16th September 1912 – Woolwich Arsenal struggle on and off the pitch

By Andy Kelly
Woolwich Arsenal had two games in the week following their 0-3 defeat at Liverpool. Both games were at the Manor Ground against opposition that they had beaten (Bolton) and drawn against (second place Everton) the previous season, so hopes were high.
First up were Bolton on Saturday 14th September. The Arsenal team lined-up as they had for the opening two games:
Crawford
Shaw     Peart
Thomson     Sands     McKinnon
Greenaway     Common     McLaughlan     Flanagan     Winship
Bolton’s team was:
Edmondson
Baverstock     Feebury
Greenhalgh     Fay     Barber
Donaldson     Bentley     Jones     Smith     Vizard
13,000 had turned up, putting about £326 into the club’s coffers. If the locals could continue to attend in such numbers then it was likely that the directors would be willing to keep the club in Plumstead.
Woolwich Arse...