QPR (4) – Hanwell (2) – ‘And Five Minutes before the Close McDonald Scored the Fourth & Last Goal’ 

West London Challenge Cup Semi-Final 

Team: Peters, Saunders, Worden, Spurr, Ridout, McKenzie, Druitt, Stroud, Morris, McDonald, Teagle 

Attendance: 400  

In 1890, and not to be confused with the West London Observer Cup that was underway around the same time, eight teams were competing in the West London Challenge Cup. 

On 6th December, Rangers were set to face St. Johns Hammersmith in round one at Brondesbury.  

However, because of a weakened team, the Hammersmith side withdrew from the tie and the match was played as a friendly instead. 

Rangers were then scheduled to take on Hanwell in February in the semi-final at Barn Elms.  

But for some reason Hanwell didn’t show up and QPR claimed the match. Later, Rangers decided to play the tie, and ‘so to get a satisfactory result.’ 

The game eventually took place on 14th March on the ground of Kildare FC, at Acton. The following match report appeared in the West London Observer: 

‘Morris kicked off and the Queen’s took the ball near the Hanwell goal, and Teagle scored with a beauty. 

The Rangers lost their centre-forward two minutes after the start, meeting with a nasty accident, which compelled him to retire. 

Re-starting with ten men, the Queen’s had several attempts to score goals, but Hooper was at home in goal and not to be beaten again so soon.  

The Hanwell forwards made an ugly rush, “Sugar” sending in a beauty, which Peters saved, but kicked on to an opponent, and the leather rebounded through goal, thus equalising.  

After some even play, Hanwell forced a corner, which was well played by “Sugar”, and Peters in attempting to throw the ball away was knocked through the goal with the ball in his hands, making goal number two for Hanwell.  

The Rangers now played with renewed vigor and shot after shot was saved by Hooper in clever fashion, but the score was unaltered at half-time. 

On re-starting, it was soon apparent the Queen’s meant business, and after ten minutes had passed, Stroud notched the second point for the Rangers, once more bringing the scores level.  

Both teams now played hard and fast, Druett and Stroud showing up grandly by their clever passing tactics, and from a centre by Druett, a third goal was notched by McDonald.  

This fairly roused the Hanwell team, and the Queen’s defence came in for some rather rough play. 

The defence of Saunders, Worden and Peters was sound, especially that of Saunders, as all through the match, “Tom”, had been playing a grand back’s game, never allowing his opponents on the left-wing to become dangerous. 

Hanwell tried a change, Brind, the captain, coming forward, but to no purpose, and five minutes before the close McDonald scored the fourth and last goal. 

Mr Webb (of Hanwell FC) refereed in a fair manner, not one complaint being made against him. Mr Wastie, the selected referee, failed to turn up.’ 

This brief summary also appeared in the same newspaper: ‘The game proved to be a very rough one, as the Hanwell team were a lot heavier and used their weight too frequently to be pleasant! And the Queen’s are now, to use a strange word, a lot of crocks! 

Amongst the winners, Druett and Stroud showed good form up forward, their combined play being splendid.  

Spurr was the pick of the halves, and McKenzie showed some fine form up to the last quarter when he was lamed. 

Once more Saunders gave evidence of his talent at back, his tackling and good clean kicking being first class.  

Peters in goal was safe as a house, the two goals that were scored against the Queen’s being impossible to save. 

I regret to hear that Morris will probably not play again this season. If such should be the case, it will affect the Queen’s chances of winning either of the cups they are now playing for.’ 

Unfortunately, for some reason the final never took place. 

Steve Russell 

My thanks go to Colin Woodley for his assistance and also to Gordon Macey (RIP)