Those Were The Days; 27th January 1996

[Les1949]

THOSE WERE THE DAYS
27th January 1996

Isthmian (ICIS) League; Division 2

Hampton 0 Collier Row 0 Att; 230

Hampton;-
Mark Russell; Warren Drew, Kevin Duffell, Jim Wigmore, Steve Cheshire, Dave Rattue, Barry Moore (Peter Wood, 76’), Mark Wilson, Warren Bayliss, Darren Smith, Phil George.
Unused Subs; Malcolm Dickenson, Jon Reilly

27th January 1996, a memorable date in Hampton FC’s history – and not just for a 0-0 draw at home to Collier Row. No. Memorable for the fact that the game was the only one played that day in the whole of the Isthmian League and, indeed, one of the few played anywhere in Southern England. Hampton hadn’t played a league game for three weeks (cup matches kept getting in the way) and it seemed that nowt was going to happen on this day when overnight, heavy snow fell on top of a frozen pitch. However, at 10am, following a pitch inspection the match was given the go-ahead. Volunteers had cleared the lines, orange footballs were sourced locally and by the time the match referee, Mr Ebbage, had turned up, the conditions had eased. Word got out and a crowd that was double the usual number turned up to watch. The game was never going to be a classic, players were slipping and sliding around; the ball would occasionally bounce high or skid away on the surface. Both teams had chances to score, a visiting forward had a shot hit the base of the post, with Russell struggling to get across. Midway during the second half, George received a quick throw-in from Bayliss and fired in a powerful drive that was brilliantly saved by Row’s keeper, Jimmy Chapman, leaping high and diverting the ball away from the top corner. A 0-0 draw, remembered only because of the circumstances…and the weather!



The Old Historian

[Lord Elpus]

The great Malcolm Dickinson as a sub?? Guessing this was towards the end of his career?

[Les1949]

The great Malcolm Dickinson as a sub?? Guessing this was towards the end of his career?

This is an odd one.
Malcolm left the club after the home match with Saffron Walden Town (lost 3-0) apparently he wrote a letter to the new manager, Paul Reynolds explaining his decision, according to a report in the press. Malcolm then went to Staines Town. Fast forward to 27th January 1996 and Malcolm is an unused sub in the Collier Row game.

As we are hoping to move to a new place sometime soon (hopefully) I have had to box up my collection of Hampton programmes. I am therefore unable to look through them to see if there is any mention of his return to the club around that time. According to my file of team lists, the only occasion that Malcolm pops up that season 1995/96, is solely for the Collier Row game..never again!