1919
1919-20

The following season did indeed produce some memorable Cup moments as Wimbledon progressed in the FA Cup and reached the fifth round of the Amateur Cup. Edgar Goodens was back in the ranks, as captain. He had joined the club in 1913, but on returning from the Army had opted to play for Merton and helped them to the Amateur Cup final.

He and vice captain George Armitage were regarded as two of the best half backs in the amateur game. Wimbledon's line-up was widely regarded as one of the best that had represented the club, while their success in the United League led to them being elected into the Athenian League on its resumption after the war years for the 1919-20 season.

Their reserves were to compete in the Southern Suburban League, while there was midweek football to enjoy as well, in the Kingston Wednesday League.

Wimbledon were to finish seventh in their first season in the Athenian League, a creditable achievement and lost just once all season in Wednesday competition to take that title. But it was in the cups that they found their best form and biggest crowds. Walton, Sutton and Kingstonian were all knocked out of the Amateur Cup before Wimbledon drew Tooting.

Over 9,000 spectators turned out for that one, but Wimbledon were in dire trouble, 2-1 down with just seven minutes left. It was then that the elements intervened. A blanket of dense fog descended, the referee called it off and Wimbledon won the replay, 6-2!

There was a similar situation in the Surrey Senior Cup. Having overcome the threat of Kingstonian 3-1, in front of over 6,000 supporters, Wimbledon were then convincing winners over Summerstown. But the visitors objected, won their appeal to get the game replayed and knocked out Wimbledon in the rearranged tie, 2-1.

Another bumper gate, topping 5,000, turned out when Wimbledon faced local rivals Summerstown again, this game finish­ing a draw, while friendly fixtures saw Wimbledon lose out to both Chelsea and Hampstead, 5-1 and 3-1.

In the FA Cup, Wimbledon progressed over two hurdles before being beaten by the professionals of Guildford, while their Amateur Cup run finally ended at the hands of an excellent Dulwich side, by the re­sounding margin of 9-2.

The only silverware for Mr. Hood to savour, therefore, came from the Kingston Wednesday League, while the Reserves battled gamely to finish fourth in the Southern Suburban League.

There were improvements off the field as well. The Club purchased an old Army hut to be converted into dressing rooms and a committee room, while the washing facilities were spruced up and work con­tinued in building up the banking around the ground.