F.A. CUP.
Kingstonians' Progress at West Norwood's Expense.
An Improved Team.
The crowd of 2.000 odd who turned up on Saturday at the Kingstonians' ground to support the home team had the satisfaction of seeing the Kingstonians score their first victory of the season and of their career. West Norwood were their opponents, and the match was a preliminary round in the F.A. Cup competition. With new blood - or rather old blood rejuvinated - in their ranks, the Kingstonians were clearly the better side, and the only question which really troubled their supporters once the game had commenced, and the Kingstonians' superiority demonstrated, was the margin by which they would win. The result was a win for the home team by three goals to one.

It was very speedily apparent that the team whom West Norwood were up against were to be a vastly different proposition to the one which went down before Luton Clarence a fortnight before. The four newcomers proved players of merit in pre-war days, gave the team a confidence and a snap which previously they had lacked. For the first fifteen minutes the visitors were practically penned in their own territory, and the Kingstonians were playing in a convincing fashion that indicated that a goal was imminent. In due course it came. Wright got the ball, and, working goalwards from the right wing, finished up by kicking this ball over the goalkeeper's outstretched arms, to land it safely into the net.

The home team continued their attacks, and the forwards, who were well looked after by the half-back line so ably led by Rowe, were constantly causing the Norwood defence much searching of mind and hard work.

Before long the second point arrived. Daniells got the ball, and having deceived the opposing half-back into thinking he was going to pass out to Wilson, centred instead. The ball came back to him, and he thereupon sent in a low, long shot, which hit the upright and cannoned off into the net. Immediately afterwards Wright netted again, but the whistle had gone for offside, consequently the point was disallowed.

West Norwood at this stage of the game began to show to more advantage. Warner made a mistake in picking the ball up whilst out of his ground, and from the resulting free-kick a situation fraught with considerable danger to the home goal ensued. Rowe saved this situation by heading the ball away and following up with a long kick clear. Then the West Norwood centre-forward nearly scored with a "header," but after this incident the home defenders got matters in hand again. The half time score was:-

Kingstonians………………….2
West Norwood………………..0

After the resumption both goals experienced one or two narrow escapes, Mansey in particular having hard luck with a very good shot which was only inches wide. Then for a considerable period the home team lost their winning form; the efforts of the forward line became disjointed, and the defence wore guilty of several mistakes. As the result of one misunderstanding, West Norwood netted the ball for the first, and, as it turned out, the only time. It was Mallett who first profited by the misunderstanding on the part of the home defence. The visiting centre-forward gave Dicketts a well- judged pass, and the latter player scored a good goal at a second attempt, for his first shot was well saved by Warner.

The West Norwood team wore now trying had for an equalising point, but though the home goal had one or two escapes subsequently, the Kingstonians in time regained their balance and settled down to try and place the issue beyond doubt. A beautiful shot from the foot of Rowe from 30 yards' range hit the crossbar and then went over for a goal-kick. It was a splendid effort, and Rowe well deserved the applause that was forthcoming. In the last minute of the game a pretty passing and forward movement ended in Mansey shooting hard and low. The visiting custodian was well beaten, and consequently a third point was scored for the home side. The final score was:-

KINGSTONIANS.............................. 3 goals.
WEST NORWOOD.......................... 1 goal.

Kingstonians: C. Warner; F. W. Makepeace and H. Gibson; C. R. Stentiford. J. A. Rowe, J. Wood; W. J. Wright, H. Mansey, A. J. Yates, H. W. Daniells and T. R. Wilson.
West Norwood; C. Hill; L. T. Shales, and H. H. Hebden (capt.); V. S. Rosewarne, T. A. Goddard and W. Davenport: A. Wall. A. E. Holt. H. J. Mallett. W. Dicketts and J. Walker.
Referee: Mr. R G. Bond (Clapham)

Report from Surrey Comet dated 8 Oct 1919- see report in original format.

Additional report from Surrey Advertiser dated 8 Oct 1919

Notes on game from Surrey Advertiser dated 8 Oct 1919