When Fred Spiksley played at Arsenal he was loved by home fans

 

When Fred Spiksley played at Arsenal he was loved by home fans

Spiksley played for Gainsborough Trinity and Sheffield Wednesday against Arsenal

 

Gainsborough had been invited in Autumn 1890 to play a club match against Royal Arsenal on the Invicta playing field, a great amphitheatre that could accommodate 15,000 fans. An 8,500 crowd saw Arsenal go ahead when Arthur Christmas scored.

Spectators had been left thrilled by the speed and ball control of Spiksley and as he sprinted away from the home full back Peter Connolly and half back David Howat someone in the crowd bawled out “Oh, my goodness! He runs like the wind!”

On 75 minutes the youngster escaped from Howat and met a cross to spectacularly volley the equaliser. Arsenal quickly re-took the lead and then survived fierce pressure to win the match after which cries went up from the crowd

“Bravo Trinity”.

Rough working hands were employed by two men to hoist Fred on to their shoulders and carry him back to the pavilion where he was heartily cheered.

Despite the defeat Gainsborough were absolutely delighted when their share of the gate receipts was handed over and totalled £150.

The two recent victories meant Wednesday entered the 1893-94 FA Cup in fine heart and for Fred Spiksley there was the chance to return to Woolwich Arsenal, who had swapped from being known as Royal at the start of the season, whose side contained two of his great friends – Charlie Booth and Arthur Elliott.

A long, tiring journey to Plumstead was made by the player and at Manor Ground he was greeted with great cheers by the 12,000 home fans.

Early in the game, as Arsenal pressed, Fred Spiksley prevented a goal when he inadvertently fell on the ball just inches from the goal: he was kicked black and blue as the home attackers attempted to wrestle the ball into the goal. Amazingly the ball squirted wide and when the Wednesday winger emerged from the floor he was covered in mud from head to foot. It was almost impossible to recognise him but soon afterwards he opened the scoring when full back Joe Powell, misjudged a cross and he nipped in to net.

Sharpshooter Archie Elliott equalised for the home side but the tie was settled when Spiksley showed pace and poise to put his team into the next round. The Wednesday scorer was again cheered as he left the field at Plumstead.

Taken from FLYING OVER AN OLIVE GROVE – The remarkable story of Fred Spiksley: a flawed football hero

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