Bourne Town Football Club
in 1904-05

THE MOST SUCCESSFUL SEASON ON RECORD

Bourne Town Football Club in 1904-05

Back row (left to right): J Pool (groundsman), D Green (chairman), G Todd,
G Lemon, B Fisher, J Chadwick (referee), D Paton (secretary);
Middle row: F Palmer, D Cooper, C Wilson, J Storey, J W Hinson;
Front row: A Palmer, E Cook and R C Pick.

Above is a photograph of the first eleven of the Bourne Town Football Club during the season 1904-05 which awakens many memories of the club's most successful season. In this season the team carried out, with a loss of only two games, a heavy programme against teams such as Stamford Town, Stamford Albion, Spalding United, Sleaford Town, to say nothing of teams at Peterborough, Boston, Whittlesey and Billingborough. As most of the members of the team are still in Bourne, it may be interesting to present day footballers if a few observations upon them are made.

The forward line was very fast, taking its cue from "Nipper" Hinson (J W Hinson), a "light weight" who played outside left, and he had all the style of Fanny Walden - late of Tottenham Hotspur. Twenty-six years ago the inside forwards kept the ball close, and open play in the fast wing forwards was not the fashion. Hinson played this game to advantage, and the way he repeatedly sent the ball across to the opposite wing contributed in a large degree to the team's heavy crop of goals. The wing forwards probably scored as frequently as the inside men, because they converged quickly in the neighbourhood of goal. E Cook, at centre forward, made the fullest use of his wingmen, and this player went to Canada where he turned professional for Brandon [Manitoba]. Messrs Frank and Arthur Palmer were the right wing. Neither of them were more than five feet two inches in height, but they were at their best when opposed to big fellows.

R C Pick played a dashing game at inside left, and he combined well with his wing partner and the two formed an exceptionally fast left wing. The half-back line consisted of D Cooper, C E Wilson and J Storey. Clarence Wilson, of Morton, at centre half, was the key to the success of the whole team. He was the finest centre half Bourne Town has ever had, big and muscular, yet amazingly quick, with a kick like a horse. This player was offered a place in the Sheffield United team. Because of his outstanding skill, the wing halves were able to devote more attention to stopping outside forwards, as in those days, and certainly with this particular team, the backs did not go for the outside men as is the rule now.

Denny Cooper played right half for many years, and later at full back. In this season, Storey, at left half, only played one or two games, when he left the town, and his place was taken by H Smith, now in London. The latter was a versatile player, and incidentally could throw a ball as far as some players could kick it. This line of half backs, Cooper, Wilson and Smith, was retained for several seasons without alteration.

At back, the team were served by George Todd, of Witham-on-the-Hill, and B Fisher. The former had had a lot of good football in the army and he was a superb tackler. He played well up the field, the modern game of avoiding big kicks and pushing the ball well up to his man. Bert Fisher played left back well behind his colleague, and he was safe and strong. George Lemon kept goal and, being tall and quick, he was always on the alert, as goalkeepers should be.

The team was well equipped at all points, and playing together so often they combined well and played good football, as the results they achieved prove. For several seasons they were paid a visit by a side from London, viz. Kentish Town, whom they were successful in defeating on all occasions. The side did not play in league matches in 1905, but they always attracted large "gates". The referee for several seasons was Mr J Chadwick.

NOTE: Reproduced from an issue of the Spalding Free Press published in February 1930.