SURREY CHARITY SHIELD.
Kingstonians beat Wimbledon in a Keen Contest.

Meeting for the fifth time this season, the Kingstonians F.C. played Wimbledon F.C. on the latter's ground on Saturday in a match for the Surrey Charity Shield, and a keen contest ended in a victory for Kingston by 2-1. Being favoured with decent weather, the event attracted numerous supporters of both teams, and, as the result indicates, an interesting struggle took place.

The game started in such a manner as to make it quite clear that the Kingstonians really meant business. Henson soon got going with a nice run up the field, but on nearing goal the ball was lost. Play having been transferred to the other end of the field, Wimbledon nearly scored from a corner kick, and it was only through a piece of fine work by Wilson, who made a difficult save, that they were prevented from doing so.

Obtaining the ball from a shot following a throw in, the Kingstonians came swiftly down the field in splendid style, Rollo passing to Millis, who in turn sent the ball to the forward line where it reached Harry in time for him to take a nice centre kick from which he neatly scored the first goal for the Kingstonians.

This occurred after ten minutes' play and stimulated the visitors to greater exertions. It also had the effect of rousing the Wimbledon team, who commenced to attack with much zeal and for a few minutes gave the opposing defence a busy time. Dribbling and passing in a fine manner, they came up to within a few yards of their objective, and a shot was taken, but the ball hit the bar and bounded back into play.

Wimbledon continued to press hard, and the Kingstonians were unable to get them out of the danger zone until after a corner kick, and then the game went to mid-field. Here Wimbledon, again becoming master, with much skill brought the ball in front of the Kingston goal and then hesitated a little, giving Wilson time to summon up his abilities for a tester, and he was able to make a beautiful save of a very hot shot.

Soon after this the Kingstonians were dodging about in front of their opponents' goal, and Rollo made an effort to score. The goalkeeper rushed out to save, but only succeeded in punching the ball vertically into the air. Again he tried to clear, but only sent the ball a few yards further out, and so he still stuck doggedly to it although he was some distance from his goal. The situation was saved by a kick for the touch line. Just before half time, the Kingstonians were harassing their opponents, and Stentiford nearly scored, his shot going wide. Soon after this Crick centred to Harry, who quickly put the leather into the net for the second time. Half-time arrived with the score:

Kingstonians................... 2
Wimbledon....................... 0

When play was resumed a few of the Kingston players fell off in their form somewhat, and consequently, for the major part of the game play raged dangerously in the Kingston's territory. A piece of good work by Harry and Stentiford, however, transferred operations to the Wimbledon end for a time. They outwitted their opponents on the wing, but although within shooting distance of the goal the shot failed.

A good passing movement by the visiting forward line enabled Nield to come within an ace of scoring, for the goalkeeper had some difficulty in clearing. The Kingston forwards continued to press, and Nield made several attempts to pierce his opponents' goal, but Bennett was able to save each time.

By this time the game had assumed a very rapid pace, and Wimbledon had several chances to score. Gillham had a fine opportunity for a centre kick, but he was slow in his decision and unable to score. Wimbledon almost scored from a free kick near the Kingston goal, the ball just gliding along the bar.

Wimbledon's only goal was the result of a queer bit of play. Bringing the ball up to their opponents goal they found there too many defenders to be successful, and there appeared to be a general scramble near the goal mouth. Wimbledon's tactics were confusing, and eventually Corke just pushed the ball a little and it apparently rolled into the goal, much to Wilson's astonishment.

Both teams tried hard to make further headway, and during the last ten minutes it looked as if Wimbledon would equalise, but their keen attempts met with an equally keen resistance, and no further scoring took place. The result. was:-

KINGSTONIANS.......................... 2
WIMBLEDON............................... 1

The teams were:-
Kingstonians F.C.: J. Wilson; F. V. Davies, A. J. Yates; W. Millis, B. J. Rollo, J. Wood; A. J. Henson, G. Stentiford, A. E. Harry, R. J. S. Nield, H. E. Crick.
Wimbledon F.C.: A. Bennett; T. Goodchild, A. Spiers; C. J. Marey, W. J. Knight, J. Ainger; D. Nash, G. Armitage, H. Gillham, P. G. Corke, E. R. Heap.

Report from Surrey Comet dated 21 Jan 1920- see report in original format.

Additional report from Surrey Advertiser dated 21 Jan 1920.