Forest Early History - sponsored by I‘m Red Till Dead

[I'm Red Till Dead]

Re: Forest Early History

We all moan about parking charges now, but in the paper for March 2nd 1865, we see a guy facing either a 7s. 6d. fine or 10 days imprisonment for parking his dray for several hours in Mansfield!

 

[I'm Red Till Dead]

Re: Forest Early History

At the risk of raising a couple of pairs of eyebrows for even daring to post this, I believe that authentic documentary evidence charting the origins of NFFC dates at least as far back as that of the seemingly unquestioned "oldest professional football club in the world".

I don't know about County, but There appears to be a document at the National Archives dated 1876 relating to the setup of NFFC as a Friendlly Society -



Perhaps we were a less formal outfit before that. We know we were playing before that.

 

[I'm Red Till Dead]

Re: Forest Early History

Interestingly noted that Sam Weller was born in Hucknall Torkard, the team the Garibaldi's were playing. Probably nothing in it, but it's fun delving about the census. Which I did after asking the question, something I should really have done before. Just laziness on my part. As noted by Red til Dead I couldn't find a G Widdowson in Levi Widdowson's family (he Sam's Dad) in either 1851 or '61. I do a bit of family history on my own family so have an Ancestry sub.

I had a quick look and couldn't see an obvious connectin between Sam and G Widdowson.

I did find that there was a pub in Notts in 1862 called the General Garibaldi in Bridlesmith Gate near the Lace Market. It was run by a Thomas Smith. Perhaps that was where the Nottingham Garibaldi Cricket Club was based. There appears to have been another cricket club with Garibaldi in its name. Thw Worcester Journal dated 3rd November 1866, reports that the Garibaldi Cricket Club had an end of season dinner at the Angel Hotel Pershore.

I had read that Sam Weller Widdowson was in the lace manufacturing business, but I came across a patent for him in the National Archives for earthenware. Perhaps there may have been some pot ring or something the threads went through, rather than it being pottery related, I don't know.




Also for anyone who looks deeper in the history of our former players I saw this is stored at the Nottinghamshire Archives



It would be interesting to read that diary.

 

[Billy's Cuban Heels]

Re: Forest Early History

I did find that there was a pub in Notts in 1862 called the General Garibaldi in Bridlesmith Gate near the Lace Market. It was run by a Thomas Smith. Perhaps that was where the Nottingham Garibaldi Cricket Club was based. There appears to have been another cricket club with Garibaldi in its name. Thw Worcester Journal dated 3rd November 1866, reports that the Garibaldi Cricket Club had an end of season dinner at the Angel Hotel Pershore.

Giuseppe Garibaldi was an immensely popular figure in the UK (and throughout Europe) in the 1850s and '60s so it's entirely possible that all these different Garibaldi clubs were unrelated.

He had a cracking beard too, of which some of the current Forest squad have squeezed out pale imitations.

 

[I'm Red Till Dead]

Re: Forest Early History

Giuseppe Garibaldi was an immensely popular figure in the UK (and throughout Europe) in the 1850s and '60s so it's entirely possible that all these different Garibaldi clubs were unrelated.

He had a cracking beard too, of which some of the current Forest squad have squeezed out pale imitations.

He had some lovely biscuits named after him too, especially the chocolate coated version.

 

[I'm Red Till Dead]

Re: Forest Early History

Just come across a report of a Smoking Concert held January 31st 1887 to celebrate Forest's "coming of age" (21st)

I hope this is readable.

 

[Strummer]

Re: Forest Early History

I like the sound of a "smoking concert".

Remarkably civilised!

 

[I'm Red Till Dead]

Re: Forest Early History

We always assume that the Garibaldi Red shirts are a direct refersnce to Guiseppe Garibaldi. Does anyone know if there was anything making that link when the team started up?

I just saw an article from 1862 that showed that the 1st Notts Rifle Volunteer Corps (The Robin Hood Rifles) were due to be inspected on the Nottingham Forest Cricket Ground in the Garibaldi Red Shirts. A highly speculative thought comes to mind that some of the original members may have been volunteers to the Robin Hoods and took their colours from them. I'm don't know if their would be lists that could show this though

Notts Guardian 19th September 1862 -

 

[Strummer]

Re: Forest Early History

There are many historical reports that the original founding members of NFFC chose Garibaldi Red (originally for caps, not shirts at first) in tribute to Signor Garibaldi's "Red Shirts" party.

 

[I'm Red Till Dead]

Re: Forest Early History

There are many historical reports that the original founding members of NFFC chose Garibaldi Red (originally for caps, not shirts at first) in tribute to Signor Garibaldi's "Red Shirts" party.

Cool. I know it originally referred to the caps I haven't seen the documentation, I have just seen that we wore Garibaldi red which was named after him. I always assumed from that that it referred to his Red Shirts. I know Giuseppe was very popular back then, but wondered perhaps if there was a more local and personal association, given that the local volunteer corps wore Garibaldi red.

 

[Nffc puerto rico]

Re: Forest Early History

It doesn't seem too popular in the Nottingham area that's for sure. I've just gone through the back 2 pages of the Notts Guardian for the whole of 1865 and there is no ,mention of Forest and very little of County other than playing a couple of games against Sheffield (Nofolk probably but not stated I don't thisk). The first game reported was either on on Jan 2nd 1865 or December 26th 1864. The back two pages appear to have the sport and local news so seemed the likeliest to have what I was looking for. I will go through the same for the first half of 1866 and see what I find there.

However Here is some background on the period as remembered from going through those pages fot 1865.

The country and in fact much of Europe was in the grip of a cattle plague.

Nottingham was subjected to 3 small earth tremours on January 2nd

View attachment 9052

According to the paper, there were over 2 million accidents in 1864. Over 10,000 resulted in death. A search showed the figures for 2010 were 1.2m accidents and under 300 dead as a result. It seems H&S works!

There used to be an annual pony race at Heanor.

They loved poetry - every paper seems to have at least one poem. There was an extract of a long one by pharmasist (I think that wass his job), F R Goodyer called The Modern Voyager; or, Barney Flinn the Circumnavigator which reminded me a little of an eary version of the style of Stanley Holloway, but with a Notts accent.

A man swam something like half a mile to a mile smoking a cigar and wearing a straw hat. (It doesn't say why though!)

The mines were incredibly dangerous then. They were still using naked candles so there were many explosions. If the mines weren't exploding, they were caving in or people were falling down the shafts.

They must have felt very stressed as there were always lots of ads purporting to help people to calm their nerves and help them sleep.

Partially related to the above there were a lot of suicides and accidental poisonings. A number of babies died from laudnum overdoses because there mothers put too much on their dummies.

There were a lot of crimes where people stole food - cheese, eggs, apples and chickens in particular.

The railways didn't seem a particularly safe place to travel. Several crashes were reported and a number of trains blew up! That said, there were many instances of children putting stones on the tracks - it seems little changes there then except the stones may be bigger now.

The papers carry lots of reports of murders from around the country and often in fairly graphic detail.

To travel by train to London from Nottingham cost 23s (£1.15) 1st class, 17s (85p) 2nd class, and 10s 5d (52p) 3rd class. The journey took 4 to 4 and a half hours.
Nottingham to Mansfield cost 2s (10p), 1s 6d (7.5p) or 1s (5) for 1st, 2nd or 3rd class and took between 40 minutes and a hour.

Giuseppe Garibaldi visited the UK in 1864. He doesn't seem to have got north of Bedford on the visit but together with newspaper stories may explain why he would be in the minds of the founders -http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/jun/03/garibaldi-london-visit-editorial

Hope you find the above interesting

Garibaldi’s exploits made him an international hero during his lifetime. An account from April 1864 describes one of his visits to London:
The reaction he provoked among workers and trade unions began to worry the government. It eventually ordered him out of the country – and Queen Victoria made clear she regarded this as good riddance.

 

[I'm Red Till Dead]

Re: Forest Early History

Garibaldi’s exploits made him an international hero during his lifetime. An account from April 1864 describes one of his visits to London:
The reaction he provoked among workers and trade unions began to worry the government. It eventually ordered him out of the country – and Queen Victoria made clear she regarded this as good riddance.

I did see on Wikipedia that he was supposed to have offered his services to President Lincoln to help out in the Civil war if they made him the Commander in Chief (and that the war's objective be the abolition of slavery).

 

[I'm Red Till Dead]

Re: Forest Early History

I found reports for our first two FA Cup semi-finals, those of 1878-9, and 1879-80. I've pasted here for anyone who may be interested (probably those awaiting their books from Pineapple Books ). It sounds like we were unlucky not to make the finals; I've split it over two entries because of the character limits.


The Nottinghamshire Guardian dated March 28th 1879 (Friday)

THE FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION CUP (Semi Final)
OLD ETONIANS V NOTTINGHAM FOREST

On Saturday (22nd) these clubs met at Kennigton oval, in London, to decide which should oppose the Clapham Rovers in the final at the Oval on Saturday next. Neither side was represented by its full strength, as the Foresters suffered considerably by the loss of F.W. Earp, who was ill, while Burrows was away from the other side, and Major Marindin, the captain, was also unable to take his usual place between the posts. The Ground was in splendid order, but the weather was must most uninviting, and a cutting easterly wind no doubt kept a very large number of spectators away, though the attendance was not in any means small. The Nottingham Eleven were perhaps, the more fancied, though besides Earp’s absence Goodyer was very lame, and on the form of the Old Etonians on the preceding Saturday there was every reason for predicting a hard struggle as well as a fast game.

The Eton captain won the toss, and he chose to play against a very strong breeze blowing directly down the ground. At a quarter past three o’clock Widdowson set the ball in motion on behalf of the Nottingham eleven. It was soon evident that the play would be witnessed with considerable as there was a burst of applause when the Old Etonians took the ball in fine style up to the Nottingham lines against the wind. Again Eton got the ball over the goal-line of the Northeners, but directly the Nottingham team settled to their work they began to assume the offensive, and in a quarter of an hour a corner-kick fell to them, though Widdowson did not make sufficient allowance for the breeze. And the ball went over the line. Nottingham now kept the ball well in their opponents territory for a time, despite the good play of Sedgwick, Clerke and Whitfield, and the neat kicking of Christian at half back for Eton. A splendid run by Goodyer and Smith seriously endangered the safety of the Etonians, and Hawtrey had to use his hands. A neat piece of play by Clarke and Sedgwick, who passed all the Nottingham backs caused Nottingham to once more kick off from behind, but the Forest forwards were slow now to resume the offensive, and after some clever passing between Widdowson and Smith, Goodyer and Turner, a neat back kick by the first named sent the ball over the Eton bar. Almost immediately afterwards another chance of a corner fell to Widdowson, and this time he made good use of his opportunity, a splendid shot being well saved by the Etonian goal-keeper. A few minutes more and half time was called, both teams being cheered as they proceeded to change ends.

For a short time after Bury had kicked off it seems as if the wind had dropped, but it soon asserted its presence, and the Etonians in their turn had the benefit of its assistance. The Foresters played up with great vigour on the change of ends, and it seemed as if they were going to do better against the wind. For the first few minutes they kept the ball in the Eton half, but again Clerke got well away, and Notts. were then threatened. Whitfield next got away for the Etonians, and his shot being only half stopped by the Nottingham goal-keeper the same player was able to get it in between the Nottingham posts at the second attempt, this score being received with no small enthusiasm. Soon after the ball had been again started the Etonians had a corner which was very well tried by Christian, though without success. Working well together, the Forest forwards again took the lead, and after some good play along the lower side Bishop secured the downfall of the Eton goal. Nottingham now seemed to feel the force of the adverse wind considerably, and two corners were obtained by Eton, though in each case by plucky resistance Nottingham relieved their lines. Goodyer, who despite his lameness, played extremely well throughout, now made a fine run almost along the whole length of the ground on the right side, but though he middle the ball cleverly there was no one to put it through. A fast run by Clerke and Sedgwick again enabled the Etonians to threaten the northern lines , and after a short scrimmage they were a second time successfull, E Smith unfortunately putting the ball through his own posts. Only six minutes now remained, and though the Foresters strained every nerve to make matters even the Etonians were equally bent on holding their own, and thus at the end of an hour and a half the Nottingham eleven were defeated after a very even and fast game by two goals to one. For the winners Sedgwick, Clerke and Whitfield (forwards) did excellent service forward, and back Christian kicked with the greatest accuracy throughout. For Nottingham Widdowson was lame towards the end of the game and Earp’s services were much missed, though Goodyer and Smith (Forwards) worked hard, and Bates played extremely well from first to last.

The umpires were E. D. Ellis (Greyfriars) and Hubert Heron (Wanderers) and the referee was C. W. Alcock (Wanderers)

PLAYERS –
Old Etonians: J. P. Hawtrey (goal), L. Bury, H. H. Calvert (backs), E. Lubbock, E. Christian (half backs), H. Whitfield, R. D. Anderson (centres), H. B. Sedgwick, C. J. Clerke (right.

Nottingham Forest: J. Sands (goal), C. J. Caborn (back) M Luntley, W Luntley (half-backs), M. Holroyd, A. J. Bates (sides), A. C. Goodyer, A. H. Smith (right), T. Bishop, J. P. Turner (Left), S. W. Widdowson (center)

 

[I'm Red Till Dead]

Re: Forest Early History

Published in the Nottinghamshire Guardian dated Friday 2nd April 1880

Nottingham Forest v Oxford University - FA Cup Semi-Final, Saturday 27th March 1890

THE FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION CUP.
On Saturday last fully two thousand spectators attended the Surrey Cricket ground, in London, to witness the semi-final tie between Nottingham Forest and Oxford University. Both sides were well presented and the result was one of the fastest and best games seen in London during the present season.
Oxford gained the assistance of a slight wind in winning the toss, and at 3.15 Widdowson started the ball with a back kick. The ball soon got into possession of Guy and there was a cheer as the University took the ball over the Nottingham goal line. The Foresters were a little slow in getting to work and a corner kick soon followed to Oxford though nothing came of it. Then Earp and Lindley by clever play on the left elicited the first applause for the Northerners and a long run was only stopped by a big kick of Wilson's into touch. A fine run by the Oxford captain was neatly checked by Holroyd, whose tackling at the outset was very useful to his side, and Smith and Goodyer dodging several of their opponents were soon threatening the University lies. A short run by Widdowson forced the fight into the front of the Oxford goal, but a good kick by Wiison got his side out of an evident difficulty. The Foresters, however, not to be denied, quickly returned to the charge, and Lindley, after some good play with Earp on the left, crossed to Widdowson. The captain, with his usual un- selfishness, returned the ball, and Lindley, a little over anxious, only missed the opposite cross bar by the narrow margin. By this time the Nottingham forwards had got well together, and Goodyer and Smith on the right, Earp and Lindley caused the opposite backs, no small amount of anxiety, the Oxford play, with the exception of that of Heygate, Hill and Childs being rather casual. Goodyer, after a smart run, was taking his final shot when one of the Oxford centre, intervened, and the same player, almost immediately in conjunction with Smith threatened the University goal. After some few ex- changes the Foresters were again busy, and twice in succession Widdowson's shot was dangerously close to the enemy's posts. Hill now made himself conspicuous with a clever dribble for Oxford, and an attack of the forwards was well met by. W. Luntley. A judicious kick by the latter enabled Goodyer to get clear away on the right, taking the ball up to the Oxford line before the backs could offer any real opposition. Another assault by the University forward, was checked by a clever piece of heading on the part of W. Luntley, but Heygate and Hill, with a smart run along the right touch-line again took the ball into Nottingham territory, and Childs twice in quick succession attempted a shot at the northern post, though each time the goal was missed by a few feet. A combined attack by Smith and Goodyer resulted in a corner for Nottingham, but though Billyeald's shot was true to its aim, Oxford stuck well to their work, and Heygate removed the fight with a plucky run to the centre. A free kick to Oxford was a serious danger to the Foresters, and W Luntley trying to save his side gave a corner to the opposition. The Northerners got rid of the risk, but just before half-time Sands was again called upon, and with this the two teams proceeded to change ends.
The Forest had now the aid of what little wind there was, and it seemed as if they were going to overpower their opponents, a very smart shot by Widdowson almost hitting the left post of the Oxford goal. Almost immediately the Nottingham captain again came to the rescue of his side, but fortune was again unpropitious Parr being once more quite equal to the occasion. A long kick by Wilson now transferred the ball to the centre, and Hill going away at a great pace, ran it down the left aide. A middle to Childs proved unexpectedly disastrous to the Foresters, as Caborn missing his kick, Sands was unable to prevent the final shot of the Oxonian, and a goal was thus registered for the University amidst great applause. From this point Oxford were hard pressed, and several scrimmages, in front of the University posts created intense excitement. A corner kick was well got rid of by the Oxonians, but they were soon driven back. and Earp and Widdowson continually menaced the University lines. The Oxonians had several extraordinary escapes before. Guy got clear away from the centre, forcing Sands to use his hands in self-defence. Time was now almost up, but a clever corner by Earp still kept up tee interest, and after Widdowson had shot the ball over the Oxford bar time was called. The victory of Oxford was certainly a lucky one, as they were certainly the inferior team, and the University goal ought never to have been got. The Foresters had things all their own way during the second half, and but for the consistently good play of the Oxford backs and goal keeper they would have had in all likelihood an easy win.

Players.
Oxford University : B T Heygate, captain, and E H Hill (right side), G B Childs and C M Smith (left side),T G Guy and F D Crowdy (centre), B Rogers and E A T Phillips (half backs), C W Wilson and C J S King, (backs), and P C Parr (goal keeper)
Notts. Forest : 8 W Widdowson, captain (centre), E and W Luntley (half-backs), C J Caborn (back), M Holroyd, J Billyeald, A C Goodyer, F W Earp, A H Smith, and L Lindley (forwards), and J Sands (goal-keeper). Lieutenant H H Massey, RE and E H Bambridge Swifts, umpires | and Major Marindin, R.E., referee.



I also came across a site which may be of interest too called www.englandfootballonline.com. It gives various info on england and their games and info on the players who have represented England.

If you copy the following into Google search, it will give links to all the Forest players who have played for England including details from the censuses for the earlier players.

"nottingham forest" site:http://www.englandfootballonline.com/TeamPlyrsBios/


Or just click this

https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=%22nottingham+forest%22+site:http://www.englandfootballonline.com/TeamPlyrsBios/&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&gws_rd=cr&ei=2oW9VLHPOcKrUf-_g_AI
Enjoy!

 

[I'm Red Till Dead]

Re: Forest Early History

It looks like the City Ground has flooded three times since we have been there. Unless any one knows of any others they are -

(Nottingham Post Wednesday January 2nd 1901)

THE FLOODS
--------

SUBSIDENCE IN NOTTINGHAM
-------

ROADS STILL IMPASSABLE

Early this morning a welcome subsidence of the floods caused by the Trent overflowing its banks became apparent in Nottingham and the district. There was a sharp frost during the night, and this, no doubt, had some effect in keeping back the flow in the upper reaches of the river. At any rate, the water has receded from the roadways and flooded lands to a very great extent – the level falling from one foot to a foot and a half.

Wilford is still cut off from other parts. The water has receded to the extent of about a foot and is rapidly lowering, but the roadways to Ruddington, West Bridgford, and Clifton are still impassable. Clifton Colliery, too remains closed owing to the miners being unable to reach the place.

At West Bridgford the floods gradually subsided, and at midday the water had gone down over a foot. It still remained over the embankments on either side, however, and portions of the Loughborough and Radcliffe Roads are covered. The Notts. Castle and Amateurs’ grounds and the Notts. Forest Football Club Ground are still submerged.

In the Meadows district, Wilford Road and Kirke White Street are still under water, and several of the houses in the first named thoroughfare are inundated, the occupants being driven to the top apartments of the house.

Early in the morning the water on the Midland Railway between the Carrington Street and Wilford Road Bridges remained nearly as high as the footboards of passenger trains and extended to the platform in the station. By noon, however, the water had left the station, and the rails all along the line soon began to make an appearance. The goods yard became clear, and the traffic was dealt with much more conveniently than previously.


(Nottingham Post Wednesday January 25th 1939)

FOREST IN TEMPORARY QUARTERS AT ASPLEY LANE

Floods continue to play havoc on local football and not only have several Notts. Thursday League teams had to transfer their games to unaffected playing pieces, but Forest have also had to find temporary quarters for a game with the Colts of Aston Villa,

The “Reds” were fortunate to secure the use of the Player’s Athletic Ground at Aspley Lane, and no doubt a big crowd will see the exchanges.

One does not recall Forest playing a home match outside the City Ground since they took up quarters there 40 years ago.


(Nottingham Post Saturday February 9th, 1946)

FLOODS STOP CITY GROUND FOOTBALL

Sea Of Water Up To Half Way Line

The match between Nottingham Forest and Newport County had to be postponed owing to floods. It was thought that the match would be played, despite the fact that the floods had risen so much as to make the main entrance unpassable by noon, but in view of the statement by the Trent Catchment Board that the river would not rise by more than another five inches, it was felt there was little danger of a postponement.

About 12.30, however, the water percolated to the offices, where it became at least 18 inches deep. The other rooms under the stand were also affected, including the referee’s room.

A continuous stream soon blotted out the playing pitch on the Colwick Road side and ten minutes before the start there was a complete sea of water from the Colwick Road goal. With the exception of a little goalmouth area, right up to the centre and travelling onwards parallel with the popular stand right to the opposite corner flag. The running track was also completely submerged round the entire ground.

Shortly after one o’clock, a wire was received from the referee that he was suffering from influenza and could not be present.

According to official records this is the second occasion that the Forest have had to postpone a match in similar circumstances.

 

[Strummer]

Re: Forest Early History

I seem to recall a flooding incident in the early 80s too, when the Trent flooded the City Ground?

 

[I'm Red Till Dead]

Re: Forest Early History

I did also see the following report from the Nottingham Post for March 18th 1947.

The Trent Flood

By 2.30pm the level of the Trent had risen to 78 feet 5 inches, which is 9feet 5 inches above the Normal winter height.

Another article on the same date says that there was 2-3 feet of water in the Meadow Lane area with 6 inches in the dressing rooms but nothing on the pitch. There is no mention of the City ground though.

It seems this was a combination of melting snow and heavy rain.

 

[I'm Red Till Dead]

Re: Forest Early History

According to the Notts Guardian, 5th November 1880, we were the first English team to beat Glasgow Rangers, when we beat them 2-1 at Trent Bridge on October 28th of that year. It wasn't our first game against them. We lost 4-2 at the Trent Bridge Ground on 16th February 1878, and 2-0 again at Trent Bridge on 26th October 1878.

We played them in Glasgow on 11th December 1880 and came away with a 2-2 draw.

I have reports for the games. If anyone is interested I can transcribe them.

 

[Otis Redding]

Re: Forest Early History

It's interesting that you mention a temporary move to Aspley Lane in 1901 IRTD, because Forest Colts (which, for younger readers, is how the youth team used to be known) played home games in the Notts Thursday League at the "Players Rec" on regular basis until the late 1970s.

The NTL was a tough, tough league to play in and proved an invaluable learning experience for Forest's apprentices and 1st-year professionals against a mixture of old semi-pros and proper hard men who turned out for teams like Notts Police and Notts Fire Brigade.

 

[I'm Red Till Dead]

Re: Forest Early History

Forest Derby cup final report (to half time)

(The Sheffield Daily Telegraph Monday April 18th 1898 )

THE ENGLISH CUP FINAL

HOW NOTTS. FOREST WON THE CUP.

A DISAPPOINTING SHOW BY DERBY

It was generally conceded that the fact of the teams left in the final of the English Cup being from one district, and as a matter of fact hailing from towns within a few miles of one another, would tell materially against the attendance at the Crystal Palace on Saturday. The crowd, however, which put in an appearance bore out the opinion of others that irrespective altogether of the opposing teams, the final tie of the greatest competition of its kind in the country is in itself sufficient attraction to induce an enormous gathering. This, coupled with the fact that Saturday was an ideal spring day, brought together an assembly which must have numbered 60,000 persons, and the arrangements for their comfort were so complete that everyone appeared to see the game well.

The earlier doings of the teams which met in the final are too well known to require tabulated recapitulation here, and it must suffice to say that Derby County had gone through a much more trying ordeal than their rivals, and in each round had been faced with a very stiff task, gaining two sensational victories in the first two rounds against Aston Villa and Wolverhampton Warriors respectively, whereas Notts Forest had only one big club to meet, namely, West Bromwich Albion, in the third round, whom they beat in a cleaver manner. Still their display in the semi final against Southampton was not such as to give their friends much confidence in their ability to actually win the cup, and consequently all over the country it was felt that the honours of the year were going to Derby County. As will be seen from the subjoined full details of the game, such opinions were entirely at variance with what actually took place, and it need only be said here that Notts Forest thoroughly deserved their handsome victory, a triumph to which their exhibition all round throughout the game well entitled them.

Of the constitution of the teams it need only be said that each club was able to put what it considered its most powerful side in the field. It had been thought possible that Spouncer would be dropped entirely from the Notts left wing, and Bradshaw introduced as outside right. It was decided eventually to play McInnes in the latter position and to give the Gainsborough lad a further trail in his own place. The Derby Team was as strong as it could be. The fact that Archie Goodall had broken a finger the previous week was not expected to tell against his play, while Methven and Fryer were both recovered from their recent indisposition. Bloomer was in the team, strong and well, and everyone round about Derby was confident that they would be able to repeat the superiority over the Forest as in the last Monday’s League match (when it will be remembered Derby County won by five goals to nothing), though not, perhaps, to so marked an extent.

There was very little wind indeed, and with the wind in perfect condition nothing could have been more conducive to a high-class display of football. Mr. John Lewis, of Blackburn, was refereeing for the third time in this contest, and did his work in excellent fashion, keeping the men well in hand throughout. Of course, the result of the game was an intense disappointment to the Derby supporters, but the disparity between the two teams on the play was so marked that not even the keenest partisan could deny that the Cup had fallen to the worthier team. At the conclusion of the game the trophy and medals were presented by the Earl Rosebery to the Forest players. Details :-

It was clearly apparent that the County were favourites, for they were accorded by far the best reception when they appeared, although there was little to grumble at in the greeting the Forest met with. The choice of ends fell to McPherson, and he decided to defend the Palace goal. From the kickoff the Derby right at once essayed an attack on the Forest goal, but were frustrated, and Methven was called upon to clear his lines. Some very pretty work between Stevenson and McQueen followed, but the last named spoiled the movement by a very weak attempt at a centre. Then McInnes gave Benbow a beautiful pass in the centre of the field, offside only spoiling a good chance. An injury to John Goodall caused a suspension of hostilities, and when the game was resumed, Turner had a to give a corner to stop the opposing right, and a well judged header from Forman saw Fryer bundled into the ne, as he just managed to put the ball outside. This time the ball was cleared, and the County went away again, John Goodall centreing too squarely, however, and the danger was cleared. So far the game had been by no means brilliant, though there was plenty of dash infused into it. A further corner to the Foresters was cleared, and John Goodall had another run down his wing, but Scott nipped in and cleared magnificently. A beautiful pass by Richards saw McInnes swing the ball over to Benbow, who , however, was ruled offside. There was no doubting that Notts were showing the better football, and in the next few minutes Fryer and his backs had an anxious time. Capes and Forman each sent in fine shots, while a long dropping one from Ritchie gave Fryer an armful. A free kick to the Lambs enabled them to maintain the pressure, but McInnes was too closely attended by Leiper to get in a shot, and the ball went wide. A grand piece of work by Richards led to another determined attack on the Derby goal, Spouncer sending in a splendid centre, which Benbow just failed to convert, and in the tussle was injured, a further stoppage being necessary. McQueen next essayed a run on his wing, but Forman stopped his career, and from a free-kick Capes got an opening, and with a splendid shot along the ground, completely beat Fryer, and opened the scoring for the Notts men. This was after 20 minutes play, and the Notts supporters showed their delight in unmistakeable fashion. There was more pretty football by the Lambs on the restart, while when the Derby forwards threatened danger they found the opposing backs as safe as the proverbial rock, and, moreover, as cool as a cucumber. A good centre to McQueen saw John Goodall robbed as he was preparing for a shot, while another fine centre from the Derby left was caught and thrown away by Allsopp in grand fashion.

At this stage Derby improved, though there was still a lack of combination in their play, which was so marked a feature on the opposing side. Benbow gave McInnes a good pass, but the last named was too close pressed to make any use of it, while when Spouncer was afforded a good, chance he shot yards over. Still the movements of the Forest forwards always spelt danger, and once on saw the former the ball they were rarely shaken off. Forman robbed McQueen when he was making tracks for goal, but Bloomer and Boag, after good work, gave the ball to John Goodall who dropped it in nicely. Forman, however, cleared cleverly by an overhead kick, and although the County had a free-kick it was not improved upon. A beautiful bout of passing between Spouncer and Capes send in a grand curling shot, which Fryer negotiated cleverly. McQueen then allowed Ritchie to rob him, when the rest of the Derby forwards were up and waiting, while from a pass by McInnes, Benbow shot over. The Forest were still having a big share of the game. And were smarter on the ball all round. A poor attempt at a centre by Spouncer was followed by a grand shot on the part of Bloomer, who, on the ball, coming out, essayed another, but the sphere cannoned back off Scott. Again Spouncer raced away, but this time was forced out of play, while, after Bloomer had been given off-side, Archie Goodall shot wide. A free-kick to the Foresters was cleared, and then a similar favour to County resulted in the downfall of the Notts Goal, Bloomer jumping up and heading a clever goal. This was after 35 minutes’ play, and a big cheer went up to the success of the Rams. This served to put increased life into the play and soon after the resumption Fryer had to kick away in a hurry. The Foresters had a free-kick, which Ritchie placed into the net without having touched a second player, and then at the other end, Stevenson skimmed the bar with a fine effort.

Hereabouts the County, encouraged by their success, were doing a lot of pressing, but there was a lack of method, and there work in front of goal was poor. Forman again put a stop to one of McQueen’s rushes, while from more fine work by Capes and Spouncer, Turner had to concede a corner to clear the danger. This was cleared, but the Notts forwards came again, and Richards, after tricky work, sent in a fine shot, which Fryer only partially cleared, and Capes rushing up had the satisfaction of putting his side ahead once more. This was close upon the interval, which arrived with the score standing :--

Notts Forest . ........................ 2 goals.
Derby County . ...................... 1 goal.

 

[I'm Red Till Dead]

Re: Forest Early History

Forest Derby cup final report (second half)

When the game was resumed, the Foresters at once went away and McInnes forced a corner, which, however, came to nothing. The same player had two further tries, but although there was plenty of sting behind the shots, they went too high. The County retaliated and Bloomer, after a grand run, shot across the goal, while soon after, as a result of good work on the part of Boag and Bloomer, John Goodall whipped the ball across to Stevenson, who however, made poor use of a splendid chance. Spouncer then got away, and got in another of his wonderful curling shots, which caused Fryer a moment of anxiety. From the clearance, Boag got away down the centre, and passing to McQueen, gave that player an opening, but the winger shot wide.

At this stage, there was no question that the County were doing all the aggressive work, but there was a distinct lack of method about their movements, and with Scott playing magnificently, well backed up by Ritchie, it was easy to see that there would have to be a great improvement on the Derby play if they were to score again. Benbow almost got through, thanks to a cannon off Leiper, but Methven, undeniably the best man on the Derby side, came to the rescue, and put an end to what looked like developing into a most exciting incident.

The sphere was quickly taken into the Forest quarters again, and Allsopp was nearly bustled through by Stevenson, while from a shot by Boag, the Notts goalkeeper was compelled to concede a corner. From this the ball had travelled down the field to Methven, who was pluckily challenged by Benbow. The latter having wriggled past the Derby back, and with only Fryer in Front of him went strong for goal. But a few yards outside the penalty line Methven brought him down, and the inevitable free kick followed. From this an exciting struggle took place round the Derby goal, and Fryer was twice called upon, doing good work with lofty shots. Compared with last year’s final, the game was by no means a great one, and the display of the Peakites was disappointing in the extreme. They pressed desperately, it is true, but the opposing defence was as safe as the proverbial rock, and never once made a mistake. In the first half Wragg wrenched his knee, and was of little good afterwards, Capes falling half-back. Bloomer , too, changed positions with John Goodall, but in spite of this the Derby men could not score. Bloomer once got in a fine centre, but Boag and Stevenson each failed to take advantage of the opportunity.

Still the pressure was kept up, and it certainly was not for want of trying that the County were unable to score. The Foresters packed their goal, and resorted to the old Cup tie trick of kicking the ball out, a procedure which, although perfectly justifiable, was not well received by the crowd. Working hard McQueen and Stevenson took the ball into the Foresters’ quarters, and the last named, swinging the ball across goal Bloomer had a glorious chance. This he unaccountably failed to make use of, in spite of the fact that there was only Allsopp in front of him, and before he could shoot Scott dashed across, and forced the ball outside. The ensuing corner was well placed, but came to nothing, and with five minutes to go John Goodall had hard luck with a shot which struck the bar. The game continued in the Forest quarters, but with three minutes left for play the Forest broke away, and gained a free kick. This was beautifully placed, and on the leather coming out, McPherson fastened on, and evading all opposition, shot a brilliant third goal to the credit of the Foresters. This settled the matter, and the forest supporters were not slow to realise the fact, the cheering being loud and sustained. The remaining play was void of any exciting incident, and the whistle blew with Notts triumphant by the following score :--

NOTTS FOREST. . .......................3 goals.
Derby County. . ..........................1 goal.

Notts Forest. – Alsopp, goal; Ritchie and Scott, backs; Forman, McPherson, and Wragg, half backs; McInnes, Richards, Benbow, Capes and Spouncer, Forwards.

Derby County. – Fryer Goal; Methven and Leiper, backs; Cox, A. Goodall and Turner, half-backs; J. Goodall, Bloomer, Boag, Stevenson and McQueen, Forwards.

Referee: Mr J. Lewis (Blackburn). Linesmen: Messrs. P. A. Timbs (Middlesex) and A. Scragg (Crewe)


The views from the town of are interesting to read and I will post later when i've transcribed them.

 

[Strummer]

Re: Forest Early History

^^^ things of beauty.

 

[I'm Red Till Dead]

Re: Forest Early History

From the same paper as the Cup final report above, here are the reports on how the towns handled the cup final day

HOW NOTTINGHAM RECEIVED THE NEWS

From an early hour on Saturday morning the Midland and Great Northern officials at Nottingham were kept busy in dealing with the extra traffic caused by the final tie at the Palace. Four specials, containing about 2,000 people, left by the Midland, and five, with another 1,800 or 2,000, by the Great Northern. These numbers do not appear large, in comparison with the traffic from Derby, but it must be remembered that none of the workshops at Nottingham were closed, as they were at Derby.

Early in the afternoon crowds of people began to assemble in the vicinity of the newspaper offices, and the situation was eagerly discussed. Generally speaking Derby’s chances were best liked, but when the news got abroad that Capes had opened the scoring for the Forest, the doubts turned to jubilation, and the cheering was renewed when the half-time score was placed on the streets through the medium of the evening papers. From this point there was a weary wait of nearly an hour ere the result was published announcing that after 20 years of hard fighting the Forest had obtained the height of their ambition and won “the Cup.” The cheering news spread like wildfire through the City, and handshaking and mutual congratulations were everywhere indulged in. While nearly every lady met in the street wore the Forest colours. The City was indeed “painted red,” and there seemed even more jubilation than there was in 1894 when Notts brought the old Cup home from Goodison Park.

DERBY’S DISAPPOINTMENT
As might naturally be expected, there was a strong contingent of County supporters who signified their intention of journeying to the Crystal Palace to witness the final struggle for the English Cup. The London and North-Western Railway Company ran half dozen specials, the Midland Company four, and the Great Northern three. In addition to the advertised specials a number of guaranteed trains were chartered, nearly all the principal firms in Derby having made up parties, who were conveyed in comfortable saloons. A large number of people went from Derby to London on Friday evening, and it is estimated that Derby and neighbourhood contributed some 15,000 persons to the immense crowd of supporters who travelled to the Metropolis by train. In many instances the proprietors of large works in the district contributed liberally to the expenses of the journey, so that the people in their employ were enabled to travel at the lowest possible cost/ The scene at the Midland Railway station early on Saturday morning was of a most animated Character. The large exodus made the streets of Derby, usually very busy on Saturday, quite deserted.

The bitterest of bitter disappointment scarcely describes the news of the result. Although so many thousands went to London early in the day, and the streets appeared practically deserted in the morning, the aspect of the central streets of the town was very different in the afternoon. Crowds then flocked down, and awaited with almost breathless anxiety the first telegrams respecting the event, which seemed almost the sole topic of conversation on Saturday, and even the shopkeepers and their assistants took advantage of every lull in their business to peer into the streets for the purpose of gaining the earliest information. When the half-time result arrived, it somehow got announced that the County were ahead by two goals to one, news which evoked enthusiastic cheers. But when the real figures became known, the enthusiasm evaporated, although there was hope left, and the fullest belief that the County would still retrieve their fortunes, and win the Cup. There is no mistaking the fact, most Derby footballers firmly and sincerely believed that County would win, although they recognised that they had a good team to meet, and that victory could only be obtained after an arduous struggle. Still both they and the team themselves firmly believed in their ability to secure the greatest honour in the football world. Under these circumstances, it can be better imagined than described on paper with what deep anxiety the final result of the struggle was awaited, and how keen was the disappointment when it was known that the cup could not come to Derby this time, however eagerly it had been anticipated. Nevertheless, the County team are not disgraced, and it is universally felt that they have occupied a highly honourable position this year, having attained for the first time in their history a final tie for the Cup. The team is therefore entitled, and will receive, great credit for the season’s play, and, though they will not bring the Cup with then this evening, they will receive a great reception from their numerous admirers.

 

[I'm Red Till Dead]

Re: Forest Early History

I thought some of you might find this article Forest's early years interesting.

http://www.lentontimes.co.uk/back_issues/issue_4/issue_4_12.htm

I came across it looking for info on the Parkside ground. I came across a report of the game in the Notts Guardian (Feb 6th). Apparently we lost 6-1 to Derby there in February 1885. Forest played into a strong wind on the sloped pitch in the first half. Derby, fresh in the first half, with the wind at their back scored 5 times. The Forest side tired in the second half from trying to force the ball thorugh the wind, did pull own back, but Derby then scored their sixth.

 

[I'm Red Till Dead]

Re: Forest Early History

Our first floodlit game?

(Manchester Courier and Lancashire General Advertiser - Saturday 02 November 1878 )

BIRMINGHAM v NOTTINGHAM FOREST

THE ELECTRIC LIGHT


A Football match was played at Birmingham on Monday night, by aid of the electric light, between the Birmingham and Nottingham Forest clubs. There were 12 lights, which gave a capital view of the game, although portions of the centre of the ground were scarcely so light as might have been wished. The unfavourable state of the weather was against the experiment being a decided success. The Nottingham men were on the ground at half past seven: they kicked off once or twice. The game was interrupted through the wind extinguishing one of the lights, but it was immediately set right. The game ended in favour of favour of Birmingham, with two goals to one. The general impression was that a white ball would suit better than the one now in use.

(Note: The game appears to have been played on October 28th. In the same issue was a report on a rugby game played under lights, between Broughton and Swinton played 6 days earlier.)