from the match programme:-
"NOTES."
"Traditional opponents, ranking only with Cardiff as closest rivals and friends of Newport, once again we are pleased to welcome Swansea to the Athletic Grounds to-day. The history of the long series of matches between the two clubs bears witness to the greatness of these contests through the years, and of the 165 games played Newport have won 73, Swansea 61, and 31 have been drawn. If further evidence is required of the classic nature of these meetings it has been provided by the peculiar readiness of contributors to our series "A Peep in My Diary" to instance great Newport and Swansea tussles as uppermost in their memories." [Editor - See Articles on this site]
"In bright September sunshine at St. Helens early this season a most worthy display by both sides ended in a draw of 14 points each. It was again notable for some very accurate goal-kicking, five penalty goals being registered in the 28 points scored. If to-day's match is as bright of movement, our supporters will pay as ready tribute to the players as shown by the Swansea crowd on that occasion."
"And just a word of tribute to a great and esteemed Newport player of the past - Tom England - who is to-day's contributor to "A Peep in My Diary." Selected for Wales against Scotland at Cardiff in 1890, he had the tragic misfortune to break his leg the week before the International. Swansea's great W. J. Bancroft played in his stead, and thereafter Tommy England - never to gain the coveted honour - was selected as reserve to Bancroft for many following years. Unquestionably the finest "uncapped" Welsh full-back of all times, Tom England, unbelievably in his eightieth year, happily still graces the game and club he served with such distinction."
" "CHICK" MOGFORD AND THE WATSONIANS' PROGRAMME."
"Mr. C. T. Stephens, General Secretary of Newport Athletic Club, has permitted us to quote from his letter to Club members in regard to "Chick" Mogford's retirement:
"At a recent meeting of the General Committee of the Club the resignation was received with regret of B. C. "Chick" Mogford, necessitated by advancing years, and the feeling was expressed that there were many members of the Club who would probably wish to mark their appreciation of the services which "Chick" has given with unstinting loyalty."
"During his 26 years' service he rendered invaluable work on the Ground Staff. As trainer-attendant to the football team he was at all times willing to lend assistance to those with whom he came in contact, and he always had the interests of the Club at heart."
"It is felt that not only present members, but many old members of the Club would wish to subscribe to such a proposed presentation, etc."
"To this letter we only wish to add that many scores of old players with the Newport teams and many thousands of our supporters to whom, over a long number of years, "Chick" was a familiar figure, would, we feel sure, like to make some contribution to this fund which is being raised to mark his "retirement from the game." This they can do by purchasing a programme at the Watsonians' match, the whole proceeds of which will go to the "Chick'" Mogford's Testimonial Fund."
"For this programme we shall charge 3d. - an extra penny, and if you will forgive a whispered suggestion - whereas you may normally be in the habit of purchasing one programme between two, or two between three as the case may be, will you on this occasion buy a programme EACH, please? You will help us to make our effort a worthv one."
"IN BRIEF."
"The third and final Welsh Trial match will be played at Cardiff on Saturday, January 4th. Newport are playing at Richmond that day."
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"We would again remind our supporters that the Committee has purchased a large quantity of straw to protect the ground in the event of hard frosts."
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"Just a reminder that the kick-oft in the Watsonians' game will be at 2.30 p.m., and that members can take advantage of reserved seats in the stand if taken up by 2.15."
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"The Newport Committee are grateful to supporters for their contributions of clothing coupons towards the equipment of the teams. Their value has been inestimable."
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"We much regret an error in last week's programme which announced Mr. Rayner Jones as referee for the Cambridge game. This should have read Mr. L. Rowland, of Cardiff, and actually we were a week ahead of ourselves, as Mr. Jones is controlling to-day's game."
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Here are some further details of the Dance given by members to the Watsonians on Boxing Night in the Club Social Centre. The price of admission is 5s., and will be by ticket only. Refreshments, arranged by the Ladies' Committee, will be obtainable at moderate prices. Dancing is from 7.30 to 1 o'clock to the music of the Beachcombers Band, and Mr. Mel Phillips will be the M.C.