Luton Outlaws - Independent Message Board for Luton Town FC

And on this day in 1892 a win in Watford against one of their grass roots clubs that amalgamated with Watford St. Mary's in 1898 to form Watford F.C.

“Luton Town v West Herts.
On Saturday, Luton journeyed to Watford to play their old rivals and neighbours on their own ground, when they gained a splendid victory by 3 goals to nil after a hard and fast game. Owing to the Watford train being late, the match was not started until about seven minutes past three, and time was only left for 35 minutes’ play each way. There were about 700 spectators, including a large contingent accompanying the visiting team. The ground was heavy and slippery, and Luton, losing the toss, had the wind against them in the first half. Watford had the assistance of two Millwall men on the right wing, while Luton had the same team as the previous week against 2nd Scots Guards.

The visitors at once attacked, Allen shooting over the bar and Chesher subsequently sending behind. Wheeler and Coles took the ball up and Read, fisting behind the former’s shot, conceded a corner which was fruitless. Watford quickly returned to the assault, Wheeler again troubling Read, and an exciting scrimmage ensued in front of the visitors’ citadel. Luton cleared safely and changed the scene of play, Woods having to save. After “hands” had been twice given against Luton, Chesher centred beautifully to Allen who was ready to close in goal, but the referee penalised Luton’s left-winger for “off-side,” a decision received with disfavour by the visiting spectators. Galbraith next shot over the bar and then Luton gained the due, if tardy, reward for their splendid efforts; for, from a centre by Chesher, Galbraith passed it to Watkins who scored the first goal after 13 minutes’ play, amid the enthusiastic cheers of the crowd. On re-starting, Julian passed finely to Chesher, but, the referee again checked his progress, infringing the off-side rule. Wheeler next broke away and Coles shot behind. Play was soon brought back to the Watford quarters, Allen and Galbraith kicking behind the lines, and a close scrimmage followed from a corner which fell to Luton. No advantage resulted from this, and another similar point for Luton failed in effect. Wheeler, at last, made a dashing run on the left, yet, though he became palpably “offside,” the referee neglected to check his tactics. Read satisfactorily disposed of his shot, and Julian well returned to mid-field. The Luton men now pressed hard, Galbraith being prominent in the attack; four times the ball went behind the Watford lines. The Herts men then got away as if bent on scoring. Sargent brought the ball up and passed to his left wing, who sent in a shot which Sanders could only save by steering into touch near the corner flag. From the throw-in the ball went behind, and the danger was averted. At half-time, the score was Luton 1, West Herts 0.

On crossing over, Luton pressed momentarily, Wright heading behind. Watford retaliated at once in determined fashion, securing a corner, which was fruitless. Their Millwall wing then showed up well, Danks shooting finely just over the bar on top of the net. Julian relieved the danger, and Luton lost another chance of scoring from a splendid centre from Chesher, he being once more penalised for “offside.” A free kick was then awarded Luton for a “foul” by Penney against Chesher, Brown, however, sending behind. Sanders shortly after conceded a corner, and Coles missed a good opening. The homesters were given “hands” near the Luton goal-lines, but Sanders cleared finely. The forwards took the ball up and Chesher shot to Woods, who ran out of goal to clear, but Galbraith, receiving it, put the ball through in good style, thus registering the second point for Luton. The visitors immediately resumed pressure, Allen and Brown shooting wide while Watkins failed to utilise openings on two occasions. Read then had his powers severely tested by an excursion of the Watford forwards , headed by Coles, but came splendidly out of the ordeal of an exciting scrimmage. Taylor and Chesher relived, but Coles again shot across the mouth of the goal. Watkins gave Woods a handful, and Luton seemed on the point of scoring, Julian feeding his forwards grandly. Watford got away for a moment, but Taylor smartly returned, and Chesher centreing accurately, Watkins scored the third goal about two minutes before time. It was already nearly dark, and when the whistle blew, Luton were left victors after a hard-fought game by 3 goals to nil. Teams:- Luton:- Goal, T. Read, backs, B. Sanders and A. Hoy; half-backs, J. Wright, J.W. Julian and A.H. Taylor; forwards, W. Brown, F. Allen (right), H. Galbraith (centre), G. Watkins, W. Chesher (left). West Herts:- Goal, J. Woods; backs, J.R. Paull and E.H. Mariette; half-backs, J. Penney, C.H. Peacock and A.J. Houghton; forwards, C. Wheeler and W.S. Coles (left), F.A. Sargent (centre), J. Danks and A. Wilson (right). Referee: Mr E.E. Stuart, of Watford. Linesmen:- Mr F. Shane (Luton; and Mr H. White (Watford).”

The club minute book reveals - "Expenses to Watford regarding West Herts £1 14s 6d. "