Last Updated on: 16th februar 2022, 07:53 pm
Transcript from the Billericay Times saturday november 21st 1931.
Essex Junior Cup, 3rd round: Billericay 2 – Shenfield Rovers 2
The encounter between these clubs was keenly awaited by everyone, and took place on Saturday November 14th. The match resulted in a thoroughly good struggle, and the spectators witnessed an exciting game.
Play started at a fast pace with Billericay forcing a corner almost immediately after the whistle. This proved fruitless with Reynolds placing behind. Following a free kick against Shenfield their goal was in danger when a back attempting to head away misjudged the ball which bounced on the cross-bar with the goalkeeper out of position. From the goal kick Shenfield cleared their lines and sent Walker away on the right. This player forced a corner, from which Billericay were very lucky to keep their goal intact, and owed much to Wright, who covered his goal after Bright had saved a real hot one.
Play was very even at this stage, neither set of forwards being allowed much rope. Prominent amongst much good work was the sound display given by both goalies. Billericay came again through the middle and their leader pushed the ball out to W. Reynolds on the left. This player was moving fast towards goal, but when attempting to shoot the ball slid all his foot to Staines, who scored easily from close range. Following this Shipton was penalised for an infringement. Parmenter taking the kick hit the cross-bar.
Shenfield were now having more of the play than the home team, and strived hard to equalise. The game continued at a very fast pace, with both sets of forwards having hard luck on numerous occasions. Half-time came with the homesters leading by one goal to nil.
Billericay were aggressive immediately after the resumption and forced a corner, but first-class work by Staines ended with Meehan making a wonderful save. Billericay forced two more corners which proved to be of no avail. and immediately afterwards Staines missed a sitter when well placed. Shenfield were now penned in their own half, but defended gallantly. From a new pass by G. Shipton to Reynolds headway was made on the wing, but this player’s final shot went over.
Play was transferred to the home half, but Wright saved a dangerous situation when Bright was on the ground. The visitors were more than holding their own, and Cook came to the rescue after Bright had again saved a stinger from Walker. Two minutes later Wager had very hard luck with a shot missing by inches. Shenfield drew level following meritonous work by the forwards, and full time arrived with the score at 1-1.
Extra time started with both teams making strenuous efforts, and at the end of five minutes Kennedy scored for Billericay with a drop shot that deceived Meehan in it’s flight. Shortly afterwards Shenfield equalised with a neat effort from fifteen yards range. Play continued fast. Both custodians were troubled until in the last stages of the game Bright made a clever one-handed save from Walker. The final whistle found the teams again on level terms.
Note: These old transcripts and scans has been obtained by the norwegian webmaster and chairman Per-Helge Berg by several visits to the British Library’s national newspaper collection in Colindale (now moved to St. Pancras) and going through old newspapers and microfilms and then ordering photocopies of these. You are free to use the scans/transcripts on your website, but only if you link back to and credit this website.
