History of football in Oswestry

In THE article, The tale of Oswestry, you state Oswestry FC became known as Oswestry White Stars in 1881, this is not the case, both clubs played in the Welsh Cup that season.

For the 1882 season reports say clubs merged their efforts to have a crack at the Welsh Cup, this would bare fruit in 1883/4 with White Stars winning the Trophy. However the clubs first honour was Oswestry FC winning the Shropshire Challenge Cup (Senior Cup) beating Shrewsbury Castle Blues 2-1 in 1882. Oswestry FC did enter the FA Cup in that 1882/3 season but made little progress, the following season they reached the third round and lost at home to Queens Park Glasgow 1-7 (29/12/1883), confusing, well the team that won the Welsh Cup and the team that played the Scottish side contained several players who played in both games. Fluid in those days to say the least, just friendly games, no league football until Oswestry FC joined the Shropshire & District league in 1890/91.They disbanded in 1892.

Oswestry United did follow into the Shropshire League, then had a season in the Welsh Senior league before spending 12 years in the Combination and prior to the Great War a couple of seasons in the Lancs. Combination. Two Welsh Cup wins in 1901 and 1907, plus two more wins in the Challenge Cup Final and United reserve side winning the Welsh Amateur Cup Final.

Prior to attempt to revive United after the war, former soldiers played one season as Oswestry Comrades in the North Wales Alliance, then in 1920, following local meetings re the old United club, they decided on name change to Oswestry Town. They took up the place in the Alliance for 1920/21 season. The following season 1921/22 they joined the newly formed Welsh National League and won the title in 1923/24.

Pastures new in 1924/25 into the Birmingham & District League and a meeting away v Stockport County in first round proper of the FA Cup in 1927/8. First Birmingham honours prior to the first and second titles in the 1950’s were the Keys Cup in 46/47 and joint holders of the Maserfield Cup in 1948/9.

Cheshire County league, you omit the League Cup/Challenge shield double in 1971/72, the original Cheshire County league, prior to the Alliance in 68 was the toughest football we played in.

Marathon battles with Cardiff City (3 games) in Welsh Cup semi final in 38/39, with Cardiff again in 55/56, 11,000 for the game in Wrexham and that many watching the marathon with Portmadoc (Porthmadog) in previous round(3 games) and home semi v Wrexham at Victoria Rd in 1970/71.

We enjoyed 11 wins in the Shropshire Senior Cup, the last v Bridgnorth in 1984/5, but if you include the merger its 12, TNS beating Telford on their ground, sadly its not a cup we play in now on a regular basis

Mike Clarke,

Oswestry

Famous Freddie

I READ the articles on Oswestry Football with considerable interest as I was a regular visitor to the Victoria Ground during my schooldays. It would appear that you failed to mention one of the most famous players who played for the club.That was Freddie Morris from Pant who went on to play for Walsall and Liverpool.

Ronald Jones,

Prenton

School thanks

I WOULD like to thank the headteacher and staff of Whittington Primary school for their dedication and effort during the lock down.

Everyday they have set work for the children to complete and have encouraged them to send pictures of themselves with their work or projects in return.

They have sent challenges for them to get involved in and there has been weekly photographs of the staff for the children to enjoy and to enhance their motivation and sense of belonging.

Throughout the time, teachers have kept in touch with the children, they have even read to them daily via videos.

The communication from Mr Rogers, the headteacher, regarding the school and the coronavirus situation has also been fantastic. My daughter really misses school and cannot wait to return.

Year 4 mum,

Name and address provided

No care pay rise is unacceptable

It IS unacceptable for the government to sidestep the issue of social care workers pay with today’s announcement of a public sector pay rise that won’t include them.

Care workers are here to care and have been a stalwart of the Covid-19 front line.

For 24 hours a day, seven days a week our professional care home staff have continued to provide care under the most challenging of circumstance.

They – like their amazing colleagues in health – have done this with compassion, providing a lifeline for the most vulnerable across all our communities.

This has never been a low skilled job, and should never again be consigned as a low paid role.

We need the government to act now to ensure that each and every care worker is recognised and rewarded for their extraordinary work.

Vic Rayner,

Executive Director, National Care Forum

Did I speak too soon?

Oh Oswestry, did I speak too soon last weekend when I praised everyone for how I had seen them react over the easing of lockdown?

Now, I know the trouble in the town last week was from people of a certain young age, but as someone who has witnessed town centre fights up and down the A483 in my time, I can tell you it is not a good look.

Youngsters throwing punches at each other, and the main police officer for the area telling people they’re bringing in more coppers isn’t great.

I don’t live here but I do love this town very much and I hope to see positive headlines next week.

Steve Jacobs,

Wrexham