Matchday Memories: On This Day 1935 – Luton Lose Last Day Third Spot To CCFC

Harry Storer

On this day (4th May) way back in 1935 City were a top team in Division Three South and scoring goals for fun, particularly at home, under legendary manager Harry Storer. Having been sixth in 1932-33 and runners up in 1933-34 they had given it a good go again this season. They had been top of the division in mid January but had suffered a mini-slump latterly and had also lost one and drawn two of their last three games. It was clear that the top spot was beyond their grasp as Charlton Athletic had already sewn up promotion and second place Reading were also beyond reach.

Clarrie the CCFC goal machine

However, on this last game of the D3S season third place Luton Town were the visitors and City could replace them with a win. There was also the little matter of avenging that 4-0 pummeling the Hatters had handed out to the ‘Bantams’ (their nickname in the pre-Sky Blue era) at Kenilworth Road just before Christmas.

Clarrie Bourton at HR

By full time they had secured the narrowest of victories to finish the season third and the Hatters had to be content with fourth, a point behind! Sadly, this end of season celebration at Highfield Road was shared by the season’s lowest gate of 6,843 (compared to the opening day’s home attendance of 22,789)

The goal-scorer for the Bantams today was the same man as scored alongside Bob Birtley in a 2-0 win in their first game of the season at home to Northampton Town back in August, ‘goal machine’ Clarrie Bourton! Clarrie struck in the 35th minute to notch his 26th league goal of the season.

Amazingly Clarrie wasn’t City’s top league scorer that season as forward partner Les Jones scored 28 (and might have got another one in this game had he not missed a second half penalty). However, Clarrie scored 35 goals in all competitions that season pipping Les by two. Billy Lake and Bob Birtley also got double figures as City knocked in 112 goals in all games played!

The Bantams’ team that last day of the season was:-

Horace Pearson; Vic Brown & Reg. Brook; Jimmy Baker, George Mason & Billy Frith; Ernie Curtis, ‘Jock’ Lauderdale, Clarrie Bourton, Les Jones & John Watson.

Billy went on to manage the club twice in the 1940s and 1950s. Clarrie became the club’s record goalscorer notching an astonishing 181 goals in 241 appearances for CCFC between 1931-38.

Harold Wightman‘s ‘Hatters’ lined up as follows:-

Joe Coen; Henry Kingham & Tom Smith; Davie Colquhoun, Hugh McGinnigle & George Kidd; Wilfred Crompton, George Martin, Jack Ball, Fred Roberts & George Stephenson                  Referee:- G.C.Denton (Northampton)

As said earlier the Addicks got promoted, whilst the two teams having to seek re-election to the Football League were Southend United (21st) and way bottom Newport County. Both were successful in their application.

Thanks to CCFPA’s Mike Young for sourcing the images.