1950s
08 Jul 2011

1950/51
1st Team - Division 1
Played 20 
Won 9
Drawn 2 
Lost 9 
Goals For 36 
Goals Against 37 
Points 20 
5th place

In an effort to improve playing standards, the Club engaged the services of former Portsmouth skipper and FA Cup winner Jimmy Guthrie, who took up the position of Coach. Things didn’t start too well as the 1^st XI lost 0-6 to Barclays – their heaviest defeat in 15 years. However, they recovered to finish a creditable 5^th in the league, helped by a 5 game winning streak early in the New Year. Having got themselves into a position to challenge for the title, an end of season slump pushed them down to their final position. There was continued success in the AFA Surrey Senior Cup. The defence started brightly with a 4-0 win over Aquarius, followed by a 3-0 win at Borough Polytechnic. The semi final against Merton was a tense affair with Carshalton eventually scraping through 4-3 to reach their third consecutive final. There they faced Reigate Priory and ran out worthy winners by a score of 3-0. Having led the Club to the upper reaches of Division 1 and securing three successive AFA Surrey Senior Cups, Maurice Watts resigned the Captaincy in favour of Alan Harvey, wishing to pass the office to a younger player whilst still playing in a position to help his successor.

The Reserves suffered huge disappointment missing out on promotion to Division 1, finishing third with a record of:

Reserves - Division 2
Played 18 
Won 10 
Drawn 5 
Lost 3 
Goals For 58 
Goals Against 33 
Points 25 
3rd place

Hopes were high that this would be put right during the next season.

The task of replacing Eric Alexander as Match Secretary fell to Johnny Larkman, who had been involved as a player before the War and more recently as the 1^st XI linesman. Johnny was another of those character whose commitment to the Club was total throughout his life - demonstrated by his request to have his ashes scattered "in Greg Walker’s goal" – a request granted by the Club on his death in 1979.

1951/52
1st Team - Division 1
Played 22 
Won 12 
Drawn 4 
Lost 6 
Goals For 56 
Goals Against 34 
Points 28 
3rd place

This proved to be one of the most successful seasons so far. The 1^st XI equalled their highest placing in the SAL and retained the AFA Surrey Senior Cup for the 4^th time in a row. There was a rare success in the Surrey County Senior Cup with a 2-1 victory over Camberley. The four season unbeaten run in the AFA Surrey Senior Cup continued with victories against Merton 3-2, Reigate Priory 3-2, St Georges Cathedral 2-1 and a 5-3 win in the final against Bexley Heath Sports Club.

The Reserves put the disappointment of missing out on promotion the previous year behind them by securing the Division 2 title, winning by a clear 4 points from Old Parkonians after dominating the league all season. Their record read:

Reserves - Division 2
Played 18 
Won 12
Drawn 3
Lost 3 
Goals For 63 
Goals Against 30 
Points 27 
1st place

The team consisted of an experienced set of "Old Lags", (Phil Tessier in goal, Dennis Dawes, Peter Chandler, John Preece, Ian Matthew, Stan Mark, Ralph Kidd, Frank Shepherd, Les Bampton, Les Pullen and Bill Gatherer), most of whom had been involved with the side the previous year.

The "A" XI had a good run in the AFA Minor Cup, defeating Civil Service 3-2, Silhill 4-1, Westminster Bank 7-2, before losing the quarter final 3-1 in a mid winter mudheap at Crouch End Vampires. The league campaign was also successful, finishing in second place and only two points behind Crouch End Vampires in Division 1. The "B" XI finished 5^th in the 15 strong Fourth Team Section, while the "C"s ended in 7^th position in their debut league season.

1952/53
1st Team - Division 1
Played 22
Won 11 
Drawn 2 
Lost 9 
Goals For 33 
Goals Against 38 
Points 24 
5th place

Club Skipper, Alan Harvey was posted to the British Embassy in Rome in December. The Club was fortunate to have recruited Les Pullen the previous season and his considerable experience at a higher level of football was put to good use as a replacement. In addition to his footballing ability, it was his personality on the social and administrative side that was to be of immeasurable benefit to the Club at this time and in many seasons to come. Though no trophies were won, the Club was proud to boast all 5 SAL sides competing in the top flight of their sections. Only 4 other clubs could command this strength in depth. A lack of consistency through illness, injury and general non-availability meant that the 1^st XI was chopped about all season. This proved the undoing of a talented side on paper. They lost their 4 year grip on the AFA Surrey Senior cup and the trophy cabinet was strangely empty at the end of the season.

The Reserves consolidated on their return to the top flight and the "A"s reached the AFA Minor cup quarter finals again, losing narrowly 2-1 to Norsemen. The "B"s were top of the table in February and in pole position to secure a league title, but won only one game after this and faded dramatically to finish mid table.

1953/54
1st Team - Division 1
Played 22
Won 6 
Drawn 3 
Lost 13 
Goals For 30 
Goals Against 47 
Points 15 
12th place - relegated

Eric Alexander was elected to succeed Shelton Cox as President - a daunting task given Shelton Cox’s paternal influence on the Club since most members could remember. Eric already had an impressive Club pedigree though, having served as Match Secretary from 1932 until 1950 and as Club Captain in the highly successful 1935-36 season.

The season started disastrously due to the number of absentees – Humphries, Russell, Vertue, Wilson, Percival and Griffith. Needless to say, results were poor and the team left themselves with too much to do and despite a valiant comeback, they finished bottom of Division 1.

The real success of the Club was the "A" XI led by Ian Watt, who finished 4^th in Division 1 and were finalists in the AFA Minor Cup, losing 2-1 to Catford Wanderers. If the team had even made an average start (4 points from 8 games), they would probably have been champions. The team included the strong half back line of Les Bampton, John Worthington and John Preece. Other members of the side were Cliff Dudley, Tony Huc, John Holton, Fred Butcher, Peter Ainger, Dave Halfyard, Bob Patterson, George Mattos, William Bryan and Stan Humphries (now playing outfield).

1954/55
1st Team - Division 2
Played 18 
Won 12 
Drawn 3 
Lost 3
Goals For 71 
Goals Against 24 
Points 27 
1st place - promoted

Reinforced by a fine crop of newcomers including Jim Langford, Roy Swetman and Mike Willett, Carshalton bounced back into Division 1 at the first time of asking by winning Division 2.

Again ground difficulties were worrying the Committee. Beddington Cricket Club were anxious to improve the facilities at the ground, joining the two pavilions together and improving the washing facilities. This involved a considerable sum of money and naturally they expected Carshalton to pay their part in return for which the Club would be granted a lengthy lease. Typical of the spirit of the Club, the Honorary and playing members subscribed so generously to "The Pavilion Loan Fund" that it was closed in a very short time. And to the credit of all playing members, every subscriber to the loan was paid back in four short years through their match fees. Of his many services to the Club, organising this fund was perhaps Bill Power’s greatest effort for the Club. Sadly it was also his swan song, as he announced his retirement from office due to moving out of the area. This was a great loss to the Club.

"Richmond" returned to the pages of The Club News, penning the following for the end of season edition.

Ended now is Soccer, Summer days are here, Scattered are Carshalton, Shed a bitter tear.

Scattered for a season, Free from winter’s rime, How do all our fellows, Pass the summer time?

Do some play at tennis? Do some play at bowls? (Not the latter, please, boys; Pansy little souls!)

Do some men go tramping, Hill or moor or strand? On motor bike or cycle, Others tour the land?

Some no doubt play cricket, Others tan their face, Lolling by the briny, In some seaside place.

Golf has its devotees, (Lord alone knows why!) Others practice flying, Soaring in the sky.

Swimming, driving, riding, Touring lands afar, When September cometh, All return to "Car".

Though all through the summer, Games you play with zest, Not a doubt about it, Winter days are best!

1955/56
1st Team - Division 1
Played 22 
Won 7 
Drawn 4 
Lost 11 
Goals For 46 
Goals Against 43 
Points 18 
9th place

Under the captaincy of Neville Lake, a fleet footed right winger and occasional centre forward, the 1s survived on their return to Division 1, but only just. His dedication to the Club could not be faulted, as he travelled every Saturday from his home in Harlow, Essex! After an appalling start to the season, they recovered by taking 16 points from 12 games in 1956 – a remarkable escape which was to be emulated some 42 years later. The rest of the Club were not as lucky. The Reserves, "A"s, "B"s and "C"s all finished in the bottom two of their respective divisions.

The successes was in the cup competitions with the 1s and 2s achieving a notable double by winning the AFA Surrey Senior Cup and AFA Surrey Junior Cup on the same day. The 1s defeated Kew Association 4-1 away, Merton 4-2 away and Reigate Priory 4-2 at home after extra time on their way to the final. The Reserves saw off Old Wokingians 6-0, Kew Association 3-1 and Merton 8-2 as they advanced to their final. Both matches were played on 10^th March 1956 at the BBC Sports Ground in Motspur Park. No doubt all players were relieved that the Club Dinner had been moved from its traditional Friday night slot to the Thursday! The 1^st XI drew 3-3 with Old Westminster Citizens with two goals from Roger Boxall and one from Doug McQueen. The Reserves took the AFA Junior Cup for the first time since 1922-23 by beating Borough Polytechnic 2-1, both goals from Mike Terry. This success was to signal an alarming slump in their league form and only 1 point from their final 8 matches relegated them.

Other items worthy of mention were the official adoption of a Club Badge, designed by Walter Wragg and the resumption of the Easter Tour. The first tour since 1913 was based in Bognor Regis around the Easter weekend. The fact that the Saturday was April Fools Day gave a number of players ample excuse to play quite a few practical jokes, particularly at the expense of Nev Lake and wife – hotel beds being stored neatly in cupboards, early last orders calls, skipper being dumped in a water trough at midnight. On the pitch the side faced Sussex County League Division 1 sides Bognor Town on Good Friday, Arundel on Easter Saturday and Lancing on Easter Monday. Among that party were active current Club members Dennis and Peggy Philpott. The cost of the whole weekend - £4 13/5d including rail travel to all venues and full board at the Bedford Hotel in Bognor.

1956/57
1st Team - Division 1
Played 22
Won 7
Drawn 2 
Lost 13 
Goals For 42 
Goals Against 59 
Points 16 
9th place

There were signs in 1956-57 that the Club was strengthening. The 1^st XI maintained their Division 1 status under Nev Lake - a very genial character, his management style consisting of mainly laughing a lot and telling tales of his naval experiences in his broad West Country accent. The league campaign never really got going, but despite being camped in the lower half of the division, they were never in danger of relegation. In the meeting of the joint holders, Old Westminster Citizens triumphed 3-0 in the AFA Surrey Senior first round. Worse was to follow as the season drew to a close – runaway league champions CUACO inflicting the 1^st XI’s record SAL defeat – 8-0.

The Reserves also started slowly with only 7 points from 8 games and were knocked out of both cups early on. However a 5-2 win against Lloyds sparked a remarkable revival and only 3 points were dropped from then on. Inspired by top scorer Peter Tudball’s 27 goals they finished runners up on goal difference to Lensbury with a record of:

Reserves - Division 1
Played 18
Won 10
Drawn 4
Lost 4
Goals For 46
Goals Against 27
Points 24
2nd place

At this time Carshalton had a distinct cricketing flavour. The membership contained many members of local cricket clubs – Elmers End, Addiscombe and of course Beddington. Peter Loader toured South Africa with the MCC, Mike Willett, Roy Swetman and John Keeping represented Surrey, Dave Halfyard played for Kent and Jimmy James was selected for the Club Cricket Conference against the Australians at the Oval. Mike Burrows also represented the Club Cricket Conference.

The tours to Bognor continued and this year’s was to prove successful both on and off the pitch with Carshalton producing their best performance for a number of years in beating Bognor Town 4-3 – goals from Hodgkin, Roger Boxall and two from Nev Lake securing a memorable win. The following day Carshalton ran out 6-2 winners at Selsey. Not surprisingly, given the antics the previous night, this game was played at a reduced pace - a tradition that has been religiously upheld throughout the years.

1957/58
1st Team - Division 1
Played 22
Won 8 
Drawn 3 
Lost 11 
Goals For 45 
Goals Against 47 
Points 19 
7th place

Not for the first time, a season that promised so much was to end with little success. Tony Hart returned in goal after his National Service and Dave Davies and Tom Wright joined from senior amateur football. Up until Christmas, a place in the top 3 looked a distinct probability, but a sharp slump in the form of the defence meant the team faltered. Two games at the end of the season against second bottom Borough Polytechnic decided the Club’s fate. Carshalton lost the away game 2-1, but managed to win the return at Beddington Park and followed this up with a draw at champions, Old Westminster Citizens. They did enjoy cup success this season with a share in the AFA Surrey Senior Cup after a 2-2 with Old Westminsters with goals from Ernie Clifton and David Rowles. This followed wins over Distillers 5-2, Old Bromleians 3-1 & Old Carthusians 5-4.

The social side of the Club was certainly as strong as ever. Messrs Brian O’Donohoe, Barry Burchett and Peter Searles organised a series of events, including the Motor Treasure Hunt & Barbecue, the Golden Jubilee Dinner Dance (held at the Greyhound Hotel, Croydon on 28^th March) and the Easter Tour to Bognor.

At the end of the season, Hon. Secretary Tom Davies produced "The Carshalton Story" which chronicled the first 60 years of the Club’s history. This was a remarkable book which drew on Club records (many of which have subsequently been destroyed in fires) and the personal reminiscences of early members and officials.

1958/59
1st Team - Division 1
Played 22
Won 9 
Drawn 1 
Lost 12 
Goals For 41 
Goals Against 45 
Points 19
10th place

Dave Davies took over the Club captaincy from Jimmy James. Dave was a suave individual and cultured full back recruited from senior amateur football. It was to be another uninspiring season for the 1^st XI, and despite their lowly finish, there was never really much danger of relegation.

The outstanding achievement of 1958-59 was the Reserves winning the Division 1 title for the first time. Tragically there is no information anywhere in the Club archives regarding the team, but their record for the season was:

Reserves - Division 1
Played 22
Won 12 
Drawn 5 
Lost 5 
Goals For 59 
Goals Against 41 
Points 29
1st place

Another highlight of the season was when Carshalton hosted a "Showbiz XI vs Trade Music Guild XI" challenge match on Sunday 14^th February 1959. A large crowd, estimated at 7000 watched the Showbiz XI, who included Mike & Bernie Winters, Alfie Bass, Harry Fowler, Andrew Ray and Tommy Steele (3 goals), come out on top 5-1. Peter Coates complained of picking up peanut shells for months afterwards.

1959/60
1st Team - Division 1
Played 22
Won 6 
Drawn 5 
Lost 11 
Goals For 34 
Goals Against 43 
Points 17 
10th place

By the New Year the 1^st XI were still searching for their first win. Roy Swetman was selected to represent England in the West Indies and was lost to Carshalton for a period. To combat the declining fortunes of the top side, the Club experimented with a 1^st XI manager, appointing former Club skipper Les Pullen. In the AFA Senior Cup the team reached the quarter finals, which was the furthest for many years. As the season progressed, performances improved and with it results. However, it was only a couple of late wins that secured continued tenancy in Division 1.

For the first time, the Club introduced the concept of Old Sweats Day. The idea behind this event was that the Club would have a Saturday allotted during the season, when former players of the Club would gather to meet former colleagues, thus keeping ex members and non playing members in better contact with the Club. This event was highly successful and has become an integral part of every season.

It was around this time that certain members of the Club were keen on bringing home "trophies" from their travels. These included petrol station signs and lanterns. Jeff Murrell’s entrance to the Pavilion from away games was a keenly awaited event. However, this was taken to extremes when London’s first belisha beacon arrived back at the Clubhouse. Following a neighbouring rugby club’s prosecution for similar offences this was stamped out sharply by the Committee, much to the relief of groundsman Peter Coates.