Development of the railway system inspires all. The world’s first steam railway joined Liverpool with Manchester in 1830 and railway expansion has exploded since. I alight the Great Northern Railway train at London King’s Cross, where Hackney carriages line up providing further convenient transport. London is a truly mesmerising city.
I head to George’s apartments, following his invitation in his letter in November and where he regaled the last Scotland v England match. This is the 3rd match: a 1-1 draw in the first and a 1-0 England victory in the second: my fingers are crossed for 3rd time lucky for Scotland.
We head to the Oval in Lambeth, where I find Robert prepared. Warm handshakes are exchanged and he introduces me to the team, captained by Arthur Kinnaird of Wanderers FC. The youth of association football is clearly demonstrated with the match architect, Charles Alcock, the elder statesman at 28, with the average player calculated at 23 years.
Both sides line up a 1-1-8 formation and kicks off in front of the 500 spectator crowd. Scotland produces a fine goal from Charles Nepean in the 20th minute, however England level through Robert Walker in the 30th minute. The match ends in a draw. However the event doesn’t end here: we are going to a celebration.
—————————————— © Graeme Brown 2018 ——————————————-
The Hampden Collection 