On the finish of the dear season, there had been no let up for Invoice Seymour and Fred Haywood. They have been within the Somerset aspect lined up in opposition to Middlesex FA, to change into champions of the Southern nations for the primary time. Enjoying at Pen Mill in entrance of an estimated 2500, individuals arrived at Pen Mill Station from trains from throughout Somerset and past. Successful 4-1 with a brace from Johnny Hayward, the ‘Cidermen’  have been handled just like the heroes they have been after the ultimate whistle.

Champions or not, the Glovers fell into hassle with the Somerset FA, the hideous crime of getting collections organised by the membership to purchase wedding ceremony items for Hayward and Harry Harbour and three reserve gamers , it was seen as a ‘cost‘ and wanted to cease sooner or later except authorised by the Somerset committee.

Ernest Davis, one of many authentic males who fashioned the trendy day model of the membership in 1895 had stepped down as treasurer and chairman of the committee the earlier season. Nonetheless with Mr Farr the properly favored President stepping down after three years, Mr Davis was voted in as President, a extra worthy a person can be laborious to search out.

Regardless of the perfect season within the membership’s historical past beforehand, gate cash was down, the antagonistic climate being attributed to it, no point out of the doorway wanting like a farm yard might have put just a few off. A benelovant fund for the gamers was arrange, with £37 deposited in it, thus making certain gamers have been paid within the occasion of shedding work by a soccer harm. 

With 66 targets from 75 appearances, Charlie Larcombe was most likely solely second to Johnny Hayward within the fan’s favorite stakes, a well mannered man with a shy nature, he was beloved by all. Charlie had determined to to migrate to Toronto, Canada the place he was to take up a profitable place with the Canadians customs workplace. He can be missed by all. America had lured Herb Seymour, though he hoped to be again by Christmas. Johnson the left again additionally deciding his time at Pen Mill was laborious to offer however would play when free. 

After all, these gamers have been going to be laborious to switch, all three very influential gamers that introduced glory to the membership within the final two years and had established them as the perfect membership within the county and one of many high novice groups within the West of England. 

In the meantime at their membership rooms in Vincent Road, Petters United have been holding their AGM, asserting the membership have been £1 in revenue, a measly quantity, nevertheless this was after  the price of constructing the amenities at Brickyard Lane had been eliminated. To spice up income a whist drive and dance was to be organised 

In earlier years the Glovers had been very gung-ho on how they attracted gamers, mainly simply opening it as much as a free for all in a trial match. This time that they had been extra selective, inviting three gamers regionally to come back and check out. Nicholls, W. Stidson and E. Boobyer a younger defender from East Coker. The match being performed in entrance of some hundred and the gate receipts being given to the Hospital fund. Solely Boobyer and Stidson can be used and located themselves often used  for first crew duties however principally within the reserves 

The season opened with out the same old pleasant and was straight into motion, Dorchester away. The match kicked off thirty minutes late because the referee from Portland had failed to show up. Yeovil with what can solely be described as an experimental aspect have been 6-0 up at half time. Dorchester could not get close to the fast-paced, quick passing and quick capturing Glovers. The one shock within the match that no targets have been added within the second half, nevertheless a 6-0 away win within the first match of the season bode properly. 

The aspect of the opening match being:

Gregory, Day, Peaty, Taylor, W.Seymour Maughan, Glanville, Bowen, Hayward, R. Larcombe, Curtis 

Walter Swift had surprisingly not been included in objective and it appeared it left the membership in the summertime. Gregory his substitute had the earlier season been in Petters United reserves crew, as was Day now changing Johnson in defence. Curtis had been a summer time acquasition from Sherborne, who due to residence guidelines was not allowed to play in Somerset league video games. 

Of their knowledge, the English Cup Committee had determined to increase the realm for the cup attracts, which means groups pitted in opposition to one another for the primary time. The Cornishmen of St Austell made the lengthy journey to Yeovil within the first spherical. The present Cornwall Champions and with six County gamers amongst their ranks, St Austell have been clear favourites. Unhappy information arrived on the morning of the match with Captain Invoice Seymour’s Father had handed away and the captain was out for the match.  The Saints, entered the sphere and have been remarked to be wanting contemporary and good contemplating the lengthy journey North, accompanied by a small variety of their followers within the crowd of over 1000.

Regardless of the top quality of the opposition, it was Yeovil who scored first, Hayward in his conventional style operating and capturing with immense energy leaving the Saint’s keeper diving after nothing. It stayed this manner till half time. A shock was on the playing cards! The second half noticed the Cornishnen on a non cease assault on the Yeovil objective, nevertheless it took am personal objective by the inexperience day who in an try and clear sliced it into his personal web. Regardless of the Glovers hardly getting out of their very own half, they held on for a reply. A reply that might be 4 days later down in Cornwall. The committee coming in for heavy criticism after the match for the crew that they had chosen .

The reply was the primary ever English (FA Cup) tie performed in Cornwall. Hayward, the objective king of Somerset, couldn’t make the journey on the Wednesday, a visit that took a lot planning in such a short while. The Saints beginning a person brief. Reportedly Yeovil performed extra attacking than than the match at Pen Mill, nevertheless a objective in every half put paid to their cup possibilities for one more 12 months. It was a protracted journey again to Somerset. 

The Yeovil illustration within the English Cup was not over although, Petters United had produced one of many shocks of the spherical by beating Weston-super-Mare 6-3 the week earlier. Petters had strengthened in the course of the summer time and as Yeovil seemingly weakened, it was in trepidation that the Glovers headed as much as Brickyard Lane for the primary spherical of the Somerset charity Cup to defend their trophy. Sid Webb scored early for Petters in entrance of over 1100, their first ever objective in opposition to Yeovil. Yeovil hit again with targets from Hayward and a thirty yarder from Glanville. Reg Larcombe scored to make it 3-1 with Petters scoring simply on the finish. Though the 3-2 win despatched the Glovers’s followers house blissful, it was apparent to all Petters have been catching them up on the sphere, a consequence in opposition to Petters three months later would change the membership endlessly. 

Trowbridge Highway, Bradford-on-Avon was the following cease in opposition to the rubber manufacturing unit crew Spencer Moulton FC. An bold crew who had desires of turning their floor into the perfect within the West. Incessant rain poured from begin to end and a make shift Yeovil aspect got here again to win 5-3 with 4 fast targets late within the second half. 

Per week later St Lukes School (Exeter) arrived and have been praised by all with their play and sporting approach that they had performed for such a younger group of males. The Glovers operating out 5-3 winners. Spencer Moulton, ambition and all, got here to Pen Mill for his or her return fixture. Yeovil brass band stored the big crowd entertained as a hat went across the floor, cash collected going to the Senghenydd colliery catastrophe in Wales which had  killed over 400 miners. 4 being the variety of the day, 4 targets in every half and Hayward scoring 4 of them in an 8-0 win. 

Stoke-sub-hamdon, visited Pen Mill within the semi-final of the Somerset Charity Cup, blue skies shone because the Glovers ran out 5-1 winners with the most important cheer of the day being Stoke’s objective.  Minehead can be their opponents within the ultimate. 

“it was the tamist and most uninteresting sport I’ve ever witnessed on the Pen Mill Floor”  Blandford at house had not impressed the Yeovil followers because the quote capitulates. As an indication of the occasions and what was simply across the nook, the city had aquasitioned a brand new Military recruiting sergeant by the title of Hawkes. Clearly, boasting of enjoying a little bit of soccer, with that boast he discovered himself partnering the good Hayward up entrance. It may be granted that Sergeant Hawkes debut was not one for the reminiscence books. A hat trick of straightforward missed possibilities  within the first half alone. Johnny Hayward displaying him the best way with the one objective of the match. Sergeant Hawke was not requested again. 

Eleven good Navy lads arrived every week later, the crew off the battle cruiser HMS Lion. Proving to be stronger opposition than they first realised the Glovers discovered themselves 2-0 down half time. Curtis and Tommy Taylor pulling them again 2-2 by the top. 

HMS Lion FC

Three motor vehicles transported the Glovers to Victoria Highway Winton for his or her Dorset league match with Bournemouth Wanderers. They acquired misplaced and did not arrive till 2.45!. Alas though a high quality efficiency the place a draw would have been honest Yeovil travelled again shedding 1-0.

Being the Dorset senior Cup holders, a lot pleasure was aroused within the city when the Royal Welch (spelt appropriately) Fusiliers got here marching into city to play within the Dorset League . Rain hammered down all day nevertheless it did not cease a sizeable crowd, patronising the Grandstand till it was packed. The Fuseliers, have been on a special degree to something that had been seen, velocity and management being their sport. The crew filled with sergeants, privates and drummers simply beat the Glovers 3-1 with out breaking into sweat. 

The Royal Welch Fusiliers FC

Harry Bowen was a tough working and quick skilful striker with a watch for objective within the Yeovil assault, typically within the shadow of the good Johnny Hayward. When the Royal Garrison got here although he was unstoppable, scoring all 4 a 4-1 victory. The Military boys and Yeovil gamers buying and selling blows at one stage, a lot to the disgust of all, who noticed the game as gentlemanly within the native press. Per week later at Weymouth heartbreak as regardless of controlling the match and being one-up, Weymouth got here again to win 2-1 with the final kick of the match. 

Boxing Day introduced a shock to these alongside the ropes and within the grandstand when Road visited.  Captain Herb Seymour was again from his journey to America, the group giving a large reception because the band performed ‘For he is a jolly good fellow’. Herb was reported to be stunned at his reception.  Sadly one one who did not have day was referee Mr Newport from Weymouth. Invoice Seymour fired in a pole driver in the direction of objective just for it to hit Mr Newport within the head leaving him flat out on the Pen Mill turf. Fortunately recovering to proceed and officiate in a 3-1 win for Yeovil over their previous rivals. 

With Petters United by no means taking a lot a degree over Yeovil, when the Glovers went in at half time  3-1 up, it appeared enterprise as ordinary in opposition to their city rivals. Nonetheless, the second half noticed the boys in amber and black pull of an important comeback with Webb and Gould scoring, the Ironmen on the group celebrating with nice enthusiasm. It was an indication although, Petters have been no longer the little whipping boys from up the street. It could get a lot worse a few weeks later. William Sutton a Labourer within the city clearly loved the match he was ordered to pay value after being drunk. In his defence he acknowledged ” I met up with some previous mates on the soccer match and had a drop an excessive amount of”. One thing many would expertise within the a few years to comply with! 

As venues for a ultimate goes Holyrood Mill in Chard was an uncommon selection, nevertheless it was right here that Minehead and present cup holders Yeovil, contested the Somerset Charity cup ultimate. GWR had laid on a ‘particular’ that transported 100s up the observe to Chard. Minehead arriving by motor. West Somerseters within the crowd have been beside themselves when Minehead, in opposition to the run of play, had managed to earn them a 2-0 half time lead. Nonetheless two penalties early within the second half, each to Yeovil, each despatched by Haywood, now it  was time for the Inexperienced and White followers to go loopy. It was all Yeovil, shot after shot simply lacking or hitting the uprights. With quarter-hour left on the clock Minehead broke away and Radford, the Seasiders centre ahead with a high quality shot gave Minehead the lead and finally the cup. Chard railway station was packed by the point the displays have been made in entrance of a small group of individuals. 

Brickyard Lane, Petters’s fairly little floor was a quagmire, two days of heavy rain had left the pitch in an terrible situation. Nonetheless, rain or not, it wasn’t going to cease over 2000 lining the ropes and packing the small grandstand to see Yeovil show their domination of their city rivals. At 2-0 to Petters at half time it was the Petters followers, small in quantity, proudly seeing their small crew changing into the Primary membership within the city. No matter Yeovil tried it did not work, everytime Petters attacked they scored. Johnny Hayward having an entire off day, and when he did get clear he was Rugby tackled by the chasing Petters defence. On the finish, the shock and embarrassment for the Glovers was immense. Petters  United 7 (Seven) – 0 Yeovil. The ramifications of the consequence modified the course of Yeovil soccer membership endlessly. 

That night the gamers officers shared a joint social night collectively on the City Corridor. Organised by the Petters President, Ernest Petter. It was  celebration. Of each golf equipment. Ernest Petter talking voiced that though dwelling London he had stored a detailed eye on Glovers because the starting of the season. The gamers, committee members however most significantly the 2 Presidents blended and chatted. One can solely guess with the hindsight of time their subject of dialog. 

Sir Ernest Petter. President of Petters United

The droop continued with Minehead 0-0, a defeat at previous enemy Road 3-1 with for all tense and functions a reserve XI. Longfleet St Mary away, when solely ten gamers turned out in one other 2-0 defeat. By mid-February the possibilities of silverware  was all however gone. Weymouth have been nonetheless going sturdy, practically 300 of their followers turned up at Pen Mill to see them proceed their bid for Dorset League glory. It appeared Yeovil have been simply going by the motions as a membership and within the discipline, solely ten might be raised to play Weymouth and that included 4 reserves. Nonetheless they put up sport earlier than happening 2-0.

The Verne Citadel in Portland was a dreadfil place to go to and even worse to play soccer in. Welch fusiliers have been visited, for as soon as a close to full aspect turned out. It wasn’t the day for soccer. Because the reporter wrote

‘…. The wind was blowing nice weapons bringing with it a heavy chilly mist that envoloped the sector for the entire of the sport, it being unattainable to see from one finish to the opposite’

Yeovil, recorded their first victory of 1914, beating the Military aspect in entrance of some 6-1, Hayward scoring three. In pity, the ref blew for time early, nobody complained. 

Dorchester have been on the top of one other six Yeovil targets every week later, though at half time the Dorset aspect have been successful 1-0, Hayward scoring his second hatrick in successive weeks. 

After three wins out of 4 the Glovers travelled by charabanc to high of the league  Minehead – they have been late. The Seasiders needing a victory to close sufficient guarantee they might be winners of the Somerset League (A) . A great crowd lined the ropes at Minehead’s recreation floor. A hotly fought however sporting sport noticed Minehead with a 1-0 victory, with many current declaring the Glovers the higher aspect. 

It was round this time it grew to become noteable that each Petters and Yeovil would lend gamers to one another. At Branksome Fuel, who wanted a win to maintain their championship hopes alive going into the final sport, Yeovil included of their aspect the Webb brothers, each distinguished within the Petters first crew. The consequence being that Branksome have been swept away 5-0 ending their championship bid. 

A number of weeks later, at Brickyard Lane in opposition to Melksham, Petters determined to incorporate of their aspect, Yeovil’s Herb Seymour, Day and extra apparently Johhnny Hayward, in what was described as a ‘take a look at that previous inspection’. Clearly referring to testing to see what sort of crew any new membership would have. The 14-0 scoreline being show that it labored, Hayward and Seymour scoring eight between them. 

Webb, might have regretted his resolution to play for the Glovers in opposition to Branksome Fuel within the penultimate match  of the season, in entrance of over 2000, Webb in going for a header fell and with the opponent falling on high of him,  breaking his shoulder bone cleanly. The Glovers lastly successful an thrilling  however painful match 2-1.

‘A dastardly act‘ – was how the press described the prevalence on the Recreation floor Weymouth, when the Glovers visited to play Royal Garrison Weymouth. A thief had damaged into their altering room and stole cash from the pockets of the gamers, 30 shillings in complete. Herb Seymour with £2 and a strong gold watch in his pocket was fortunate his was not touched. The incident left a bitter style within the mouth after a high quality 2-1 victory to finish the season. 

So, one other season was over. The success of earlier seasons nevertheless had not being replicated. Petters though ending one place behind the Glovers within the Somerset League, have been now seen as equals. How would it not pan out although, and extra importantly for what was about to comply with within the subsequent 4 years, did it actually matter? 

A few of these gamers would by no means grace the sphere  at Pen Mill once more changing it with the sphere of battle. Some would by no means return. 

Joyful days