Amateur Football Alliance

Southern Amateur League

Chapter Two - 'The 1930s'
During these seasons much was done to improve the amenities of the Club. The bar being installed in the Pavilion brought to the Cricket Club profits which had previously gone to the 'Green Dragon' and 'Kings Head'. Baths were given by Stan Pryke and others.

The condition of the playing pitches was of constant concern. In 1930 the 1st XI pitch was made more level though the main hummock could not be removed and a drainage scheme was carried out in co-operation with the parent Club. In 1932 a corrugated iron stand was erected backing on to the New River.

Season 1936/37 saw the Club running five teams. Whereas the first four sides were in Leagues, the fifth eleven relied on friendlies. The Club entered the first three sides in their respective A.F.A. Senior, Junior and Minor Cups while the 1st and 2nd XIs also entered the Middlesex Senior and Junior Cups.

A special feature was made toward Training for this season on the basis that:

Various items of equipment were available such a skipping ropes and a medicine ball, whilst two white balls were available for kicking and heading with the aid of car headlights. This it was hoped that players would walk through a 90 minute game regretting the final whistle!

The results of matches in the 1937/38 Season were disappointing although the keenness of a few at training, and the size and youth of the playing membership, indicated that the Club was still very much alive. Rounding off this season, however, a successful and enjoyable first Easter Tour was arranged. Some 18 members taking part, playing three matches, against Christchurch, R.A.F. Calshot and Wimborne.

The last full season before the war, 1938/39, saw a noticeable improvement in play following the appointment of Mr. Len Thompson as coach. In their respective Divisions of the S.A.L., the 1st and 2nd XI results were much improved. The 3rd and 4th XIs continued in the Divisions of the Nemean League. A second successful Easter Tour was again played in the Bournemouth area. 

Finally, it is necessary to refer to the 'Winchmore Hill Football Chat', a bulletin of 'Results, Reports, League Positions, Social and not too Personal News'. First published in October 1936 by George Deacock, with two and sometimes three issues a Season, it continued for 20 years taking in Cricket, Tennis and Forces News as well throughout the 1939-45 war years. In 1937 a history of the first 16 years of the Football Club appeared and, with subsequent editions, it has been possible to place this history on record. No doubt today's members will be interested in the following extract from the 'Chat' of February 1938:

"Sausage and mash was inaugurated at 6pm on January 15th. For three weeks we have sold out the small number of 15 portions which is all that we can cook with the present limited utensils. With members' continued support we hope to convince the Cricket Club of the need for a Canteen Cooker."

"The new bath geysers are working most satisfactorily. They enable the baths to be filled in half the time the old geysers took and they deliver water at a higher temperature. Hence the happy spectacle of members waggling well-boiled toes too hastily thrust into the cauldron."

Season 1930-31
(Southern Amateur League)
The First XI finished in 8th place in Division Two. The Reserves were promoted from Division Three of the Reserve Team Section as Winners of their Division.

With expanding membership, the 3rd XI entered Division II of the Nemean League in 1930, and a 4th XI was formed, entering Division V of the same League. 

Season 1931-32
(Southern Amateur League)
The First XI finished in 9th place and the Reserves finished 7th.

Season 1932-33
(Southern Amateur League)
The First XI were placed 7th in their division and the Reserves finished 8th. Ipswich Town were again League Champions. The Third XI, following reorganisation of the Nemean League, were now playing in Division III

Season 1933-34
(Southern Amateur League)
The First XI ended the season in 9th place but the Reserves enjoyed their best season to date, finishing in 3rd place

Season 1934-35
(Southern Amateur League)
The First XI fared slightly better than the previous season, finishing in 6th place. The Reserves also finished the season in 6th place.

Season 1935-36
(Southern Amateur League)
The First XI ended the season in 7th position in the League Table, whilst the Reserves finished 3rd, albeit 10 points adrift of the second placed team. The 4th XI joined the Nemean League Division 5

Season 1936-37
(Southern Amateur League)
The SAL was regionalised, other than the First Division, the second and third divisions being Divisions 2A and 2B. The A Division was roughly north of the River Thames and the B Division south. The First XI finished in 7th place whilst the Reserves finished 8th. A Fifth team was formed, playing friendly matches. 

Season 1937-38
(Southern Amateur League)
The First XI finished in 9th place in Division 2A and the Reserves were also 9th in their Division. 

Season 1938-39
(Southern Amateur League)
The First XI finished in 6th place. The Reserves finished 4th.

Season 1939-40
(Southern Amateur League)
With the outbreak of the Second World War the Southern Amateur League, together with other competitions, was suspended for the duration. During these years friendly matches were played of which there are very little records.

 

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[page updated 1 March 2003]