London Combination (Principal)
Team: Denoon, Mitchell, Whyman, Grendon, Wake, Baldock, Jefferson, Smith, Dale, Gregory, Fox
Attendance: 6,500
The West London Observer reported on the game as follows:
‘Rangers gained a highly creditable victory at Shepherd’s Bush on Saturday, when they defeated Millwall by three goals to nil. In the absence of Wingrove, Mitchell had to partner Whyman at full-back, and he gave a wonderfully fine display while Wake , at centre half-back, proved to be a tower of strength to the team.
A notable personage in D. Davis who is home on leave from France, made his re-appearance at centre-forward for Millwall, but the Welsh international was not at his best, although he gave flashes of brilliance, and towards the end of the game he was frequently dangerous in many strong attacks then made by the visitors.
The defences of both sides held out until 36 minutes had elapsed, and then Gregory drove in a high shot, which rebounded from Bailey on to the cross-bar and thence into the net. Two minutes afterwards the Rangers went further in front, for Jefferson worked in to take a centre from Fox and finished a splendid piece of play by scoring.
Changing ends with a lead of two goals, the Rangers commenced the second half in spirited fashion, but Hadley and Elvey performed admirable in defence and Bailey was not given much to do. After about a quarter of an hour, Jefferson was fouled in the penalty area, and Dale, who took the kick, put the home side three goals up.
Fast play followed and as the game progressed Millwall were again the aggressors, but no further score accrued and the Rangers won by three goals.’
Brentford finished in top spot whilst the R’s concluded the season in fifth place. The Southern League had been suspended in 1915 because of the Great War and was resurrected for the 1919/20 season. Rangers were to join the newly formed Division Three (South) in 1920.
Long serving John Gregory is pictured above. He was signed from Willenhall Swifts in 1912 before becoming Yeovil Town’s player-manager in 1923.
Steve Russell