We take for granted now playing midweek matches under floodlights. However, in the early 1950s this was very much unchartered territory and Banbury Spencer have their place in those pioneering days, playing Oxford United, when known as Headington United, at the Manor Ground in December 1950.

How did the match come about? Well, Headington United were keen to try out floodlight football at the Manor and initially invited Oxford City to play them in a Charity game. City though turned them down and so United turned to fellow professionals Banbury Spencer who were happy to give it a go with all proceeds going to a local Hospital. Unfortunately, it snowed on the day of the game, Monday 18th December 1950, but still over 2,600 turned up to watch the game.

The following report appeared in a local Banbury paper:

“When the children at the Wingfield-Morris Orthopaedic Hospital receive their presents bought from the proceeds of the floodlit match on the Manor Ground at Headington on Monday night they will say “well done” to the Headington United and Banbury Spencer Football Clubs.

That sentiment will be echoed by all who saw the match for, quite apart from its novelty, the occasion provided a remarkably good exhibition of football in view of the conditions underfoot. It was a pity the conditions were so unfavourable after the trouble the promoters had gone to, but their task was made worthwhile, for not withstanding the wintry weather which had prevailed throughout the day, a healthy crowd turned up to see the game. The players are to be congratulated on a really fine show.

The staging of a floodlit match made history in Oxfordshire and its popularity could be judged from the shout of approval which went up when it was suggested that another and similar match should take place before the lighting equipment is dismantled.

The floodlighting was achieved by means of a dozen or so electric lamps on high poles either side of the pitch and another immediately behind each goal. From our point of view, we found it fairly easy to follow the play in a general sense though it was difficult to distinguish individual players at a distance. As regards the lighting, players afterwards said it was not too bad at all – except in the middle of the field. The referee Mr Fred Williams of Oxford said he found his task a fairly hard one as he had to keep within ten yards of the ball at all times.

Headington were the stronger team and did most of the attacking, their forwards carrying through more forcefully than Spencer. After 20 minutes Bert Kay scored their first goal from close in following a pass from the left wing. Vic Barney got a second before the interval and in the second half another was rushed though by Johnston after Frank McCormack had stopped a hard drive but failed to hold the ball. A feature of the game was a number of remarkably good saves by McCormack. The Headington goalkeeper had little to do. Joe Greszik at left back also did well.

Headington Line Up: Gerry Woodward, Frank Ramshaw, Jack Casley, Alf Jenkins, V. Moss, Jim Smith, Cliff Nugent, Bert Kay, Cyril “Sammy” Chung, Vic Barney and Johnston

Banbury Line Up: Frank McCormack, Ernie Barnes, Joe Greszik, Bert Aston, H. Treble, Ernest Ryman, Joey Wilson, Ralph Martin, Doug McPhee, Dicky Meadows, Bernard Brock.”

Banbury Spencer’s view, taken from the Banbury Spencer v Tamworth programme on Saturday 23rd December 1950, was as follows:

“The game was for charity, in aid of childrens’ Xmas Welfare at Wingfield-Morris Orthopaedic Hospital. People in Oxford and Banbury turned up in grand style to help towards making these unfortunate childrens’ Christmas a much happier one. We understand 2,600 people paid for admission – that was grand! Headington can be congratulated on doing a fine job, everything was organised very well indeed. What a pity the weather had to be so unkind – snow lying thick on the ground made things very difficult for the players. Yet the game itself was very entertaining, players thoroughly enjoyed themselves and proved what fine fellows they are by providing first class entertainment. A most enjoyable evening. Is there a future for football under floodlights? We feel there is, but time will tell.”

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