD OFFICE
A large crowd assembled outside Standard House, in Cliff Town Road, where they followed the progress of the match from the bulletins posted up at fifteen minute intervals in the window, In addition no fewer than 350 calls were dealt with at the switchboard during the afternoon.
SCHOOL BOYS HITCH HIKE
Two Southend High School boys hitch-hiked all the way to Liverpool on Friday night to see Southend play Everton. When they reached home tired and dishevelled on Monday morning they learned that as they were thumbing their first ride a man was at the other end of the road getting his car ready to go to Liverpool and had room to spare in his car.
Southend United 1-2 Swindon Town.
Football Combination: Saturday 11th January 1947
An unaccountably ordinary match, only brightened by patches of sparkling cleverness by the Southend men was witnessed by a crowd of about 5,000 spectators at the Southend Stadium. Swindon possessed ten commonplace men and an outstanding goalkeeper, and they started comfortably with the strong wind behind them and scored after four minutes and seven minutes from half time. Dudley was limping badly for most of the second half but he was not out of the action and it was he who scored after eighty minutes. Southend played the better football but were unable to force a draw.
Team: Davies; Woodward and Bell; H. Walton, Guest and Shallcross; Bailey, Gibson, Dudley, Hamilton and S. Bell.
Brighton 2-1 Southend United.
No. 23 Div 3 (South) Wednesday 15th January 1947
Although Southend’s football skill was always in evidence they had the misfortune to meet Brighton and Hove in one of their best moods and eventually victory went to the superior side by the narrow margin of 1-2. Hankey in goal gave an outstanding display and but for his efforts the home side would have won by a more convincing score. Throughout the game he fielded the ball with confidence and always took up possession with a splendid judgement. Bennett was injured in the early stages and was a passenger for most of the game, while Sibley and Lane showed speed and skill on the wings but it was not their lucky day. Brighton took a two goal lead before Smirk replied for the United just on time.
Team: Hankey; Linton and Walton; Harris, Jackson and Montgomery; Sibley, Smirk, Thompson, Bennett and Lane.
Southend United League and Cup Goalscorers
Cyril Thompson 20, Harry Lane 12, Alf Smirk 9,
Frank Dudley 7, Joe Sibley 6, Ken Bennett 5,
Stan Montgomery 1 and 1 own goal
Next Thursday Episode 25:
Can Blues get back to winning ways against Palace
Everton 4-2 Southend United.
F.A.Cup Round 3 Saturday 11th January 1947
Although beaten 4-2 by Everton at Goodison Park the United were certainly not disgraced, on the contrary they enhanced their reputation as Cup fighters and they provided the best game seen on the ground this season. Everton were slightly the better team and deserved the victory, but the United had no complaints, no excuses, they met a formidable side and went down fighting. The attendance was 50,124 the largest any Southend side has ever played before, and but for the fact that the top deck of one of the stands is out of use due to war damage, there is little doubt that the ground record of 68,000 would have been equalled if not passed. The gates were closed before kick off and thousands were unable to gain admission. Southend were the first out and received a warm welcome as great in fact as Everton as all the usual “Anfield” supporters were over at Goodison cheering on Southend.
The United took the field in their borrowed Aston Villa kit of claret and Blue and indeed they glorified the colours more than Villa who lost to Burnley 5-1. The game started in lively fashion with Everton pressing for an early goal and after several near misses they had a goal disallowed for a reason obscure to most. Southend then had a spell of pressure forcing a couple of well directed corners. The home side had to wait thirty minutes before they gained their first corner, but succeeded in heading home the first goal from it.
Straight from the kick off Sibley went storming down the wing and sent over a centre which was misjudged and if the ball hadn’t already crossed the line Thompson made sure, with the ball, the goalkeeper and a defender all ending up across the line. A further minute later Everton were in the lead when Hankey misjudged a high centre and the ball was headed home.
For the remainder of the match the game swung from end to end with Southend just as dangerous as their hosts, and in the first ten minutes of the second half the United seemed certain to equalise but chance after chance went begging. With fifteen minutes gone with all eleven Everton players either in their own goalmouth or their own half they gained a breakaway and gained their third goal after 17 minutes, and four minutes later following a free kick they scored their fourth and last goal.
Southend were obviously beaten but their was no surrender and five minutes from the end secured their just reward when Sibley dribbled through passed to Bennett who scored a beautiful goal to atone for an earlier blatant miss. The two hundred or so supporters who were able to make the journey were more than satisfied and proud to wear their claret and blue favours.
Team; Hankey; Linton and F. Walton; Harris, Jackson and Montgomery; Sibley, Smirk, Thompson, Bennett and Lane.
Poor Quality but this is a picture that appeared in the Southend Standard
THE TWO PLANES
Owing to adverse weather conditions the two planes were unable to make the journey, but the intending passengers travelled by railway.
STANDARD OFFICE
A large crowd assembled outside Standard House, in Cliff Town Road, where they followed the progress of the match from the bulletins posted up at fifteen minute intervals in the window, In addition no fewer than 350 calls were dealt with at the switchboard during the afternoon.
SCHOOL BOYS HITCH HIKE
Two Southend High School boys hitch-hiked all the way to Liverpool on Friday night to see Southend play Everton. When they reached home tired and dishevelled on Monday morning they learned that as they were thumbing their first ride a man was at the other end of the road getting his car ready to go to Liverpool and had room to spare in his car.
Southend United 1-2 Swindon Town.
Football Combination: Saturday 11th January 1947
An unaccountably ordinary match, only brightened by patches of sparkling cleverness by the Southend men was witnessed by a crowd of about 5,000 spectators at the Southend Stadium. Swindon possessed ten commonplace men and an outstanding goalkeeper, and they started comfortably with the strong wind behind them and scored after four minutes and seven minutes from half time. Dudley was limping badly for most of the second half but he was not out of the action and it was he who scored after eighty minutes. Southend played the better football but were unable to force a draw.
Team: Davies; Woodward and Bell; H. Walton, Guest and Shallcross; Bailey, Gibson, Dudley, Hamilton and S. Bell.
Brighton 2-1 Southend United.
No. 23 Div 3 (South) Wednesday 15th January 1947
Although Southend’s football skill was always in evidence they had the misfortune to meet Brighton and Hove in one of their best moods and eventually victory went to the superior side by the narrow margin of 1-2. Hankey in goal gave an outstanding display and but for his efforts the home side would have won by a more convincing score. Throughout the game he fielded the ball with confidence and always took up possession with a splendid judgement. Bennett was injured in the early stages and was a passenger for most of the game, while Sibley and Lane showed speed and skill on the wings but it was not their lucky day. Brighton took a two goal lead before Smirk replied for the United just on time.
Team: Hankey; Linton and Walton; Harris, Jackson and Montgomery; Sibley, Smirk, Thompson, Bennett and Lane.
Southend United League and Cup Goalscorers
Cyril Thompson 20, Harry Lane 12, Alf Smirk 9,
Frank Dudley 7, Joe Sibley 6, Ken Bennett 5,
Stan Montgomery 1 and 1 own goal
Next Thursday Episode 25:
Can Blues get back to winning ways against Palace
So I was right, we DID play in Aston Villa's Claret and Blue. 
DoDTS
The PL League Boss⭐⭐
Episode 25: Can Blues get back to winning ways against Palace?
Crystal Palace 0-3 Southend United.
No.24 Div 3 (South) Saturday 18th January 1947
Crystal Palace sustained an injury which resulted in them playing with a passenger hobbling up and down but prior to this Southend had already showed their superiority and even without the injury it is doubtful that it would have made any difference to the score line. The disappointed 18,000 spectators were quick to voice their distain especially with the recent news that Speedway was being planned for Selhurst Park and the loss of interest in football left their future in doubt. There was an abundance of scouts from England and Scotland hoping that the United would be persuaded to part with players now that they are out of the cup, but the answer as always was “nothing doing”. There were signs that staleness was creeping into the Southend side since Christmas, but after Thompsons goal five minute into the second half it was the turning point which gave great satisfaction to the large contingent of Southend supporters. Five minutes later Sibley headed on to Thompson who nodded in the second The third goal after thirty six minutes was from a perfect pass which Thompson unselfishly left for Bennett to score.
Team: Hankey; Linton and Walton; Harris, Jackson and Montgomery; Sibley, Smirk, Thompson, Bennett and Lane.
Cyril Thompson 22, Harry Lane 12, Alf Smirk 9, Frank Dudley 7, Joe Sibley 6, Ken Bennett 6, Stan Montgomery 1 and 1 own goal
Southend United 0-1 Portsmouth.
Football Combination: Cup Saturday 18th January 1947
Southend lost their first match of the Combination Cup to a Portsmouth side which fielded a fine right wing which gave a display of combined speed and accurate shooting of a kind long absent from reserve matches at the Stadium. In front of 4,000 spectators Southend put up strong opposition but lacked the polished finishing of the visitors the only goal came twenty three minutes into the second half from quite a meek pass, and although the United were on top at the end they but the visitors were too wary to lose their advantage.
Team: Davies; Woodward and Bell; Guest, Sheard and Shallcross; Bailey, Jones, Dudley, Hamilton and Bell.
OFFERS FOR PLAYERS
Since they were beaten at Everton, Southend United could have enriched themselves by many thousands of pounds by the transfer of players. Everton themselves were first in the hunt, and a First Division Scottish League club have also made overtures. Hibernian, the Scottish Club reputed to be the richest team in the Kingdom recently made offers for two players which were refused and the club was informed that they were wasting their train fares. Nevertheless the Manager Mr. William McCarthy, attended the game against Crystal Palace on Saturday but returned empty handed. A Second Division Club was also represented and were impressed with another player, not the two sought by Hibernian and their handsome offer was also turned down. Far from selling the United are looking out to strengthen the team
CHEQUE FROM EVERTON
The United have received their cheque from Everton, £1,222 which includes their share of the gate and expenses. It is not the highest cheque received by the club for tax absorbs quite a lot but there is still a contribution to come from the Cup pool.
FRANK DUDLEY
Frank Dudley the United centre forward who has recently been demobilised from the R.A.F. is being married on Saturday at St. Mary’s Church Prittlewell at 11 a.m.
TORQUAY NEXT SATURDAY
The kick off on Saturday when Torquay visit the Stadium is 2.45 p.m. which should suit the convenience of spectators and with the continuance of the present weather there should be a record league “gate”.
OTHER LOCAL NEWS
RENT INCREASES
The inclusive rentals of council houses in the Rochford rural district are to be raised from April 1st because it appears a deficit may be expected on the housing revenue account for the year 1946-47. The rents of the old people’s bungalows will not be affected. About 352 properties are concerned. The installation of electric light in all council houses has been considered and adjourned for six months.
TRAINS TO AND FROM LIVERPOOL STREET
Two local M.P.s strongly criticised the L.N.E.R. suburban services and said they were appalling to Southend and described “deplorable conditions” of unpunctuality and discomfort constantly endured by Southenders. He spoke of 25 passengers in one compartment and said Liverpool Street Station was like a **** fight. The other stated that most stringent regulations had been made to safeguard cattle but not passengers. Compartments for 12 passengers left Liverpool Street with 25 or 26 for distances of 30 miles. The operation of trains at Liverpool Street has been so chaotic that one has been led to believe that it has been on the verge of collapse during the last three months.
MEAT SUPPLIES
The weekend meat supplies cannot be guaranteed and an official stated “I am absolutely stumped as to what the ration will be this week”. There are hopes that there will be ten pennyworth of fresh meat and four pennyworth of corned beef for each ration book holder. The supply of fish in the town was described as being very bad, not only because of the strike at Billingsgate Market but also because fish are not being landed in sufficient quantity.
Next Thursday Episode 26: Torquay visit the Stadium
Crystal Palace 0-3 Southend United.
No.24 Div 3 (South) Saturday 18th January 1947
Crystal Palace sustained an injury which resulted in them playing with a passenger hobbling up and down but prior to this Southend had already showed their superiority and even without the injury it is doubtful that it would have made any difference to the score line. The disappointed 18,000 spectators were quick to voice their distain especially with the recent news that Speedway was being planned for Selhurst Park and the loss of interest in football left their future in doubt. There was an abundance of scouts from England and Scotland hoping that the United would be persuaded to part with players now that they are out of the cup, but the answer as always was “nothing doing”. There were signs that staleness was creeping into the Southend side since Christmas, but after Thompsons goal five minute into the second half it was the turning point which gave great satisfaction to the large contingent of Southend supporters. Five minutes later Sibley headed on to Thompson who nodded in the second The third goal after thirty six minutes was from a perfect pass which Thompson unselfishly left for Bennett to score.
Team: Hankey; Linton and Walton; Harris, Jackson and Montgomery; Sibley, Smirk, Thompson, Bennett and Lane.
- ….Cardiff City……..…..…………..23 …. 18….2….3….61….19….38
- ….Queens Park Rangers……..23 …. 14….6….3….39….14….34
- ….Bristol City………………………24 …. 12….6….6….60….37….30
- .Southend United………..24 …. 12….6….6….47….34….30
- ….Reading…………………………23 …. 11….6….6….60….40….28
- ….Walsall….………………………..24 …. 10….7….7….39….31….27
- ….Port Vale…....……..……………24 …. 10….6….8….41….35….26
- ….Ipswich Town..…...…………..24 …. 9….8….7….34….29….26
- ….Swindon Town…..….…………24 …. 10….6….8….47….45….26
- ….Exeter City……………………24 …. 10….6….8….41….40….26
- ….Brighton & Hove Alb...….26 …. 9….7….10….35….45….25
- ….Bournemouth & Bos.....…25 …. 10….4….11….42….34….24
- ….Torquay United……………….23 …. 9….6….8….35….36….24
- ….Watford………..…………………25 …. 10….2….13….38….49….22
- ….Northampton Town….….…..23 …. 9….3….11….39….41….21
- ….Mansfield Town……………….25 …. 7….7….11….29….49….21
- ….Crystal Palace…………………..24 …. 8….4….12….31….45….20
- ….Notts. County….………………23 …. 7….4….12….35….39….18
- ….Aldershot………………………..24 …. 7….4….13….34….56….18
- ….Bristol Rovers….…………….25 …. 5….5….15….25….48….15
- ….Leyton Orient…...….………..22 …. 5….4….13….26….41….14
- ….Norwich City……………………24 …. 5….3….16….35….66….13
Cyril Thompson 22, Harry Lane 12, Alf Smirk 9, Frank Dudley 7, Joe Sibley 6, Ken Bennett 6, Stan Montgomery 1 and 1 own goal
Southend United 0-1 Portsmouth.
Football Combination: Cup Saturday 18th January 1947
Southend lost their first match of the Combination Cup to a Portsmouth side which fielded a fine right wing which gave a display of combined speed and accurate shooting of a kind long absent from reserve matches at the Stadium. In front of 4,000 spectators Southend put up strong opposition but lacked the polished finishing of the visitors the only goal came twenty three minutes into the second half from quite a meek pass, and although the United were on top at the end they but the visitors were too wary to lose their advantage.
Team: Davies; Woodward and Bell; Guest, Sheard and Shallcross; Bailey, Jones, Dudley, Hamilton and Bell.
OFFERS FOR PLAYERS
Since they were beaten at Everton, Southend United could have enriched themselves by many thousands of pounds by the transfer of players. Everton themselves were first in the hunt, and a First Division Scottish League club have also made overtures. Hibernian, the Scottish Club reputed to be the richest team in the Kingdom recently made offers for two players which were refused and the club was informed that they were wasting their train fares. Nevertheless the Manager Mr. William McCarthy, attended the game against Crystal Palace on Saturday but returned empty handed. A Second Division Club was also represented and were impressed with another player, not the two sought by Hibernian and their handsome offer was also turned down. Far from selling the United are looking out to strengthen the team
CHEQUE FROM EVERTON
The United have received their cheque from Everton, £1,222 which includes their share of the gate and expenses. It is not the highest cheque received by the club for tax absorbs quite a lot but there is still a contribution to come from the Cup pool.
FRANK DUDLEY
Frank Dudley the United centre forward who has recently been demobilised from the R.A.F. is being married on Saturday at St. Mary’s Church Prittlewell at 11 a.m.
TORQUAY NEXT SATURDAY
The kick off on Saturday when Torquay visit the Stadium is 2.45 p.m. which should suit the convenience of spectators and with the continuance of the present weather there should be a record league “gate”.
OTHER LOCAL NEWS
RENT INCREASES
The inclusive rentals of council houses in the Rochford rural district are to be raised from April 1st because it appears a deficit may be expected on the housing revenue account for the year 1946-47. The rents of the old people’s bungalows will not be affected. About 352 properties are concerned. The installation of electric light in all council houses has been considered and adjourned for six months.
TRAINS TO AND FROM LIVERPOOL STREET
Two local M.P.s strongly criticised the L.N.E.R. suburban services and said they were appalling to Southend and described “deplorable conditions” of unpunctuality and discomfort constantly endured by Southenders. He spoke of 25 passengers in one compartment and said Liverpool Street Station was like a **** fight. The other stated that most stringent regulations had been made to safeguard cattle but not passengers. Compartments for 12 passengers left Liverpool Street with 25 or 26 for distances of 30 miles. The operation of trains at Liverpool Street has been so chaotic that one has been led to believe that it has been on the verge of collapse during the last three months.
MEAT SUPPLIES
The weekend meat supplies cannot be guaranteed and an official stated “I am absolutely stumped as to what the ration will be this week”. There are hopes that there will be ten pennyworth of fresh meat and four pennyworth of corned beef for each ration book holder. The supply of fish in the town was described as being very bad, not only because of the strike at Billingsgate Market but also because fish are not being landed in sufficient quantity.
Next Thursday Episode 26: Torquay visit the Stadium
Liverpool Street line has not changed much over the years has it.
DoDTS
The PL League Boss⭐⭐
Episode 26 Torquay visit the Stadium
Southend United 0-2 Torquay United
No.25 Div 3 (South) Saturday 25th January 1947
The heavy snowfall almost caused a postponement, but in the morning in response to an appeal a number of volunteers together with an army of paid workers got to work to clear away nearly a foot of snow. Good progress was made but the referee didn’t decide that play could take place until thirty five minutes before kick off and this no doubt is a factor in the gate being the lowest of the season of 5,500. the pitch was hard and like an ice rink in places but in the whole a good exhibition was seen. Southend’s performance however was their worst for many weeks, territorially the Blues had the greater part of the exchanges but they played into the hands of a strong defence and they were crowded out when it came to applying the finishing touches. Torquay’s raids were made in a sweeping moves right across the field and the home defence supplied Torquay with two simple goals and to make matters worse Sibley had a penalty saved at a time when the visitors only had one goal advantage. The first goal came after thirty two minutes but Southend who had created several good chances still had high hopes but these were dashed when a second was added two minutes after the restart.
Team: Hankey; Linton and Walton; Harris, Jackson and Montgomery; Sibley, Smirk, Thompson, Bennett and Lane.
Southend United League and Cup Goalscorers
Cyril Thompson 22, Harry Lane 12, Alf Smirk 9, Frank Dudley 7, Joe Sibley 6, Ken Bennett 6, Stan Montgomery 1 and 1 own goal
Portsmouth 3-0 Southend United.
Saturday 25th January 1947 Football Combination Cup
Although the Junior Blues lost 0-3 in a Football Combination Cup match at Portsmouth the reserves gave what was described as one of their best performances this season particularly in the first half when Portsmouth were prevented from scoring. Humphries reappeared after his injury and did quite well and Sheard at centre half was one of the best men on the field. The amateur outside left Bell was noticeable for his strong shooting.
PLAYERS PUT ON TRANSFER LIST
Three Southend United players have asked to be placed on the transfer list and the directors after giving the matter careful consideration have agreed. It is an unusual position after the club has refused offers of thousands of pounds the players themselves have asked to leave. Bennett who has a house in London and has to travel to Southend each day has asked to be allowed to join a club nearer his home. Harris whose wife and child reside in the Midlands wants a more conveniently situated club. Smirk is also desirous of a change.
JOHN FRENCH
On Wednesday arrangements were completed with Middlesbrough for the transfer of John French a nephew of the former United full back Jack French.
FRANK DUDLEYS WEDDING
Many members of Southend United Football Club and supporters were present at St. Mary’s Church Prittlewell on Saturday when Mr. Frank Ernest Dudley a member of the team and son of Mr and Mrs E.A. Dudley of Gainsborough Drive, Westcliff was married to Miss Audrey Lillian Allen of Bourne-mouth Park Road. The best man was Mr. A. Smirk the United inside right.
OTHER NEWS
BEECROFT ART GALLERY
The Mayor has sent the following letter “It gives me great pleasure to make known to the burgesses of our County Borough that one of its citizens Mr. Walter Beecroft of Leigh mentioned to me some few months ago that he would like to erect at his own expense and endow a substantial Art Gallery on the most suitable site available and to be known as the Beecroft Art Gallery”.
REDUCED HOURS
Essex dairy workers are to have their working week reduced from 48 hours to 45 hours under an award just made by the Milk Distributive Wages Council.
WEATHER
Ten inches of snow had fallen over most of the area since last week. Transport services were consid-erably interrupted particularly in the outlying districts from Southend. Wakering, Ashingdon, Hull-bridge, Canewdon, Stambridge and Paglesham were amongst places affected in this way. Tuesday night brought the lowest over-night temperature since January 1940 when 14 degrees of frost were recorded and at no time, day or night apart from Wednesday of last week has the mercury risen higher than freezing point.
Next Thursday: Episode 27 Blues visit Mansfield
Southend United 0-2 Torquay United
No.25 Div 3 (South) Saturday 25th January 1947
The heavy snowfall almost caused a postponement, but in the morning in response to an appeal a number of volunteers together with an army of paid workers got to work to clear away nearly a foot of snow. Good progress was made but the referee didn’t decide that play could take place until thirty five minutes before kick off and this no doubt is a factor in the gate being the lowest of the season of 5,500. the pitch was hard and like an ice rink in places but in the whole a good exhibition was seen. Southend’s performance however was their worst for many weeks, territorially the Blues had the greater part of the exchanges but they played into the hands of a strong defence and they were crowded out when it came to applying the finishing touches. Torquay’s raids were made in a sweeping moves right across the field and the home defence supplied Torquay with two simple goals and to make matters worse Sibley had a penalty saved at a time when the visitors only had one goal advantage. The first goal came after thirty two minutes but Southend who had created several good chances still had high hopes but these were dashed when a second was added two minutes after the restart.
Team: Hankey; Linton and Walton; Harris, Jackson and Montgomery; Sibley, Smirk, Thompson, Bennett and Lane.
- ….Cardiff City……..…..…………..25 …. 20….2….3….65….19….42
- ….Queens Park Rangers……..24 …. 14….6….4….40….16….34
- ….Bristol City………………………24 …. 12….6….6….60….37….30
- .Southend United………..25 …. 12….6….7….47….36….30
- ….Reading…………………………25 …. 11….7….7….63….46….29
- ….Ipswich Town..…...…………..25 …. 10….8….7….36….30….28
- ….Torquay United……………….25 …. 11….6….8….39….36….28
- ….Walsall….………………………..25 …. 10….7….8….40….33….27
- ….Swindon Town…..….…………25 …. 10….7….8….48….46….27
- ….Exeter City…………………….…25 …. 10….7….8….42….41….27
- ….Port Vale…....……..……………24 …. 10….6….8….41….35….26
- ….Brighton & Hove Alb.....….27 …. 9….8….10….36….46….26
- ….Bournemouth & Bos……..…26 …. 10….5….11….43….35….25
- ….Northampton Town….….…..25 …. 11….3….11….43….41….25
- ….Watford………..…………….……26 …. 10….2….14….39….53….22
- ….Crystal Palace…………………..25 …. 9….4….12….33….46….22
- ….Mansfield Town……………….27 …. 7….7….13….29….53….21
- ….Notts. County….………………23 …. 8….4….13….39….42….20
- ….Aldershot………………………..25 …. 7….4….14….34….57….18
- ….Bristol Rovers….………..…….26 …. 6….5….15….26….48….17
- ….Leyton Orient…...….………..23 …. 5….5….13….29….44….15
- ….Norwich City……………………25 …. 5….3….17….35….67….13
Southend United League and Cup Goalscorers
Cyril Thompson 22, Harry Lane 12, Alf Smirk 9, Frank Dudley 7, Joe Sibley 6, Ken Bennett 6, Stan Montgomery 1 and 1 own goal
Portsmouth 3-0 Southend United.
Saturday 25th January 1947 Football Combination Cup
Although the Junior Blues lost 0-3 in a Football Combination Cup match at Portsmouth the reserves gave what was described as one of their best performances this season particularly in the first half when Portsmouth were prevented from scoring. Humphries reappeared after his injury and did quite well and Sheard at centre half was one of the best men on the field. The amateur outside left Bell was noticeable for his strong shooting.
PLAYERS PUT ON TRANSFER LIST
Three Southend United players have asked to be placed on the transfer list and the directors after giving the matter careful consideration have agreed. It is an unusual position after the club has refused offers of thousands of pounds the players themselves have asked to leave. Bennett who has a house in London and has to travel to Southend each day has asked to be allowed to join a club nearer his home. Harris whose wife and child reside in the Midlands wants a more conveniently situated club. Smirk is also desirous of a change.
JOHN FRENCH
On Wednesday arrangements were completed with Middlesbrough for the transfer of John French a nephew of the former United full back Jack French.
FRANK DUDLEYS WEDDING
Many members of Southend United Football Club and supporters were present at St. Mary’s Church Prittlewell on Saturday when Mr. Frank Ernest Dudley a member of the team and son of Mr and Mrs E.A. Dudley of Gainsborough Drive, Westcliff was married to Miss Audrey Lillian Allen of Bourne-mouth Park Road. The best man was Mr. A. Smirk the United inside right.
OTHER NEWS
BEECROFT ART GALLERY
The Mayor has sent the following letter “It gives me great pleasure to make known to the burgesses of our County Borough that one of its citizens Mr. Walter Beecroft of Leigh mentioned to me some few months ago that he would like to erect at his own expense and endow a substantial Art Gallery on the most suitable site available and to be known as the Beecroft Art Gallery”.
REDUCED HOURS
Essex dairy workers are to have their working week reduced from 48 hours to 45 hours under an award just made by the Milk Distributive Wages Council.
WEATHER
Ten inches of snow had fallen over most of the area since last week. Transport services were consid-erably interrupted particularly in the outlying districts from Southend. Wakering, Ashingdon, Hull-bridge, Canewdon, Stambridge and Paglesham were amongst places affected in this way. Tuesday night brought the lowest over-night temperature since January 1940 when 14 degrees of frost were recorded and at no time, day or night apart from Wednesday of last week has the mercury risen higher than freezing point.
Next Thursday: Episode 27 Blues visit Mansfield
DoDTS
The PL League Boss⭐⭐
Although there were still 17 matches left there was little to play for. Although fourth in the League only the top side was promoted and Southend were 12 points which equated to six wins behind leaders Cardiff. They were also 17 points (8 wins and a draw) clear of the re-election zone so nothing to worry about there either.
The point is that at this time Promotion wasn’t all important as it is now, the most important thing was to go and watch a good match and be entertained. (what a strange idea)
The point is that at this time Promotion wasn’t all important as it is now, the most important thing was to go and watch a good match and be entertained. (what a strange idea)
Firestorm
Pedant
I believe Walters grandson is a season ticket holder at RH
Richard Hearn
Coach⭐
After 50 years of suffering that's pretty much my attitude these days.
DoDTS
The PL League Boss⭐⭐
Episode 28: Blues visit Mansfield
Mansfield Town 0-1 Southend United
No.26 Div 3 (South) Saturday 1st February 1947
United returned happily from Mansfield with two points from a 1-0 victory, but in fact the Blues had played brilliantly and would have won by a more convincing margin on a better pitch. The ground was covered with snow and therefore the slower pace of the ball gave the Mansfield defenders time to scramble the ball away, and lightening raids by the Blues forwards were just not possible and the element of surprise totally lost. The only goal was headed home by Montgomery after thirty minutes but in addition a shot by Thompson was cleared after it had crossed the goal line and in the final moments Thompson headed the ball into the net but the referee claimed he had blown the final whistle a second before. Bennett was injured and spent much of the game as a passenger. The attendance was about 6,000 spectators quite a few of them former Southend residents who settled in Mansfield when their children were evacuated there.
Team: Hankey; Linton and Walton; Harris, Jackson and Montgomery; Sibley, Smirk, Thompson, Bennett and Lane.
THIRD DIVISION (SOUTH) TABLE
Cyril Thompson 22, Harry Lane 12, Alf Smirk 9, Frank Dudley 7, Joe Sibley 6, Ken Bennett 6, Stan Montgomery 2 and 1 own goal
Football Combination:
Owing to the condition of the ground at the Stadium the Combination Cup match with Brentford Reserves was postponed.
OTHER NEWS
INQUEST ON THE GIDEA PARK TRAIN CRASH
The jury at the resumed inquest on the seven Gidea Park train crash victims on Tuesday returned an accidental death verdict and found that the driver of the Peterborough express which ran into the back of a Southend train on January 2nd had made a serious error of judgement. They also criticized the system of calling out fog signalmen. The fog was very thick, and the driver of the 10.28 Liverpool Street to Southend train said it was foggy when he left Liverpool Street but he was able to see the signals until Forest Gate Junction. He went slowly into Gidea Park station where at this stage he was sixteen minutes behind schedule, he was pulling away from the station when the crash came, “we were driven forward about 100 feet” he said.
Next Thursday: Episode 28 Bristol Rovers in the Snow
Mansfield Town 0-1 Southend United
No.26 Div 3 (South) Saturday 1st February 1947
United returned happily from Mansfield with two points from a 1-0 victory, but in fact the Blues had played brilliantly and would have won by a more convincing margin on a better pitch. The ground was covered with snow and therefore the slower pace of the ball gave the Mansfield defenders time to scramble the ball away, and lightening raids by the Blues forwards were just not possible and the element of surprise totally lost. The only goal was headed home by Montgomery after thirty minutes but in addition a shot by Thompson was cleared after it had crossed the goal line and in the final moments Thompson headed the ball into the net but the referee claimed he had blown the final whistle a second before. Bennett was injured and spent much of the game as a passenger. The attendance was about 6,000 spectators quite a few of them former Southend residents who settled in Mansfield when their children were evacuated there.
Team: Hankey; Linton and Walton; Harris, Jackson and Montgomery; Sibley, Smirk, Thompson, Bennett and Lane.
THIRD DIVISION (SOUTH) TABLE
- ….Cardiff City……..…..…………..26 …. 21….2….3….69….19….44
- ….Queens Park Rangers……..24 …. 14….6….4….40….16….34
- ….Bristol City………………………25 …. 13….6….6….64….37….32
- .Southend United………..26 …. 13….6….7….48….36….32
- ….Ipswich Town..…...…………..26 …. 11….8….7….39….31….30
- ….Reading…………………………26 …. 11….7….8….64….49….29
- ….Swindon Town…..….…………26 …. 11….7….8….50….47….29
- ….Torquay United……………….25 …. 11….6….8….39….36….28
- ….Walsall….………………………..26 …. 10….7….9….41….36….27
- ….Exeter City……………...………25 …. 10….7….8….42….41….27
- ….Port Vale…....……..……………25 …. 10….6….9….42….37….26
- ….Brighton & Hove Albion..….28 …. 9….8….11….36….50….26
- ….Bournemouth & Bos…...…..26 …. 10….5….11….43….35….25
- ….Northampton Town….….…..26 …. 11….3….12….43….42….25
- ….Watford………..…………………27 ….11….2….14….42….54….24
- ….Crystal Palace…………………..26 ….10….4….12….35….46….24
- ….Notts. County….………………26 …. 9….4….13….40….42….22
- ….Mansfield Town……………….28 …. 7….7….14….29….54….21
- ….Aldershot………………………..26 …. 8….4….14….37….59….20
- ….Bristol Rovers….…………….27 …. 6….5….16….26….52….17
- ….Leyton Orient…...….………..24 …. 5….5….14….29….46….15
- ….Norwich City……………………26 …. 5….3….18….37….70….13
Cyril Thompson 22, Harry Lane 12, Alf Smirk 9, Frank Dudley 7, Joe Sibley 6, Ken Bennett 6, Stan Montgomery 2 and 1 own goal
Football Combination:
Owing to the condition of the ground at the Stadium the Combination Cup match with Brentford Reserves was postponed.
OTHER NEWS
INQUEST ON THE GIDEA PARK TRAIN CRASH
The jury at the resumed inquest on the seven Gidea Park train crash victims on Tuesday returned an accidental death verdict and found that the driver of the Peterborough express which ran into the back of a Southend train on January 2nd had made a serious error of judgement. They also criticized the system of calling out fog signalmen. The fog was very thick, and the driver of the 10.28 Liverpool Street to Southend train said it was foggy when he left Liverpool Street but he was able to see the signals until Forest Gate Junction. He went slowly into Gidea Park station where at this stage he was sixteen minutes behind schedule, he was pulling away from the station when the crash came, “we were driven forward about 100 feet” he said.
Next Thursday: Episode 28 Bristol Rovers in the Snow
DoDTS
The PL League Boss⭐⭐
The Mansfield report mentions the evacuation of the kids during the war. If you were to put yourself in your parents/grandparents this is what they faced;
Southend was one of many areas deemed to be a possible site for invasion and therefore a restricted area. All the schools were closed and the children were to be sent to the Midlands.
If you were married and had kids, the Father could well have been called up, the Mother may have to be moved to do War Work elsewhere, and you were supposed to send your kids miles away to be looked after by complete strangers, and any pets would have to be destroyed
Some refused at which the Police would call and put pressure on you to send the kids away, but if you resisted your children would have no schooling, live in area which had two thirds of property empty, others bombed and looting and vandalism became common place. If you let your kids out to play they could be near or even playing with unexploded bombs. Even when the fear of invasion was past they still wouldn't re-open the schools until intense pressure from the parents forced them to open the odd school.
As the match report says some decided to move away with their kids and who can blame them.
Southend was one of many areas deemed to be a possible site for invasion and therefore a restricted area. All the schools were closed and the children were to be sent to the Midlands.
If you were married and had kids, the Father could well have been called up, the Mother may have to be moved to do War Work elsewhere, and you were supposed to send your kids miles away to be looked after by complete strangers, and any pets would have to be destroyed
Some refused at which the Police would call and put pressure on you to send the kids away, but if you resisted your children would have no schooling, live in area which had two thirds of property empty, others bombed and looting and vandalism became common place. If you let your kids out to play they could be near or even playing with unexploded bombs. Even when the fear of invasion was past they still wouldn't re-open the schools until intense pressure from the parents forced them to open the odd school.
As the match report says some decided to move away with their kids and who can blame them.
Sammy Shrimper
Youth Team⭐⭐
- Joined
- Aug 23, 2010
- Messages
- 865
I know my dad was one of the evacuees sent to Mansfield as a nine year old. Must have been terrifying and dad never spoke about it much. My grand parents brought him back as soon as they could to Wentworth Rd.
DoDTS
The PL League Boss⭐⭐
This a bit of topic but here area couple of reports from the Southend Standard which try's to portray a rosy picture;
SOUTHEND’S SCHOOLCHILDREN SAY “GOOD-BYE”
Before the sun had risen on Sunday the first of Southend’s 8,500 children to be evacuated were on their way to their schools and later at half hourly intervals from 7 a.m. long heavily laden trains steamed out of the central L.M.S. station on route to the Midlands. Tiny tots struggling with rucksacks or suitcases, junior boys and girls, High school and Technical students in long “crocodiles” they marched from the marshalling ground in the station yard to the barriers and then along the platform as each train drew in. A ceaseless procession of Westcliff motor buses carried the children to the schools to the station where members of the Education Department, nurses, First Aid party workers and helpers shepherded them into their allotted places. The whole evacuation was a triumph for local organization and with the railway staff carrying out their share so smartly the trains were always ready to leave at the scheduled time.
From the Southend Standard 6th June 1940
THE EVACUATED CHILDREN
The dispersal reaches as far north as within sight of Stockport in the west and Chesterfield in the East. In between lies that most beautiful stretch of country known as the Peak District. Settling down will not be an easy process and school organization will need some adjustment to the new circumstances. With the majority of the schools and the whole of the teaching staffs away, the schools have been closed. The problem of those who remain has, however, still to be dealt with. They must number from 3,000 to 4,000. Doubtless steps will be taken as soon as possible for, whatever may be the opinion concerning the parents action in deciding that their children shall remain here, it is to be hoped that the education of the little ones will not be allowed to suffer.
From the Southend Standard 6th June 1940
WELCOME TO SOUTHEND EVACUEES
All the evacuees at Ripley are from the Hamstel School and the Headmaster and two members of staff were invited to a welcome meeting. This week the Southend evacuees in Ripley began full time school, in the fortnight they have been at Ripley they have attended half time with educational walks to fill in the other half of their days. “The accommodation is ample” said the headmaster “in fact there would be room for more children if as a result of any further evacuation that may be made further Hamstel children come to Ripley”. The children now seem to have settled down completely except for the few minor adjustments which are inevitable in so large an operation. Townspeople have been highly impressed by the cleanliness and good behaviour of the children.
From the Southend Standard 20th June 1940
SOUTHEND’S SCHOOLCHILDREN SAY “GOOD-BYE”
Before the sun had risen on Sunday the first of Southend’s 8,500 children to be evacuated were on their way to their schools and later at half hourly intervals from 7 a.m. long heavily laden trains steamed out of the central L.M.S. station on route to the Midlands. Tiny tots struggling with rucksacks or suitcases, junior boys and girls, High school and Technical students in long “crocodiles” they marched from the marshalling ground in the station yard to the barriers and then along the platform as each train drew in. A ceaseless procession of Westcliff motor buses carried the children to the schools to the station where members of the Education Department, nurses, First Aid party workers and helpers shepherded them into their allotted places. The whole evacuation was a triumph for local organization and with the railway staff carrying out their share so smartly the trains were always ready to leave at the scheduled time.
From the Southend Standard 6th June 1940
THE EVACUATED CHILDREN
The dispersal reaches as far north as within sight of Stockport in the west and Chesterfield in the East. In between lies that most beautiful stretch of country known as the Peak District. Settling down will not be an easy process and school organization will need some adjustment to the new circumstances. With the majority of the schools and the whole of the teaching staffs away, the schools have been closed. The problem of those who remain has, however, still to be dealt with. They must number from 3,000 to 4,000. Doubtless steps will be taken as soon as possible for, whatever may be the opinion concerning the parents action in deciding that their children shall remain here, it is to be hoped that the education of the little ones will not be allowed to suffer.
From the Southend Standard 6th June 1940
WELCOME TO SOUTHEND EVACUEES
All the evacuees at Ripley are from the Hamstel School and the Headmaster and two members of staff were invited to a welcome meeting. This week the Southend evacuees in Ripley began full time school, in the fortnight they have been at Ripley they have attended half time with educational walks to fill in the other half of their days. “The accommodation is ample” said the headmaster “in fact there would be room for more children if as a result of any further evacuation that may be made further Hamstel children come to Ripley”. The children now seem to have settled down completely except for the few minor adjustments which are inevitable in so large an operation. Townspeople have been highly impressed by the cleanliness and good behaviour of the children.
From the Southend Standard 20th June 1940
Reynardine
Newbie
- Joined
- Aug 5, 2010
- Messages
- 57
Thanks! These extra bits beyond the football are really interesting and this helps me to understand why my family left Westcliff during the war (though for Middlesex rather than the midlands) .
DoDTS
The PL League Boss⭐⭐
Perhaps the following will be of interest then:
In 1940 invasion of Southend seemed imminent or at very least the town being “bombed to pieces”, a theory which was certainly encouraged by official sources. Jobs were moved, children evacuated and the population of the town dropped by two thirds. Two years later the invasion hadn’t come, the town was bombed but not as badly as feared, life in the “restricted area” of Southend had carried on, but Southenders had a feeling of being hard done by. The war had changed, Russia had been invaded by the Germans but this advance had been halted at huge expense of life. Japan had entered the arena but this in turn had brought in the reluctant Americans, and this had changed the balance dramatically. Singapore had fallen and the horizons of the war had spread much further afield, and few were still paranoid about the small Thames Estuary town being top of Hitler’s invasion plans. Yet the official line refused to relax its stand, Southend was still a restricted area, the children having being evacuated now for two years were still unable to return to the Borough, masses of houses were still empty and the residents living elsewhere or in the forces found their properties easy “pickings” for housebreakers and looters. Shopkeepers were going bankrupt with only a third of their customers left in the town, evacuees were accumulating debts with rates still due on their bombed and looted properties or unable to pay their mortgagees when the wage earner was now on army pay. Yet in the areas the evacuees had moved to they found the shopkeepers booming, and the householders receiving extra payments for the evacuees. “We are all in this together” was the official line, yet it seemed to Southenders they were in it more than others
NO SECONDARY SCHOOLS FOR SOUTHEND
Parents Demand Rejected – Evacuation to be Encouraged Next Spring – That next spring the government will again encourage evacuation from Southend and impose restrictions as severe as those which operated during the summer-time was intimated at a special meeting of the Southend Education Committee. The committee decided that the reopening of secondary schools in Southend would be inopportune at the present time. The Prime Minister had reiterated the previous day the danger of invasion.
From the Southend Standard 20th November 1941
SOUTHEND SECONDARY SCHOOLS
Difficulties in obtaining premises in Southend are such that all the secondary schools will resume in the reception areas after the summer. The arrangements for providing secondary education in Southend are proceeding as quickly as possible stated a report which was presented to the Southend Education Committee. The statement emphasized that the Government policy was that children should not be brought back to Southend at this stage of the war and they had the best interests of the children at heart.
From the Southend Standard 13th August 1942
WILL NOT SEND CHILDREN BACK
Scene at Crowded Meeting – A crowded meeting of parents of secondary school-children at the Masonic Hall on Sunday decided not to send their children back to the reception areas after the summer holidays and to write telling the Southend Education Committee of their decision. Approximately a quarter of the audience of about 500 consisted of secondary school pupils. Some of the children sat on the floor near the platform, all available chairs were occupied and other parents and children stood round the sides of the hall. Persons who were not parents or pupils were asked to leave and make room for those who were. A statement made as long ago as June said the Education Committee would make every effort to provide by September secondary education for pupils who desire them to return. That date had since been altered to November and since changed again to “no definite date”.
From the Southend Standard 27th August 1942
SOUTHEND HIGH SCHOOLS BOY RETURN
Education at Wentworth School - One of the greatest problems which Southend Education Committee is facing to-day is how to accommodate all the secondary school-children who are recommencing their education at Southend. When the three to four hundred Southend High School boys who have recently returned recommenced their schooling on Tuesday such a problem had to be faced. The Southend High School is at present accommodating 400 elementary school-children. In addition part of the school cannot be used owing to bomb damage. So the position is that nearly all the boys have to attend Wentworth Road School. Westcliff High School for Boys – about 300 boys returned also on Tuesday to the Westcliff High School where fourteen forms are receiving lessons from a staff of 21. Many boys were working on Tuesday in sorting out store rooms and clearing laboratories in preparation for the work ahead. The complete building is occupied.
From the Southend standard 12th October 1942
BOYS DROP BOMBS FROM ROOF
Sold Incendiary for 2s 6d – A story of incendiary bombs bartered among Westcliff schoolboys who dropped the bombs eight feet from a garage roof to make them explode was told when five boys aged between 14 and 15 appeared before the chairman. One of the boys stated “I stood on top of our garage and dropped it onto the path. The first one did not go off so I dropped a second. It exploded when it hit the path. We got the bombs from two little children about eight or nine who got them from a field near the church”. Two boys tried to keep the flames down with dirt. The boy added that three boys had offered to sell a bomb for 2s 6d.
From the Southend Standard 23rd March 1944
GIRL WHO LEFT WORK
Told “Actions are Controlled” Told that she was not permitted to choose for herself an 18 year old girl from Maldon Road, Southend was ordered to pay just under £10 for leaving work at the Midland Mills, Bradford without permission. The defendant left work on December 23rd presumably with the intention of visiting her father at Southend for the Christmas holiday but did not return. Her father on her behalf made application for defendants release from the work, but the firm opposed the release. “I have sent back the money for the fare” she told the interviewing officer that she was determined not to return to Bradford.
From the Southend Standard18th May 1944
DoDTS
The PL League Boss⭐⭐
Episode 29 Bristol Rovers in the Snow
Southend United 2-3 Bristol Rovers.
No.27 Div 3 (South) Saturday 8th February 1947
Southend lost to Bristol Rovers by the odd goal in five and it is fair to say that the Blues were unfortunate to lose and should have at least gained a point, but the visitors adapted to the conditions better than the United. The conditions at the Stadium were not so bad as they might have been, the snow having been rolled firm from its original depth of anything up to three inches to a level thickness of less than an inch. Notwithstanding this the ground underneath was hard and as play progressed the pitch became very slippery. The attendance in spite of this was about 6,300. Bristol Rovers scored their first goal from a corner kick after seven minutes, the Blues pressed hard but it was Rovers who scored the all important second goal. And three minutes later a third was added. Thompson scored Southend’s first goal after twenty seven minutes and Pritchard gained the second when he headed down into the net. Early in the second half Thompson had an “open goal” chance but lost his balance
Team: Hankey; Linton and Walton; Harris, Jackson and Montgomery; Smirk, French, Thompson, Lane and Pritchard
Division Three (South) Table
Goalscorers at the 8 Feb.
Cyril Thompson 23;
Harry Lane 12;
Alf Smirk 9,
Frank Dudley 7;
Ken Bennett and Joe Sibley 6 each;
Stan Montgomery 2;
Jack Pritchard 1
and 1 own goal, (50 League and 17 Cup 67 in all).
Reading 1-3 Southend United.
Football Combination Cup:
The Junior Blues partly redeemed the reputation of the club when they visited Reading in the Combination Cup and won 3-1. The conditions at Elm Park were not good but no worse than at Southend, all the goals came in the first half, and the United had to play with ten men after Woodward was carried off the field unconscious after a collision, although he later recovered he took no further part in the game. Jones scored the first after five minutes and Trevor Bailey the second, and then Jones added a third. A fourth goal was disallowed for offside while Reading scored through a penalty.
Team: Davies; Humphries and Bell; H. Walton, Sheard and Woodward; Bailey, Gibson, Jones, Shallcross and S. Bell.
COMPLIMENT FOR BLUES
An unexpected compliment for Southend United was paid by the chairman of the Borough Entertainments committee. He was describing the entertainments in the town and he said “Southend United put Southend’s name in the newspaper far more often than the Publicity Committee ever can. A man from Wetherby Yorks writes than in his opinion Southend United play better football than either Leeds United or Liverpool produced in a recent match he watched
NEW PLAYERS
Two new players made their first appearance for Southend on Saturday, John French recently signed from Middlesbrough who is still in the Army, and Jack Pritchard (pictured) transferred last week from Manchester City is in the Army too. Joe Sibley has been transferred to Newcastle and in part exchange Brown has signed for the Blues but is not expected to arrive until Monday. Following the news of Sibley’s transfer, other teams are still showing an interest in Southend players. Mr George Allison of Arsenal and Mr. Ted Vizard of Wolves as well as scouts from Tottenham and Grimsby were at the game. It is understood that they were watching in particular Thompson and Montgomery.
Jack Pritchard
OTHER NEWS
FIRST TELEVISED FOOTBALL
Ekco had a more technical interest in football last week when the Charlton-Blackburn Rovers cup-tie was televised and received in the firms screen in their London television demonstration Theatre. Newspaper photographs were taken in the theatre and appeared as “action” pictures of the game.
COAL STOCKS DESPERATE
The announcement of the Government on Friday evening that the coal stock situation was desperate and that half the country was to be severely restricted in the use of electricity came as a cold douche to an already shivering people. Throughout South East Essex all but essential firms have restricted activities to those which do not require electrical power. Many employers have been forced to place many of their employees upon the standard minimum wage for this week. Nobody wants to make political capital out of a national disaster, yet we are entitled to ask how it is that a year and a half after the end of the European war when the country should be well on its way to recovery, we should be obliged to shiver in our homes, to grope our way in the darkness, to see our vital industries shut down and to watch millions of people thrown out of employment and indeed to have our whole structure of life dislocated and imperilled.
Next Thursday: Episode 30; More Bad Weather ahead
Southend United 2-3 Bristol Rovers.
No.27 Div 3 (South) Saturday 8th February 1947
Southend lost to Bristol Rovers by the odd goal in five and it is fair to say that the Blues were unfortunate to lose and should have at least gained a point, but the visitors adapted to the conditions better than the United. The conditions at the Stadium were not so bad as they might have been, the snow having been rolled firm from its original depth of anything up to three inches to a level thickness of less than an inch. Notwithstanding this the ground underneath was hard and as play progressed the pitch became very slippery. The attendance in spite of this was about 6,300. Bristol Rovers scored their first goal from a corner kick after seven minutes, the Blues pressed hard but it was Rovers who scored the all important second goal. And three minutes later a third was added. Thompson scored Southend’s first goal after twenty seven minutes and Pritchard gained the second when he headed down into the net. Early in the second half Thompson had an “open goal” chance but lost his balance
Team: Hankey; Linton and Walton; Harris, Jackson and Montgomery; Smirk, French, Thompson, Lane and Pritchard
Division Three (South) Table
- ….Cardiff City……..…..…………..26 …. 21….2….3….69….19….44
- ….Queens Park Rangers……..25 …. 15….6….4….43….17….36
- ….Bristol City………………………26 …. 14….6….6….67….38….32
- .Southend United………..27 …. 13….6….8….50….39….32
- ….Ipswich Town..…...…………..27 …. 11….9….7….40….32….31
- ….Reading…………………………27 …. 11….7….9….65….51….29
- ….Swindon Town…..….…………27 …. 11….7….9….51….50….29
- ….Torquay United……………….25 …. 11….6….8….39….36….28
- ….Walsall….………………………..26 …. 10….7….9….41….36….27
- ….Exeter City……………………25 …. 10….7….8….42….41….27
- ….Brighton & Hove Albion..….29 …. 9….9….11….39….53….27
- ….Port Vale…....……..……………25 …. 10….6….9….42….37….26
- ….Watford………..………………28 …. 12….2….14….44….55….26
- ….Bournemouth & Bos…26 …. 10….5….11….43….35….25
- ….Northampton Town….….…..26 …. 11….3….12….43….42….25
- ….Crystal Palace………………..27 …. 10….5….12….36….47….25
- ….Notts. County….………………27 …. 9….5….13….41….43….23
- ….Aldershot………………………..27 …. 8….5….14….38….60….21
- ….Mansfield Town……………….29 …. 7….7….15….30….57….21
- ….Bristol Rovers….…………….28 …. 7….5….16….29….54….19
- ….Leyton Orient…...….………..24 …. 5….5….14….29….46….15
- ….Norwich City……………………27 …. 5….4….18….40….73….14
Goalscorers at the 8 Feb.
Cyril Thompson 23;
Harry Lane 12;
Alf Smirk 9,
Frank Dudley 7;
Ken Bennett and Joe Sibley 6 each;
Stan Montgomery 2;
Jack Pritchard 1
and 1 own goal, (50 League and 17 Cup 67 in all).
Reading 1-3 Southend United.
Football Combination Cup:
The Junior Blues partly redeemed the reputation of the club when they visited Reading in the Combination Cup and won 3-1. The conditions at Elm Park were not good but no worse than at Southend, all the goals came in the first half, and the United had to play with ten men after Woodward was carried off the field unconscious after a collision, although he later recovered he took no further part in the game. Jones scored the first after five minutes and Trevor Bailey the second, and then Jones added a third. A fourth goal was disallowed for offside while Reading scored through a penalty.
Team: Davies; Humphries and Bell; H. Walton, Sheard and Woodward; Bailey, Gibson, Jones, Shallcross and S. Bell.
COMPLIMENT FOR BLUES
An unexpected compliment for Southend United was paid by the chairman of the Borough Entertainments committee. He was describing the entertainments in the town and he said “Southend United put Southend’s name in the newspaper far more often than the Publicity Committee ever can. A man from Wetherby Yorks writes than in his opinion Southend United play better football than either Leeds United or Liverpool produced in a recent match he watched
NEW PLAYERS
Two new players made their first appearance for Southend on Saturday, John French recently signed from Middlesbrough who is still in the Army, and Jack Pritchard (pictured) transferred last week from Manchester City is in the Army too. Joe Sibley has been transferred to Newcastle and in part exchange Brown has signed for the Blues but is not expected to arrive until Monday. Following the news of Sibley’s transfer, other teams are still showing an interest in Southend players. Mr George Allison of Arsenal and Mr. Ted Vizard of Wolves as well as scouts from Tottenham and Grimsby were at the game. It is understood that they were watching in particular Thompson and Montgomery.
Jack PritchardOTHER NEWS
FIRST TELEVISED FOOTBALL
Ekco had a more technical interest in football last week when the Charlton-Blackburn Rovers cup-tie was televised and received in the firms screen in their London television demonstration Theatre. Newspaper photographs were taken in the theatre and appeared as “action” pictures of the game.
COAL STOCKS DESPERATE
The announcement of the Government on Friday evening that the coal stock situation was desperate and that half the country was to be severely restricted in the use of electricity came as a cold douche to an already shivering people. Throughout South East Essex all but essential firms have restricted activities to those which do not require electrical power. Many employers have been forced to place many of their employees upon the standard minimum wage for this week. Nobody wants to make political capital out of a national disaster, yet we are entitled to ask how it is that a year and a half after the end of the European war when the country should be well on its way to recovery, we should be obliged to shiver in our homes, to grope our way in the darkness, to see our vital industries shut down and to watch millions of people thrown out of employment and indeed to have our whole structure of life dislocated and imperilled.
Next Thursday: Episode 30; More Bad Weather ahead
Napster
No ⭐
Stan Montgomery joined Cardiff the following year, amassing over 200 appearances for them. He joined Cardiff on the advice of his father in law, the great Jimmy Nelson, who won the FA Cup in 1927 for Cardiff, was a Scottish international (and part of the Wembley Wizards), and who ended his career at Southend, in 1939, just 8 years previous.
Stan was also a first-class cricketer for Glamorgan, and still holds the record for the 5th wicket partnership of 264 with Maurice Robinson.
DoDTS
The PL League Boss⭐⭐
Episode 30; More Bad Weather ahead
This episode covers two weeks, but in all honesty not much to report:
Saturday 15th February 1947- Matches Postponed
Shortages are a common topic and it is won which seems to force it’s way into the Football world with both Southend United home and away fixtures against Swindon and Bournemouth postponed. With no match to comment on many Southend fans conversion turned to looking at Southend’s position in the League Table. For some time now Southend have held their place at fourth position but now have a challenge from Ipswich Town who have drawn level on points. One optimist mentioned promotion, but this is very unlikely this season. The certainty for promotion seems to be Cardiff City who were once a First Division team, relegated to the Second Division in 1929 and to the Third Division in 1931. However this is the first season since the resumption of League arrangements and the United’s performance has been encouraging.
Next Saturday the visitors to the Stadium are Bournemouth weather permitting.
OTHER NEWS
THE FUEL CRISIS
The opinions of the three Political parties stated in articles in the Southend Standard were
Conservative;
Nobody wants to make political capital out of National disaster but we have to ask when a year and a half after the end of a European war when the country should be well on the way to recovery we should be obliged to shiver in our homes and grope in the darkness,
Labour:
In not a few places in Southend and on the trains to London it would appear to be that the Labour Government is solely responsible for the weather, shortage of minors and the semi derelict condition of our basic industries which Labour inherited after 20 years of Tory misrule. The situation is bigger than parties.
Liberal:
The Liberal party say that it is the duty of every citizen to obey the orders of his Majesty’s Government to meet the immediate situation and to enable stocks to be replaced so that industry can get under way as soon as possible
Saturday 22nd February 1947 - Matches Postponed
For the second week running Southend United fixture (at home to Bournemouth) was postponed sue to the weather Also The Combination Cup game between the United reserves and Tottenham reserves will now be played Monday March 3rd
Tilbury Town 0-0 Ekco
Saturday 22nd February 1947 London Combination:
This was one match to survive the weather and see the full ninety minutes of lively football It was a first drawn match involving Tilbury this season. Charlie Hillam in the Ekco goal pulled off a succession of saves from impossible angles to dismay the dockers.
Next Saturday
Southend United challenge the League leaders when they travel to Cardiff on Saturday and it will be their first game for three weeks. In view in the improvement in weather conditions it is likely that football fixtures will return more or less to normal this weekend but in the event of a postponement no doubt Southend will be notified in time to prevent a wasted journey to the Welsh valleys.
OTHER NEWS
The following Letter appeared in the Southend Standard in reply to the previous weeks statements:
Sir
SNEERING ALL ROUND
The opinions on the fuel Crisis from the three major parties were just what was expected. The Conservatives sneered at Labour, Labour accused the Conservatives and Liberals blamed them both. Each party vailed themselves of the opportunity to “pass the buck”.
Next Thursday Episode 31; Back to League Action?
This episode covers two weeks, but in all honesty not much to report:
Saturday 15th February 1947- Matches Postponed
Shortages are a common topic and it is won which seems to force it’s way into the Football world with both Southend United home and away fixtures against Swindon and Bournemouth postponed. With no match to comment on many Southend fans conversion turned to looking at Southend’s position in the League Table. For some time now Southend have held their place at fourth position but now have a challenge from Ipswich Town who have drawn level on points. One optimist mentioned promotion, but this is very unlikely this season. The certainty for promotion seems to be Cardiff City who were once a First Division team, relegated to the Second Division in 1929 and to the Third Division in 1931. However this is the first season since the resumption of League arrangements and the United’s performance has been encouraging.
Next Saturday the visitors to the Stadium are Bournemouth weather permitting.
OTHER NEWS
THE FUEL CRISIS
The opinions of the three Political parties stated in articles in the Southend Standard were
Conservative;
Nobody wants to make political capital out of National disaster but we have to ask when a year and a half after the end of a European war when the country should be well on the way to recovery we should be obliged to shiver in our homes and grope in the darkness,
Labour:
In not a few places in Southend and on the trains to London it would appear to be that the Labour Government is solely responsible for the weather, shortage of minors and the semi derelict condition of our basic industries which Labour inherited after 20 years of Tory misrule. The situation is bigger than parties.
Liberal:
The Liberal party say that it is the duty of every citizen to obey the orders of his Majesty’s Government to meet the immediate situation and to enable stocks to be replaced so that industry can get under way as soon as possible
Saturday 22nd February 1947 - Matches Postponed
For the second week running Southend United fixture (at home to Bournemouth) was postponed sue to the weather Also The Combination Cup game between the United reserves and Tottenham reserves will now be played Monday March 3rd
Tilbury Town 0-0 Ekco
Saturday 22nd February 1947 London Combination:
This was one match to survive the weather and see the full ninety minutes of lively football It was a first drawn match involving Tilbury this season. Charlie Hillam in the Ekco goal pulled off a succession of saves from impossible angles to dismay the dockers.
Next Saturday
Southend United challenge the League leaders when they travel to Cardiff on Saturday and it will be their first game for three weeks. In view in the improvement in weather conditions it is likely that football fixtures will return more or less to normal this weekend but in the event of a postponement no doubt Southend will be notified in time to prevent a wasted journey to the Welsh valleys.
OTHER NEWS
The following Letter appeared in the Southend Standard in reply to the previous weeks statements:
Sir
SNEERING ALL ROUND
The opinions on the fuel Crisis from the three major parties were just what was expected. The Conservatives sneered at Labour, Labour accused the Conservatives and Liberals blamed them both. Each party vailed themselves of the opportunity to “pass the buck”.
Next Thursday Episode 31; Back to League Action?
DoDTS
The PL League Boss⭐⭐
Episode 31; Back to League Action?
Cardiff City 3-1 Southend United
No.28 Div 3 (South) Saturday 1st March 1947
Southend United were defeated at Ninian Park by Cardiff City but not in the manner most would have expected. It looked at one time that the Welshmen were facing the humiliation of their first home defeat, or at very least surrender a point, but two goals in the last six minutes proved to be the difference. Cardiff, despite being league leaders, did not play brilliant football, on a ground, which three days previously had been icy and covered in water, and although considerably improved was still muddy and treacherous on the touchlines. The Southend side included Dudley returning from injury and making his first appearance for several months and Pritchard making his second appearance who appears to be a fast right winger. Cardiff scored their first goal after five minutes when the referee signalled play on after a Southend defender had handled. Southend equalised thirty seconds from the interval when Dudley lobbed the goalkeeper. For large periods of the first half and also in the second the United were the better side, but the winning goal six minutes from time came as a surprise and two minutes from the end a third goal was added. Team:
Hankey; Linton and Walton; Harris, Jackson and Montgomery; Pritchard, Smirk, Dudley, Thompson and Lane.
Division Three (South) Table
Cyril Thompson 23;
Harry Lane 12;
Alf Smirk 9,
Frank Dudley 8;
Ken Bennett and Joe Sibley 6 each;
Stan Montgomery 2;
Jack Pritchard 1
and 1 own goal, (51 League and 17 Cup 68 in all).
Southend United 2-1 Queens Park Rangers
Football Combination:. Saturday 1st March 1947
Queens Park Rangers settled down well on the hard if wet pitch at the Stadium, but not well enough to prevent the Junior Blues taking a two goal lead. Both goals were a surprise and Brown the player obtained from Newcastle in part exchange for Sibley was instrumental in the scoring of both. Rangers pulled a goal back thirty minutes into the second half
Tottenham 5-1 Southend United.
Football Combination Cup: Monday 3rd March 1947
Southend United Reserves were defeated by Tottenham when the postponed Cup game was played at Tottenham. In the first half Tottenham scored three times and in the second half scored twice more, Southend’s only goal was scored by Jones in the second half. Brown was playing his second game for the reserves and A. Pickard a newcomer both played constructive football. The United had a fair share of the play but their finishing let them down.
AMATEUR PLAYERS
In order to foster local talent Southend United Football Club is inviting applications from local amateur footballers, supported by recommendations from their clubs for the chance of a trial. Scouts will watch the players in their own club matches and the best will be brought together for a series of games to take place in April. The scheme was outlined to club secretaries in a leaflet which recalls that Walton, Thompson and Dudley were all local lads.
TRANSFER TARGET
While in London, on Monday Southend United made the biggest offer for a player that the club has ever made but so far it has not been accepted.
OTHERS NEWS
WEATHER
February has passed unlamented. It was the worst month of its kind at Southend for 40 years. The mean temperature at 30 degrees this year was 10 degrees below the average for four decades and 12 degrees lower than the corresponding figure last year. On 16 days the temperature was below freezing point and there were only two nights out of the 28 when it was not below 32 degrees.
CINEMAS SUNDAY OPENING HOURS
By 27 votes to 18 an amendment which would have enabled Southend cinemas to give two performances on Sundays instead of one was defeated at Southend Town Council. The suggestion was that Sunday cinema hours should be extended from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. to 4.30 to 10 p.m. was withdrawn in order that the views of the churches might be placed before the committee.
RATE INCREASE
A rate increase of 2s (10p) on the current year was made at Tuesday’s meeting of Southend Town Council. Estimates revealed that increased wages, highways and education are the main factors accounting for the increase.
Next Thursday: Episode 32; Frank Dudley getting back on form
Cardiff City 3-1 Southend United
No.28 Div 3 (South) Saturday 1st March 1947
Southend United were defeated at Ninian Park by Cardiff City but not in the manner most would have expected. It looked at one time that the Welshmen were facing the humiliation of their first home defeat, or at very least surrender a point, but two goals in the last six minutes proved to be the difference. Cardiff, despite being league leaders, did not play brilliant football, on a ground, which three days previously had been icy and covered in water, and although considerably improved was still muddy and treacherous on the touchlines. The Southend side included Dudley returning from injury and making his first appearance for several months and Pritchard making his second appearance who appears to be a fast right winger. Cardiff scored their first goal after five minutes when the referee signalled play on after a Southend defender had handled. Southend equalised thirty seconds from the interval when Dudley lobbed the goalkeeper. For large periods of the first half and also in the second the United were the better side, but the winning goal six minutes from time came as a surprise and two minutes from the end a third goal was added. Team:
Hankey; Linton and Walton; Harris, Jackson and Montgomery; Pritchard, Smirk, Dudley, Thompson and Lane.
Division Three (South) Table
- ….Cardiff City……..…..…………..27 …. 22….2….3….72….20….46
- ….Queens Park Rangers……..27 …. 16….6….5….45….20….38
- ….Bristol City………………………29 …. 15….7….7….73….40….37
- ….Ipswich Town..…...…………..28 … 11….10….7….40….32….32
- .Southend United………..28 …. 13….6….9….51….42….32
- ….Reading…………………………28 …. 12….7….9….68….52….31
- ….Swindon Town…..….…………29 … 12….7….10….57….54….31
- ….Exeter City……………………28 …. 11….7….10….46….46….29
- ….Torquay United……………….27 …. 11….7….9….39….41….29
- ….Crystal Palace…………………..29 … 12….5….12….39….47….29
- ….Brighton & Hove Albion..….30 …. 10….9….11….41….53….29
- ….Port Vale…....……..……………26 …. 11….6….9….44….38….28
- ….Walsall….………………………..27 …. 10….7….10….41….38….27
- ….Bournemouth & Bos…28 ….10….6….12….44….38….26
- ….Watford………..…………………29 ….12….2….15….44….57….26
- ….Northampton Town….….…..26 …. 11….3….12….43….42….25
- ….Bristol Rovers….…………….31 …. 10….5….16….38….56….25
- ….Notts. County….………………27 …. 9….5….13….41….43….23
- ….Aldershot………………………..27 …. 8….5….14….38….60….21
- ….Mansfield Town……………….30 …. 7….7….16….31….63….21
- ….Leyton Orient…...….………..25 …. 6….5….14….32….46….17
- ….Norwich City……………………30 …. 5….4….21….41….80….14
Cyril Thompson 23;
Harry Lane 12;
Alf Smirk 9,
Frank Dudley 8;
Ken Bennett and Joe Sibley 6 each;
Stan Montgomery 2;
Jack Pritchard 1
and 1 own goal, (51 League and 17 Cup 68 in all).
Southend United 2-1 Queens Park Rangers
Football Combination:. Saturday 1st March 1947
Queens Park Rangers settled down well on the hard if wet pitch at the Stadium, but not well enough to prevent the Junior Blues taking a two goal lead. Both goals were a surprise and Brown the player obtained from Newcastle in part exchange for Sibley was instrumental in the scoring of both. Rangers pulled a goal back thirty minutes into the second half
Tottenham 5-1 Southend United.
Football Combination Cup: Monday 3rd March 1947
Southend United Reserves were defeated by Tottenham when the postponed Cup game was played at Tottenham. In the first half Tottenham scored three times and in the second half scored twice more, Southend’s only goal was scored by Jones in the second half. Brown was playing his second game for the reserves and A. Pickard a newcomer both played constructive football. The United had a fair share of the play but their finishing let them down.
AMATEUR PLAYERS
In order to foster local talent Southend United Football Club is inviting applications from local amateur footballers, supported by recommendations from their clubs for the chance of a trial. Scouts will watch the players in their own club matches and the best will be brought together for a series of games to take place in April. The scheme was outlined to club secretaries in a leaflet which recalls that Walton, Thompson and Dudley were all local lads.
TRANSFER TARGET
While in London, on Monday Southend United made the biggest offer for a player that the club has ever made but so far it has not been accepted.
OTHERS NEWS
WEATHER
February has passed unlamented. It was the worst month of its kind at Southend for 40 years. The mean temperature at 30 degrees this year was 10 degrees below the average for four decades and 12 degrees lower than the corresponding figure last year. On 16 days the temperature was below freezing point and there were only two nights out of the 28 when it was not below 32 degrees.
CINEMAS SUNDAY OPENING HOURS
By 27 votes to 18 an amendment which would have enabled Southend cinemas to give two performances on Sundays instead of one was defeated at Southend Town Council. The suggestion was that Sunday cinema hours should be extended from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. to 4.30 to 10 p.m. was withdrawn in order that the views of the churches might be placed before the committee.
RATE INCREASE
A rate increase of 2s (10p) on the current year was made at Tuesday’s meeting of Southend Town Council. Estimates revealed that increased wages, highways and education are the main factors accounting for the increase.
Next Thursday: Episode 32; Frank Dudley getting back on form
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