Luton Town FC vs Reading (6th Oct 1888)

The Luton Reporter -

“A very large attendance of spectators and the contestants were favoured with splendid weather, for though a cold wind blew straight across the ground during the afternoon, much to the discomfort of the onlookers, this did not prevent some very fine play. The visitors, who played one man short, arrived on the ground shortly before half-past three, and were loudly applauded on entering the enclosure. They appeared to be a powerful body of men, while the home team, which was as good as could be obtained, also presented a workmanlike appearance when ranged up in their places. Directly after the start, which was made at half-past three, the home forwards obtained possession of the ball, and by some fine passing and fast play generally the first point in the match was registered in less than two minutes from the commencement, Ernest Lomax kicking a goal for Luton amid the enthusiastic applause of the spectators. The Lutonians continued to force the play, and for some time the struggle was altogether confined to the visitors territory, the home forwards on several occasions getting into close proximity to the Reading fortress. Thring especially distinguished himself, while the brothers Lomax, Narburg and Deacon made some capital runs and “Passed” in exceptional style. The half-backs worked strenuously, Taylor being particularly conspicuous by reason of his fearless tackling and admirable “centreing”: while Sanders back play was very fine, his long kicks being sure and effective. The visitors were outmatched at all points of the game, but they struggled gamely to equalise matters , and frequently some brilliant play on the parts of their backs and forwards was witnessed. G.G. Hayward also distinguished himself. The onlookers cheered the more prominent members of both teams but the local favourites received the loudest shouts of approval. Until half-time the Reading representatives were forced to act pretty much upon the defensive. The home forwards were several times within an ace of scoring, and on three or four occasions corners were obtained after capital runs upon the wings and some admirable “passing”. Two of these opportunities for scoring were lost by ill-judged place kicking, while in a third instance the ball was kicked into the centre of the players in front of the goal but the sphere rose a foot above the cross-bar when a “shot” was made. This was, however, amply atoned for by the brilliant manner in which Narburgh scored the second goal, while a third and fourth notch were added soon afterwards by Thring and J.C. Lomax, both points resulting from some extremely pretty play. So effective, indeed, was the combination of the Luton team that their citadel was not once assailed during the first part of the game, the most strenuous efforts of the visitors being defeated by the half backs and backs. On changing ends the game stood in favour of Luton by four goals to nil, and this continued to be the position at the close, for neither side scored during the second half. The home eleven again forced the play, but the game was not, as before, altogether in their favour for the Reading forwards more than once broke through and attacked the Luton goal. Their efforts were ineffective , but they were exceedingly unfortunate for one or two of their shots were admirably judged , the leather in one instance being very few inches above the post. They also secured a couple of corner kicks, the Lutonians being equally successful in this respect. Midway in the second portion of the game members of both teams seemed to relax their efforts somewhat, but towards the close the visitors recovered themselves and made strong efforts to retrieve their fortunes. This served to put the home team on their mettle, and some very fine play was thereafter witnessed, the ball travelling from end to end of the ground with astonishing rapidity. No further score was made, however, and at the call of time Luton were the winners of a well-fought game by four goals to none. The teams were as follows: Luton Town: R. Mileman, goal; A. Sanders and G. Humphrey, backs; A.H. Taylor, A. Barrett and J. Moody, half backs; G. Deacon and E.H. Lomax, right wing; L.C.R. Thring, centre; L. Narburg and J.C. Lomax, right wing, forwards. Reading; S. Hayward, goal; Edgar Field and W. George, backs; E. Steward, G.G. Hayward and J. Collier, half backs; G. Earley, T. Skurray, E. Nailor and M.A. Harrison, forwards. Mr C. Squires (Old St. Paul’s) acted as referee while the umpires were Luton, Mr J. Bennett; Reading, Mr H.E. Walker”.