Team: Jones (T), Walborn, Knowles, Tennant, Musslewhite (J), Jordan (H), Hadwick, Hannah, Jordan (F), Cowie, Wallington
Attendance: 1,000
On 9th December 1899, the first team were away to Luton Town in a FA Cup qualifying round match. Whilst at Kensal Rise, a Rangers reserve side faced Hammersmith Athletic. The following report appeared in ‘The Sporting Life’ two days later:
‘This match was played on Saturday in fine weather, and before some 1,000 spectators at Kensal Rise, and resulted in a somewhat easy win for the home team by five goals to nil.
The ground was in very good condition, although a little on the hard side.
Queen’s Park Rangers had considerably the best of the play in the first-half, and practically hemmed their opponents in, and also towards the end of the second-half they had much the best of the exchanges.
Directly after the start the home side began to press, and the visitors had all the work to do to resist the attack.
And it was not until some fifteen minutes from the start that Hannah, for the Rangers, with a good shot opened the scoring account.
A few rather dangerous rushes were made by Hammersmith, but they could not break through the home team’s defence.
Although the Rangers had much the best of the exchanges, it was not until close on half-time that Hannah scored their second goal, and within a minute afterwards, Cowie for them again found the net.
And on crossing over the score stood – Queen’s Park Rangers, three goals: Hammersmith Athletic, nil.
From the re-start the home side again hotly attacked, and from a fine pass by Hannah a fourth goal was registered by Cowie.
A foul was given against Hammersmith, but no advantage was gained by it, and a corner to the Rangers was also unproductive.
The visitors now invaded but were repulsed. The Rangers then pressed and forced a corner, without any result.
Soon after, from some good passing, Jordan put the ball through for the fifth time.
The light now began to fail, and it was rather difficult to follow the play, but from what could be discerned, the Rangers had the best of it, without, however, increasing their advantage.
And the result was: Queen’s Park Rangers, five goals: Hammersmith Athletic, nil. Referee, Mr W. W. Goff.’
Meanwhile at Dunstable Road, the first team had drawn 1-1 in that FA Cup qualifying tie with Luton Town.
Steve Russell