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Lucy Munro @lucycmunro.bsky.social · 17h

... some evocative passages on styles of play in Edwardian league football: "I would prefer Saturday’s hurry-scurry struggle (with less fouling, of course) to the tip-tap, cat-on-hot-brick-dancing sort of stuff, that some players and committees seem to consider football."

A cutting from Athletic Chat, 16 October 1906, reading:

The match was one of those struggles where everything is put aside for a goal, or goals, at almost any cost. Consequently, we had none of the finer features of the game given us. To all appearances, the 10,000 spectators, or the vast majority of them, were well satisfied to witness a real, hard, ding-dong fight for a victory, especially as it was made to include players for possession of the ball, or a rough-and-tumble on the turf. Personally, I like to see dashing efforts that include combination movements, and the ball passed from player to player with almost machine-like precision, and defenders thinking of the whereabouts of both their own and opposing lines of forwards.
Still, when we cannot get this class of football — and somehow it certainly appears less prevalent than ever this season — I would prefer Saturday’s hurry-scurry struggle (with less fouling, of course) to the tip-tap, cat-on-hot-brick-dancing sort of stuff, that some players and committees seem to consider football. In days of old it was the rough-and-tumble game that gave delight to the originators of the pastime, and if dirty tricks are not adopted, there is plenty of good, healthy amusement to be got from a real, hard, strenuous scramble for a couple of League points.

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Lucy Munro @lucycmunro.bsky.social · 17h

The "something interesting about the Orient’s victory over Leicester Fosse from the editor", mentioned by Claptonian, includes further appearances of Orient-related poetry ("Who are the boys who work with one intent ... You know them well, ’tis Clapton Orient") and...

A cutting from Athletic Chat, 16 October 1906, reading:

Rhymester Craig, in his weekly football poem, which was selling like strawberries on a twopence-a-pound-glut day, said:

Who are the boys who work with one intent,
Who show that ‘biz’ and ‘biz’ alone is meant,
From start to finish on achievements bent,
As full as mettle as ‘The Men of Kent?’
You know them well, ’tis Clapton Orient.

At the end of the poem Craig says:

Don’t falter, keep the Orient colours flying,
Don’t falter, keep the Orient colours flying.

This is a fact, and, I think, has been wonderfully proven by Orient perseverance. They have done no sighing (it was all done by outsiders, unless I am much mistaken), and they are certainly coming along with colours flying, and flying deservedly high.

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Lucy Munro @lucycmunro.bsky.social · 17h

"The whistle was always going for something, and it went twice in the last three minutes of the first half. Bourne was fouled. The free kick was nicely placed. There was a fierce scrimmage in front of Lewis. ... The forwards were not together, and Oliver, who was queer, was much missed."

A cutting from Athletic Chat, 16 October 1906, reading:

The goal that won the Orient the victory that will do the club so much good was a curious affair. The whistle was always going for something, and it went twice in the last three minutes of the first half. Bourne was fouled. The free kick was nicely placed. There was a fierce scrimmage in front of Lewis. Someone back-heeled the ball to Thacker, and the old Chesterfield man tapped it into the net. The second time the whistle went was another blow for the Fosse, because it denoted that the left wing who had forced the ball past Bower were off-side.
From the Orient point of view the best feature of a hard, if not very scientific, match was the magnificent defence Bower, Henderson, Stewart, Gates, Evenson, and Thacker presented to the fierce Fosse attack in the second half. It indicated that goals will always want a tremendous amount of getting against the Orient when these men are available. The forwards were not together, and Oliver, who was queer, was much missed.
If the Orient only make a brave show against Notts Forest next Saturday there will be a rare gate to welcome Lincoln City on October 27. Provided the defence is as sure as it was against Leicester Fosse, Notts Forest will have to play a great game to get goals. I hope Oliver will be fit to lead the attack in this game, which may be won or drawn with a bit of luck.

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Lucy Munro @lucycmunro.bsky.social · 17h

"Claptonian" shares his thoughts on Orient v. Leicester Fosse in Athletic Chat, 16 October 1906: "Although football was never very good, the game was one of the most extraordinary struggles I have ever watched. ... the home forwards, with reasonable shooting..." #lofc #lofcpress

A cutting from Athletic Chat, 16 October 1906

CLAPTON ORIENT.

BY “CLAPTONIAN”.

In another part of the paper you will doubtless find something interesting about the Orient’s victory over Leicester Fosse from the editor, who was present at the match.
Without pretending to know his views of the game, I may say right away that the officials think they were lucky to keep the Fosse out in the second half. So they were.
That much being admitted, let us review this remarkable match from start to finish. Although football was never very good, the game was one of the most extraordinary struggles I have ever watched.
With the single exception of, say, five minutes in the first half, the Orient practically bombarded the Leicester goal. In fact, Bower was really unemployed. During this period the home forwards, with reasonable shooting, ought to have made victory certain.
But the shooting was not reasonable. Bourne and Lappin forwarded enough centres, but Dougall, Leonard, and Buchanan were hopeless in front of the net, just the same as Wilcox, Moody, and Shanks were in the second half.

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Lucy Munro @lucycmunro.bsky.social · 15/10/2026

"Good shots that did not succeed were delivered by Crampton, Dimmock, and O’Callaghan for the Spurs, O’Callaghan tumbling three somersaults after his shot; and Menlove, forcing his way past Herod, had another good try for Orient. I have seen better games, but everybody seemed to be happy."

A clipping from The Daily Express, 15 October 1929, reading:

Mills, for Orient, got the only goal of the first half. Spurs resumed as if they meant to run the Orient off their feet, but it was Orient who scored again - three minutes after resumption. Rollo Jack, at outside right, caught a long pass just in time to cut inside Herod: lost the ball for a second: recovered in time to push it on to Menlove, who scored with a death or glory shot.
Cock scored for Spurs about twenty minutes later, heading just inside the post when the ball had come over from the right wing.
Good shots that did not succeed were delivered by Crampton, Dimmock, and O’Callaghan for the Spurs, O’Callaghan tumbling three somersaults after his shot; and Menlove, forcing his way past Herod, had another good try for Orient.
I have seen better games, but everybody seemed to be happy.

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Lucy Munro @lucycmunro.bsky.social · 15/10/2026

Spurs "seemed to be competing for the high-kicking championship. Remembering some of the classic displays at White Hart-lane, I had made up my mind to go home and have a good cry. When the spectators implore the players to “keep it down!” you can imagine how bad it was."

A clipping from The Daily Express, 15 October 1929, reading:

In the first half the Orient were clearly the better side. If they were playing Third Division football, the Spurs were playing about Sixth Division. They seemed to be competing for the high-kicking championship. Remembering some of the classic displays at White Hart-lane, I had made up my mind to go home and have a good cry. When the spectators implore the players to “keep it down!” you can imagine how bad it was.

FIVE CROCKS.
Spurs had O’Callaghan at centre, while the Orient had six changes from Saturday - Grimsdell and five crocks. Menlove came in at centre forward, where his speed should be useful, and Turnbull was right back. The crowd was in a holiday mood, and greatly enjoyed the little bouts between Turnbull and Dimmock. When the back neatly tricked the trickster on one occasion, there were loud cheers. “Use your hands, Turnbull,” came the advice on another occasion, when Dimmock’s feet proved the cleverer.

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Lucy Munro @lucycmunro.bsky.social · 15/10/2026

It's 15 October 1929, the Orient have beaten Spurs in the London Challenge Cup, and a Daily Express sub gets a bit carried away: "ORIENT LAST JUST LONG ENOUGH." "’SPURS BEING TO THINK ABOUT WINNING TOO LATE." "HIGH KICKING DISPLAY." "EVERYBODY HAPPY AT HOMERTON." #lofc #lofcpress

A cutting from The Daily Express, 15 October 1929, with an inset head-shot of a footballer with dark hair in a late 1920s style. The text reads:

ORIENT LAST JUST LONG ENOUGH.

’SPURS BEING TO THINK ABOUT WINNING TOO LATE.

HIGH KICKING DISPLAY.

EVERYBODY HAPPY AT HOMERTON.

By BROADCASTER.

Clapton Orient 2, ’Spurs 1.

Clapton Orient may not win the English Cup, but they can beat the ‘Spurs, and that for them is almost as good. They did it at Homerton in the first round of the London Challenge Cup. Yes, sir. If anybody doubts it, Mr. Arthur Grimsdell, the Orient manager, is prepared to call a good 5,000 witnesses who will swear that they saw it with their own eyes.
And no fluke about it either, no penalty goals or goals scored by opponents, although one of the ’Spurs’ defenders nearly obliged. But candour compels me to say that if the game had gone on a little longer, say, for another couple of hours, the ‘Spurs’ would probably have got on top. They might have done it even sooner, for towards the end of the game Orient looked like going down for the third time, and were looking anxiously around for somebody to throw them a lifebelt.

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Lucy Munro @lucycmunro.bsky.social · 14/10/2026

"C.O." also has strong words for the referee: "when Maskery fell in saving a centre from Parker the ball was immediately kicked out of the goalkeeper’s hands by Leigh into the net. Referee Farrant, who was not a success, disallowed the point, and gave Derby a free kick."

A clipping from Athletic Chat, 14 October 1907, reading:

It was a Goal.
There is no doubt at all that the Orient scored a second goal, for when Maskery fell in saving a centre from Parker the ball was immediately kicked out of the goalkeeper’s hands by Leigh into the net. Referee Farrant, who was not a success, disallowed the point, and gave Derby a free kick. I had a clear view of the whole incident, and I unhesitatingly say the referee was wrong. It was a perfectly fair goal.
“C.O.”

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Lucy Munro @lucycmunro.bsky.social · 14/10/2026

Having scored through Parker, the Orient "had chances of increasing their lead before the interval: but it was during the second half that they established a clear superiority, which would have enabled them to greatly improve their goal register if they had shot even fairly well."

A clipping from Athletic Chat, 14 October 1907, reading:

How Parker Scored.
It was twenty-seven minutes after the start when the goal that won the Orient their victory came. Parker, assisted by Buchanan, centred across to J. Whittaker, who shot well, but the ball was kept out by Morris at the expense of a corner. This Whittaker placed nicely, and Parker, after a little scrimmage, headed into the net. The Orient had chances of increasing their lead before the interval: but it was during the second half that they established a clear superiority, which would have enabled them to greatly improve their goal register if they had shot even fairly well.

Wonderful Escapes.
In the first minute of the second half Leigh had Maskery helpless from a centre of Whittaker’s, but headed over the bar. On another half-dozen occasions Leigh, Greechan, and Parker sailed through all opposition only to fail when face to face with Maskery. Once the custodian rushed out to Leigh and missed him, yet no goal resulted; while when Greechan outpaced the backs he took a ridiculous thirty yards aim when a few fast strides would have brought him into the easiest of scoring positions.

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Lucy Munro @lucycmunro.bsky.social · 14/10/2026

"CLAPTON ORIENT WIN AGAIN." "WONDERFUL ESCAPES FOR THE DERBY GOAL." It's 14 October 1907, the O's have beaten Derby 1-0, and Athletic Chat's "C.O." is nursing a grievance. Derby's football "was like their behaviour in the dressing-room — of the commonest description. Before the..." #lofc #lofcpress

A clipping from Athletic Chat, 14 October 1907, reading:

CLAPTON ORIENT WIN AGAIN.

WONDERFUL ESCAPES FOR THE DERBY GOAL.

Although Derby County were only beaten by a single goal to nil by Clapton Orient, assisted by four reserves, their football was like their behaviour in the dressing-room — of the commonest description. Before the match, two Pressmen, one a representative of a leading London football paper, and the other a London reporter for a Derby newspaper, went in to the dressing-room and politely asked for the names of the Derby team. Apparently there was no responsible official in the team, for while one Pressman was struck by a Derby player, both Pressmen were asked for a shilling for drinks, and each had to leave without being able to get the names. The striking of the Pressman may have been playfully done, but that is no excuse for an unwarrantable liberty, and it is to be hoped that the next visit these fellows pay to town they will be accompanied by someone in authority.

Outclassed.
The score, one to mil, is a poor representative of the Orient’s superiority. For fully half an hour in the second half Derby County were outclassed, and if Leigh and Greechan had made reasonable use of their opportunities, the ex-First Leaguers would have been beaten by five or six goals. Apart from Maskery, Morris, Warren, and Long, the Derby side is composed of second-rate players. The forwards as a line were on a par with Stoke’s moderate quintette. Except Long, they were helpless in front of goal, and the only shot Bower had to clear that was at all difficult came from Warren near the finish.

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Lucy Munro @lucycmunro.bsky.social · 13/10/2026

"Chee-ristopher!" 13 October 1893, and the North London Guardian reports on ructions in the Clapton and District League: Orient have lost 7-1 to Saracens and "have lodged a protest ... the ground was unfit for any league match and ... the spectators encroached on the field of play". #lofc #lofcpress

A clipping from The North London Guardian, 13 October 1893, reading:

LOCAL LEAGUISMS.

Chee-ristopher! A protest, the result of the very first Clapton and District League match? This is a lively beginning, and not mistake. Nearly as lively as last Saturday afternoon.
The matter will come before the Council, of course, and as I have absolutely no bias, I refrain from commenting on the state of affairs, except to regret that such an inauspicious commencement was made.
Here are the bare facts. Saracens beat Orient by 7 goals to 1. Orient have lodged a protest on the grounds that the ground was unfit for any league match and that the spectators encroached on the field of play.
If this is how we are going on, there are some warm times in store.

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Lucy Munro @lucycmunro.bsky.social · 12/10/2026

"Are we, are we, are we downhearted? Straight back from hard defeat, come the undaunted. Theirs not to reason why, Theirs not to make reply. Theirs but to win — or try Bravo the Orient. Half-backs to bother them, Full-backs to worry them, Goalie in front of them hustled and thundered..."

A clipping from The Hackney Standard, 12 October 1906, reading:

Are we, are we, are we downhearted?
Straight back from hard defeat, come the undaunted.
Theirs not to reason why,
Theirs not to make reply.
Theirs but to win — or try
Bravo the Orient.

Half-backs to bother them,
Full-backs to worry them,
Goalie in front of them hustled and thundered,
Boldly they played and well,
Even though it did tell,
Even though they knew
Some of them blundered.

Shall their new glory fade
Many a wild charge they made
Forward the old brigade,
Charge for the goal, my lads,
Everyone waits for a
Win for the Orient.

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Lucy Munro @lucycmunro.bsky.social · 12/10/2026

12 October 1906. The Orient have lost 0-5 to West Brom, but the Hackney Standard is looking on the bright side and - apparently - taking consolation in the works of Tennyson. "Are we down-hearted? No! Why should we be?" #lofc #lofcpress

A clipping from The Hackney Standard, 12 October 1906

CLAPTON ORIENT FOOTBALL CLUB.

DEFEATED BUT NOT DISGRACED.

Are we down-hearted? No! Why should we be? What were the circumstances under which the O’s suffered their defeat against West Bromwich Albion? Owing to illness on the part of Stewart, and injury in Henderson’s case, the O’s were deprived of their defence. This necessitated a complete re-arrangement of the team. Reason, who was also badly injured in the match against Tottenham Hotspur, was also not available. In putting Gates and Thacker as full backs, and leaving Evenson in his old position as centre half, we are inclined to think the Directors did the best they could under the circumstances. Pemberton was installed in place of Thacker, and Martin in place of Gates. It will at once be seen how weak the O’s defence became. Let it be understood that we don’t in any way find fault with the work of the team, as we are confident that every man did his best to bring about a win, but circumstances prevented it, and when all is said and done, it is a wonder the score was not more against them.
Considering the little support the forwards had, they played a good game, and had real bad luck on more than one occasion when right in front of Albion’s net. Dougal and Leonard were certainly the best forwards, Oliver’s shooting was very weak, and he might have had one goal. Pemberton and Martin, although playing a good game, were not good enough to tackled the Albion’s forwards. Bower had a warm time of it, but his work was done splendidly, and but for him the score would certainly have been more than 5-0. We think the O’s will be a harder net to crack when the Albions come to Clapton.

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Lucy Munro @lucycmunro.bsky.social · 11/10/2026

The Orient line-up had been published in the same paper a few days earlier: "Orient 1st XI v. Electric Athletic at own ground at Clapton. Orient — E Stevens (goal), A Hadler, G Archer, E Wilggins, F Hitch, Rhyder, W Nicholls, A Gardiner, K Gibson, Ratyer and A. Haines."

A clipping from The North London Guardian, 4 October 1895, reading:

Orient 1st XI v. Electric Athletic at own ground at Clapton. Orient — E Stevens (goal), A Hadler, G Archer, E Wilggins, F Hitch, Rhyder, W Nicholls, A Gardiner, K Gibson, Ratyer and A. Haines. Referee — C Abbott R.A. Linesman — S Williams.
Orient 2nd v Wood Green ‘A’. Orient — T Longstreethe (goal), T Hudson, E Evans (capt), W Wiggins, E Fairhead, D Matthews, J Laxton, C Stevenson, Brown, W Barrow, J. Bingham, Hall.
Orient 3rd v St Mary’s at home. Orient — A Strong (goal), J Nash, A Gregory, Keiller, H. Bussell, P Sears, H Cole, F Offord, C and A Chapman, D Lamb, ‘Russell.’

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Lucy Munro @lucycmunro.bsky.social · 11/10/2026

The North London Guardian for 11 October 1895 features an early Orient match report, as the O's draw 1-1 with Electric Athletic. "On resuming it was at once seen that the O’s meant getting on even terms for they set to work in earnest and after several breaks away they worked..." #lofc #lofcpress

ORIENT V. ELECTRIC ATHLETIC

On Saturday last the above teams met on the ground of the former owing to the wretched state of the weather the attendance was very poor. At 3.45 the ball was set rolling when the Electric at once commenced to press. The O’s custodian being call upon upon to save (which he did in fine style) frequently. After twenty minutes play the Electric managed to get the ball between the sticks with no further score up to half time, the teams crossed over Electric 1, Orient nil.
On resuming it was at once seen that the O’s meant getting on even terms for they set to work in earnest and after several breaks away they worked the ball down and Williams at outside left beat the Electric’s custodian with a terrific screw shot from off the touch line, after this the O’s had the best of the play but could not score the game ending in a draw of 1 goal each.

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Lucy Munro @lucycmunro.bsky.social · 10/10/2026

In which the Orient’s second string lose 0-1 to Crystal Palace in the London Combination, and the Homerton faithful do not take it well, as reported by the London Daily Chronicle for 10 October 1921. #lofc #lofcpress

A clipping from the London Daily Chronicle, 10 October 1921, reading:

REFEREE ESCAPES THROUGH FENCE.

Fully 5,000 supporters of Clapton Orient showed their disapproval of the decisions of the referee in the London Combination match with Crystal Palace at Homerton on Saturday, and a cordon of police was called upon to prevent the crowd from attacking that official. Finally, the referee and linesmen “escaped” through a hole in the fence.

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Lucy Munro @lucycmunro.bsky.social · 09/10/2026

9 October 1927: the Orient have beaten Bristol City 4-2, and The Sunday Pictorial tries to capture something of the excitement at Homerton. #lofc #lofcpress

A black-and-white photo originally published in the Sunday Pictorial on 9 October 1927, showing a football match in progress. On the left-hand side are a group of three outfield players, two in the white shirts with dark chevrons of Clapton Orient, the other, playing for Bristol City, in a dark shirt with white shorts. On the left, closest to the camera, a Clapton Orient player is caught in the act of jumping for the ball, which is high above his head, half of it cropped by the top of the frame. His right left is stretched out, and his hair is flying up from his head. To the right, the Bristol City player looks as if he is trying to close in on the ball. Behind both of them is another Clapton Orient player watching them. To the right of the frame is the Clapton Orient goalkeeper in 1920s goalkeeping gar, that is, a flat chap and a high-necked sweater. His hands are stretched out. Behind all of them can be seen the referee and some other plays; behind that is a white fence and a packed terrace. The caption reads: “CLAPTON ORIENT goal the scene of some excitement during their match with Bristol City (dark shirts). Orient won.”

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Lucy Munro @lucycmunro.bsky.social · 08/10/2026

Fixtures in Sporting Life, 8 October 1892, include Royal Arsenal v. Clapton at the Invicta Ground, Plumstead, City Ramblers Reserves v. Robin Hood, and an embryonic Orient v. Allhallows at Mill Field, Clapton. This is the earliest O's lineup that I've seen so far in press cuttings. #lofc #lofcpress

A clipping from Sporting Life, 8 October 1892, reading:

ROYAL ARSENAL V. CLAPTON
At Invicta Ground, Plumstead. Kick-off, 3.30 p.m. Referee, A. Roston Bourke, Esq. Arsenal players. — Bee (goal), Jeffrey, Earle, Howat, Buist, Dyer, Gemmell, Crawford, Davie, Elliott, Booth.

[line]

READING V. STAFFORD REGIMENT. — At Cavensham, Reading: — J. Manners (goal), S. Justins, C White, F Deane (captain), W. Rushton, W. Knight, H. Read, J. Venard, J. George, T. Turnor, G. Collings. Linesman A. Webb.
ORIENT V. ALLHALLOWS. — At Mill Field, Clapton. Orient team: — S. Williams (goal), A. Haines, W. Boswood, W. Wiggins, T. Povey, G. Gill, W. Barrow, E. Field, Seabrook, E. Wiggins, and A. Miller.
CITY RAMBLERS (RESERVES) V. ROBIN HOOD. — At Silver-street. Trains, 2.21, 2.25, 2.55, Liverpool-street. Dress at Angel Hotel.
CITY RAMBLERS V. ILFORD. — Train, 2.12, Liverpool-street. Ramblers’ ream: — Jas W. Morton (goal), Chas M’Gahey, C.W. Glasier, W. Nordin, H. Butler, C. Brady, Buckley, Jas Meggs, W.H. Nolloth, F. Withington, and Payne or Corbidge. Linesman, Mr. C Meggs.

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Lucy Munro @lucycmunro.bsky.social · 07/10/2026

"In their eagerness and keenness to score the home front line became flurried, and crowded on to each other in a hopeless sort of way ... [Parker] was most unlucky not to score, for when the ball was going straight into the net a defender accidentally got in the way of it."

A clipping from the London Daily Chronicle, 7 October 1912, reading:

TOO EAGER AND KEEN
In their eagerness and keenness to score the home front line became flurried, and crowded on to each other in a hopeless sort of way. Quite early after the interval Bevan could not have failed to have got the much-desired goal if he had taken ordinary care, but when only a side touch was necessary to send the ball into the net he kicked hard against the goalkeeper. The centre forward never seemed to get over that blunder, and his display was most disappointing. I believe he actually put the ball into the net to win the match, but the credit of the goal belonged to Dalrymple, for in saving a shot by the latter, Fiske, the Blackpool custodian, fell, and the ball was just on or over the line when Bevan got to it to send it to the back of the net.
Dalrymple and Parker, the right wing pair, were much the best of the Orient forwards. The inside man took every chance to shoot, whilst his partner sent in the only really good shot of the match, and was most unlucky not to score, for when the ball was going straight into the net a defender accidentally got in the way of it. On the left wing McFadden did so little to help Dix that it was practically impossible for the wing man to be successful. Perhaps the inside left was not entirely to blame, but he seemed to escape nearly all the hard work.
Blackpool were perhaps a much better side than one expected them to be, Gladwin being a splendidly sound back, Connor a centre half who was for ever in the way of the home forwards, and Quinn and Charles wing forwards too clever and resourceful for the home halves. But still the Orient gave a display that was very greatly below their best. Indeed, their football was really bad for a side who, one is pleased to think, have a chance of winning promotion.

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Lucy Munro @lucycmunro.bsky.social · 07/10/2026

"The kick that sends the ball racing past the man intended to receive it to the foot of a defender is worse than useless, and the lofted pass that gives an opponent just as good a chance of heading it as your own forward is not much better."

A clipping from the London Daily Chronicle, 7 October 1912, reading:

PLAYING TO CIRCUMSTANCES.
The back who cannot depend on the half in front of him is bound to have a bad time of it, but generally doing the right thing instinctively, both Johnston and Evans got out of their troubles surprisingly well. Johnston took all the risks the circumstances seemed to demand in his usual bold and daring way, but the work of Evans, who tried to find time to steady the ball before kicking, and who always appeared to be sure of making a tackle before attempting it, was quite as effective.
It was only when Blackpool’s attach had been crippled by the retirement of Heslop that the Orient began to share the play with their opponents, whose football had previously been a good deal superior. In the second half the home side attacked continuously, but even then their play was far from satisfactory. The only excuse for the many bad mistakes that were made was that the men tried just a little too hard to get the winning point they must have felt ought to be obtained.
The Orient forwards were to blame for the result of the game remaining so long in doubt, but except from Liddell at centre half, they were poorly supported from behind. The kick that sends the ball racing past the man intended to receive it to the foot of a defender is worse than useless, and the lofted pass that gives an opponent just as good a chance of heading it as your own forward is not much better. The self-caused troubles of the home forwards were increased because they were seldom given the ball in a way that enabled them to do anything useful with it, and you could trace a good many of their failings to this fact.

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Lucy Munro @lucycmunro.bsky.social · 07/10/2026

"WON BY POOR PLAY." Bevan has lost his shooting boots, Parker is unlucky, and McFadden is having an off day, but the Orient have nonetheless beaten 10-man Blackpool 1-0 at Homerton, as reported by an unimpressed "Saracen" in the London Daily Chronicle for 7 October 1912. #lofc #lofcpress

$A clipping from the London Daily Chronicle, 7 October 1912, reading: WON BY POOR PLAY. Eagerness to Score Spoils Clapton Orient. VICTORY OVER TEN MEN.  By SARACEN. Clapton Orient … 1 Blackpool … 0 Clapton Orient played bungling sort of football in their match with Blackpool at Homerton, and when they scored a winning goal four minutes before the finish one felt they hardly deserved to beat a aside who had fought so pluckily to save the game with ten men for 70 minutes. Before Heslop, the Blackpool inside right, was taken off the field in great pain, having twisted his right arm, which has once been fractured, the Orient defenders had a most anxious time of it. The visiting forwards showed much cleverness in dribbling and passing, and both Willis and Scott, the home wing halves, were so often bamboozled into false positions that the bulk of the work had to be done by the backs, Johnston and Evans. If the Blackpool forwards during this time had been content to be a little less clever, if they had cut out a few of their passes and made their movements more direct, it is quite likely they would have scored. As it was, Johnston and Evans, by well-timed rushes and fearless tackling, saved L. O. Grapes, the Shepherd’s Bush amateur, who was again in goal, from being bothered by a single shot that was at all difficult to stop. The Orient backs did their work excellently. Each was repeatedly confronted with the problem of having to stop two men when either Scott or Willis had bee left behind, and it was only by fast and admirably conceived covering that they managed to prevent the Blackpool forwards running through and scoring.$

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Lucy Munro @lucycmunro.bsky.social · 06/10/2026

"Rosier was bowled over by Henderson, the Manchester centre forward, who then appeared to kick the Orient man as he lay on the field. In an experience extending over thirty-five years the writer has never heard such an outburst of indignation from spectators."

A clipping from The Daily Express, 6 October 1924, reading:

THE DRAWBACK.
The only fly in the ointment was an incident which passed off more peacefully than at one time seemed likely. Rosier was bowled over by Henderson, the Manchester centre forward, who then appeared to kick the Orient man as he lay on the field. In an experience extending over thirty-five years the writer has never heard such an outburst of indignation from spectators.
It was afterwards urged on Henderson’s behalf that he had been kicked by Rosier. It was obvious that the referee had not seen what occurred, and he seemed taken by surprise by the spontaneous protest from the crowd. the play was stopped for five minutes, and after a series of consultations with players and a linesman the referee awarded Orient a free kick.
The Orient forwards did a good deal of attacking in the second half, but Steward had scarcely a shot to stop, the United backs and half-backs, among whom Barson was a giant figure, preventing the inside man taking advantage of the centres by Hannaford and Smith. Lochhead scored the winning goal with a beautiful low shot.

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Lucy Munro @lucycmunro.bsky.social · 06/10/2026

"HOMERTON OUTBURST." "MANCHESTER FORWARD IN HOT WATER." In which Orient goalie Wood saves the Orient from a heavier defeat, United forward Henderson comes in heavily on Rosier, and the Homerton faithful are OUTRAGED. #lofc #lofcpress

A clipping from The Daily Express, 6 October 1924, consisting of a football match report with a head-shot of Orient goalkeeper Arthur Wood, a white man with cropped hair wearing a high-necked goalkeeper’s sweater. The text reads:

HOMERTON OUTBURST.

MANCHESTER FORWARD IN HOT WATER.

Clapton 0, Manchester U. 1.

Clapton Orient did not do badly in running Manchester United to a goal at Homerton. The visitors proved themselves a tip-top side in every department, and they have only to maintain anything like their present form to be almost certain of going back to the First Division.  What impressed the 19,000 spectators most was the workmanlike way to United forwards always went straight for goal, and never misses an opportunity of shooting. Wood knows better than any one else the deadly character of their shooting. It is not too much to say he saved Orient from a heavy defeat.
For the most part it was a great struggle, waged at a tremendous pace between the United attack and the Orient defence, and it was not until eighteen minutes from the end that the former gained the upper hand.

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Lucy Munro @lucycmunro.bsky.social · 05/10/2026

"The weakness of the Orient was general, but the non-success was most pronounced in the forward line. With the inclusion of Shaw at centre and Candy at outside left, the line was speculative. The lack of weight, however, might have been foreseen, especially on the right wing..."

A clipping from the London Daily Chronicle, 5 October 1908, reading:

The weakness of the Orient was general, but the non-success was most pronounced in the forward line. With the inclusion of Shaw at centre and Candy at outside left, the line was speculative. The lack of weight, however, might have been foreseen, especially on the right wing, where Parker and Ward could not, with all their vigour, compensate for their lack of avoirdupois. Vigour was quite a characteristic of the Orient forwards, but it was unreasoned vigour — not the trained scientific vigour which makes conquests.
Altogether the Orient gave one the impression of a novice running into the blows of a skilled pugilist. The half-backs were rather less unsuccessful than the forwards in front of them. Liddell and Bell both gave good displays, and the latter managed to maintain a fair control over the elusiveness of Stapley. The backs, however, were not good.
The whole game suffered from the lengthy grass, which impeded the pace of the players and the bounce of the ball, which sometimes fell dead from a long kick.
CRITERION.

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Lucy Munro @lucycmunro.bsky.social · 05/10/2026

"ORIENT WEAKNESSES." It's 5 October 1908, and in the London Daily Chronicle, "Criterion" is sharpening his pen: "all who saw the match at Homerton will recognise that the Clapton players were beaten by a team of all-round superiority. ... The sharp passes and quick rushes of..." #lofc #lofcpress

A clipping from the London Daily Chronicle, 5 October 1908, reading:

ORIENT WEAKNESSES.
 Stapley’s Great Help to Glossop in Securing Victory.

Clapton Orient … 0 Glossop … 2

The surprise which Glossop are causing this season by their repeated successes can only be compared to that produced by a bowler who suddenly develops a consistent run-getting ability. But Glossop’s success this season is due to sheer merit, and all who saw the match at Homerton will recognise that the Clapton players were beaten by a team of all-round superiority. There was scarcely a position on the field in which the visitors were not better served than their opponents, and their front rank was incomparably better in all those points which constitute football cleverness.
The fine swinging passes in which the visitors indulged and the vigorous character of their forward play, originated in Stapley’s broad-minded conception of the nature of the duties of a centre forward. It would be difficult to over-estimate Stapley’s importance to the team. Not only does his own energetic individuality infect his colleagues, but his careful nursing of the inside men, combined with rapid dashes and clever side-foot touches, gives the attack great penetrative power. The sharp passes and quick rushes of the centre with Robertson and Raine were a feature of the game, and it was from such movements that both of the Glossop goals were initiated, although in the first case the ultimate cause was Bower’s failure to field a twisting kick from Raine, and, in the second, Johnstone’s misfortune in cannoning the ball against Stapley into the net.

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Lucy Munro @lucycmunro.bsky.social · 04/10/2026

It's 4 October 1891, and a very raw Orient team (average age, 15½) take out an ad in the "Football Challenges" section of The Referee. If I'm reading the census records right, H.G. "Tich" Woods was only 17 or 18 himself. This is the earliest O's press appearance I've found so far. #lofc #lofcpress

A clipping from The Referee, 4 October 1891, reading:

Orient F.C. (15½; very weak) have all dates open except Nov. 21, Feb. 6, 13, 27. March 19. H.E. Woods, 8, Berger-rd., Homerton.

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Lucy Munro @lucycmunro.bsky.social · 03/10/2026

"Ten minutes before the interval a scrummage in front of Stanley’s citadel resulted in the home forwards rushing the ball into the net. Five minutes later the visitors equalised with a soft shot, the interval arriving with the score level. Resuming, Orient went off with a burst..."

A clipping from Sporting Life, 3 October 1898, reading:

The game continued fast and exciting, Smith being kept busy in saving shots from Gibson, Merritt, and Haines. Ten minutes before the interval a scrummage in front of Stanley’s citadel resulted in the home forwards rushing the ball into the net. Five minutes later the visitors equalised with a soft shot, the interval arriving with the score level. Resuming, Orient went off with a burst, Smith having great difficulty in saving shots from “Ken” and Merritt, while Haines greatly troubled Wilson and M’Warren, whose defence saved the homesters from running up a big score. Just after Merritt succeeded in scoring with a lightning shot the same player missed netting the ball just after by inches only. Nothing more resulted, the remainder of the game being in favour of Clapton, who won by two goals to one. Referee, Mr. F.T. Abbott (Referees’ Association), Teams: —
ORIENT. — E. Stephens (goal), H. Dyke and J. Marriott (backs), F. Hedder, J. Manniger, and F. Hitch (half-backs), Ken GIbson, J. Hillsdon, A. Merritt, Geo Ratyer, and R. Haines.
STANLEY. — Smith (goal), T. Wilson and W. M’Warren (backs), Read, Watson, and Jewel (half-backs), Harnett, Dixon, Lannan, Ward, and Buckingham.

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Lucy Munro @lucycmunro.bsky.social · 03/10/2026

In which the Orient beat Stanley in a match that is less one-sided than it sounds, reported in Sporting Life on 3 October 1898. "In view of witnessing an interesting game nearly 1,200 spectators lined the ropes at the New Athletic Ground, Clapton, on Saturday. The visitors..." #lofc #lofcpress

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Lucy Munro @lucycmunro.bsky.social · 02/10/2026

The Daily Express had this to say: "About 19,000 spectators watched the game, which was fought out strenuously and at a fast pace. The visitors played better together than Orient, who, however, were irresistible in their second-half rushes and fully deserved their big victory."

A cutting from The Sunday Express, 2 October 1921, reading:

CLAPTON ORIENT 4, LEEDS UTD. 2.

After an extraordinary game at Homerton, Clapton Orient inflicted the first defeat of the season on Leeds United. About 19,000 spectators watched the game, which was fought out strenuously and at a fast pace. The visitors played better together than Orient, who, however, were irresistible in their second-half rushes and fully deserved their big victory.

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Lucy Munro @lucycmunro.bsky.social · 02/10/2026

A mighty contest between the Orient and Leeds United, captured in The Sunday Illustrated for 2 October 1921. “A Clapton Orient forward beating a Leeds United opponent in a heading contest for the ball. The Orient were in great form and won by four to two.” #lofc #lofcpress

A black-and-white photograph of a football match, originally published in The Sunday Illustrated on 2 October 1921. It shows three players, one playing for Leeds United in pale-coloured stripes and the others in the white shirts with dark chevrons of Clapton Orient. On the left hand side, the Leeds United player is caught in the action of missing a header; he is leaning slightly to the left, with one arm bent at the elbow and the other stretched out to the right. His hair is standing up from his head. In the centre, a Clapton Orient player is also caught in mid-air. He is leaning back as he heads the ball, which is to the left of him in the shot. His arms are stretched down at 45-degree angles from his body. On the right, closest to the camera, is a Clapton Orient player with his back to us. He looks as if he is also leaping up, with both feet off the ground, one of them bent at the knee. Behind them are two other blurred footballers, and behind them a packed terrace. The caption reads: “A Clapton Orient forward beating a Leeds United opponent in a heading contest for the ball. The Orient were in great form and won by four to two.”

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Lucy Munro @lucycmunro.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

Last week’s performance by the Orient should draw crowds to their enclosure. Keep it up O’s. ... Olympians will be found at Wadham Lodge this season. The giant Benson, I believe, will again keep goal for them.

A clipping from The North London Guardian, 1 October 1897, reading:

Last week’s performance by the Orient should draw crowds to their enclosure.
Keep it up O’s.
Are the Clapton Leagueites going to meet those Jarvisians this year?
I think we (no marshland sportsmen) could show those, (high and lofty autocrats) how to play football.
Try it on F.T.
Olympians will be found at Wadham Lodge this season.
The giant Benson, I believe, will again keep goal for them.

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Lucy Munro @lucycmunro.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

The new rule, re “hands,” is a very good one. It saves a lot of time and argument. When will players learn the “throw in” rule. You must have your feet flat on the line, when throwing in. Quite ten free kicks were given last Saturday at Southgate, through ignorance of this rule.

A clipping from The North London Guardian, 1 October 1897, reading:

Straw was in form for Grove Athletic last Saturday, quite like himself again.
Queen Printers intend making a fight for the “Pot” this season.
Latimer (last season’s Alliance Champions) are going in for a private ground.
They are in need of a little outside support.
Here is a chance for football enthusiasts, who would patronize a deserving club.
The Clapton League Referees’ Examining Board are a trifle hot.
Any player or ref. can learn something by going through this exam.
Taste and see.
Churchill, the Old Carthusian was playing for Southgate against Grove Athletic.
Fee Parr and Ralph Pope played a great game together.
Where are the Lower Clapton recruits from Grove Athletic gone?
Have they returned to their old club?
South Hackney have signed on Lutz and Malone, late of Clapton Ferncliffe.
F.T. Abbott, our hard working League sec. turned out on Saturday, against Farringdon.
These old war-horses have never had enough.
Old Lonsburians are going strong, and should make a good show in the Middlesex Junior.
Sid Carr, of Leyton, is known down there as “Motor.”
He is getting very popular with the crowd.
The new rule, re “hands,” is a very good one.
It saves a lot of time and argument.
When will players learn the “throw in” rule.
You must have your feet flat on the line, when throwing in.
Quite ten free kicks were given last Saturday at Southgate, through ignorance of this rule.

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Lucy Munro @lucycmunro.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

The North London Guardian's "Whispers" column pioneers the stream-of-consciousness technique, 1 October 1897: Orient shaking hands with themselves. Fine gate last week. Will be better still when all the hoarding is up. Must have lost pounds by not having it up sooner... #lofc #lofcpress

North London Guardian, 1 October 1897

WHISPERS.

J.K. Walter’s, who satisfied the keen Clapton L. & A. Examining Board, made a creditable debut on the field last week.
Club fixture cards should be sent in at once.
The Clapton L. & A. Referee’s List grows steadily.
It comprises 24 R.A.’s out of a total of 34.
12 were produced by the L. & A.
There were only 3 in 1895.
President A. Roston-Bourke has presented a large quantity of Referee’s cards for use of Clapton Referees.
Many thanks Mr. B.
No more mistakes of time in matches.
Referees’ expenses very moderate.
Secretaries must not wait to be asked for same.
Must pay up and look pleased.
Secretary Abbott very grateful for valuable assistance rendered in present busy time by Messrs. Hackett, Ballard, Bennett and others.
Some club secretaries could show greater promptness in replies.
Grove Athletic not dead yet.
See last Saturday’s results.
All poached members back again, with two exceptions.
Orient shaking hands with themselves. Fine gate last week.
Will be better still when all the hoarding is up.
Must have lost pounds by not having it up sooner.
The O’s have got another good secretary.
Doesn’t tell “fairy tales.”
Keeps his word when given.
Seemingly, E. Stone of the Abney is a muchly sought after player.
Why?
The attention of clubs in search of a ground is directed to ads. “For Sportsmen.”
At the same time I might point out that the N.L.G. is by far the best advertising medium for reaching local clubmen.
Look out in these columns for the best local football news.

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Lucy Munro @lucycmunro.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

"I quite agree with him that there is a big future in front of his club. The ground is very conveniently situated, and their following most enthusiastic. It is all for the O’s, as they are familiarly named, and they never lack for encouragement."

A clipping from Athletic Chat, 30 September 1907, reading:

I quite agree with him that there is a big future in front of his club. The ground is very conveniently situated, and their following most enthusiastic. It is all for the O’s, as they are familiarly named, and they never lack for encouragement. The “Doctor” showed me over the ground, and I was pleased to see that the extension of the grand stand is now nearly completed, and will be quite ready for the next League match. This will enable over 2,000 people to sit under cover comfortably. The popular crowd have also been well looked after, as the banking has been greatly improved, and the turnstiles rearranged, so that there one can enter the ground in comfort. With the completion of the grand stand the ground is now quite up to date, and no complaints should be heard on that score. Coming back to our hero of the week. He does not confine himself to football alone, but has already made himself famous in other spheres. He has taken to baseball as a fish takes to water, and is now quite as good an expert at this game as he is at football. His enthusiasm has had a great deal to do with the huge success that this game has achieved in the district. As a pitcher he astonished the public in the latter portion of the baseball season, and with a little more practical experience he will be able to hold his own with anyone in the United Kingdom in that department of the game. The Orient have struggled hard for existence during the last two seasons, but they are now well on the high road to success, and Mr. Holmes can take a great measure of credit for this to himself. I am confident that all CHAT readers wish the O’s and the “Doctor” a long and successful career.

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Lucy Munro @lucycmunro.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

"... It is not for me to enter into the details, but he assures me that he never solicited nor expected any bonuses, and that his fine of £50 was more than double what he received. ... However, he smiled over it in quite a philosophical manner which appealed to me."

A clipping from Athletic Chat, 30 September 1907, reading:

months knocked off, and even then was hardly dealt with. It is not for me to enter into the details, but he assures me that he never solicited nor expected any bonuses, and that his fine of £50 was more than double what he received. He did not get same till after the season was finished, and had fixed up with Clapton Orient. However, he smiled over it in quite a philosophical manner which appealed to me. The “Doctor” is a great favourite in North London, and plays the game as eagerly as any youngster. His experience stands him in good stead, and has proved of great service to his side. Young players are greatly indebted to him not only for his fine example on the field, but also for the encouragement he gives them. Talking about the Orient’s prospects, he was quite optimistic, and is confident that they will have a much better season that last, both from a playing and financial point of view. The reverses in the away matches already played have in no way made them downhearted, and the big victory over Stoke a week ago has given them that confidence which begets success.

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Lucy Munro @lucycmunro.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

It's 30 September 1907 and John Cameron of Athletic Chat profiles Clapton Orient manager William "Doctor" Holmes, known to friends as "Doc." "You will see from his photo that [he] is a good-looking fellow, but beyond that he is most attractive in every way. I did not ask him..." #lofc #lofcpress

A clipping from Athletic Chat, 30 September 1907, showing a headline and by-line: "FOOTBALL MEN I HAVE MET ON AND OFF THE FIELD. By JOHN CAMERON." The text is enclosed in a decorative border.

$A clipping from Athletic Chat, 30 September 1907, illustrated by a black-and-white head-and-shoulders photograph of a white man with short dark hair and a large moustache, wearing collar and tie, with the caption “MR. W. HOLMES. (Clapton Orient.)” The text of the article reads: To many readers of FOOTBALL CHAT the Christian name William will sound rather strange when associated with “Doctor” Holmes, Clapton Orient’s manager and player. But invariably he is called “Doctor,” and by his intimate friends “Doc.” When I interviewed him one day last week I really intended to find out how it arose, but he was particularly busy, and we chatted more over football affairs than personal matters. You will see from his photo that [he] is a good-looking fellow, but beyond that he is most attractive in every way. I did not ask him for his height or weight; but, calculating same, I should say he stands close upon six feet and weighs well over thirteen stone. He admits having been born at Matlock thirty years ago, and that he has had a long and varied football career. His first club after leaving his native town was Chesterfield, but it was when he was transferred to Manchester City that he made his name. He played consistently for them for nine years, and was one of their most popular players. Clapton Orient were most fortunate to obtain his services as manager, and this is his third season with them. It will be remembered that after his first season with them he came under the ban of the F.A. Over the notorious Manchester City fracas, and was suspended from May till the end of December. On appeal he had two$

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Lucy Munro @lucycmunro.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

“Wood kept a great goal throughout, and his interceptive work was often brilliant … S. Tonner was outstanding, and there was much resolute half-back play, Townrow and Dixon, in particular, excelling, if only for their initiatory work. Pape was hardly so virulent as usual.“

A clipping from the London Daily Chronicle, 29 September 1924, reading:

of determination, and many of the moves were clever.
In front of goal Clapton were always the more threatening.
Wood kept a great goal throughout, and his interceptive work was often brilliant. Of a useful pair of full-backs, S. Tonner was outstanding, and there was much resolute half-back play, Townrow and Dixon, in particular, excelling, if only for their initiatory work.
Pape was hardly so virulent as usual. He opened up the game well, but was often checked by Waterall.
The right wing was the better of the two, Smith being always a danger, and Rennox also playing forcefully. Hannaford started well but fell away in the second half.
Stockport had a new centre-forward in James, late of Bradford, and he did quite well. The Stockport attackers seemed too anxious, and there was no steadiness in front of goal.
The half-back line was none too strong, but J. Reid and Richardson were very resolute, and Hardy kept a good goal.
Stockport. — Hardy; Richardson, Reid (J.); Meads, Waterall, Morrison; Critchley, Swan, James, Reid (G.), Mitchell.
Orient. — Wood; Tonner (S.), Rosier; Dixon, Townrow, Roulson; Smith, Rennox, Pape, Bliss, Hannaford.

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Lucy Munro @lucycmunro.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

“WOOD BEATS STOCKPORT” cries the London Daily Chronicle for 29 September 1924. “Clapton Orient always seem to do well at Edgeley Park … the Stockport men found in Wood, the burly Orient goalkeeper, a stumbling block. … Perhaps Wood was a trifle lucky…” #lofc #lofcpress

A clipping from The London Daily Chronicle, 29 September 1924, reading:

WOOD BEATS STOCKPORT.

ORIENT PROVIDE WHAT COUNTY TEAM LACKED.

Stockport County 0 Clapton Orient 1

Clapton Orient always seem to do well at Edgeley Park, and continued their forward march in the League by winning by one goal to nothing.
The Orient were by no means the better team, but they had what Stockport lacked — finish.
For fully three-fourths of the opening half, Stockport, playing forceful football, struggled to secure an opening for a goal. Chances were not always taken, and when they were the Stockport men found in Wood, the burly Orient goalkeeper, a stumbling block.
Perhaps Wood was a trifle lucky. But he was an adept at getting in the way of the ball, and the way he stopped one great shot by Mitchell stamps him as a master.
Then Orient had their turn. Twice difficult chances were missed by Bliss, and the goal, in spite of the activity of Hannaford, after all came from the opposite wing.
Smith threaded his way past opponent after opponent with deft footwork, and when clear put the ball neatly back to Rennox, who shot hard to beat Hardy after 35 minutes. Stockport struggled hard in the second half, but the Orient half-backs were untiring and Wood always safe. It was a triumph for the defence that Stockport were kept out, but Stockport certainly deserved to share the points.
For once in a way the Orient attack lacked its usual fire. Still there was plenty

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Lucy Munro @lucycmunro.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

The Orient have put four goals past South Shields, and Lloyd’s Weekly Newspaper for 28 September 1919 has the proof: “A remarkable photograph of Clapton Orient’s second goal against South Shields. It was scored by Ives, the outside left, after a scrimmage in the goal-mouth.” #lofc #lofcpress

A black-and-white photograph originally published in Lloyd’s Weekly Newspaper on 28 September 1919. It shows a football match in which some of the players are wearing the light shirt with a dark chevron of Clapton Orient and others are wearing mid-grey shirts. It shows a goal post and a section of netting on the left-hand side. A Clapton Orient footballer is caught in the action of heading the ball to its left, with a group of other players running towards him. On the right-hand side, closest to the camera, are a Clapton Orient player running across the frame towards the ball; just behind him a South Shields player looks on. Behind all of the players is a packed terrace full of spectators. The headline reads: “ONE OF THE GOALS AT HOMERTON.” and a caption reads, “A remarkable photograph of Clapton Orient’s second goal against South Shields, It was scored by Ives, the outside left, after a scrimmage in the goal-mouth.”

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Lucy Munro @lucycmunro.bsky.social · 27/09/2026

"FOOTBALLER WHO TRAINS BY WORKING ON FARM." It's 27 September 1929, and The Daily Mirror reports on the unorthodox training regime of the Orient's Bob Turnbull. #lofc #lofcpress

A black-and-white photograph originally published in The Daily Mirror on 27 September 1929. It shows a white man in a striped sweater, white shirt and dark trousers, sitting on the ground with one leg stretched out in front of him. He is reaching out to feed a group of geese, most of which are looking towards him with great interest. The headline reads: “FOOTBALLER WHO TRAINS BY WORKING ON FARM” and a caption reads, “Bob Turnbull, the well-known Clapton Orient footballer, feeding geese destined for the Christmas market at his farm at Fawkham, Kent. He finds farm work excellent training for the game.”

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Lucy Munro @lucycmunro.bsky.social · 26/09/2026

"The Reading representatives came out much refreshed after the interval, and immediately surrounded the homesters’ citadel, Stevens having a very warm time. ... Just before the whistle sounded Gibson got possession, and added another point for the home team, who won by four goals to two."

A cutting from Sporting Life, 26 September 1898, reading:

The Reading representatives came out much refreshed after the interval, and immediately surrounded the homesters’ citadel, Stevens having a very warm time. Then Gibson got the ball, and taking it to the other end of the field, passed to Merritt, who easily beat Butler. Just after the biscuit boys combined well. Pettican sent in a long shot, which Stevens failed to save. Orient had scarcely started the ball again when Rossiter got possession, and taking the ball through the home backs, registered number two for Reading. The home team were kept busy during the remainder of the game, time after time the Ramblers having bad luck. Their accurate shooting greatly troubled Dyke and Marriott, who defended grandly. Just before the whistle sounded Gibson got possession, and added another point for the home team, who won by four goals to two. Referee, Mr. Hills, R.A.
READING. — Butler (goal), Clark and Crook (backs), Homes, Giles and Gutteridge (half-backs), Stanley and Adams (right), Rossiter (centre), Pettican and Pannell (left).
ORIENT. — E. Stephens (goal), H. Dyke and J. Marriott (backs), F. Hodder, J. Manniger, and A. Gardner (half-backs), Ken Gibson and J. Hillsdon (right), H. Merritt (centre), G. Ratger and R. Haines (left).

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Lucy Munro @lucycmunro.bsky.social · 26/09/2026

Cup action for the Orient, and a 4-2 victory over Reading Ramblers, reported in Sporting Life on 26 September 1898. "The visit of the English Cup team representing Reading to Clapton on Saturday proved a great attraction at the New Athletic Ground..." #lofc #lofcpress

A clipping from Sporting Life, 26 September 1898, reading:

READING RAMBLERS V. ORIENT.

The visit of the English Cup team representing Reading to Clapton on Saturday proved a great attraction at the New Athletic Ground, between fourteen and fifteen hundred spectators lining the ropes at the kick-off. Both teams were well represented, and played an excellent game throughout. The home team, with the wind at their backs, pressed from the start. The forwards combined well, and immediately Ken Gibson sent in a beauty from the right wing which Butler cleared in fine style. Not to be denied, the front rank again attacked. Another shot this time from Merritt resulted in a corner. Ten minutes from the start a penalty against the visitors resulted in the homesters opening their score. Manniger, taking the kick, easily beat Butler. Five minutes later Hillsdon missed a grand opening, and sent the ball behind. The visitors were now getting into their stride, and made matters pretty warm for Stevens, who cleared in fine style. A corner fell to the Biscuit boys soon after. Stanley took the kick, and sent behind. Clark and Crook proved an ideal pair of backs, and but for their accurate kicking the homesters would have run up a big score. The visitors just after got away well, and looked like scoring, but were puling up for “off-side”. Then “Ken" gave the visitors a lot of trouble. One of his centres to Hillsdon resulted in the last-named landing the ball into the net. Thus the homesters were two goals ahead, and both sides tiring. Nothing more resulted until a moment before the interval, when Merritt banged in a beauty, which struck the upright and went behind, half-time arriving with the score unaltered.

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Lucy Munro @lucycmunro.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

"And so the Orient have won, and their fine victory, 3 to 1 at Blackpool, is good business." So says "Claptonian" in Athletic Chat, 25 September 1906. "Mr. Secretary Dean was a joyful man when the good news came through. He was watching the Reserves score nine goals against..." #lofc #lofcpress

A cutting from Athletic Chat, 25 September 1906, reading:

CLAPTON ORIENT.

By “CLAPTONIAN”.

And so the Orient have won, and their fine victory, 3 to 1 at Blackpool, is good business.
Mr. Secretary Dean was a joyful man when the good news came through. He was watching the Reserves score nine goals against the Caleys. Twelve goals in one afternoon is a bit hot, eh?
And what a game Thomas, Wiseman, and Welfare had with the Caleys Reserves defence. It was amusing to see them racing through it just when they liked.
At Blackpool the seniors had sterner business on hand. Leonard was right in the picture there, and he is a rare capture for the Orient; so is Thacker. The team that beat Blackpool is good all round.
When Copestake scored so early in the game the Blackpool people expected a repetition of last year’s result. But the O’s are made of different stuff this season. They have forwards who can score.
Dougal, Leonard, and Oliver were all concerned in the equaliser, which was neatly obtained, but Bourne was the man of the moment so far as the second goal was concerned. He put it into the net beautifully.
Leonard shot the third in with one of those long, deceptive drives. In Second League football the old Small Heath man is a star, and no mistake. He is setting up a fine understanding with Dougall, too.
Oliver led the attack nicely, and Evenson did any amount of noble work amongst the halves.
Once more Steward was in a great humour, and Henderson, too, behaved brilliantly; so did Bowers. In fact, the Orient played smart football, and Blackpool admit they deserved to win by a couple of goals. This is a gain of two points.
And now for Bradford City. Chelsea beat them, and so did we last season. Chelsea only drew at Blackpool. We won. So it will be very surprising of the Orient do not triumph again next Saturday. And with the ’Spurs away what a gate they should have at Homerton.

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Lucy Munro @lucycmunro.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

The Orient's match-day transportation, 1920s-style, as documented in the London Evening News for 24 September 1921. #lofc #lofcpress

A black-and-white photograph, originally published in the London Evening News for 24 September 1921, showing three white men in collar-and-tie, two wearing flat caps and the other what looks like a fedora. One of the men in flat caps is in the driver’s seat of a motorbike, with the other behind him; the man in the fedora is sitting in a side-car. The caption reads: “AN ‘ORIENTAL’ WAY. How Pearson (driving), Warboys (sitting in car), and Hugall, of the Clapton Orient F.C., reach their club’s away matches.”

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Lucy Munro @lucycmunro.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

The Evening News for 23 September 1927 reports on the death of long-time Orient goalie Jimmy Hugall, a less celebrated casualty of football's recruitment push during World War I. "Hugall’s death was attributed to internal trouble as the result of being gassed during the war." #lofc #lofcpress

A clipping from the London Evening News, 23 September 1927, reading:

OLD ORIENT PLAYER DEAD.

Hugall, One Time Goalkeeper, Dies in Sunderland.

Jimmy Hugall, who used to keep goal for Clapton Orient before the advent of Arthur Wood, died last night at his home in Sunderland.
Hugall joined the Orient in 1910. He was a very capable goalkeeper and a good servant of the club, who awarded him a benefit in 1921.
Soon after the outbreak of war Hugall joined the Footballers’ Battalion, in which he was promoted to the rank of lieutenant.
After the war he went back to the Orient, and when he left the Homerton club he had a few games with Durham before he finally threw up active participation in the game to devote his attentions to his licensed house at Sunderland.
Hugall’s death was attributed to internal trouble as the result of being gassed during the war.

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Lucy Munro @lucycmunro.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

It's 22 September 1893, and The North London Guardian offers an insight into the workings of Orient F.C. "The above club has for the last 3 seasons, been most ably captained by E A Wiggins, who is again selected from 40 members to fill that most important position..." #lofc #lofcpress

A cutting from The North London Guardian, 22 September 1893, reading:

ORIENT F.C.

The above club has for the last 3 seasons, been most ably captained by E A Wiggins, who is again selected from 40 members to fill that most important position. He is assisted by Joe Curran, a jovial Scotchman. The pen pushing business is to be performed as usual by H G Woods, who has so thoroughly and well managed this department for the last 3 seasons. He is, now that the club intend running three teams, to have an assistant in the person of Sid Williams. There is a very good programme arranged, the chief feature of which is an Easter tour around Kent. The club bids fair to give a good game to all the clubs with whom they are engaged in the Clapton District League, as they are retaining all their old members, as well as one or two good additions. There are vacancies for one or two good players, as well as a few vacant dates in the first team list. Apply to Secretary, H G Woods, 3, Berger road, Homerton, N.E.

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Lucy Munro @lucycmunro.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

“Ward, the outside right, was the smartest of the five. His activity was only equalled by his trickiness, and more than once he out-manoeuvred several opponents. It was unfortunate that his partner, Parker, should have been below form, and it was still more unfortunate that, at a time…”

A clipping from the London Daily Chronicle, 21 September 1906, reading:

Ward, the outside right, was the smartest of the five. His activity was only equalled by his trickiness, and more than once he out-manoeuvred several opponents. It was unfortunate that his partner, Parker, should have been below form, and it was still more unfortunate that, at a time when Orient were at their best, they should have had to play four forwards for a quarter of an hour owing to an injury to Bower, who had to be carried off the field. Parker kept goal, but ten minutes before the finish Bower returned, and the Orient made one last desperate effort. F. Whittingham, the visitors’ left-back, handled in the penalty area, and Reason, taking the kick, equalised.
The Orient’s forward line did not come up to expectations, but the defence was good. At half-back Hind and Liddell were worthy partners of Bell, but Johnston, the right back, gave one the impression that he is not quite capable of dealing with a fast wing.
Blackpool are a good all-round team. Of the defenders Connor, the left-half, and S. Whittingham, the left-back, had most work to do, and they did it well. Fisk was very safe in goal.
CRUSADER.

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Lucy Munro @lucycmunro.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

It’s 21 September 1906, and “Crusader” of the London Daily Chronicle has news of the Orient’s 1-1 draw with Blackpool at Homerton: “if the Orient were outshone in attack in the first half, they showed glimpses of their true form in the second half. The defect discernible in the…” #lofc #lofcpress

A clipping from the London Daily Chronicle, 21 September 1906, reading:

EQUALISING PENALTY.

Clapton Orient Rallied and Drew Against Blackpool.

Clapton Orient … 1 Blackpool … 1

Clapton Orient, having played three difficult away matches, made their first appearance before their supporters at Homerton, when they met Blackpool, who, coming with an unbeaten record, exhibited surprisingly good form, and thoroughly deserved to divide the points.
The work of the visitors’ forwards in the first half was of such a character that, had it not been for some very smart saves on the part of Bower, the home goalkeeper, they would undoubtedly have secured more than a goal lead at the interval. They were so keen and quiet, they swung the ball about to such purpose, and shot so frequently and so accurately that the Orient defenders must have welcomed the interval. Badeley, the outside left, made some dashing runs, and sent in some fine centres, whilst the inside forwards were so energetic and businesslike in attack that when Weston, the pivot, scored it was only what one might have expected.
But if the Orient were outshone in attack in the first half, they showed glimpses of their true form in the second half. The defect discernible in the first half — too much close inter-passing among the inside forwards, even when the two wing men were standing unmarked — was quickly remedied, and one saw the forwards snapping up the neat passes of their clever halves, and advancing now on this wing, now on that, and in such a manner as to upset the calculations of the Blackpool defenders.

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Lucy Munro @lucycmunro.bsky.social · 20/09/2026

"Orient quite deserved their big victory. Sam Tonner and Nicholls seemed determined to make amends for their poor showing at Stockport, and they were much ahead of Robson and Garrett both in tackling and kicking."

A clipping from Athletic News, 20 September 1920, reading:

Orient quite deserved their big victory. Sam Tonner and Nicholls seemed determined to make amends for their poor showing at Stockport, and they were much ahead of Robson and Garrett both in tackling and kicking. The superiority of the Orient middle line was just as marked, for the Stockport trio, who the previous Saturday had easily mastered the opposing forwards, now found the latter much too clever for them. The absence of Gillatt might have been expected to weaken the Orient attack considerably, but Parker, who took his place, was right on top of his form, and Smith, who would not have been included had the Derbyshire youth been fit to play, has rarely done better. The pair made the most dangerous wing on the field, and Gillat’s recovery will leave the Orient manager with a difficult problem to solve, as Gillatt cannot be left out.
Clapton Orient: — Hugall; Tonner (S.), Nicholls; Forrest, Townrow, Nicholson; Smith, Parker, Juniper, Tonner (J.), and Williams.
Stockport County: — Hardy; Robson, Garrett; Walmsley, Heath, Graham; Beattie, Walsh, Waterall, Newbigging and Danskin.
Referee: E. Pinkston.

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Lucy Munro @lucycmunro.bsky.social · 20/09/2026

20 September 1920, and the Orient have revenged themselves on a 6-0 mauling at Stockport, reported by Athletic News. "The Homerton crowd — 12,000 strong despite the weather — kept up an almost continuous chant of 'one, two, three, four, five, six', but the forwards in their...” #lofc #lofcpress

A clipping from Athletic News, 20 September 1920, reading:

ONE SHORT OF SIX.

But Clapton Orient Completely Turn Tables on Stockport.

Clapton Orient … 5 Stockport County … 0

That Clapton Orient did not beat Stockport County by at least as many goals as the latter had scored against them the previous week was due mainly to over anxiety on the part of the attackers, for the visitors’ defence became quite demoralised towards the end of the game.
The Homerton crowd — 12,000 strong despite the weather — kept up an almost continuous chant of “one, two, three, four, five, six,” but the forwards in their eagerness to score kicked with all their might when only a touch was required, and so the tally of goals ended at five. Still it was a famous victory, and sent the crowd home very well pleased. In the first half the visitors held their own, and Waterall showed that centre forward is his proper position, while both he Danskin more than once troubled Hugall with severe shots. Only one goal was scored prior to the interval, this being headed by PARKER, after Robson had failed in an attempt to prevent Williams getting in his centre. The same back gave a penalty kick by bringing down J. Tonner illegally, but Hardy saved S. Tonner’s shot. Last season S. TONNER scored four goals with shots from the neighbourhood of the half way line, and just after the interval he put Orient two up with free kick at 30 yards distance, Hardy getting at the ball but dropping it. Just afterwards FORREST kicked the third goal, and then S. TONNER added another from a penalty kick for “hands”, while seven minutes from the finish J. TONNER took the ball through the defence and scored with a well-directed shot. Williams also got the ball into the bet, but the point was disallowed, the referee having blown his whistle too hastily when Parker was tripped just as he passed the ball to the left winger.

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