Thornycrofts (Woolston) F.C. was an English amateur football club, based in Woolston, Southampton.
| Full name | Thornycrofts Football Club | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Nickname(s) | Thorny[1] | ||
| Founded | c. 1917 | ||
| Dissolved | 1926 | ||
| Ground | Veracity Ground, Woolston, Southampton | ||
|
| |||
History
edit
The club was formed by employees of John I. Thornycroft & Company, the Woolston-based shipbuilders and was active from 1917 to 1926, during which time it was a member of the Hampshire League, other than in 1920–21 when the club joined the Southern League.
The club was founded during the First World War and participated in the South Hants War League in 1917–18 and 1918–19, finishing second and third respectively.[2]
In 1919, the club joined the Hampshire League and entered the qualifying rounds of the FA Cup, coached by former Southampton player, Jim Angell.[3] After victories over Dulwich Hamlet (won 3–1) and Sheppey United (won 4–0),[4] the club were drawn against Burnley. The match, on 10 January 1920, was played at Fratton Park[5] and ended in a goalless draw. In the replay three days later, Burnley's pedigree and experience prevailed, winning 5–0, with three goals from James Lindsay.[6] Goalkeeper "Gus" Thompson was singled out for particular praise for his performances in both matches.[7]
In 1920, the Southern League underwent a complete re-organisation, with most of the professional teams leaving to form the new Football League Third Division. Thornycroft were elected to join the new English section of the league, but after only four victories from 24 matches, they finished at the bottom of the league table and returned to the Hampshire League.[8]
They continued to enter the qualifying rounds of the FA Cup until 1925 and folded the following year.[6] The club reformed again a few years later and continued to play on/off in the Southampton League for many years before the present day club, Vosper Thorneycroft F.C., was formed in 1960.
Colours
editThe club wore blue jerseys,[9] white shorts, and black socks,[10] with a change shirt of red.[11]
Ground
editThe club played at the Veracity Ground, although for its tie with Burnley, it had to use Fratton Park.[12]
References
edit- ^ "Thornycroft's v Burnley - Woolston team's plucky display". Football Echo: 3. 10 January 1920.
- ^ Chalk, Gary; Holley, Duncan (1987). Saints – A complete record. Breedon Books. pp. 60–61. ISBN 0-907969-22-4.
- ^ Bull, David (28 November 2012). "Where Angell Dared". The Southampton Matchday Programme: Southampton vs Norwich City: 24.
- ^ "Thornycrofts (Woolston)". Football Club History Database. Retrieved 29 November 2012.
- ^ "Thornycroft's v Burnley - Woolston team's plucky display". Football Echo: 3. 10 January 1920.
- ^ a b Collett, Mike (2003). The Complete Record of the FA Cup. Sports Books. pp. 192, 604. ISBN 1-899807-19-5.
- ^ "Our portrait gallery". Football Echo: 2. 17 January 1920.
- ^ Abbink, Dinant (24 July 2005). "England – Southern League Final Tables". RSSSF. Retrieved 29 November 2012.
- ^ "Southern League - Thornycroft's v Portsmouth Reserves". Football Echo and Sports Gazette: 4. 26 March 1921.
- ^ Keys, Maurice. "When Thornycrofts took on the mighty Burnley in the FA Cup". Daily Echo. Retrieved 6 January 2025.
- ^ "Hants County League". Football Echo and Sports Gazette: 3. 8 January 1921.
- ^ Keys, Maurice. "When Thornycrofts took on the mighty Burnley in the FA Cup". Daily Echo. Retrieved 6 January 2025.