Drunken fans, flags and trialist - 1910-11

With no trophies being displayed on the top table at the 1910-11 Dinner and Dance in it's usual location of the Borough Restaurant, you'd expect the evening would have been a solemn one. Far from it, the usual back slapping, the usual toast from everyone from The King downwards, finishing with the usual songs by all and sundry. In fact some declared that with increased match attendances and a high profile cup run, it could be seen as the best ever, one wonders if the wine was kicking in at that point. They finished at midnight. 

Two months later they were all meeting up again, this time at the AGM for more back slapping. As was the unwritten rule the President be replaced each year, Mr Blake stepped down and in his place came Mr Ernest Farr, who unlike his predecessors would have a far more reaching effect on the future of the club. Farr was a self made man, a scrap dealer by trade his business E.J Farr still operates in the town to this day (2021). It is no exaggeration to say that as will be seen in later years, Ernest Farr shaped the future of Yeovil football club for years to come. 

Mr E. J Farr

The club had been busy before the AGM with the roof having to be replaced after the February storm, the club took the opportunity to extend it once again, something that ate into the bank balance. With extra travelling expenses through the English Cup, £44.25 sh still lay on the bank. 

Choice of captain for the season was put on hold until a committee meeting. It was voiced that a six-a-side competition would be a good money spinner or a tour of the Channel Islands. Both were left again to the committee to decide. 

A practice match was organised in front of 300, who obviously chewed over and swapped opinions of who was good enough. A mixture of junior players from lesser clubs in the town. Amongst them William Webb originally from Trowbridge , who the year before struggled to get a place for Petters United and spent the season in their reserves. His chance to shine started badly, giving away a penalty for handball. The Glovers's Captain Maughan shot wide, the football romantic in us likes to think Maughan missed deliberately to put the lad at ease. Probably not though! Webb, at inside right grew into the game and by halftime had bagged himself a brace. The press complimenting on his shooting and link up play. 

The red stripes of Shaftesbury were to be the official friendly opener for the season. The Rockies came with an understrength side and Yeovil, impressed with Webb included him along with Young formerly of the Royal Engineers. Webb, although not scoring impressed again as the Glovers ran out 3-0 winners. 

Jack Taylor had been an ever present in the reserves until the previous season, his performances now marking Taylor out as one of the best players in the side. The Royal Garrison came for the opener in the Dorset & District league, a match on a beautiful September afternoon on front of a noisy, large and enthusiastic Yeovil support. The Town band also made an appearance to keep all entertained. Taylor and Hayward together were unplayable. Both scoring twice, with Hayward setting up both of Jack Taylor's goals. 4-0, was the perfect start to the season. 

Jack Taylor 

The opening side of the 1910-11 season being:

Cook, H.Seymour, Hewlett, Bowerman, Searly, Maughan, Clarke, Taylor, Hayward, Webb, Young. 

For the 1910-11 season the captaincy had been handed to Herb Seymour by the committee. Hewlett, coming back into the team where he'd made 8 appearances in the 1908-09 season. Webb and Young showing that the trial match had reaped dividends. 

After the success in the English Cup the year before the match with Bournemouth Wanderers was hotly anticipated. The GWR were chastised for not running a football special. However, when the Glovers ran out, in a brand new kit, they were warmly welcomed by many Yeovilians who had made it by themselves to Meyrick Park, Bournemouth. As with the Garrison match previously the Glovers were well organised, quick and sharp in attack and strong and drilled in defence, Stanley Bowerman obtaining special praise. Two goals, one in each half was enough, Young's first goal for the Glovers and Haywards skill, run and powerful shot sailed past the Wanderers keeper, even drawing gasps and applause from the  home teams fans. 2-0, Job done! 

During the Summer Mr Forse, a local Yeovil businessman had offered to buy a handsome silver cup, cost of 20 guineas and donate it to the Somerset FA for a new cup competition. The Somerset FA, never short in seeing an extra revenue maker, happily accepted and called it the Somerset Charity Cup. It was in this cup, Yeovil prepared for their next match. They didn't have far to to, travel, their opponents on Round 1 were Stoke FC, from Stoke-sub-hamdon

The match became the main talking point in every pub, restaurant and shop in the district. The conversation, being in two camps, could Stoke win and how many would Yeovil win by. The day of the match people travelled from every village around, car, bike, pony and trap, on foot and bus, resulting in the biggest crowd the small glove making village had ever seen. The pitch though was a problem, just a simple park pitch, no grandstand and no ropes. This resulting in the crowd numbering over 1000 spilling onto the pitch and interrupting play. The Stoke side put up a valiant effort and were not without their chances, in the end a couple from Hayward and one from Taylor was enough to see the Glovers through. 

Stoke FC 1910

The English cup trail raised it's head again a week later, a trip to Poole seemingly tricky but with success there twice the previous season including the English cup win, then it should have been well within the Glovers's grasp. However come the end, as the press put it '

' yet another proof of the uncertainty of football and the unpredictability of predicting' 

Poole knowing that playing skillful football against the Green and White shirts was futile, played strong hard armed tactics mixed in with kick and rush. It worked, they won 4-0. The usual Yeovil faithful who returned on the football special could only wonder where it had all gone wrong. 

A trip a week later to Portland saw no Yeovil fans lining the ropes, an unusual thing, especially as the opponents were the Somerset Light industry playing their first season in the Dorset & District League. The infantry, turned out with white shirts with their military badge sewn in and green knickers. Again with a full strength side Yeovil for the second time in two weeks capitulated, returning back secretly thanking no fans were there to witness their 3-0 defeat against the Army boys. 

The local press decided to really give it to glory hunting fans after a poor crowd turned up to watch the Blandford match mainly after the poor results against Poole and the Somerset Light infantry.:

'it must be admitted that there are a large number of so-called supporters of the club who are all enthusiastic when the team are winning  but when a few games are lost then you might think they've never shouted on the boys to victory; indeed they are conspicuous by their absence until they notice that Dame Fortune is smiling on the 'green and whites' such support is not worth having and the club might well do without this part time enthusiast.'

Blandford turned up in a near identical Green & White kit to the Glovers meaning Yeovil having to use the shirts of the Yeovil & District league. Blandford, included Nesbitt in defence, who without doubt got a' warm welcome' after his sending off the season before. At 2-0 at half time, Blandford changed tactics and used their 'rush and charge' rugby tactics of a year earlier. I nearly worked final score 2-1 to the Glovers, guaranteeing that a few more 'fair weather' fans would be back next match. 

The press were again chastising the Glovers fans a week later, this time for not travelling in numbers to Paulton Rovers in the next round of the Somerset Charity Cup, Entrance to the competition has not had many takers, this was the semi-final! A match that finished 2-2 in the near dark meaning a replay would somehow have to be arranged in a very tight schedule. The double act of Hayward and Taylor with the goals. 

The first match of the Somerset league campaign could not have been  more difficult. A trip to Badgers Mill against Frome, a ground where points had always seemed impossible to obtain for the Glovers. The black armbands worn by both teams as a mark of respect to the recently departed  Mr Cockram of the Somerset FA, could just as well commemorated the Glovers chances. Frome running out easy winners 3-0.

Up next a  disappointing 1-1 draw away  against Longfleet St Mary, a match without keeper Herb Cook missing his first game for over a year and Hayward, however it did see Dicky Larcombe make his debut in place of his brother Charlie. Dorchester Town paid their first ever visit to Pen Mill a week later in the Dorset & District league. Herb Cook still being indisposed, Bailey up from the reserves between the sticks. Young Bailey it is safe to say had a nightmare, with the scores at 0-0 in the second half, a tame shot went through his hands, moments later one through his legs, his shame was complete when a corner was allowed to go all the way in without any attempt to stop it from Bailey. A 3-1 defeat and Bailey never played for the first team again. 

A flag pole had been erected in the now refurbished and extended grandstand, President Farr had commissioned and ordered a new white flag to be hoisted before the replay of the Paulton Rovers game in the Somerset charity cup. The flag had not arrived causing much disappointment. If the fans had been chastised for not turning up at Paulton, they could not be criticised for the replay. The largest crowd of the season so far packed the grandstand. The town band, never shy to show big their musical skills, turned up and kept all entertained. Paulton were descibed in the local newspapers as arguably the best amateur team in Somerset, they turned up with a full side and a pocket full of fans, the 'best side in Somerset' were no match as goals from Webb, Clarke and Dick Larcombe, his first for the club, saw Yeovil reach the final of the Somerset Charity cup. 

Good news! The flag had arrived, measuring 10ftx5ft it was white with the town coat of arms in the middle. The Somerset light infantry were the visitors for the ceremony, a match in the Dorset & District league. At half time a small ceremony was held, ex-President Blake gave his thanks to Mr Farr before the current President hosted it high in the middle of the Grandstand. Three cheers were held for Mr Farr. On the pitch, revenge was well and truly on the cards after the Light Infantry had inflicted an embarrassing defeat earlier in the season. Although the Army boys were now sitting top of the league. Retribution though was well and truly dished out as the Glovers romped home 3-0 in front of their new flag looking down on them. 

The Coat of arms on the new flag 

William Barnes had been a valued and fan's favorite up until the 1909-10 season. Alas, William had decided his fortune was to be had in Gloversville, USA. The team held a fair well dinner for him at the Fleur-de-lys Hotel and presented him with a portmanteau - a large travelling bag to me and you. Two days later he headed to Southampton to board the Adriatic and waved goodbye to blighty. When the Grenadier Guards turned up for a tour game on Christmas Eve a large crowd gathered and cheered with delight when the Yeovil team ran out of the hotel, the reason for much cheering was the outside right, William Barnes - he was back! Alas he couldn't stop the Guards from running out 3-2 winners.

Two days later, Yeovil started against Portland  with only ten men when Clarke for some reason didn't show, Jack Taylor otherwise engaged was sent for in the hope he could come and fill in. Even with ten men, the Glovers held their own, Taylor appeared from the hotel and ran on the pitch to fulfil his duty. The usual large crowd of well over a 1000 eventually seeing the Glovers run out 4-1 winners, Webb, Hayward (2) and Bowerman the scorers. The next day only eight Yeovil players bothered travelling to Exeter, in front of several thousand. The St James Park side loaning the Glovers three players to make a game of it, Webb scored a brace in a 4-2 defeat. 

New Years Eve 1910, saw most Glovers's fans heading off on the football special to Frome for the final of the Somerset charity Cup. The opponents being Camerton FC. Camerton although being from a small village near Bath, played in the Western League, technically a higher standard of football. However, at Badgers Hill, Yeovil, with the vast majority of the support would be favourites. A full strength Glovers side included the recently returned Barnes. 

The first half was a complete and utter disaster for the team. Midway through the half keeper Herb Cook, on receiving a back pass miskicked and the ball rolled under his foot into the net. Minutes later, Yeovil's Pennell had a great shot out wide that ended up nestling in the back of the net much to the delight of the Glovers contingent . However the ref after inspecting the goal net concluded the ball had past through a hole in the side netting. A few minutes later in a rare Camerton attack the ball was played into the Yeovil goal area and headed away. However, without no appeals, the referee Mr Pfaff from Weston gave a penalty. Camerton duly accepted and converted. The second half being a totally different affair, Camerton's goal was attacked endlessly, first Pennell with another hard short scored, and secondly Johnny Hayward with a fine run and finish, equalled the scores, that's how it would stay 2-2. A reply was to be had, the ideal result for the Somerset FA for obvious reasons. 

After two fine home wins against Longfleet St Mary and Bournemouth Wanderers, 4-2 and 3-1, the Glovers headed to Blandford with confidence, although a little trepidation was surely felt when they saw Blandford's Centre-half Nesbitt, he of the Larcombe punch a season earlier. Keeper Herb Cook was again indisposed and his place was given to Nicholls who had previously been the custodian at Crewkerne Town. The earlier confidence was soon gone as Blandford played good football in stark contrast to what they previously played before against the Glovers. Midway through the second half, a high ball was played into the Yeovil penalty area, Nicholls went to collect and was rushed into the net, ball and all by Lambert the Blandford striker. A perfectly legal act in those days. Yeovil couldn't find a way back and it stayed at 1-0 to the North Dorset side. 

Despite the awful Blandford result a week later Yeovil travelled to the County Ground at Dorchester looking for revenge for the earlier 3-1 loss at Pen Mill. Revenge was had, again with Nicholls in goal they swept a side the black and white striped Dorchester side by 4-0. A result that surprisingly gave the Glovers top spot in the Dorset & District league. Although having played more than any other team. 

It's safe to say the football special back to Frome for the Somerset Charity Cup replay against Camerton was not a dry one. 600 made the trip and on arrival a selection of drunken Yeovil fans caused disruption in Frome throughout the day, shopkeepers having to remove their wares indoors through fear. One Yeovil fan, Alfred Scott was locked up later in the evening causing a public nuisance whilst drunk. After two days in the cells he was fined a shilling with cost and sent back to Yeovil. He put his drunken state down to the football. A feeling many down the years have felt! 

The reply against the miners from Camerton got off to a good start, Larcombe giving Yeovil the lead after 25 minutes which they held into until half time. The miners turned to niggling fouls to stop any Yeovil attack in the second half and slowly took control, with two quick goals in succession, they were taking the cup back up north. 

Street arrived at Pen Mill thirty minutes late a week later. Yeovil giving a debut to Walter Sweet, a horse groom by trade. Walter would go on to be the Glovers's custodian until the Great War. Of course replacing Herb Cook who had become a legend and ever present at Pen Mill, and would be remembered by Yeovil fans for many years. 

Walter Sweet 

Walter was kept busy in the opening stages of the match, Street bombarding the new man with shots. Alas two goals in the last five minutes from Peaty and Bill Seymour saw Walter go back to his horses with a clean sheet. 

Defeats followed, firstly at Poole again, going down 1-0 and then Frome arrived at Pen Mill and in front of a sizable crowd returned to Badgers Hill, well deserved winners 4-3.

Bradford-on-Avon was visited, another enclosure that the Glovers had failed miserably at before. This time, and for the first time for many matches, Yeovil arrived with a full strength side. The Glovers were 3-0 by half time and in total control. The second half Bradfordonians team talk must have been about fighting their way back into the game. Fight they did, encouraged by the 200 spectators they kicked, fouled, and did anything they could to put the fear into the Glovers. It failed, by the end it was 6-0 including another three from Hayward. Yeovil licked their wounds and returned back to Somerset a happy bunch. 

Bradford-on-Avon FC 1910

April arrived with still an outside chance of Dorset & District league success, laying second although again having played more games then most teams around them. All Yeovil could do was keep on winning and hope others around them failed. After two fine away wins at Branksome Gas and Portland, Poole arrived at Pen Mill, a win needed. 2000 crammed into Pen Mill, the Grandstand full long before the start of the match. With the score at 0-0 at half time it was a tense atmosphere around the ropes. Yeovil came back out and took control, goals from Dick Larcombe, Hayward and Pennell keeping the dream alive. Next up was Branksome Gas at home the very next day. 

The Poole win had put the destiny firmly into the hands of the Glovers, a win against  Branksome Gas at home would see no team able to overtake the Glovers and bring the Dorset League trophy back to Somerset. A win for Branksome however, would see their chances still alive with one more match to play. After Yeovil had beaten the Gas 5-1 away just a few weeks earlier, it looked in the bag. It wasn't! Whether tired legs from the day before, the nerves, Branksome being more up for it, nobody knows. What we do know is that before half time Parsley and May had scored to make the 'lights'  two up! A dejected Glovers knew the game was up and the second half was a non-enterty, with no further goals and little action. A few days later Branksome beat an understrength Portland to be crowned champions. 

Two meaningless Somerset league matches finished the season, a 1-1 draw at Trowbridge and a 2-0 defeat at Street who were already guaranteed runners-up spot to Frome. 

Although not the worse season, it was by far not the best either. Johnny Hayward was his usual brilliant self 31 goals in 32 appearances. William Webb, the trialist who one season before could not get in the Petters United team in the Yeovil league had proven to be a handy signature. Scoring 10 from 33 games from outside right. Talking of Petters, they were again crowned champions of the Yeovil District league and picking up other local trophies on the way. They were now ready to compete head to head with the Glovers! 

Petters United FC 1910-11

Happy days! 









 





































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