Arsenal 2-2 Walthamstow Avenue (London F.A. Challenge Cup) (Monday 6th October 1952)

I’ve had the cover of this programme on the site for a while now, but finally here is the full 4 pages, with some great photos and text; including a rare team photo featuring the recently deceased England cricket legend Trevor Bailey. The back page has a series of photos of Avenue winning the 1952 F.A. Amateur Cup at Wembley.

Apparently Arsenal used to field their Reserve team in the London F.A. Challenge Cup between 1931 and 1974 (with the exception of 61/62 when the first team were entered).

The A’s played at Highbury a fair few times over the years (often with it being used as a neutral venue), but this is the earliest programme I’ve come across for the boys from E17 playing in N5. if anyone knows of any earlier appearances, please let me know.

Love the way the front page says the game will Kick-off at 7 p.m. IN FLOODLIGHT!

I’ll be adding the programme for the replay (which also took place at Highbury with Arsenal winning 8-3) shortly.

As usual, click the images for larger versions.

Arsenal 2-2 Walthamstow Avenue (London F.A. Challenge Cup) - Monday 6th October 1952 - Page 1

Arsenal 2-2 Walthamstow Avenue (London F.A. Challenge Cup) - Monday 6th October 1952 - Page 2

Arsenal 2-2 Walthamstow Avenue (London F.A. Challenge Cup) - Monday 6th October 1952 - Page 3

Arsenal 2-2 Walthamstow Avenue (London F.A. Challenge Cup) - Monday 6th October 1952 - Page 4

The Daily Mail reports on the Avenue’s 1953 trip to Manchester United (11th Feb 2011)

As Crawley Town prepared to take on Manchester United at Old Trafford in the F.A. Cup 5th Round recently, The Daily Mail’s Chris Wheeler looked back at some of United’s previous encounters against the ‘little guys’, including Walthamstow Avenue’s famous visit in 1953.

Click to enlarge.

Crawley Town v Manchester United - Daily Mail - Saturday 19th Feb 2011

Don’t write off Crawley… the little guys can scare Manchester United

By Chris Wheeler

Nobody will be giving non-League Crawley Town a chance when they visit Old Trafford to face the might of Manchester United in the FA Cup. The Blue Square Bet Conference side are in the fifth round for the first time after knocking out Derby and Torquay, while their opponents have won the famous trophy a record 11 times. But United have been victims of several upsets over the years and here CHRIS WHEELER meets the players who have managed to leave the famous Red Devils with red faces.

Manchester Utd 1 Walthamstow Ave 1 (FA Cup 4th rnd, Jan 31, 1953)

Nobody gave the Isthmian League underdogs a chance when they arrived at Old Trafford to take on Matt Busby’s English champions, even less so after United took a first half lead. But thermos flask salesman and England amateur international JIM LEWIS equalised (below) to earn a draw. Lewis, now 83, signed for Chelsea after scoring twice when United won the replay 5-2.

Jim Lewis scores Avenue's equaliser at Old Trafford

He said: ‘We saw it as a day out because we didn’t think we stood much of a chance. We’d never experienced playing in front of that kind of crowd before. There were 35,000 at Old Trafford and 46,000 at Arsenal (for the replay). Our average was about 5,000.

‘Eddie Lewis gave United the lead but I remember at half-time we didn’t think we were going to get thumped. We went out to give it our all. I equalised 10 minutes from the end. I was some way out and hit it straight into the top corner. It could have been the greatest upset ever because United keeper Ray Wood tipped my shot over, and Trevor Bailey, the England cricketer who sadly died recently, almost scored in the final minutes.

‘I think of it when I see the likes of Crawley doing well. They’ll think they’ve got a chance and you never know. It’s one of those things that does the FA Cup so much good.’

Walthamstow Avenue rosettes

Again of unknown vintage. The bottom one looks to be for an F.A. Cup game.

Walthamstow Avenue Rosettes

Pirate programme for 1952 F.A. Amateur Cup Final

A pirate issue programme for the 1952 F.A. Amateur Cup Final produced by Victor of London.

1952 F.A. Amateur Cup Final Programme- Pirate Issue by Victor of London

Supporters Club badge

A Walthamstow Avenue Supporters Club badge of unknown vintage.

Walthamstow Avenue Supporters Club Badge

Stanley Anderson (1952-58)

Thanks to Stuart Anderson for sending these photos of his dad Stanley, who spent 6 years at Walthamstow Avenue between 1952-58.

Stanley made 74 first team appearances, notching a very impressive 51 goals. He later joined Finchley FC before rejoining Avenue, but never played again due to injury.

Stanley’s full Avenue record:

52/53 – 3 Apps 3 Goals
53/54 – 13 Apps 10 Goals
54/55 – 16 Apps 10 Goals
55/56 – 14 Apps 10 Goals
56/57- 12 Apps 7 Goals
57/58 – 16 Apps 11 Goals

Stanley Anderson

The Avenue boys talk tactics with Ron Greenwood (Stanley is 2nd right, standing)

Walthamstow Avenue team photo (Stanley is 4th sitting player from left)

Doug Young in The Guardian (17th Jan 1953)

Specially for Barbara who previously sent me some pics of her dad Doug (I really will get them on the site soon. Sorry for the delay!).

Doug Young in 'The Guardian' (Jan 17th 1953).

‘The Official FA Yearbook 1952-53′ reports on Avenue’s Amateur Cup triumph

The FA Yearbook 1952-53 - Front Cover.

The FA Yearbook 1952-53 - Page 106.

The FA Yearbook 1952-53 - Page 107.

The FA Yearbook 1952-53 - Page 108.

The FA Yearbook 1952-53 - Page 109.

Action from the 1961 F.A. Amateur Cup Final

This picture comes courtesy of Colin Jeffrey and his Collection of British, European & World football images from 1954 to 1974. Non-commercial website at http://www.csjfootballimages.uku.co.uk.

Action from the 1961 F.A. Amateur Cup Final. Walthamstow Avenue 2-1 West Auckland Town.

Alf Simmonds is Daggers guest of honour, Sat 17th April 2010

I recently featured some wonderful photos sent in by ex-Avenue ‘keeper Alf Simmonds. Well, Alf has been in touch again with more news.

Alf was guest of honour at the recent Dagenham & Redbridge home game against Burton Albion, as the Daggers gave a nod to their heritage.

Amongst other things, the programme includes a great story of how Alf met his wife at Green Pond Road:

Alf Simmonds feature from Dagenham & Rebridge v Burton Albion programme. Saturday 17th April 2010.

Click the image for a larger version.