November 27, 1909: 100 years ago today.
Bury v Woolwich Arsenal
Woolwich were bottom of the league, with just two wins all season. But there had been a slight glimmer of hope. The desperate defence had stopped leaking five or six goals a game, and the club had actually drawn the last two matches.
Bury were a lower middle of the road side – they had missed relegation in the previous season by just two points, but had improved in the 09/10 season and eventually finished a reasonable 13th. They had come into the first division in 1895 and would stay there for a couple more years after this match. Indeed they still had their highlight yet to come – a 4th place in Division I in 1926.
They had already won the cup twice (1900 and 1903) and indeed in 1903 won the Cup without conceding a goal – the first time this had been achieved. They scored six in the final.
So we should not confuse this team, with the Bury of a somewhat lower status 100 years on, although of course the club and ground are the same.
As I noted before, the Arsenal team was in a state of constant flux, and there was an endless search to find someone, anyone, who could play number 9 and actually score.
7000 turned up at Gigg Lane, and to everyone’s amazement Arsenal won, 2-1. Greenaway and Steven scored. It was Steven’s only goal of the season.
I can’t find any details of the match – if you have anything, let me know. But the relief must have been overwhelming. Not just a win, but now 3 games without defeat.
And coming up next on December 4th, Tottenham Hotspur at home. Could the run continue any further?
Details of the year 1910 are recorded in the novel MAKING THE ARSENAL which is available via our web site www.woolwicharsenal.co.uk or via Amazon.
(c) Tony Attwood 2009.
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