The Luton Reporter -
“On Saturday last on the Dallow lane ground the Luton Town Football club met the Old Brightonians in the third round of the qualifying competition for the English Association Challenge Cup. The weather was fine, but an extremely high wind prevented really first-class play. There was a large crowd of spectators: Indeed it is stated that Saturday’s attendance constituted a “record” in this direction. The home team won the toss, and elected to play up-hill with the wind. The Old Brightonians kicked off shortly after half past two, and it soon became apparent that they were the best team that Luton had yet met in the cup competition. The home team pressed for some time, and obtained three corners in rapid succession, Dan Lomax kicking two of these in capital style, the ball dropping just in front of the visitors’ goal. The shots were ineffectual, while a shot by the Old Brightonians at the home fortress was also without effect, the leather being fisted out by Mileman. After good play on both sides, Luton obtained the first goal, the notch being scored by Deacon, who was playing hereabouts in a highly satisfactory manner. Just before half-time the visitors’ forwards had a splendid run and succeeded in eluding the vigilance of the Luton goal-keeper. The home team appealed on the ground of “offside” but the referee decided in favour of the visitors, and a point was consequently recorded in their favour. Immediately after restarting, the Brighton eleven scored a second goal, thus obtaining the lead. The home team were now playing against the wind, and struggled gamely to retrieve their fortunes, but their most strenuous efforts were ineffectual. As the time grew nigh when the game must finish both elevens played up in grand style, and for some time it seemed that Luton would succeed in equalising, but despite their admirable play the visitors were enabled to defend their citadel, while they added a third goal about five minutes before time, thus placing the issue beyond doubt. At the call of time the visitors were victorious by three goals to one. The result was due in great measure to the excellent passing and fine combination of the Brightonians, the whole of the members of their team showing up prominently. The members of the home eleven played in capital style, all of them being conspicuous at some period of the match. The teams were as follows: - Luton: R. Mileman, goal; A. Sanders and G. Humphrey, backs; D.A.N. Lomax, A.H. Taylor and A. Barrett, half backs; G. Deacon and E.H. Lomax, right wing; L.C.R. Thring, centre; L. Narburgh and J.C. Lomax, left wing, forwards. Old Brightonians: A.C.S. Stone, goal; J.P. Muspratt and A.T. Hay, backs; W.W. Eggar, F.P. Lingard and E. Tudor-Jones, half backs; G.L. Wilson, and J.H. Bennett, left wing; W.G. Bond, centre; H.A. Harrison and C. Simmons, right wing, forwards. Umpires: Messrs J. Bennett (Luton) and W. Leete (Old Brightonians). Referee: Mr J. Armstrong”.
The Luton Times -
“On Saturday afternoon a match in the Association Challenge Cup district ties came off in the Dallow-lane between Luton Town and the Old Brightonians. There were some 2,000 spectators present. The weather was fine, but a high wind blew across the field, so that the ball was frequently outside. The visitors were a much heavier team than the home men, who were of course at a disadvantage here. The Luton eleven is notably a light one, and yet they score well against more solid clubs. It was a well contested game, and resulted in a win by the Old Brightonians by three to one. The visitors spoke in very commendatory terms of the fairness of the Luton team and of the onlookers. There were at least four goals all but won by the home team, and they fought pluckily through the game. The first goal was got for Luton by Thring, who ran the ball down the field and passed it to Deacon, who shot it through. At half-time each side had secured a goal, the Brightonians having gained theirs by a rapid rush through the field in which some excellent passing play was displayed. Five minutes later the visitors obtained their second goal. J.C. Lomax took another goal for Luton, but it was given off-side, though it did not appear to be so to many of the spectators. Several other efforts were made to bring the score level, but five minutes before time the Brightonians gained another point, and the game ended with a score of 3 to 1.”
