Singers FC – The matches

Here is Lionel Bird’s extensive research regarding matches played by Coventry Association FC and Singer FC, which has been enhanced with additional information provided by fellow CCFC historian, Mike Young.

EARLY MATCHES

1883-84 TO 1887-88:

All matches are friendlies and played on a Saturday unless otherwise stated.  Although Singers F.C. had been formed, it was Coventry Association F.C. and Coventry Rugby Club who attracted the most attention from the Midlands press.  Coventry Association F.C. usually played their home games at the Coventry Cricket Ground, Butts, Spon End.  The Kenilworth Advertiser (Saturday 27 October 1883) commented on the re-emergence of Coventry Association Football Club: “After a lapse of some years, Coventry has again come to the front in football matters by forming a club for the exposition of the dribbling game. The Rugby game has hitherto found most favour with the footballists of Coventry, owing of course to the fact of it having no rival in the shape of an Association Club. But now that a club has been started with a good list of fixtures, it is to be hoped that lovers of outdoor games will bestow a liberal patronage upon the new undertaking”. Singers F.C. most likely played fewer matches than Coventry Association during the early years. Their games largely went unreported. Henry Banks and Joseph Collins, who would later become key players for the Vocalists, regularly played for both clubs.

1883-84

First Match: Singers F.C. 0 – 9 Coventry Association F.C. (date and venue unknown).  Source: Walter Harris interview with George Bowers (MDT 1934).  Coventry Association had pre-arranged fixtures for this season.   A match report states their first game was on 20 October.  They may have played the Vocalists in a practice game prior to this date, or sometime after their first fixture with Smethwick F.C. 

20th October 1883
Coventry Association 0 – 7 Smethwick (Birmingham).
This was Coventry Association’s first game of the season and attracted a poor attendance, despite the weather being very good.

26th October 1883
St John’s United 6-1 Coventry Association
St John’s: H Taylor, Argyle, Taylor, Hyde, Ellis, Foyle, Holloway, R Farr, Watkins, Trevor, Crathorn
Coventry Association: J Lock, J Lawton, H Hill, H Smith, W Ryder, H Banks, J Jones, T Smith, R Smith, R Reading, L Reeves

10th November 1883
Coventry Association 0-4 Small Heath Swifts
Coventry Association: J Lock, H Hill, H Smith, L Reeves, G Burgess, H Banks, J Jones, T Smith, R Smith, Evans, T Gould
Small Heath Swifts: D Mullis, Evetts, Osborne, Willits, Hinds, Allart, Woodward, Tilley, Hill, Davies, Atkins

1st December 1883
Coventry Association 5 – 2 Aston Clarendon (Birmingham). Clarendon disputed two goals scored by Coventry.
Coventry Association: J Lock, H Hill, T Gould, Spittle, Butler, G Burgess, J Jones, H Banks, L Reeves, A Smith, T Smith
Aston Clarendon: Dark, Cattell, Bellamy, Worth, Burton, Morris, Weston, Bond, Cooper, Lancaster, Hopkins

8th December 1883
Smethwick v Coventry Association – score unknown.

15th Deceember 1883
South Warwickshire Rovers 1-1 Coventry Association

22nd December 1883
Small Heath Swifts v Coventry Association – score unknown

29th December 1883
Coventry Association v Saint John’s United (Birmingham) – score unknown.

5th January 1884
Birmingham Excelsior v Coventry Association – score unknown.

26th January 1884
Coventry Association v Smethwick Raglan (Birmingham) – score unknown.

30th January 1884
Coventry Association 0-1 St John’s United – abandoned, reason not known (0-0 at half time)

2nd February 1884
Birmingham YMCA v Coventry Association – score unknown.
9th February 1884
Coventry Association v Birmingham YMCA – match drawn, score unknown.

16th February 1884
Aston Clarendon v Coventry Association – score unknown.

1st March 1884
Nettlefolds Athletic v Coventry Association – score unknown.

15th March 1884
Coventry Association v Witton Unity – score unknown.

22nd March 1884
Smethwick Raglan v Coventry Association – score unknown.

29th March 1884
Coventry Association 1-5 Birmingham Excelsior

19th April 1884
Coventry Association v Nettlefolds Athletic – score unknown.

26th April 1884
Witton Unity v Coventry Association – score unknown.

1884-85

20th September 1884
Kenneth Rotherham’s XI 0-3 Coventry Association
Scorer: Henry Banks (3).
This was the first match of the season played in front of a small crowd.  Kenneth Rotherham was a famous Coventry Rugby Club player. His team was made up of fellow rugby players. According to the Atherstone/Nuneaton & Warwickshire Times (27/9/1884) the teams lined up in a 1-1-3-6 formation.
Team: Smith (goalkeeper), H. Hill (back), E.Cooke, Burgess, T. Gould (half backs), Reeves, R. V. Smith, J. Jones, J. Collins, Shakespeare, H. Banks (forwards).

4th October 1884
Wednesbury Old Athletic (Staffordshire) 8-0 Coventry Association
At the Oval Ground.
Team: Reeves (goalkeeper), H. Hill (back), H. Banks, J. Collins, Burgess (half backs), W. Lock, Gould, E. Cooke, R. W. Smith, B. Law, J. Jones (forwards).

18th October 1884
Smethwick 7-0 Coventry Association (at Green Lane, Handsworth)

25th October 1884
Coventry Association v Bournville (Birmingham) – game was not played, Bourneville scratched on the day

1st November 1884
Coventry Association 2-5 Aston Villa (Third Team) – game switched from Perry Barr

8th November 1884
Coventry Association 1-1 (or 2-1) Dixon Unity (Birmingham).
Excellent play by the Coventry defence prevented defeat.

15th November 1884
Coventry Association v Arcadians (Birmingham) – score unknown.

22nd November 1884
Coventry Association 4-4 Nechells (Birmingham).
The Birmingham team played with nine men.

29th November 1884
Hay Mills Unity v Coventry Association – score unknown

6th December 1884
Coventry Association had a practice game internally

13th December 1884
Coventry Association 6-0 Birmingham Alliance (replaced Campbell Rovers home fixture)

20th December 1884
Dixon Unity (Birmingham) v Coventry Association – score unknown
At Golden Hillock Road.

27th December 1884
Coventry Association had a practice game internally

3rd January 1885
Sandwell (West Bromwich) v Coventry Association – score unknown

10th January 1885
Coventry Association v Asbury (Birmingham) – score unknown

17th January 1885
Coventry Association v St John’s United (Birmingham) – score unknown

24th January 1885
Coventry Association v Smethwick (Birmingham) – score unknown

31st January 1885
Asbury (Birmingham) v Coventry Association – score unknown

7th February 1885
Bournville v Coventry Association – score unknown

14th February 1885
Coventry Association 0-10 Aston Villa (Reserves/2nds)

21st February 1885
Arcadian (Birmingham) v Coventry Association – score unknown
At Anderton Park Road.

28th February 1885
Coventry Association v Hay Mill Unity (Birmingham) – score unknown.

7th March 1885
Coventry Association v Nechells (Birmingham) – score unknown.

14th March 1885
Coventry Association v Sandwell (West Bromwich) – score unknown.

28th March 1885
Campbell Rovers (Birmingham) v Coventry Association – score unknown.

1885-86

During the close season of 1885 Coventry Association F.C. relocated to a pitch situated in Earlsdon Lane, Earlsdon. It was in a field very near to Earlsdon Lane Farm. Its location today would be directly opposite the junction of Styvechale Avenue and Earlsdon Avenue South. In October 1885, William McCusker, the club’s secretary, was listed as living at 2 Bath Row, Swanswell Street, in the city centre.  Around the same time he is also recorded as residing in a house next door to the City Arms public house in Earlsdon Street. He may have moved to Earlsdon when the club relocated from the Coventry Cricket Grounds in Spon End.

26th September 1885
Singers 0-8 Coventry Association
First match report: (Coventry Independent Journal Wednesday 30/9/1885 written by Drop-Kick, most likely a rugby union correspondent) – “I see our local followers of the dribbling game have commenced operations for the season, the inaugural match taking place on Saturday last between the Coventry Association and a team hailing from the extensive bicycle works of Singer & Company, playing under the title of Challenge F.C. A very good contest I am led to understand it was, but in the end the bicycle representatives gained the verdict.  I have often wondered why the dribbling game has not been taken up in Coventry with more zest. I am sure with the fine array of sprinters we have, we could turn out in a short time, a very good team. I think the only thing wanted is a thorough exponent of the game who would undertake to put our youngsters through the mill.  Surely among our Birmingham friends who are now working in the town, one could be found competent for the work”.
(Coventry Independent Journal Wednesday 7/10/1885 written by Drop-Kick): “In my notes last week, through being misinformed, I stated the match between the Coventry Association and Singer & Company Challenge Works resulted in favour of the latter.  However, I have since learnt that was not the case, and this match was won by the Association by no less than 8 goals to nil”.     

3rd October 1885
Singers 4-0 Hinckley Trinity (Leicestershire).
Coventry Association 2-0 Kenneth Rotherham’s XI, note 1 goal was disputed.
Team: H. Hill (goalkeeper), H. Hutt, T. Gould (full backs), J. Collins, Hodgkiss, H. Banks (half backs), J. Jones, T. Tainty, H. Wilson, F. Cole, Shakespeare (forwards). Hinckley fielded 13 men (Leic. Chronicle 10/10).
Coventry Independent Journal (Wednesday 7/10/1885): “Mr. Rotherham’s team consisted of members of the Coventry RFC and included Alan Rotherham, who proved himself anything but a novice at the game.  He executed one or two smart things during the afternoon, especially when officiating “between the sticks”.  The play of the other members of the team was quite up to what might reasonably be expected of a Rugby team playing under Association rules.  One or two amusing incidents occurred during the game, in the shape of a tendency on the part of Rotherham’s team members to handle the leather (ball), forgetting they were not engaged in their favourite game”. Rotherham’s XI had five Rotherhams in it!

17th October 1885
Singers 2-5 Bedworth Association
Westfield (Harborne) 1-0 Coventry Association

24th October 1885
Singers 4-0 Stoney Stanton (Leicestershire).
Harborne Westfield (Birmingham) 1-0 Coventry Association.
A large number of spectators attended the match. Harborne won the toss and chose to play up the hill in the first half. It was 0-0 at half-time. J.Davis scored the winning goal.

31st October 1885
Singers v Royal Artillery (not played)
Dixons Unity v Coventry Association – score unknown

7th November 1885
Singers 12-1 Royal Artillery (Coventry).
Athletic Reporter Saturday 7/11/1885: “Played on Singers’ Ground, Binley Road, this afternoon, and resulted in a victory for the Singers by 12 goals to 1 goal. The game was very interesting throughout, both teams playing well together.
First team line-up (Singers): Turner (goalkeeper), Barnacle, Herbert (full backs), Heath, Hathaway, Southam (half backs), Bowers, Harris, Stanley, Moseley, Clarke (forwards).
Coventry Association 0-1 Summer Hill

14th November 1885
Singers 2-1 Wellington Rangers (Birmingham).
West Smethwick Carriage Works (Staffordshire) v Coventry Association – score unknown.

21st November 1885
Hinckley Trinity v Singers – score unknown.
Coventry Association v Saint Andrews (Small Heath, Birmingham) – score unknown.
Coventry Association: Law, H Hill, Hodgkiss, H Hunt, H Wilson, JE Smith, H Banks, JC Collins, W Shakespeare, J Grady, T Tainty

28th November 1885
Singers 5-1 Royal Artillery (Coventry).
Athletic Reporter (Saturday 28/11/1885): “After an interesting game victory rested with Singers by 5 goals to 1.  The wind being very strong, accurate play was out of the question”.
Coventry Association v Kingston C & FC (Birmingham) – score unknown

5th December 1885
Saint Asaph’s (Birmingham) v Singers – score unknown.
Coventry Association v Aston Shakespeare (Birmingham) – score unknown.

12th December 1885
Nechells F.C. (Birmingham) v Singers F.C. – score unknown.
Doubt exists whether this game was played as there was a severe frost which caused the postponement of many games.
Coventry Association F.C. (Married XI) 0-2 Coventry Association F.C. (Single XI).
Marrieds: T Smith, H Hill, TE Smith, Spraison, T Gould, Griffiths, Law, H Smith, W Shakespeare, Morris, Reading
Singles: Bland, Hodgkiss, A Quance, H Wilson, Law, F Cole, JC Collins, H Banks, J Grady, Shakespeare, Tainty

19th December 1885
Singers 2-0 15 of the Shop XI (Singer Company).
Benefit match for Eli Edwards, a disabled Singer employee, who lived at 30 Alma Street, Hillfields.
Nuneaton True Blues 1-3 Coventry Association
Note: 1 goal disputed.
Athletic Reporter Saturday 26/12/1885. Football correspondent “Crossbar” wrote: “Our Coventry Association team came home winners in their match with the Nuneaton True Blues. I was glad to see that telegram from them, as I looked forward to the result”.   

26th December 1885
Singers v Barton Rovers (Birmingham) – score unknown.

2nd January 1886
Singers v 15 of the Shop XI (Singer Company) – score unknown.

9th January 1886
Hinckley Rising Star (Leicestershire) v Singers – score unknown.

16th January 1886
Singers 0-9 Coventry Association

23rd January 1886
Wellington Rangers v Singers – score unknown.
Hinckley (possibly Rising Star) (Leicestershire) v Coventry Association – score unknown.

30th January 1886
Coventry Association 1-3 West Smethwick Carriage Works (Staffordshire).

6th February 1886
Singers v Nechells – score unknown.
Saint Andrews v Coventry Association – score unknown.

13th February 1886
Singers v Bedworth (Warwickshire) – score unknown.
Coventry Association training/practice match.

20th February 1886
Kingston Metal Works (Birmingham) v Singers – score unknown.
At Coventry Road, Kingston, Birmingham.
The Birmingham Mail newspaper (19/2/1886) described Kingston’s opponents as “Singers Athletic Association”.
Summer Hill (Birmingham) v Coventry Association – score unknown.

27th February 1886
Singers 1-3 Hinckley Rising Star
Coventry Association v Dixon’s Unity – score unknown.

6th March 1886
Bolton Rovers v Singers – score unknown.
Coventry Association F.C. v Harborne Westfield F.C. (Birmingham). – score unknown.

13th March 1886
Barton Rovers v Singers – score unknown.
Coventry Association v Hinckley (possibly Rising Star) – score unknown.

20th March 1886
Singers v Saint Asaph’s – score unknown. This game may have been postponed.
A St. Asaph’s XI played a match against St. James (Handsworth) on this day.
Bedworth v Coventry Association – score unknown).

27th March 1886
Coventry Association v Nuneaton True Blues – score unknown.

3rd April 1886
Coventry Association v Wellington Rangers – score unknown.

17th April 1886
Aston Shakespeare (Birmingham) v Coventry Association – score unknown.

Coventry Association F.C. disbanded at the end of this season.
The formation of Rudge Football Club in February 1889 provided Singers with a new local rival. 

1886-87

25th September 1886
Singers F.C. 9-2 Shop XI (Singer Company)

2nd October 1886
Bedworth F.C. 1-1 Singers F.C.

9th October 1886
Singers F.C. 2-1 Hinckley Trinity F.C

16th October 1886
Singers F.C. 2-1 Bedworth F.C.

23rd October 1886
Singers F.C. 0-0 Wellington Rangers (Birmingham)

30th October 1886
Singers v Hinckley Rising Star (postponed)
Singers 7-0 Young Mens Welcome

6th November 1886
Singers F.C. 2-3 Small Heath Forwards (first defeat)

13th November 1886
Small Heath Star of Hope 3-3 Singers F.C.

20th November 1886
Singers F.C. 1-0 Nuneaton True Blues F.C.

27th November 1886
Singers F.C. 7-0 Cheylesmore Association

4th December 1886
Nuneaton True Blues v Singers F.C. (possibly not played)

11th December 1886
Singers F.C. 3-0 Saint Gabriel’s F.C. (Birmingham).
Kick-off 3.15pm.
Scorers: Bowers, Moseley, Rainbow.
Team: Poole (goalkeeper), Collins (captain), Barnacle (full backs), Rainbow, Hathaway, Hardy (half backs), Turner, Bowers, Moseley, Banks, Jenkins (forwards).
The visitors won the toss and decided to start with a strong wind in their favour. An excellent attack led by Frank Moseley and Harry Banks resulted in a corner, eventually the ball was cleared. Saint Gabriel’s had a goal disallowed for offside in the first half. A brilliant tackle by Joe Collins gave Singers possession, which led to Bowers scoring just before half-time. One of the goals in the second half was disputed by Saint Gabriel’s. Some sources therefore indicate a 2-0 win.

18th December 1886
Singers F.C. 4-0 Royal Artillery (1-0 at half time)
Scorers: Bowers (15 mins), Mosley, Banks, Rainbow (89 mins)
Team: A Poole, J Collins, Brown, H Hathaway, S Heath, Jenkins, F Moseley, H Banks, Rainbow, G Bowers (Singers played with 10 men)
Record on Christmas Day P12 W8 D3 L1 F41 A11

1st January 1887
Singers F.C. v Pickwicks (Coventry) – possibly not played

8th January 1887
Singers F.C. v Hinckley Trinity – possibly not played

15th January 1887
Singers F.C. 7-0 Cheylesmore F.C. (Rugby).

22nd January 1887
Small Heath Forwards F.C. (Birmingham) 3-2 Singers F.C.

29th January 1887
Singers F.C. v Earl Shilton F.C. (Leicestershire) – score unknown, possibly postponed.

5th February 1887
Singers F.C. 16-2 Pickwicks F.C. (Coventry).

12th February 1887
Singers F.C. 9-0 Hinckley Rising Star F.C.  

19th February 1887
Earl Shilton F.C. v Singers F.C. – postponed.
Singers F.C. 4-0 Royal Artillery F.C. (Coventry).

5th March 1887
Singers F.C. 3-3 Small Heath Star of Hope F.C. (Birmingham).

12th March 1887
Saint Gabriel’s F.C. (possibly 0-3) Singers F.C.

19th March 1887
Wellington Rangers F.C. 0-0 Singers F.C.

Date unknown.
Singers F.C. 20-0 Plimmer’s XI (Coventry).
The opposing eleven were selected by Charles Plimmer who worked as a bicycle machinist at the Singer factory.

(Coventry Reporter Saturday 2/4/1887):
Singers Football Club season record – Played 14, Won 10, Drawn 3, Lost 1.
The only defeat was on 22 January in the away fixture against Small Heath Forwards F.C. (Birmingham) who beat Singers 3-2.    

1887-88

Singers F.C. jerseys (shirts): Navy (blue) and white vertical stripes (MDT 23/11/1891).

Date unknown. Singers F.C. 1-1 Small Heath Unity F.C. (Birmingham)
Date unknown. Small Heath Forwards F.C. 3-1 Singers F.C.

8th October 1887
Singers F.C. 6-0 Hinckley Rising Star F.C.

Date unknown
Small Heath Unity F.C. 3-2 Singers F.C.

9th November 1887
Birmingham Junior Cup 1st Round.
Small Heath Alliance F.C. (Birmingham) forfeited the game to Singers F.C.
(source Birmingham & District Football Association Minute Book).

12th November 1887
Singers F.C. 2-2 Coleshill F.C. (Warwickshire).
Scorers: Moseley, Kirk.
Team: Poole (goalkeeper), Collins, Bowkett (full backs), Hathaway, Barnacle, Edmond (half backs), Moseley, Banks, Heath, Kirk, Duggins (forwards).
Coleshill Chronicle (Saturday 19th).  Referring to the Stoke Road Ground the newspaper’s football correspondent wrote: “For the first time since the formation of the club, the Coleshill footballers were last Saturday pitted against citizens of ancient Coventry, their opponents being employees of the Singer firm.  The small elevated field in which the match took place is very prettily situated, being a miniature plateau pleasantly surrounded with trees.  It is a pleasing specimen of beauty for which Warwickshire is so widely famed”.  Also: “The Colehill party returned to Marston Green about 8 o’clock.  Before walking through the gloom which lay between them and home, they spent a short time pleasantly at the village tavern.  There the health of the captain (Smith – Coleshill’s right full back) was drunk with musical honours”.

19th November 1887 (possibly)
Nuneaton True Blues F.C. 0-5 Singers F.C.

26th November 1887
Singers F.C. 4-0 Bournville Villa F.C. (Birmingham).
Birmingham Junior Cup 2nd Round.
Scorers: Banks (3), Moseley.
Referee: Mr. Cooke (Aston Villa).
Team: Poole (goalkeeper), Collins, Bowkett (full backs), Canning, Hathaway, Edmond (half backs), Moseley, Banks, Heath, Bowers. Kirk (forwards).
The Vocalists competed in this competition for the first time. Joe Collins won the toss and decided to start with the advantage of a strong wind.  Bournville put pressure on the home defence in the opening stages, which saw Collins make some important tackles. Walter Edmond put in a dangerous cross from a corner which resulted in Frank Moseley heading over the bar. Moseley then turned provider with a cross for George Bowers, but the diminutive striker failed to connect. Bowers redeemed himself moments later, when he centred for Harry Banks to head the ball past Satterthwarte, the Bournville goalkeeper. Banks scored again with a great finish after dribbling past several opponents.  Singers led 2-0 at half-time. Moseley and Banks added two more goals early in the second half. The visitors had several attacks in a good spell, but excellent defending by Harry Bowkett, Harry Hathaway and Collins helped Singers keep a clean sheet. This victory was the beginning of a romantic cup run.  It propelled the Vocalists into the semi-final stages and raised the eyebrows of many football enthusiasts in the Midlands.

7th December 1887
Birmingham Junior Cup 3rd Round.
Singers F.C. received a bye into the next round
(source: Birmingham & District Football Association Minute Book).

31st December 1887
Hinckley Rising Star F.C. 0-3 Singers F.C.

7th January 1888
Small Heath Star of Hope F.C. 1-2 Singers F.C.

14th January 1888
Joseph Collins XI 3-1 Samuel Heath XI.
(A hastily arranged game due to Hinckley Trinity F.C. failing to fulfil the original fixture).

28th January 1888
Singers F.C. 6-1 Stafford Road Reserves F.C. (Wolverhampton).
Birmingham Junior Cup 4th Round.
Scorers: Banks (4), Moseley, Kirk.
Team: Poole (goalkeeper), Collins, Bowkett (full backs), Barnacle, Canning, Edmond (half backs), Moseley, Banks, Heath, Bowers, Kirk (forwards).
The Stafford Road club was formed by Charles Crump in 1876 after recruiting players employed at the Stafford Road Railway Factory in Wolverhampton.  Crump was elected to the English Football Association Committee in 1883.  He was also a highly respected member of the Birmingham & District Football Association.  Harry Banks opened the scoring with a goal which took a deflection off a defender.  Stafford then had a short spell of pressure, but robust defending by Harry Bowkett and Joe Collins kept Singers’ goal intact.  Banks scored his second goal when he beat Phillips, the visiting goalkeeper, with a thunderous shot described as “a daisy cutter”.  Allen looked certain to pull a goal back for Stafford, but was thwarted by Walter Edmond, who made a brilliant tackle.  Banks completed his “hat-trick” just before half-time.  The Vocalists led 3-0 at the interval.  The visitors almost scored when a shot by Buckingham, the Stafford half back, shaved a post.  A few minutes later Banks netted his fourth goal.  Watkiss pulled a goal back for Stafford from a corner taken by Suthard.   Then came a controversial incident.  George Bowers was sent off by the referee, William McGregor (Aston Villa), for kicking an opponent.  Bowers accepted his punishment but told the referee he had been kicked twice by the Stafford player.  At this point the home supporters shouted encouragement with “Play Up Singers-s-s-s” which seemed to galvanise the ten men.  Kirk attacked down the right wing and his centre was driven home by Frank Mosley.  Kirk then scored a superb individual goal to give the Vocalists a great victory.

4th February 1888
Singers F.C. 3-0 Small Heath Star of Hope F.C.
30 minutes each way.
Scorers: Banks, Oldfield, Heath.
Team: Poole (goalkeeper), Collins, Barnacle (full backs), Hutt, Canning, Edmond (half backs), Moseley, Banks Heath, Oldfield, Kirk (forwards).
Heavy rain had made the pitch wet and slippery. Star of Hope won the toss and elected to defend the Swan Lane goal. The Vocalists dominated early play. It was only magnificent defending by Hope full backs Davis and Pedley, and goalkeeper Short, which prevented a goal being conceded. A great centre from the right wing enabled Harry Banks to give the home side a 1-0 lead at half-time. The Hope defence came under pressure early in the second half with shots by Kirk, Edmond and Banks going narrowly wide of the posts. Oldfield made it 2-0 when he netted from close range. Moments later Sam Heath scored Singers’ third goal. This was their sixth successive win, scoring 23 goals in the process and only conceding 2. 

11th February 1888
Singers F.C. 4-1 Small Heath Forwards F.C.
Scorers: Banks (2), Kirk, Moseley.
Team: Poole (goalkeeper), Collins, Bowkett (full backs), Hutt, Canning, Edmond (half backs), Moseley, Banks, Heath, Jennings, Kirk (forwards).
Joe Collins won the toss and elected to kick up the hill with wind advantage. Andrew Poole, Singers goalkeeper, received loud cheers for making three superb saves in quick succession. The home side forced a series of corners which came to nothing.  Harry Banks scored for the Vocalists with an excellent low shot. A great attack involving all five forwards resulted in Kirk making it 2-0 as half-time approached. Play was of an even nature early in the second half, until Pretty pulled a goal back for the visitors from a right wing cross. Banks secured a third goal for Singers with a shot described as a “screw-kick”. Frank Moseley netted the fourth goal from a corner taken by Walter Edmond.

18th February 1888
Singers F.C. 11-0 Godiva Rovers F.C. (Coventry)
Scorers: Kirk (4), Heath (2), Edmond, Banks, Canning, Jennings, Bowkett.
Team: Poole (goalkeeper), Collins, Bowkett (full backs), Hutt, Canning, Edmond (half backs), Heath, Banks, Duggins, Jennings, Kirk (forwards).
The original fixture for this day was an away game against Nuneaton True Blues F.C. Harry Hathaway (Singers F.C. Secretary) received a postcard on the morning of the match stating Nuneaton had cancelled the fixture due to the bad condition of the pitch. At the eleventh hour Rovers consented to play against the Vocalists, who were thankful for a competitive game prior to their important semi-final clash with Victoria F.C.  

25th February 1888
Victoria F.C. (Birmingham) 3-2 Singers F.C.
Birmingham Junior Cup Semi-Final.
Scorers: Kirk, Heath.
At the Trinity Road Ground, Witton, Birmingham (home of Aston Unity F.C.).
Referee: Mr. W. Nicholls (B&DFA Executive Committee).
Team: Poole (goalkeeper), Collins, Bowkett (full backs), Barnacle, Canning, Edmond (half backs), Bowers, Kirk, Heath, Moseley, Banks (forwards).
The pitch was covered in snow and it snowed throughout the game. Early on both teams had plenty of attacks.  Harry Banks had a goal disallowed for offside. Victoria led 1-0 at half-time through a hotly disputed goal by F. James. Supporters from Coventry and the Singers officials all claimed offside, but their protests were ignored by the referee. After the match George Maley, who was covering the cup tie for the Coventry Reporter newspaper, said he was in a very good position to judge and confirmed James was offside. Early in the second half Singers forced two corners which came to nothing. Victoria scored a second goal from a quick counter-attack. Teddy Kirk pulled a goal back for the Vocalists before the home side registered a third goal. Undaunted, Singers continued to fight and were rewarded with a goal by Sam Heath. Victoria now came under a lot of pressure, but their defence held out.  

3rd March 1888
Singers F.C. 14-0 Nuneaton True Blues F.C.
Scorers: Banks, Kirk, Heath, Turner, Poole plus 9 goals scorers unknown.
Team: Poole (goalkeeper), Collins, Barnacle (full backs), Jennings, Canning, Edmond (half backs), Moseley, Banks, Turner, Heath, Kirk (forwards).

10th March 1888
Singers F.C. v Birchfield Harriers F.C. – score unknown.

17th March 1888
Singers F.C. 2-2 Bournville F.C. (Birmingham).
Scorers: Moseley, Banks.
Team: Poole (goalkeeper), Collins, Bowkett (full backs), Barnacle, Hathaway, Edmond (half backs), Moseley, Banks, Turner, Canning, Kirk (forwards).

24th March 1888
Bournville F.C. 1-3 Singers F.C.
Scorers: unknown.
At the Stirchley Street Ground.
Team: Poole (goalkeeper), Collins, Rogers (full backs), Edmond, Canning, Hollis (half backs), Moseley, Heath, Turner, Jennings, Banks (forwards).
This was a sensational victory against a team which had reached the 3rd Round of the Football Association Cup. Singers arrived at the ground with only nine men after Harry Barnacle and Harry Bowkett arrived at the railway station late, and missed their train. The Vocalists were assisted by two (local?) players in Rogers and Hollis.  Bournville started strongly but after about 20 minutes it became an even contest. In the first half Thomas Canning had to leave the pitch for a while after receiving a vicious kick from an opponent. The match was very physical at times which later resulted in Sam Heath finishing the game with a black eye. Prior to kick-off the Bournville secretary, Mr. F. Morgan, was quite arrogant as he sensed an easy win for his team. A conversation took place between him and Joe Collins:
Morgan: “I am sorry you have not brought all your team”.
Collins: “Well, we thought it would be better to bring what men we could get together rather than disappoint you”.
Morgan: “We have our best team in today and we thought if you could have brought your full strength, you would have been able to give us a good game”.  Joe Collins said nothing.  The Singers players went onto the pitch and silenced Morgan and the Bournville crowd by achieving a stunning victory.

Monday 2nd April 1888
Singers F.C. 0-7 Victoria F.C. (Birmingham).
Team unknown.
The Vocalists slumped to their first home defeat of the season. The game was played on a Bank Holiday. A report in the Coventry Reporter (7/4/1888) implied the Singers players had been celebrating the previous night, due to the fact they did not have to go to work the following day. Quote: “When they turned out on the field, the majority of the players were in a totally unfit state to face a trying match, and a sound thrashing was the natural consequence. For Singers, Canning was the best of the defenders and Banks was a fairly good forward. Of the others, it would be a difficult matter to tell which played the worst. This heavy defeat has marred what has otherwise been a most successful season. No doubt it will teach Singers not to play so lightly with their reputation”.

7th April 1888
Singers F.C. 1-7 Langley Green Victoria F.C. (Oldbury).
Scorer: Banks.
Benefit match for Coventry & Warwickshire Hospital. At the Coventry Cricket Ground, Butts, Spon End.
Team: Poole (goalkeeper), Collins, Edmond (full backs), Buckingham, Hathaway, Canning (half backs), Moseley, Banks, Reeves, Kirk, Heath (forwards).
Joe Collins won the toss and decided to kick towards the pavilion end in the first half. Langley Green were by far the best team Singers had faced all season and their dominant performance proved it. They led 4-0 at half-time.  Harry Banks pulled a goal back for the home side when he beat Hinckley, the Langley goalkeeper, with a hard, low shot from 20 yards.  A mistake by Poole let in Langley to score number five, after he rushed from his goal and completely missed the ball.  A few minutes later the Vocalists received another blow. Fred Buckingham, who had been excellent all game, had to retire due to a nasty leg injury, which reduced Singers to ten men.  Langley notched another two goals before time was called.  Harry Banks and Frank Moseley played really well for Singers and Joe Collins was simply outstanding.    

14th April 1888
Langley Green Victoria F.C. 5-3 Singers F.C.
Team: Poole (goalkeeper), Collins, Bowkett (full backs), Buckingham, unknown, Canning (half backs), Moseley plus 4 others (forwards).
The team, officials and supporters travelled by train to Birmingham and then onto Oldbury in the Black Country. From Oldbury train station they had to walk about two miles before arriving at the Causeway Green Ground. The game was a bruising affair which left Buckingham, Collins and Kirk with bad injuries. Poole also received some rough treatment, but he performed very well despite conceding five goals. Singers were the better team in the first half and thoroughly deserved their 3-1 lead at half-time. In the second half Langley became very physical which Singers found difficult to deal with. The home side registered four goals during this period.  With literally seconds remaining, Frank Moseley looked certain to score when he had the goal at his mercy, but the referee’s whistle brought an abrupt end to the game. The Vocalists gave a good account of themselves, but three defeats in a row was a disappointing way to end the season. 

1887-88 season review: Played 20, Won 11, Drawn 3, Lost 6, Goals For 75, Goals Against 37. 

1888-89

(Midland Daily Telegraph 19/9/1936 written by Walter Harris):
“The earliest known Balance Sheet (1887/1888 season) records the income for the season was £31, 8 shillings & 7 pence, made up of Subscriptions £14, 8 shillings & 6 pence and £17, 0 shillings & 1 penny Gate Money.  Expenses were £26 & 13 shillings. The balance of £4, 15 shillings & 7 pence was invested in the (Coventry) Building Society”. These financial results relate to the first season at the Stoke Road Ground. 

Midland Counties Reporter Saturday 8 September 1888: “The club shows on its books 26 honorary members and 28 playing members. A Reserve Team is rapidly being organised. Ladies will be admitted free to all their (home) matches”. Singers F.C. held their Annual General Meeting at the Cricketers Arms public house on Tuesday 21/8/1888. A decision was made to “rail off” the playing area to prevent spectators encroaching onto the pitch, which often impeded the view of other people in the crowd.  

6th October 1888
Singers F.C. 1-2 Mitchell Saint George’s Reserves F.C.
Scorer: Banks.
Team: Poole (goalkeeper), Collins, Bowkett (full backs), Buckingham, Edmond, Canning (half backs), Heath Kirk, G. Dorrell, Suthard, Banks (forwards).

13th October 1888
Hawkes F.C. (Birmingham) 0-3 Singers F.C.
Scorers: Banks, Turner, G. Dorrell.
Team: Poole (goalkeeper), Collins, Turner, Webster, Banks, G. Dorrell plus 6 others unknown.
The match was played at the Bristol Road Ground in Selly Oak. This was the first time the two teams had met.  The game was nothing more than a farce as there was no referee, just two umpires (linesmen). The Vocalists had goals by Banks and Turner disallowed after the umpires could not agree as to whether they were legitimate or not. Singers led 2-0 at half-time.
Singers Reserves fulfilled their first ever fixture on the same day. They played Excelsior Nondescripts at the Stoke Road Ground. Excelsior had not played the “dribbling game” before and were very much a novice side. The Reserves, captained by Harry Barnacle, won 4-0 with goals by Grady, Fox, Ashmore and W. Heath.  

20th October 1888
Singers F.C. 0-3 Unity Gas F.C. (Birmingham).

27th October 1888
Singers F.C. 4-0 Birchfield Harriers Reserves F.C. (Birmingham).
Birmingham Junior Cup 1st Round.
Scorers: Canning, Heath, G. Dorrell, Moseley.
Team: Poole (goalkeeper), Collins, Bowkett (full backs), Buckingham, Edmond, Canning (half backs), Heath, Moseley, G. Dorrell, Suthard, Banks (forwards).
The first half was very even and it was 0-0 at half-time. The Vocalists dominated the second 45 minutes to win convincingly.  

3rd November 1888
Singers F.C. 2-3 Birchfield Harriers F.C.
Scorers: Moseley, Heath.
Team: Poole (goalkeeper), Collins, Bowkett (full backs), Buckingham, Edmond, Suthard (half backs), G. Doppell, Banks, Canning, Moseley Heath (forwards).
A week later the Birchfield first team provided much stiffer opposition. The game was played in atrocious weather – a howling wind and drizzling rain. Singers trailed 3-0 at half-time. They were the better team after the interval and pulled two goals back, but could not find an equaliser.

10th November 1888
Victoria F.C. 1-0 Singers F.C.
At the Fentham Road Ground, Birchfield.
Team unknown.
Several Singers players arrived late at the Ground which meant the duration of the game was 35 minutes each way. Victoria were the current holders of the Birmingham Junior Cup. The Vocalists played uphill in the first half with the wind in their favour. A terrific shot by Harry Banks almost gave Singers an early lead, but the ball struck a post and was cleared. Soon after a controversial incident happened. A shot by a Singers player was punched away by a defender. The ball was returned to the goal-area and Singers scored. They did not appeal for the hand-ball offence, but claimed a goal. The referee ignored their appeal and gave a free-kick for hand-ball. The only goal of the game was scored by Phil Vaughton just before half-time.  

17th November 1888
Gerontes F.C. (Rugby) 2-2 Singers F.C.
Scorers; Moseley, Banks.
Team: Poole (goalkeeper), Collins, Bowkett (full backs), Buckingham, Edmond, Suthard (half backs), Heath, Moseley, Kirk, Banks, G. Dorell (forwards).

24th November 1888
Singers F.C. 2 – 0 Hockley F.C. (Birmingham).
Scorers: Cashmore, Ball (own goal).
Team: Turner (goalkeeper), Collins, Bowkett (full backs), Buckingham, Edmond, Canning (half backs), Moseley, Cashmore, Kirk, Banks, G. Dorrell (forwards).
Prior to this match Hockley were undefeated. Teddy Kirk, now back in action after his recent illness, took his place at centre-forward. An effort by Thomas Canning hit a post before Tom Cashmore opened the scoring with an accurate low shot. George Dorrell was forced off the pitch after sustaining a serious injury. He was taken to hospital in a taxi cab, but after treatment was allowed to go home. Then Joe Collins was winded but got back on his feet again and continued. Playing with ten men and against the wind in the second half, made things difficult for the home side. However, they soon increased their lead. Fred Buckingham’s excellent corner kick deceived the Hockley goalkeeper, who misjudged the flight of the ball and conceded an own goal. The last few minutes were played out in semi-darkness. 

1st December 1888
Singers F.C. 10-0 Asbury F.C. (Birmingham).
Birmingham Junior Cup 2nd Round.
Scorers: Cashmore (3), Heath (2), Collins (2), Kirk, Banks plus 1 unknown.
Team: Poole (goalkeeper), Collins, Bowkett (full backs), Edmond, Buckingham, Canning (half backs),Heath, Moseley, Kirk, Banks, Cashmore (forwards).
Asbury F.C. was based in the Camp Hill district of Birmingham. The game was refereed by Mr. H. Marsh (Birmingham). The Vocalists led 2-0 at half-time thanks to two goalkeeping mistakes by Rose in the Asbury goal. He failed to stop a long shot from Thomas Cashmore and then fumbled an effort from the same player, which allowed Harry Banks to knock the ball home. It was one-way traffic in the second half. Asbury struggled to make any impact in the game and were simply outclassed. When Banks made it 10-0 it prompted loud cheers from the home supporters. Cashmore, already on a “hat-trick”, scored again, but his effort was disallowed after Rose was impeded by a steward, who was trying to bring order to a portion of the excited crowd.  

8th December 1888
Singers F.C. 2-0 Smethwick Britannia F.C. (Birmingham).
Scorers: Cashmore plus 1 unknown.
Team: Poole (goalkeeper), Buckingham, Collins (full backs), Banks, Brown, Edmond (half backs), Smith, G. Dorrell, Heath, Cashmore, J. Edwards (forwards). 

15th December 1888
Singers F.C. 2-0 Headingley F.C. (Birmingham).
Scorers: Heath, Cashmore.
Team: Poole (goalkeeper), Bowkett, Edmond, Canning (defenders), Moseley, Banks, Smith, Cashmore, Heath (forwards) plus 2 others unknown.

Wednesday 26th December 1888
Singers F.C. 1-13 Mitchell Saint George’s F. C.
Christmas Pantomime Match.
Team: Collins (goalkeeper), Buckingham, Edmond (full backs), Banks, Canning, G. Dorrell (half backs), Heath, Cashmore, Tyler, Whitehouse, Bell (forwards).
This was not recognised as a competitive match. (Midland Counties Reporter 29/12/1888): “The pantomime between Singers and Mitchell’s should decidedly be renowned among the greatest novelties of this festive season”. Most of the Singers players turned up in an intoxicated state! Several of their players arrived at the ground without football boots and George Dorrell played minus his boot laces. The Vocalists did not have a recognised goalkeeper and three strangers were pressed into service to make up their team.   

29th December 1888
Singers F.C. 3-0 Unity Gas F.C.
Birmingham Junior Cup 3rd Round.
Scorers: G. Dorrell (2), Cashmore.
Crowd circa 1,400.
Referee: Sammy Durban (Aston Unity F.C.).
Team: Kirk (goalkeeper), Collins, Bowkett (full backs), Buckingham, Canning, Edmond (half backs), Smith, Banks, G. Dorrell, Heath, Cashmore (forwards).
Three days later everyone had sobered up. Unity Gas were high quality opposition. Singers led 1-0 at half-time after George Dorrell’s shot had beaten Jackson, the Unity goalkeeper. Teddy Kirk made two excellent saves to keep the lead intact prior to the interval. A great move in the second half involving Sam Heath and Tom Cashmore led to the latter scoring the second goal. The same two players combined to set-up Dorrell for the third, after Jackson had taken up a poor position. The Vocalists centre-forward simply dribbled the ball between the posts unchallenged. Centre Forward (football correspondent for the Coventry Mercury) commented after the game: “I am firmly of the opinion the association game is destined ere long to exceed in the public estimation the time honoured rugby rules in Coventry. Up to the present the pick-up game has held full sway in the city, from the fact the dribbling code found no favour with us. Now however, a change is being brought about. A game that only one or two seasons ago was looked upon with indifference in Coventry, is rapidly gaining in public favour. About 1,400 spectators put in an appearance at Stoke Road, thus establishing what has been termed as a record gate”.

5th January 1889
Singers F.C. 2-1 Royal Warwickshire Regiment F.C.
Scorers: Smith (2).
Crowd circa 900.
Team: Kirk (goalkeeper), Lee, Bowkett (full backs), Buckingham, Canning, Edmond (half backs), Smith, Banks, Collins, Heath, Cashmore (forwards).
The Royal Warwicks, although at this time stationed in Fermoy, Ireland, wanted this game to be their first fixture having come to England. Their team was composed entirely of Warwickshire men, some of them formerly belonging to football clubs based in Birmingham and the surrounding district. Jack Lee, the famous Rudge cyclist, made his debut at right back for Singers. Davis scored in the 30th minute to give the Warwicks a 1-0 half-time lead. A shot by Harry Banks hit a post early in the second half before Smith equalised. The winning goal came after Cashmore sent in a dangerous cross which Smith drilled home. After the match both teams were treated to a substantial meal at the Alexandra Coffee Tavern in Ford Street, city centre. 

19th January 1889
Singers F.C. 5-1 Hawkes F.C.
Scorers: Smith, Edmond, Field (own goal), Cashmore, Bowkett.
Team: Kirk (goalkeeper), Collins, Bowkett (full backs), Buckingham, Canning, Suthard (half backs), Edmond, Smith, Lee, Heath, Cashmore (forwards).

2nd February 1889
Victoria F.C. 5-1 Singers F.C.
Birmingham Junior Cup 4th Round.
At the Fentham Road Ground, Birchfield.
Scorer: Moseley.
Team: Kirk (goalkeeper), Bowkett, Collins (full backs), Edmond, Canning, Buckingham (half backs), Heath, Cashmore, Moseley, Smith Banks (forwards).
The “Victorias” were Junior Cup holders and red-hot favourites to win this cup tie. The official Singers party left Coventry on the 12.53pm train to Birmingham and were followed an hour later by a large number of supporters. The home side established an early 2-0 lead, but not without controversy. Having conceded the second goal, Teddy Kirk went to retrieve the ball. Whilst doing this he was brutally charged by James, the force of which caused the Vocalists goalkeeper to smash his head against a crowd barrier. Kirk was knocked out instantly and remained unconscious for several minutes. James should have been sent off, but the referee, Mr. S. Law, took no action. During the time when Kirk lay on the ground a large number of spectators encroached onto the pitch and a crowd invasion seemed likely. Thankfully order was restored. Kirk recovered sufficiently and saw the game out. Singers conceded three more goals in quick succession during the second half. The general consensus was that the Vocalists had an “off day”. However, the Kirk incident might have been a factor in their below par performance in the second half. George Maley commented regarding the appalling challenge on Kirk: “I am sorry to have to mete out such severe condemnation, but I am compelled to do so. It was one of the most foul pieces of work I have ever seen on a football field”.

9th February 1889
Singers F.C. 6-0 Nechells Clifton F.C. (Birmingham).
Scorers: Howell (2), Cashmore (2), Heath (2).
Team: Howell, Cashmore, Heath plus 8 unknown.

23rd February 1889
Singers F.C. 3-0 Gerontes F.C.
Scorers: Howell, Jenkins (own goal), Shaw.
Team: Kirk (goalkeeper), Collins, Bowkett (full backs), Suthard, Canning, Edmond (half backs), Howell, Banks, Shaw, Heath, Cashmore (forwards).

2nd March 1889 Aston Shakespeare F.C. (Birmingham) 2-2 Singers F.C.
Scorers: Cashmore, Shaw.
Team: Kirk (goalkeeper), Collins, Edmond (full backs), Moseley, Canning, G. Dorrell (half backs), Howell, Banks, Shaw, Heath, Cashmore (forwards).

16th March 1889
Gerontes F.C. 2-2 Singers F.C.
Scorers: Kirk, Edmond.
Team: W. Cashmore (goalkeeper), Collins, Suthard (full backs), Mowe, G. Dorrell, Buckingham (half backs), Kirk, Heath, Edmond, T. Cashmore plus 1 other (forwards).
Harry Banks, Thomas Canning, Will Howell and Walter Shaw were all unavailable. To make matters worse Harry Bowkett and Smith missed their train to Rugby. Somehow the Vocalists scraped together eleven players. This included an unknown guest who played at centre-forward and was very poor! The home side included Kevitt Rotherham, the rugby union player, who played on the left-wing.  

23rd March 1889
Singers F.C. 6-0 Victoria F.C.
Scorers; Banks (2), Mowe, Cashmore, Howell, Heath.
Referee: George Maley.
Team: Kirk (goalkeeper), Collins, Suthard (full backs), Buckingham, Canning, Edmond (half backs), Howell, Banks, Mowe, Heath, Cashmore (forwards).
The Vocalists were looking for revenge against a team which had inflicted four consecutive defeats and no doubt had not forgotten about the “Kirk incident”. Surprisingly, the Victorias arrived at the Stoke Road Ground with only ten players. Ogden, their trainer, volunteered to play in goal. This enabled their goalkeeper, Withers, to play on the right wing. The first half was virtually one-way traffic as Singers established a 4-0 half-time lead.  In the second half they had a goal disallowed for offside before Sam Heath and Harry Banks completed the rout.      

30th March 1889
Singers F.C. 4-4 Gerontes F.C.
Scorers: Cashmore (2), Banks (2).
Team: Kirk (goalkeeper), Collins, Suthard (full backs), Edmond, Canning, Buckingham (half backs), Howell, Banks, G. Dorrell, Heath, Cashmore (forwards).
This was a charity game for the benefit of the Coventry Cycle & General Iron Trades Self Help Society, which had over 800 members. The match was refereed by George Maley, assisted by linesmen Frank Moseley and George Bowers. The Gerontes team included two brothers, Kevitt Rotherham and R. A. Rotherham, who were well-known Coventry RFC players. Gerontes led 2-1 at half-time.  A total of £7, 16 shillings & 4 pence was raised.

13th April 1889
Singers F.C. 0 – 2 Unity Gas F.C.
Team: Kirk (goalkeeper), Collins, Edmond (full backs), Mowe, Canning, G. Dorrell (half backs), Howell, Banks, Shaw, Heath, Cashmore (forwards).
There had been heavy rain for several days prior to the game, but the pitch was in good condition. The Gas had previously defeated West Bromwich Albion Reserves F.C. and Victoria F.C., which enhanced their reputation of being a very capable team. Singers started strongly.  A shot by Will Howell within a couple of minutes clipped the Gas crossbar. Additional efforts by Harry Banks and Tom Cashmore tested Webb, the Unity goalkeeper.  It had been a fairly even first half, but the visitors had a 1-0 lead at half-time thanks to a goal by Green. The players had to deal with a strong wind blowing across the pitch in the second half. Gas doubled their lead from a dangerous counter-attack.  A centre from Cruse found Short and he scored with an excellent header. An injury to Joe Collins forced a stoppage in play for a few minutes, but he recovered sufficiently to carry on. Near the end Walter Shaw had an opportunity to pull a goal back for Singers, but he was superbly tackled by Summerfield before he could get his shot away.

1888-89 season review: Played 22, Won 12, Drawn 4, Lost 6, Goals For 62, Goals Against 28.
In his Review of the Season George Maley wrote: “A certain sign the game will continue in its present advance is the fact it is being taken up zealously by the juvenile population, and it is certain to grow with them. A stranger passing through the city between half past one and two on any week day, would little dream the game was so new to Coventry. In front of various factories he would find crowds of youngsters kicking anything from an old kettle or a tied up piece of rag, and going at it with as much energy as if the welfare of the British Empire depended upon their efforts. In the evening we may drop across groups of these useful dribblers discussing the relative merits of Singers’ players, and the noticeable features of the most recent match. If we pause a few seconds to listen, we shall find they discuss the subject with such gravity and wisdom, that would not shame the August assembly at Westminster”.

1889-90

1. Singers F.C. jerseys (shirts): Sky Blue with white facings (Singers F.C. v Rudge F.C. 12/10/1889 as described in the book Singers to Sky Blues (1986).
2. Singers F.C. Jerseys (shirts): Pink & Blue (Coventry Reporter newspaper 23/11/1889). George Stanley wore a pink & blue race jacket when performing his trial races at the Brooklands Racetrack, riding Singer motorcycles.

The AGM was held at the White Lion Hotel on Thursday 18 July 1889. James Morgan informed the meeting the football club had made a profit of £17 for the previous season. He also stated approximately 7,000 supporters had paid an admission charge for home matches, out of around 12,000 people who had watched the games. The non-paying attendees were most likely special guests and very young children. Match advertisements also stated ladies had free admission to games. George Singer was re-elected President of Singers F.C. and received a huge roar of laughter when he said: “If I thought my presence would be conducive to the better play of the club, I would certainly endeavour to see them play more often. I believe in athletic pastimes and enter into them myself, but not football, and at my age I do not think I will commence”.

5th October 1889
Singers F.C. 2-1 Smethwick Carriage Works F.C. (Birmingham).
Scorers: Heath, W. Dorrell.
Crowd circa 700.
Team: Kirk (goalkeeper), Collins, Edmond (full backs), Hornsby, Canning, G. Dorrell (half backs), Howell, Banks, Heath, W. Dorrell, Cashmore (forwards).

12th October 1889
Singers F.C. 2 – 0 Rudge F.C. (Coventry). Heath, W. Dorrell.
Team: Kirk (goalkeeper), Collins, Edmond (full backs), Hornsby, Canning, G. Dorrell (half backs), Cashmore, Howell, Heath, W. Dorrell, Banks (forwards).
The game kicked off 30 minutes late due to several players not arriving at the Stoke Road Ground on time.  Singers wore sky blue jerseys (shirts) with white facings.  Rudge played in maroon and cream striped jerseys with dark blue knickers (shorts).  Their team included four ex-Singers players, these being Harry Bowkett, Fred Buckingham, Tom Suthard and Eaton.  It was a bruising battle.  Samuel Heath put the Vocalists ahead when he scored from a cross provided by Harry Banks.  William Dorrell made it 2-0 just before half-time.  Robust play by both teams continued in the second half.  Singers defended well to secure the victory.  Special praise was lauded to Joe Collins.  His mother had been seriously ill for some time, but he decided to play and gave a faultless display in difficult circumstances.

19th October 1889
Singers F.C. 3 – 0 Lozells Villa F.C. (Birmingham).  Scorers: Heath, Briggs, Howell.
Duration: 30 minutes due to waterlogged pitch and heavy rain.
Team: Poole (goalkeeper), Collins, Edmond (full backs), Hornsby, Canning, G. Dorrell (half backs), Cashmore, W. Dorrell, Heath, Howell, Briggs (forwards).
Prior to kick-off many Singers supporters sheltered under trees and in nearby alleyways of houses due to the torrential rain. Some of the club’s honorary members gave out a piece of cardboard representing a bird on the wing and bore the slogan “Play Up Singers-s-s-s”. The bird was pale blue in colour. The relevance of this is unclear, but there have been a few match reports referring to the club’s nickname as “The Birds”.  

26th October 1889
Singers F.C. 2-0 Lozells Villa.
Scorers: Heath, Cashmore.
Team: Poole (goalkeeper), Collins, Edmond (full backs), Canning, G. Dorrell, Newton (half backs), Cashmore, W. Dorrell, Heath, Ayre/Ariss, Briggs (forwards).

2nd November 1889
Singers F.C. 6-0 Coleshill F.C.
Birmingham Junior Cup 1st Round.
Scorers: Banks (2), W. Dorrell (2), Cashmore plus 1 unknown.
Crowd circa 1,400.
Team: Kirk (goalkeeper), Collins, Edmond (full backs), Hornsby, Canning, G. Dorrell (half backs), Cashmore, W. Dorrell, Heath, Banks, Briggs (forwards).
Surprisingly, the game was played in glorious sunshine which helped to attract a very good crowd. Some spectators had to encroach close to the pitch on the other side of the perimeter rail. Harry Banks stole the show in the first half. He put the Vocalists ahead in the 15th minute and shortly afterwards he scored a second. In between those strikes he had a goal disallowed for offside. Singers led 2-0 at the interval. Coleshill played a lot better in the second half and tested Kirk on several occasions. Thomas Cashmore scored goal number three before William Dorrell added two more. The scorer of Singers sixth goal was not identified.  Despite the scoreline suggesting otherwise, Banks in the Coleshill goal, actually played very well. Throughout the game he  made a string of quality saves, otherwise the Vocalists would have registered double figures.

9th November 1889
Singers F.C. 3-0 Packington F.C. (Birmingham).
Scorers: Briggs, Heath, Cashmore.
Team: Kirk (goalkeeper), Collins, Edmond (full backs), Hornsby, Canning, G. Dorrell (half backs), Cashmore, W. Dorrell, Heath, Banks, Briggs (forwards).

16th November 1889
Singers F.C. 5-0 Hockley F.C.
Scorers: Hornsby, Cashmore, W. Dorrell, Briggs, Heath.
Duration 60 minutes due to poor light.
Mr. Mason (referee).
Team: Kirk (goalkeeper), Collins, Edmond (full backs), G. Dorrell, Hornsby, Canning (half backs), W. Dorrell, Cashmore, Heath, Briggs, Banks (forwards).
The Hockley team and officials arrived fifteen minutes late at the Stoke Road Ground. The “kick-off ceremony” was performed by Mr. W. H. Ballantine, Member of Parliament for Coventry. George Maley wrote in his match report: “Receiving the signal from the referee, Mr. Ballantine made a run of several yards and banged the ball straight to the toe of Edmond (Singers). Mr. Ballantine lingered inside the touchline for several minutes and seemed to be longing for another kick. I should not be surprised if one of these days we see him turn out on Singers’ ground arrayed in the pink and blue (reference to Singers’ kit)”. The Vocalists led 2-0 at half-time.

23rd November 1889
Gerontes F.C. 1-1 Singers F.C.
Scorer: W. Dorrell.
Team: Kirk (goalkeeper), Collins, Edmond (full backs), Hornsby, Canning, G. Dorrell (half backs), Cashmore, W. Dorrell, Heath, Banks, Briggs (forwards).

30th November 1889
Smethwick Carriage Works F.C. 4-1 Singers F.C.
Scorer: Briggs.
Duration: 35 minutes each way.
Team: Kirk (goalkeeper), Collins, Edmond (full backs), Hornsby, Canning, G. Dorrell (half backs), Cashmore, W. Dorrell, Heath, Banks, Briggs (forwards).
The violent tactics of the home side were ignored by the referee, Mr. J. Round. A hostile, partisan crowd, coupled with Smethwick’s dirty play no doubt led to the early termination of the game. Right from the kick-off Smethwick used excessive physical force against the Singers players, many of whom left the Ground with a variety of injuries. Singers conceded the first goal after Joe Collins had been blatantly pushed out of the way by an opponent. Teddy Kirk literally had opponents jumping on him as he attempted to play the ball. The offside rule was totally ignored by the home side and the referee. Smethwick seemed desperate to win at any cost.  The Singers officials seriously considered taking their players off the pitch at one stage, but came to the conclusion it was better to put up with the rough play of their opponents, than get mobbed by Smethwick’s rowdy supporters. Smethwick led 2-0 at half-time.

7th December 1889
Singers F.C. 4-1 Bournville F.C.
Scorers: Briggs, Cashmore, Banks, 1 unknown.
Team: Kirk (goalkeeper), Collins, Edmond (full backs), Hornsby, Canning, G. Dorrell (half backs), Cashmore, W. Dorrell, Heath, Banks, Briggs (forwards).   

14th December 1889
Singers F.C. 0-1 Aston Villa Reserves F.C.
Team: Kirk (goalkeeper), Collins, Edmond (full backs), Hornsby, Canning, Howell (half backs), Banks, Heath, Cashmore, Briggs, W. Dorrell (forwards).
The rivalry between Coventry City and Aston Villa has been well documented over the years. This was the first meeting of the two clubs. Although this game was against Villa’s Reserves, it still represented the biggest match in Singers’ history to date. Local football enthusiasts and players talked about the prospect of doing battle with the “Villans”. People thronged the streets to observe the Villa team make their way to the Stoke Road Ground from the railway station. A massive crowd had gathered at their destination to welcome them, apparently in a friendly manner! Villa started with ten men due to Davis missing the train to Coventry. The Vocalists had the better of the play for the first twenty minutes. This gave the home supporters tremendous hope of snatching a famous victory. However, that dream was shattered on the half-hour mark when Hughes scored from a free kick, after Singers conceded a silly foul in front of goal. Davis arrived at the ground during the half-time break.  The Vocalists defended very well in the second half. They had several attacks as they searched for an equaliser but could not find the breakthrough. The strength of the Villa Reserve team during this period is amply illustrated by the fact the Vocalists failed to beat them in a sequence of twenty matches. Playing under the title of Coventry City F.C., they lost both games against Villa Reserves during the 1898/1899 season. Coventry registered their first victory over the Villans on 23 December 1899. A crowd estimated at 800 watched City win 3-0 at the Highfield Road Ground. City’s right winger, Walker, scored a “hat-trick”.

21st December 1889
Singers F.C. 3-1 Bournville F.C.
Birmingham Junior Cup 2nd Round.
Scorers: Banks (2), Canning.
Team: Poole (goalkeeper), Collins, Edmond (full backs), Hornsby, Canning, G. Dorrell (half backs), Cashmore, W. Dorrell, Banks, Briggs, Howell (forwards).
Bournville had improved significantly in recent months. It was end to end stuff in the first half, but it remained goal-less at half-time. Harry Banks added two more goals in the second half from excellent crosses by Tom Cashmore. The visitors scored near the end through Hutchins.     

4th January 1890
Rudge F.C. 1-5 Singers F.C.
Scorers: Cashmore (2), Banks, W. Dorrell, Howell.
At the Coventry Cricket Ground, Butts.
Crowd circa 1,500.
Team: Kirk (goalkeeper), Edmond, Collins (full backs), Hornsby, Canning, G. Dorrell (half backs), Cashmore, Heath, Banks,W. Dorrell, Howell (forwards).
Rudge had a new goalkeeper, this being Locke who was signed from Wolverhampton Druids F.C. However, they were missing Jack Lee who had injured himself in a cycling accident. Singers started with ten men due to Will Howell’s late arrival. The pitch was muddy but playing conditions were perfect for a  physical battle between two rival teams. Harry Banks gave the Vocalists an early lead. Then the referee, Mr.Woodhall, became the centre of attention regarding two controversial decisions. He denied Singers a goal after the ball had hit the Rudge crossbar and bounced down. The visitors claimed a goal but their pleas were unsuccessful. A few minutes later Will Howell scored from a cross by Joe Collins, but the goal was disallowed for offside. Singers dominated the first half and led 2-0 at half-time thanks to a goal by William Dorrell. A brace of goals by Tom Cashmore and one other from Will Howell put the game beyond doubt. George Dorrell made a fantastic run from deep to dribble through the home defence, but unfortunately fell with only the goalkeeper to beat. Brawn scored a consolation goal for Rudge with five minutes remaining. As expected, the match had all the ingredients of a local derby including a fair share of rough play. Despite this the Singers players visited the Union Arms public house, Rudge’s headquarters, later that evening to celebrate their victory and received no antagonism.      

11th January 1890
Singers F.C. 8-0 Royal Small Arms F.C. (Birmingham).
Scorers: Banks (3), Hughes (2), W. Dorrell, Cashmore, Collins.
Team: Kirk (goalkeeper), Collins, Edmonds (full backs), G. Dorrell, Canning, Hornsby (half backs), Cashmore, Banks, Hughes, W. Dorrell, Briggs (forwards).

18th January 1890
Lozells Villa F.C. 0-2 Singers F.C.
Scorer: Briggs (2).
Team: Kirk (goalkeeper), Collins, Edmond (full backs), G. Dorrell, Canning, Hughes plus 5 others unknown.

1st February 1890
Aston Villa Reserves F.C. 5-0 Singers F.C.
At the Wellington Road Ground, Perry Barr.
Team: Kirk (goalkeeper), Collins, Edmond (full backs), G. Dorrell, Canning, Hornsby (half backs), Cashmore, Heath, Hughes, Howell, Briggs (forwards).
Singers won the toss and decided to kick down the slope in the first half, aided by a strong wind. Will Howell failed to arrive on time so they started with ten men. The Vocalists trailed 1-0 at half-time, but they did finish the first half with a full eleven after Howell’s appearance. When the score was 2-0 Teddy Kirk was charged by two Villa players and fell heavily to the ground. He was suffering from concussion and clearly dazed, but bravely carried on. Whilst in this state Singers conceded three more goals which gave Villa their emphatic victory. For some reason William Dorrell was absent from the team. He had decided to turn out for junior club Saint Osburg F.C. in their match against Victorias F.C. His contribution to the game was quite bizarre. He started the match in goal and later moved outfield to provide an extra man. Dorrell scored two goals and made another!

8th February 1890
Singers F.C. 1-1 Small Heath Reserves F.C. (Birmingham).
Birmingham Junior Cup 3rd Round.
Scorer: Banks.
Team: Kirk (goalkeeper), Collins, Edmond (full backs), G. Dorell, Canning, Hornsby (half backs), Cashmore, Heath, Banks, W. Dorrell, Howell (forwards).
Singers were the better team in the first 45 minutes, but found themselves losing 1-0 at half-time due to a hotly disputed goal. Small Heath forward C. Hall appeared to be in an offside position when the goal was scored, but the referee did not spot this. Sam Heath wasted a great opportunity to equalise. With the goal at his mercy he inexplicably scooped the ball over the crossbar. Harry Banks equalised on the hour mark when he converted a great cross from Tom Cashmore. It later emerged George Maley received information suggesting some of the Small Heath players were not eligible to play in the cup tie. Without difinitive proof the Vocalists were reluctant to make a protest to the governing body.

15th February 1890
Singers F.C. 3-1 Gerontes F.C.
Scorers: Howell (2), Briggs.
Team: Kirk (goalkeeper), Collins, Hughes (full backs), G. Dorell, Canning, Hornsby (half backs), W. Dorrell, Heath, Banks, Briggs, Howell (forwards).
Note: George Maley’s match report (Coventry Reporter 22/2/1890) also states Edmond played in this game, as well as the above eleven.  

22nd February 1890
Small Heath Reserves F.C. 2-2 Singers F.C.
Birmingham Junior Cup 3rd Round Replay.
At the Muntz Street Ground, Small Heath.
Scorers: W. Dorrell, Banks.
Crowd circa 2,000.
Team: Kirk (goalkeeper), Collins, Edmond (full backs), G. Dorrell, Canning, Hughes (half backs), Cashmore, W. Dorrell, Banks, Briggs Howell (forwards).
Joe Collins received a serious head/spine injury within a couple of minutes of play, after colliding with Heathen’s forward Bushill. It was a clear accident, but Collins required hospital treatment. Walter Edmond moved to right full back and his place at left full back was taken by William Hughes. Tom Cashmore played a more defensive role thereafter. Singers then played with four forwards. This was a remarkable result against a very strong team, considering the Vocalists played with ten men for virtually the whole game. They were encouraged by approximately 900 supporters who made the trip to Birmingham. The pitch was in a terrible state, the mud in some parts was ankle deep. Singers trailed 2-1 at half-time, but William Dorrell’s goal had given them a lifeline. Urged on by a crescendo of noise from their supporters, the Vocalists conjured up an unlikely equaliser in the 78th minute. Harry Banks scored after a goalmouth scramble. Small Heath officials wanted to play 30 minutes extra-time. The referee, Mr. McGregor (Aston Villa) refused, implying it was an unreasonable request given Singers’ handicap. Small Heath later lodged an official complaint under Rule 6 (extra time regulation). The Vocalists retaliated by accusing Small Heath’s C. Morris of being a professional. The despute was settled on 26 February at a meeting of the B&DFA Executive Committee at the Midland Hotel, Birmingham. McGregor submitted a report advising he had not enforced Rule 6 due to the serious nature of the injury sustained by Joe Collins. It was life-threatening. The Committee, headed by Charles Crump, accepted McGregor’s explanation. As an act of goodwill, Singers withdrew the protest regarding C. Morris.   

8th March 1890
Singers F.C. 2-1 Small Heath Reserves F.C.
Birmingham Junior Cup 3rd Round Second Replay.
After 30 minutes extra-time.
Scorers: Briggs, W. Dorrell.
Team: Kirk (goalkeeper), Edmond, Hughes (full backs), G. Dorrell, Canning, Hornsby (half backs), W. Dorrell, Briggs, Howell plus 2 others unknown (forwards).
Playing conditions were hardly ideal with the pitch very muddy in patches. It was an even first half and the teams were level at 1-1 when half-time was reached. The second half was much the same as both sides looked for that elusive opening. With fifteen minutes remaining the heavens opened. Players, officials and supporters had to run for shelter which forced the temporary abandonment of the game. When play resumed the pitch resembled a watery bog. Teddy Kirk made a string of fine saves in extra-time to keep Singers in the match.  William Dorrell became the hero with a winning goal just a couple of minutes from time. He received the ball on the right flank, went on a mazy dribble and drilled a superb shot past Clark, the Small Heath goalkeeper. At last this marathon cup-tie had reached a conclusion. 

15th March 1890
Birmingham & District Association XI 3-3 Leicestershire Association XI.
At the Stoke Road Ground.
Crowd circa 1,400.
George Dorrell, Tom Cashmore and Will Howell played for the Birmingham representative eleven. On 30 June the B&DFA held a Smoking Concert at the Central Restaurant in Birmingham. A delegation from Singers F.C., led by James Morgan, attended the event. This included Dorrell, Cashmore and Howell who received medals for their participation in the Inter-Association game against Leicestershire.      

22nd March 1890
Singers F.C. 0-0 Packington F.C.
Birmingham Junior Cup Semi-Final.
After 30 minutes extra-time.
Team: Kirk (goalkeeper), Edmond, Hughes (full backs), G. Dorrell, Canning, Hornsby (half backs), Cashmore, W. Dorrell, Banks, Briggs, Howell (forwards).
The Birmingham & District Football Association had previously awarded Packington £2 towards their travelling expenses. Approximately 2,000 spectators crammed into the Stoke Road Ground, the highest to date. Both teams wore similar coloured kits which caused an element of confusion for players and spectators alike.  Defences dominated throughout and the cup tie ended in stalemate.

27th March 1890
Singers F.C. 0-0 Packington F.C.
Birmingham Junior Cup Semi-Final Replay.
At the Perry Barr Ground, Birmingham.
Team: unknown.
Again, both teams wore similar coloured kits which was ignored by the referee. Teddy Kirk was in outstanding form and kept the Vocalists in the match will several good saves. The game exploded in the 75th minute. Tom Cashmore was cynically fouled by an opposing defender and lashed out in retaliation. The referee showed no sympathy and consequently sent Cashmore off. Singers defended well thereafter to earn another replay. Extra-time was not played on this occasion as another game was scheduled to follow this fixture.

Monday 31st March 1890
Singers F.C. 1-2 Packington F.C.
Birmingham Junior Cup Semi-Final Second Replay.
At the Coventry Cricket Grounds, Butts.  Scorer: Howell.
Team: Kirk (goalkeeper), Hughes, Edmond (full backs), G. Dorrell, Canning, Hornsby (half backs), Howell, Briggs, Banks, W. Dorrell, Cashmore (forwards).
Despite it being a normal working day, approximately 2,000 people watched the match. The likelihood of another colour clash was avoided by Packington borrowing a set of jerseys (shirts) from Aston Villa. Packington led 2-0 at half-time. Their first goal was scored by Kendrick after a weak headed clearance by Hughes. The second came from from the boot of Steward after a goal-mouth scramble. Will Howell’s goal near the end signalled a period of pressure from Singers. Teddy Kirk vacated his goal to join the attack, but an equaliser failed to materialise.

On Monday 7 April two events were held at the Stoke Road Ground for the Joe Collins Benefit Fund.  Approximately 2,000 people attended. The first event was a rugby union match between Warwick Town RFC and Godiva Rovers RFC. This was followed by a football match between a Coventry & District XI against a Birmingham & District XI. Teddy Kirk, Walter Edmond, George Dorrell, Tom Canning, Tom Cashmore, Will Howell, William Dorrell and Harry Banks all played for Coventry. The referee was Mr. Silvestor (West Bromwich). Joe Collins performed the “kick-off” ceremony. The game came to an abrupt end after 80 minutes due to a long-lasting downpour of torrential rain, when Birmingham were winning 1-0. Unexpectedly, there was a large contingent of lady spectators present. This prompted George Maley to write: “The various colours of the ladies dresses gave the ground quite a pleasant appearance. If only a tenth of them were drawn there by admiration for Joe, then he ought to be the happiest man in Coventry”.      

1889-90 Season record: Played 23, Won 14, Drawn 5, Lost 4, Goals For 56, Goals Against 21. 

The AGM of the Coventry & District Football League was held at the White Lion Hotel, Gosford Green on 24th June.  James George Morgan (Chairman) and George Maley (Treasurer) were duly elected. Singers F.C. donated 5 shillings to league funds.

1890-91

Singers F.C. Kit: Black jerseys (shirts) with white collars, black breeches (shorts) with a white stripe down the side (source: Coventry Reporter newspaper 20/9/1890.
The AGM was held at the White Lion Hotel on 24 July. James Morgan presided and informed the audience numerous ground improvements had been completed. He also reiterated the commitment to erect a main stand and reserve enclosure.  However, there was uncertainty regarding this intention due to issues with the club’s tenancy agreement for the Stoke Road Ground. Morgan announced the health of Joe Collins had improved significantly since his accident, which received a huge cheer from those present. Total income for the previous season amounted to £108 and expenditure totalled £95, leaving a £13 profit. A discussion took place which resulted in a commitment to improve assistance to players, match day duties, collection of gate money and the clearance of spectators from the ground at full-time. Season ticket prices were increased from 1 shilling & sixpence (8p) to 2 shillings (10p).  

2nd September 1890
A Smoking Concert was held at the Sydenham Palace Hotel, Coventry. Those present were informed Mr. W.H. Ballantine (MP for Coventry) had funded the purchase of white silk caps for the players to wear. The design for the cap is unknown, but it may have had Singers F.C. embroidered on it, for example. The caps were sometimes worn by the players for important games. James Morgan was presented with a watch made by James Richardson of Coventry. The inscription read: Presented to Mr. J.G. Morgan by the members and supporters of Singers Football Club, in recognition of his untiring energy as honourable secretary of the club, 2 September 1890.

Monday 8th September 1890
Singers F.C. 3-1 Coventry & District League XI.
Practice Match at Stoke Road Ground.
Team unknown.

13th September 1890
Leicester Fosse F.C. 5-3 Singers F.C.
Scorers:Bird, Banks, Mobley.
Team: Kirk (goalkeeper), Hughes, Edmond (full backs), G. Dorrell, Howell, Canning (half backs), Cashmore, Banks, Mobley, Bird, W. Dorrell (forwards).
A special excursion train was provided which enabled approximately 400 supporters to make the journey with the team. The train was late which meant the game did not start until 4pm. Thomas Bird opened the scoring but Singers trailed 3- 2 at half-time. Fosse added two quick goals early in the second half. Frank Mobley scored a consolation goal near the end. Leicester Fosse eventually changed their title to Leicester City F.C.

Monday 15th September 1890
Singers F.C. 2-0 Coventry Junior League XI.
Scorer: Bird (2).
Crowd circa 300.
Team: Kirk (goalkeeper), Ashmore, Skelding (full backs), Kendrick, Edmond, Heath (half backs), W. Dorrell, Marshall, Bird, Thomas, Briggs (forwards).
Harry Truslove (Ragged School F.C.) was centre-forward for the Junior League side. He was born in Coventry in 1871 and was captain of the school team. He later became a successful local businessman as proprietor of Stoke Garage in Ball Hill. When Coventry City F.C. became a limited liability company in 1907, Harry purchased 20 shares at a cost of £5. In 1922 he bought a further 80 shares from David Cooke, who was Acting President of CCFC. This enabled Harry to take his place on the CCFC Board. Harry was a staunch supporter of the club and for many years resided in the Stoke district of Coventry. He died aged 84 in 1956.  

20th September 1890
Singers F.C. 2-2 Packington F.C.
Scorer: Bird (2).
Team: Kirk (goalkeeper), Ashmore, Skelding (full backs), Howell, Hughes, Edmond (half backs), Cashmore, Banks, Mobley, W. Dorrell, Bird (forwards).

27th September 1890
Singers F.C. 13-0 Atherstone Association F.C.
Scorers: Mobley (4), W. Dorrell (3), Pretty (3), Bird (2), Thomas.
Team: Kirk (goalkeeper), Ashmore, Skelding (full backs), Edmond, Canning, Howell (half backs), Pretty, W. Dorrell, Mobley, Bird, Thomas (forwards).
The Atherstone management had previously thrown the gauntlet down and challenged Singers to a match.  Unfortunately, this back-fired on them spectacularly. They arrived at the Stoke Road Ground with only seven players. George Dorrell and Sam Heath agreed to play for the visitors. Two guest players were recruited to make the numbers up. The Vocalists led 7-0 at half-time. This was possibly the most one-sided game ever witnessed by home supporters.  

4th October 1890
Singers F.C. 1-1 West Bromwich Albion Reserves.
Scorer: Pretty.
Team: Kirk (goalkeeper), Cashmore, Glew (full backs), Edmond, Canning, Howell (half backs), Pretty, Banks, Mobley, W. Dorrell, Bird (forwards).
Thomas Bird won the toss and elected to play up the hill with a slight wind in favour. The game was very even for most of the first half. Pretty’s goal gave the Vocalists a 1-0 half-time lead. As the game drew to its conclusion, the home supporters sensed a famous vistory. Those hopes were dashed near the end when Roberts equalised for the “Throstles”. However, there was late drama. Wain scored for the Albion but his effort was disallowed for offside. In the final minute Frank Mobley netted but his goal was disallowed for handball.

11th October 1890
Headingley  F.C. 2-4 Singers F.C.
Scorers: W. Dorrell (2), Bird (2).
At Handsworth, Birmingham.
Team: Russell (goalkeeper), Glew, Hughes (full backs), Edmond, Canning, Howell (half backs), Banks, Pretty, Mobley, Bird, W. Dorrell (forwards).

18th October 1890
Singers F.C. 5-1 Mitchell Saint George’s F.C.
Scorers: Mobley (2), Bird (2), W. Dorrell.
Team: W. Cashmore (goalkeeper), T. Cashmore, Glew (full backs), Edmond, Cannings, Howell (half backs), Banks, Pretty, Mobley, Bird, W. Dorrell (forwards).

25th October 1890
Leicester Teachers F.C. 3-6 Singers F.C
Scorers: Mobley (2), Bird (2), Pretty, Heath.
Team: W. Cashmore (goalkeeper), T. Cashmore, Glew (full backs), Edmond, Canning, Howell (half backs), Heath, Pretty, Mobley, Bird, W. Dorrell (forwards).
The Teachers were currently champions of the Leicestershire League and were regarded as a very capable team.  It was 2-2 at half-time. Singers dominated the second half, a feature of which was the devasting left-wing play of Thomas Bird and William Dorrell. Frank Mobley was also outstanding, one of his goals being a brave header despite the attention of several defenders.   

1st November 1890
Kings Heath Albion F.C. 1-10 Singers F.C.
Birmingham Junior Cup 1st Round.
At Kings Heath, Birmingham.
Scorers: Mobley (3), Bird (3), Pretty (2), W. Dorrell, opponent’s own goal.
Team: H. Turner (goalkeeper), Glew, Cashmore (full backs), Howell, Canning, Edmond (half backs), W. Dorrell, Bird, Mobley, Pretty, Hughes (forwards).
Kings Heath were a poor side and completely out of their depth. The Vocalists led 5-1 at half-time. They strolled through the second half and added five more goals to complete the rout. Excellent defending by Benwell prevented the Albion from suffering a heavier defeat.  

8th November 1890
Unity Gas F.C. 5-0 Singers F.C.
At Showell’s Green Lane, Sparkhill, Birmingham.
Team: Kirk (goalkeeper), Cashmore, Hughes (full backs), Howell, Kendrick, Edmond (half backs), Banks, Asbury, Pretty, Bird, W. Dorrell (forwards).

15th November 1890
Singers F.C. 8-0 Leicester Teachers F.C.
Scorers: Mobley (5), W. Dorrell, Bird, Pretty.
Team: Kirk (goalkeeper), Cashmore, Glew (full backs), Crump, Canning, Howell (half backs), Banks, Pretty, Mobley, Bird, W. Dorrell (forwards).

22nd November 1890
Mitchell Saint George’s Reserves F.C. 0-2 Singers F.C.
At Cape Hill, Smethwick.
Scorers: Bird, W. Dorrell.
Team: Kirk (goalkeeper), Cashmore, Glew (full backs), Hughes, Howell, Mobley, Bird, W. Dorrell plus 3 unknown.
The wind was very strong and made it difficult for players to control the ball. Having lost the toss Singers were forced to start the game against the wind. An excellent attack involving the Vocalists forwards resulted in Thomas Bird opening the scoring. William Dorrell sealed victory with a brilliant shot from some distance.  William Hughes was outstanding in defence for the visitors.  

6th December 1890
Singers F.C. 5-2 Gerontes F.C.
Scorers: W. Dorrell (2), Pretty (2), Mobley.
Team: Kirk (goalkeeper), W. Cashmore, Hughes (full backs), Canning, Howell, T. Cashmore (half backs), Banks, Pretty, Mobley, Bird, W. Dorrell (forwards).

13th December 1890
Singers F.C. 1-4 Aston Villa Reserves F.C.
Scorer: Bird.
Crowd circa 2,000.
Team: Kirk (goalkeeper), Glew, Cashmore (full backs), Howell, Canning, Edmond (half backs), Briggs, Bird, Mobley, Pretty, W. Dorrell (forwards).
Villa won the toss and elected to kick down the slope in the first half. Dickson gave them the lead in the 10th minute. A fine dribble and pass by Graham set-up Campbell, who beat Teddy Kirk to make it 2-0. The Villa attack was causing all sorts of problems to the home defence. Burton notched two more goals to give the visitors a 4-0 lead at half-time. The second half was a different story. Singers played some superb football and never lost heart, more then matching the play of their illustirous neighbors. Villa’s Dickson and Harley both had goals disallowed by the referee, before the Vocalists registered a consolation goal. William Dorrell initiated a quick counter-attack and sent in a vicious shot which was partially cleared. Thomas Bird pounced on the loose ball and beat Hinchley, the Villa goalkeeper.

3rd January 1891
Singers F.C. 6-2 Cannock F.C. (Staffordshire).
Birmingham Junior Cup 3rd Round.
Scorers: Bird (3), Mobley (2), H. Hawkins (own goal).
Team: Kirk (goalkeeper), Cashmore, Glew (full backs), Edmond, Canning, Howell (half backs), Banks, Pretty, Mobley, Bird, W. Dorrell (forwards).
Singers had been given a bye in the 2nd Round of this competition. Cannock were relatively unknown opposition, but had recently achieved a stunning 9-1 victory in Manchester against Gorton Villa F.C. The Stoke Road Ground and pitch was cleared of snow prior to kick-off. The grass was very slippery and affected by frost in places, which made playing conditions very difficult. When Frank Mobley started the game at 2.40pm the home side was missing their goalkeeper, Teddy Kirk. He was late exiting the dressing room! The Vocalsts led 3-2 at half-time thanks to a Hawkins own goal, and strikes by Thomas Bird and Frank Mobley. Now playing down the slope in the second half, Singers added three more goals to win comfortably.  

17th January 1891
Singers F.C. 7-0 Victoria Villa F.C. (Birmingham).
Scorers: Bird (3), W. Dorrell (2), Hughes, Pretty.
Team: Kirk (goalkeeper), Cashmore, Glew (full backs), Edmond, Canning, Gregory (half backs), Hughes, Pretty, Mobley, Bird, W. Dorrell (forwards).

24th January 1891
Brierley Hill Alliance F.C. (Dudley) 0-6 Singers F.C.
Birmingham Junior Cup 4th Round.
Scorers: Mobley (2), W. Dorrell (2), Pretty, Hughes.
Crowd circa 500.
Team: Kirk (goalkeeper), Cashmore, Glew (full backs), Edmond, Canning, Howell (half backs), Hughes, Pretty, Mobley, Bird, W. Dorrell (forwards).
Approximately 50 supporters made the trip to Dudley and were not disappointed. Heavy rain prior to kick-off almost saturated the pitch. Frank Mobley put the Vocalists ahead in the 8th minute and shortly afterwards had a goal disallowed for offside. However, he notched his second goal by punishing a poor defensive clearance by Franks.  Charles Pretty scored from a great cross by William Dorrell to give Singers a 3-0 half-time lead.  Dorrell’s wing-play became a feature of the game. He added goal number four with an excellent cross-shot and shortly afterwards, netted again. William Hughes completed the rout when he put the ball through the legs of Catwright, the Alliance goalkeeper. He took exception to this and vented his anger, which prompted the referee, Mr. Tillotson (Birmingham & DFA), to warn him about his conduct. A section of the home crowd reacted badly to this action and subsequently invaded the pitch. Play was delayed for some time before order was restored.  

31st January 1891
Singers F.C. 1-1 Lozells Villa.
Scorer: Hughes.
Team: Kirk (goalkeeper), Cashmore, Gregory (full backs), G. Dorrell, Canning, Edmond (half backs), W. Dorrell, Howell, Mobley, Banks, Hughes (forwards).

7th February 1891
Singers F.C. 3-1 West Bromwich Albion Reserves F.C.
Scorers: Pretty, Mobley, Bird.
Team: Kirk (goalkeeper), Cashmore, Glew (full backs), Edmond, Canning, Howell (half backs), Banks, Pretty, Mobley, Bird, W. Dorrell (forwards).
Due to the recent death of Mr. Lea, the Mayor of West Bromwich, the Albion players wore black armbands as a token of respect. Charles Pretty put Singers ahead with a vicious “daisy cutter” which saw the ball go past four defenders. A goal-line headed clearance by Nicholls prevented the visitors from conceding again. Teddy Kirk made two great saves to prevent an equaliser. The Vocalists led 1-0 at half-time. Albion bombarded Kirk’s goal early in the second half, but Teddy repulsed everything thrown at him. In a rare counter-attack Frank Mobley made it 2-0 after Thomas Bird’s shot had been parried. Harry Banks had wretched luck when his shot hit the crossbar. The ball was cleared at the expense of a corner. From the flag-kick Bird’s drive gave the home side a third goal. Wood scored a late consolation goal for Albion which looked offside. The referee, Mr. H. Marsh, dismissed Singers’ protests. This victory was a significant achievement and was well celebrated by the home supporters.

14th February 1891
Singers F.C. 1-0 Rudge F.C.
Scorer: Hughes.
Crowd circa 2,500.
Team: Kirk (goalkeeper), Cashmore, Glew (full backs), Edmond, Canning, Howell (half backs), Hughes, Pretty, Mobley, Bird, W. Dorrell (forwards).
The winning goal came in the 12th minute. After a goal-mouth scramble from a corner, William Hughes scored from close range after Greaves, the Rudge goalkeeper, failed to clear. Rudge proceeded to dominate the rest of the first half.  Teddy Kirk made several important saves. It was clearly down to his heroics and dogged defending by Thomas Cashmore, that Singers led 1-0 at half-time. The referee, Mr. Sammy Durban, made a controversial decision early in the second half. He disallowed a Rudge equaliser citing the ball had been blasted directly into goal from an indirect free-kick. Rudge continued to dominate possession. Kirk again was called upon to make a series of excellent saves. The Vocalists had more of the play In the final stages. William Dorrell wasted a good opportunity when he put his shot wide of the posts. Frank Mobley executed a superb over-head kick which was brilliantly saved by Greaves. Finally, William Hughes saw his shot sail a couple of inches over the cross-bar. Singers held on to win the game, but the general consensus was Rudge deserved a draw. There had been bad-blood between the two clubs for some months prior to this game. After the match George Maley wrote: “No illegitimate roughness was infused into the game and with the exception of a couple of fouls, all went as well as can be expected. It is hoped the ill-feeling which is said to have existed between the two teams is at last wiped away, never to return”.

21st February 1891
Birmingham League XI 5-1 Leicestershire League XI.
At the Stoke Road Ground.
Crowd circa 1,000.
Joe Collins was one of the linesmen. Nine of the Leicestershire team was made up of players from South Wigston F.C. and Melton Rovers F.C. Teddy Kirk, Walter Edmond, Thomas Bird and William Dorrell, played for Birmingham. Dorrell scored two goals and Bird one.  

28th February 1891
Singers F.C. 0 – 1 Victoria F.C.
Crowd circa 800.
Team: Kirk (goalkeeper), Glew, Cashmore (full backs), Howell, Canning, Edmond (half backs), W. Dorrell, Bird, Mobley, Pretty, Banks (forwards).

7th March 1891
Packington F.C. 0-5 Singers F.C.
Birmingham Junior Cup Semi-Final.
At the Coventry Cricket Grounds, Butts.
Scorers: Cashmore, Banks, Bird, Mobley, W. Dorrell.
Crowd circa 3,000.
Team: Kirk (goalkeeper), Glew, Cashmore (full backs), Howell, Canning, Edmond (half backs), W. Dorrell, Bird, Mobley, Pretty, Banks (forwards).
Singers’ supporters were very confident of victory. A football tradition in those days, certainly for cup ties, was the printing of Mourning Cards to be distributed amongst the crowd on the day of the match. The Card for this match read:

Sacred to the Memory
Of
Dear Little Paks
Who departed their Junior Cup life on
Saturday March 7th 1891
The Paks are now resting in peace
Let friends who mourn their sad decease
Remember as they weep in vain
Their loss is Singers greater gain

A goal by Tom Cashmore from a free-kick and a header by Harry Banks gave the Vocalists a 2-0 half-time lead.  Thomas Bird added another goal after Banks provided the opportunity with superb wing-play. Russon, the Packington goalkeeper, made four excellent saves before the pressure finally told. Frank Mobley scored with a piece of brilliant individual skill. The crowd cheered when William Dorrell went on a mazy run which took him past four defenders. Charles Pretty only just failed to latch onto Dorrell’s cross. From a free-kick Bird hit an accurate pass to Dorrell, who clinically beat Russon to make it 5-0. Packington were now completely demoralised and a blistering shot by Pretty hit a post. The final whistle signalled great scenes of celebration.  George Maley summed it up when he wrote: “When Singers drove from the ground a scene of a most animated character was witnessed. A crowd of about fifteen hundred people were waiting to greet the victors. Hats, sticks and umbrellas were waived and unalloyed (pure) delight was manifested”. Singers had reached the Birmingham Junior Cup Final for the first time in their history. Their opponents would be Willenhall Pickwick F.C. After the match the players and officials were treated to a meal by the Singers Executive Committee. The referee, Mr. W. H. Jope, gave a speech saying the game had been played in good spirit. Three days later landlord Samuel Adams invited the players, officials and committee members to a special celebration dinner held at the White Lion Hotel.

21st March 1891
Singers F.C. 2-0 Lozells F.C. (Birmingham).
Scorers: Pretty, Savage (own goal).
Team: Benwell (goalkeeper), Hughes, Ashmore (full backs), Howell, Canning, Edmond (half backs), W. Dorrell, Bird, Mobley, Pretty, Banks (forwards).

30th March 1891
Singers F.C. 1-4 Redditch Town F.C.
Scorer: W. Dorrell.
Team: Benwell (goalkeeper), Ashmore, Glew (full backs), Howell, Canning, Edmond (half backs), W. Dorrell, Bird, Mobley, Pretty, Banks (forwards).

4th April 1891
Singers F.C. 2-1 Saltley Gas F.C. (Birmingham).
Scorers: Pretty, W. Dorrell.
Team: Kirk (goalkeeper), Glew, Cashmore (full backs), Howell, Canning, Edmond (half backs), W. Dorrell, Bird, Mobley, Pretty, Banks (forwards).

11th April 1891
Singers F.C. 8-0 Smethwick Centaur F.C. (Birmingham).
Scorers: Pretty (2), W. Dorrell (2), Mobley (2), Bird, Banks.
Crowd circa 2,000.
Team: Kirk (goalkeeper), Glew, Cashmore (full backs), Howell, Canning, Edmond (half backs), W. Dorrell, Bird, Mobley, Pretty, Banks (forwards).
This was the first time the two clubs had met. The Vocalists warmed up for their first cup final with a sensational victory. Centaur arrived at the Stoke Road Ground so late, the game did not start until 4.30pm. A shot by Harry Banks went over the head of Perrot, the visiting goalkeeper, to make it 5-0. It was Singers’ 100th goal of the season.

18th April 1891
Singers F.C. 1-0 Willenhall Pickwick F.C. (Staffordshire).
Birmingham Junior Cup Final.
Scorer:Mobley.
At the Perry Barr Ground, Birmingham.
Crowd circa 5,000.
Referee: Mr. J. Adams (Treasurer B&DFA).
Team: Kirk (goalkeeper), Glew, Cashmore (full backs), Howell, Canning, Edmond (half backs), W. Dorrell, Bird, Mobley, Pretty, Banks (forwards).
A total of 49 clubs entered this competion and now only two remained. The Junior Cup trophy cost £75 to manufacture, a huge amount of money in those days. This was the first time the two teams had faced each other. The Pickwicks had great pedigree. They had won four trophies in the last five years, notably the Walsall Junior Cup and the Wolverhampton & District Charity Cup three times. The small suburban railway station at Perry Barr was not big enough to efficiently handle the estimated 1,000 Singers supporters who had travelled by train. In addition it was estimated a further 1,500 supporters had journeyed from Coventry, many of whom had cycled to their destination. When the Pickwicks entered the field of play they received a warm welcome, but it was nothing compared to the huge roar which greeted the men from Coventry. Both teams squandered chances early on. A serious clash of heads between Tom Cashmore and Southall, the Willenhall centre-forward, saw play suspended. Both players left the pitch for a while before returning with heavy bandaging to recommense battle. A rasping shot from Pearson, Pickwicks inside-left, skimmed a post. Then Bird, the Vocalists captain, had attrocious bad luck. His intricate shot bounced on top of the crossbar a couple of times before the ball dropped out of play for a goal-kick. With literally seconds remaining in the first half Frank Mobley scored the all-important goal. He beat Banks, the Willenhall goalkeeper, with a fantastic low drive. The Singers supporters erupted in a crescendo of cheers. Hats and sticks were thrown into the air. Those with bugles blew like mad to celebrate. The Pickwicks had a period of pressure midway through the second half as they searched for an equaliser. They failed to achieve it largely due to great defending by Thomas Canning and Tom Cashmore. The Vocalists squandered several chances later on. In the closing stages Mobley scored again but his effort was disallowed for offside. At the final whistle there were wild celebrations.  

Later that night thousands of telegrams were received in Coventry from jubilant supporters, informing family and friends of this historic victory. The MDT described the team’s homecoming: “Singers returned from Birmingham shortly before nine o’clock and were greeted by enthusiastic crowds who packed Hertford Street, Warwick Road and Eaton Road. The station yard was thronged with people and youths swarmed the high advertising boards. Singer’s Apollo Band entertained the crowd. The Coventry Rugby Football Club were there, waiving their colours and shouting cheers for Singers. The Rudge Football Club had a special vehicle which displayed a red banner bearing in white the words: Hearty congratulations from the Rudge Football Club to Singers Football Club on their victory today. Coloured fires and torches burned accompanied by much cheering. At five to nine the train ran along the platform. The crowd swarmed towards the entrance, everone being anxious to gain the first sight of the trophy and the winning team. Very soon the cup was seen held aloft and the Band played frantically. Hundreds of voices shouted Hurrah! There was another blaze of crimson fire.  The players were almost carried to the conveyance awaiting them and had to endure considerable hand-shaking. Cashmore looked quite a wounded warrior, returning from the battlefield with his head bandaged, but he managed to smile joyfully. The cup was displayed from a box-seat of the Singers horse-drawn carriage. This was at the front of the procession, led by the Apollo Band, which moved along Eaton Road. As the light from the lamps gleamed upon the silver surface of the cup, the people went wild with delight. Approaching the vicinity of the Midland Daily Telegraph office and the Queens Hotel, the procession halted and the Band played Auld Lang Syne and Good Old Singers Never Rust. Hankerchiefs were waved from the upper windows of buildings. From the Queens Hotel a huge banner had been hoisted which read: Hail Champions of the Midlands”.  

George Singer presided at a special reception held at the Queens Hotel. Champaigne was drunk from the cup to toast the health of the winning team. Walter Hewitt, a vice-president of the club, was in Glasgow and sent a telegram addressed to James Morgan, it read: Hearty congratulations, have just thrown up my hat! Another reception event was held at the Kings Head Hotel later in the evening. George Singer said: “No-one is more proud of the victory the team has won today. We ought to be doubly proud of them in the works because they not only have to do their work as employees, they also have to work hard to secure honours on the football field. I thoroughly believe in athletics and it is a good sign when people use their spare time for healthy exercise. People now participate in healthy exercise instead of sitting about drinking. I am sure our success both in bicycles and football is due to the steady way in which my people enjoy themselves”. The formal presentation of the trophy took place in Birmingham at a Smoking Concert held on 25th June at the Masonic Hall, New Street. Approximately 40 people attended to represent Singers F.C., these being officials, players and VIP’s.  James Morgan, the club’s secretary, when handed the trophy said: “The winning of the cup has been the proudest moment of our lives”. The players received gold medals for their achievement. Additional medals were presented to Thomas Bird, William Dorrell, Walter Edmond and Teddy Kirk, who represented the Birmingham League in the Inter-League match against the Leicestershire League.

1891-92

George Maley presided at the Singers F.C. AGM held at the White Lion Hotel on 30 July 1891. James Morgan read the Financial Report which stated total income for the past year was £231. The balance in hand was £14.  Ground admission was increased to threepence and season tickets would now cost 2 shillings & sixpence.  Honorary members of the club would pay no less than 3 shillings.
The club’s playing kit for the new season was:
Sky Blue jerseys (shirts) & navy knickers (shorts). (Singers F.C. AGM MDT 7/9/1891).
Red & Black jerseys (shirts). (Singers F.C. AGM 16/8/1892).
3. Scarlet jerseys (shirts). (Singers F.C. v Burlington EMS F.C. 2/1/1892).

12th September 1891
Singers F.C. 4-0 Smethwick Carriage Works F.C.
Scorers: Bird, Bodley, Mobley, W. Dorrell.
Crowd circa 1,000.
Team: Benwell (goalkeeper), Sheldon, Cashmore (full backs), Howell, Hughes, Edmond (half backs), W. Dorrell, Bird, Mobley, Edwards, Bodley (forwards).
The Stoke Road Ground basked in glorious sunshine for the opening match of the season. Such was the intense heat, the kick-off time was put back one hour, to 4pm. The Vocalists cantered into a 2-0 lead after 30 minutes.  Thomas Bird converted a cross from Harry Bodley, who then scored himself. William Dorrell had a goal disallowed just before half-time. Early in the second half he bamboozled Turley, the Smethwick captain, by running rings around him in spectacular style, which brought loud cheers from the home crowd. Frank Mobley made it 3-0 before an unpleasant incident ocurred. For no apparent reason Gregory, the Smethwick centre-forward, rushed at Tom Cashmore and assaulted him. Both players fell to the ground and grappled with each other. When they were back on their feet, Cashmore punched Gregory. The referee, Mr. T. Collins (Heath Town), sent Cashmore off.  Although now down to ten men, William Dorrell scored goal number four. After the match Cashmore said Gregory had struck him twice when they were on the ground. Cashmore’s swollen lip backed up his claim and the referee only saw his retaliation.

19th September 1891
Aston Villa Reserves F.C. 4-0 Singers F.C.
At the Perry Barr Ground.
Crowd circa 2,000.
Team: Benwell (goalkeeper), Sheldon, Cashmore (full backs), Howell, Hughes, Edmond (half backs), W. Dorrell, Bird, Mobley, Edwards, Bodley (forwards).
Singers had to play with ten men after 25 minutes due to Tom Cashmore receiving an injury. The defender was hurt when colliding with McKnight, Villa’s centre-forward. The home side led 2-0 ay half-time. The Vocalists fought hard to get back into the game, but their handicap made it almost impossible to do so, given the strength of the opposition.   

26th September 1891
Leicester Fosse F.C. 4-1 Singers F.C.
Scorer: Bird.
Crowd circa 1, 500.
Team: Benwell (goalkeeper), Sheldon, Cashmore (full backs), Hughes, Turner, Edmond (half backs), W. Dorrell, Bird, Mobley, Edwards, Bodley (forwards).
Another heavy defeat on the road. The Fosse were holders of the Leicestershire Senior Cup. Tom Cashmore took his place in the team after recovering from last week’s injury. However, he had the misfortune of scoring an own goal for the first goal. The Fosse led 3-0 at half-time.  Singers played well after the interval. Thomas Bird pulled a goal back and William Dorrell was unlucky, when his rasping shot hit the crossbar and the ball was cleared. 

3rd October 1891
Singers F.C. 4-1 Victoria F.C.
Scorers: Mobley (2), W. Dorrell, Bodley.
Team: Kirk (goalkeeper), Mullins, Cashmore (full backs), Edmond, Hughes, Turner (half backs), W. Dorrell, Bird, Mobley,Bodley, Edwards (forwards).

17th October 1891
Singers F.C. 5-3 Rudge F.C.
Scorers: Mobley (2), Bird, Bodley, Edwards.
Crowd circa 2,500.
Referee: Mr. J. B. Priestly (Nottingham Olympic).
Team: Kirk (goalkeeper), Sheldon, Cashmore (full backs), Howell, Hughes, Edmond (half backs), W. Dorrell, Bird, Mobley, Edwards, Bodley (forwards).
The game started at a frantic pace. Rudge took the lead under controversial circumstances. During a goal-mouth scramble, Teddy Kirk was impeded with a dubious challenge which allowed a Rudge player to score.  Despite fierce protests, Mr. Priestly allowed the goal. Singers equalised with a great shot by Frank Mobley which gave Greaves, the Rudge goalkeeper, no chance. The Crow Laners re-took the lead after another goal-mouth scramble. Thomas Bird had a goal disallowed for a foul. However, he equalised a few minutes later when he slotted the ball home after a melee in front of the visitors goal. It was 2-2 at half-time. A great header by Harry Bodley from William Dorrell’s pin-point cross, put the Vocalists in front. Bodley was now in the thick of the action and he rattled the Rudge crossbar with a thuderous shot. Is the long-throw in an invention of the modern game? No. Will Howell took a throw-in about halfway into the Rudge half and launched the ball to the far post, where Harry Edwards calmly headed past Greaves to make it 4-2. Musson pulled a goal back for Rudge before Frank Mobley scored the fifth goal. In the dying seconds a shot by William Dorrell struck a post and the ball was cleared. The downside to this victory was the fact two theives entered the dressing room at the rear of the White Lion Hotel whilst play was in motion. A total of £2 was stolen from several players. Will Howell had 30 shillings (£1.50) taken, a serious amount of money in those days. There were 30 watches and chains in the room at the time, but the thieves ignored them. A police investigation failed to lead to any arrests.

24th October 1891
Singers F.C. 3-0 Walsall Town Swifts F.C.
Scorers: Mobley, Bodley, Edwards.
Team: Kirk (goalkeeper), Sheldon, Cashmore (full backs), Howell, Hughes, Edmond (half backs), W. Dorrell, Bird, Mobley, Edwards, Bodley (forwards).

31st October 1891
Singers F.C. 1-0 West Bromwich Albion Reserves F.C.
Scorer: Bodley.
Crowd circa 1,000.
Albion almost opened their account when Teddy Kirk ran out of his goal to try and clear the ball. He was impeded by his own defenders. Just as the ball was about to go in Walter Edmond made a desperate clearance. William Dorrell’s drive from a narrow angle almost put Singers in front, but the ball struck the outside of a post.  Kirk kept his goal intact when he made a stunning save to deny Wood. Dorrell went on a mazy run down the left wing and his excellent centre found Harry Bodley, who hooked the ball home. This proved to be the winning goal. The Throstles started strongly in the second half. Kirk dealt with a dangerous corner and then  made a great save to thwart Wood once more. Kirk was in the thick of the action as he pulled off two more top class saves. It was now “backs-to-the-wall” stuff for the Vocalists. In the dying minutes Kirk came to the rescue again when he gallantly saved every shot the Albion attack could muster. 

7th November 1891
Singers F.C. 5-0 Stoke Village F. C.
Birmingham Junior Cup 1st Round.
Scorers: Bodley (2), Edwards, Bird, Mobley.
Team: Kirk (goalkeeper), Sheldon, Cashmore (full backs), Howell, Kendrick, Edmond (half backs), W. Dorrell, Bird, Mobley, Edwards, Bodley (forwards).
The draw gave Stoke a home cup-tie but they decided to switch the game to Singers’ ground. Harry Edwards put Singers in front and a few minutes later a shot by Frank Mobley struck the crossbar. Harry Bodley headed goal number two and he scored again just before half-time. The Vocalists led 3-0 at the interval. T. Woodward, the Stoke goalkeeper, conceded another goal when he was beaten by a low shot from Thomas Bird. Stoke’s best chance fell to Meikle, but his long shot clipped the crossbar. Mobley made it 5-0 after good work by Edwards and Bodley. Mobley then created a guilt-edged chance for Bird, literally an open goal, but Singers’ captain hit the ball wide. Stoke may have conceded five goals, but they played very well in patches.      

14th November 1891
Singers F.C. 11-0 Lozells Villa F.C.
Walsall Junior Cup 2nd Round.
Scorers: W. Dorrell (6 – 1 penalty), Sheldon (2), Mobley, Bird, Cashmore.
Team: Kirk (goalkeeper), Sheldon, Cashmore (full backs), Howell, Hughes, Edmond (half backs), W. Dorrell, Bird, Mobley, Edwards, Bodley (forwards).
This was the first time the club had competed in this competition and were awarded a “bye” in the First Round.  The Vocalists led 5-0 at half-time. By then it had become very obvious Lozells were totally out of their depth.  Their goalkeeper, Bates, had a torrid time and despite making several good saves, could not prevent the onslaught. To be fair, he was given no protection by a feeble defence. William Dorrell’s double hat-trick included the club’s first penalty, given as per a new rule introduced by the Football League this season. The spot-kick was awarded after Will Howell had despatched one of his trade-mark long throw-ins. Farman, the Lozells right back, commited a foul whilst attempting to clear the ball. Mr. W. H. Moon (Wednesbury) pointed to the spot.      

21st November 1891
Rudge F.C. 1-6 Singers F.C.
Scorers: Bodley (3 mins), W. Dorrell (2), Edwards (2 – 2nd on 20 mins), Bird. Rudge goal on 79 minutes.
At the Red House Ground.
Crowd circa 2,800.
40 minutes each way.
Team: Kirk (goalkeeper), Sheldon, Cashmore (full backs), Howell, Hughes, Edmond (half backs), W. Dorrell, Bird, Mobley, Edwards, Bodley (forwards).
The Vocalists took total control from the start. Their clinical finishing saw the home side trailing 4-0 after twenty minutes. Just before half-time Frank Mobley set-up Thomas Bird who drilled the ball past Greaves, the Rudge goalkeeper. The referee, Mr. A. Cooper (Wolverhampton) disallowed the goal for offside. However, the Singers captain got on the scoresheet early in the second half, when he latched onto a pin-point cross from Harry Edwards. A pacy run by William Dorrell ended with the left-winger unleashing a stunning shot which gave Greaves no chance. Harry Hands scored a consolation goal for the Rudge with literally a few seconds remaining.

28th November 1891
Singers F.C. 2 0 Great Bridge Unity F.C. (Staffordshire).
Wednesbury Charity Cup 1st Round.
Scorers: Bird, W. Dorrell.
Crowd circa 500.
Team: Kirk (goalkeeper), Sheldon, Cashmore (full backs), Howell, Hughes, Edmond (half backs), W. Dorrell, Bird, Mobley, Edwards, Bodley (forwards).
This was Singers’ first appearance in this competition. Their entry had been confirmed by the B&DFA Executive at a meeting held at the Grand Hotel, Birmingham on 14 October. There was heavy rain prior to kick-off and it rained during the match. Singers dominated the first half, illustrated by the fact Unity registered their first shot after 30 minutes. It was 0-0 at half-time. Two quick goals early in the second half settled this cup-tie.

5th December 1891
Singers F.C. 12-1 Small Heath United F.C. (Birmingham).
Birmingham Junior Cup 2nd Round.
Scorers: Mobley (5), Bodley (2), Bird, Edwards, W. Dorrell, Sheldon, Edmond.
Crowd circa 2,000.
Team: Kirk (goalkeeper), Sheldon, Cashmore (full backs), Howell, Hughes, Edmond (half backs), Bird, W. Dorrell, Mobley, Edwards, Bodley (forwards).
United were the reserve team of Small Heath F.C. and were handed a home tie when the draw was made. They decided to switch the game to Coventry due to the Heathens first team having a home fixture on the same day. Singers led 4-1 at half-time. The goal-fest continued after the interval which saw Frank Mobley’s personal tally reach five.  

12th December 1891
Burton Swifts Reserves F.C. 1-1 Singers F.C.
Scorer: Mobley.
Team: Kirk (goalkeeper), Sheldon, Cashmore (full backs), Howell, Hughes, Edmond (half backs), Bird, W. Dorrell, Mobley, Edwards, Bodley (forwards).

19th December 1891
Singers F.C. 5-1 Packington F.C.
Scorers: Bird (2), Mobley (2), Law.
Team: Kirk (goalkeeper), Sheldon, Cashmore (full backs), Howell, Hughes, Edmond (half backs), Bird, W. Dorrell, Mobley, Edwards, Law (forwards).

25th December 1891
Unity Gas 1-2 Singers F.C. (at Small Heath’s ground), friendly fixture.

2nd January 1892
Singers F.C. 11-0 Burlington Sunday Early Morning School F.C. (Birmingham).
Birmingham Junior Cup 3rd Round.
Scorers: Mobley (5), Bodley (3), W. Dorrell, Sheldon plus 1 unknown.
Team: Kirk (goalkeeper), Sheldon, Cashmore (full backs), G. Dorrell, Hughes, Edmond (half backs), W. Dorrell, Bird, Mobley, Edwards, Bodley (forwards).
The Burlington Sunday School was situated in Burlington Street, Aston, Birmingham. The visitors had beaten Islington F.C and Ladywood Conservatives Reserves F.C. (Birmingham) in previous rounds. Burlington wore white shirts and Singers decided to wear their new scarlet shirts. The huge difference in the quality of the two teams was all there to be seen. It literally was men against boys. Singers started the game with nine players.  Teddy Kirk and George Dorrell came onto the pitch after five minutes play! Singers led 4-0 at half-time. In the second half Morgan, the Burlington goalkeeper, was extremely busy as shot after shot peppered his goal. The Vocalists added seven more goals to complete the rout. Some supporters commented after the match that Singers should have shown sympathy and been content with a smaller score. Players do not see it that way. A Singers player said: “Who would not get a goal when the chance presents itself?”

9th January 1892
Singers F.C. 12-2 Soho Villa F.C. (Birmingham).
Walsall Junior Cup 3rd Round.
Referee: Mr. Bird (Walsall Football Association).
Scorers: Mobley (6), Davis (own goal), Bird, Edwards, Hughes, W. Dorrell, Bodley.
Team; Kirk (goalkeeper), Sheldon, Cashmore (full backs), Howell, Hughes, Edmond (half backs), W. Dorrell, Bird, Mobley, Bodley, Edwards (forwards).
George Maley wrote in his pre-match notes: “It may be stated that Soho Villa are not only the holders of the Walsall Junior Cup, but are looked upon as prominent exponents of the Association game in their particular district”.  Well, reputations count for nothing. This was another rout led by a double hat-trick from Frank Mobley. Singers led 5-1 at the interval. The pitch was covered in several inches of snow. After the game Soho officials confirmed their club had played under protest due to the state of the pitch. They insisted the match should not be regarded as a cup-tie. The referee, Mr. Bird, dismissed their appeals and at no time considered playing conditions to be dangerous.

16th January 1892
Singers F.C. 5-2 Walsall Town Swifts Reserves F.C.
Wednesbury Charity Cup 2nd Round.
Scorers: Edwards, Bodley, Beech (own goal), Mobley, W. Dorrell.  Referee: Mr. F. Townsend (Walsall & Dudley F. A.).
Team: Kirk (goalkeeper), Sheldon, Cashmore (full backs), Howell, Hughes, Edmond (half backs), W. Dorrell, Bird, Mobley, Edwards, Bodley (forwards).
Supporters had a new facility at the Stoke Road Ground. This was a Reserve Enclosure with wooden boards to stand upon to keep the feet dry. Parts of the ground still suffered from poor drainage. There was also a Press Box, much to the delight of sports reporters who often complained their job was made more difficult due to lack of proper facilities. Both teams were evenly matched in the first half and at the interval the score was 2-2.  The Vovalists were the better team in the second half and notched three goals to safely go through to the next round.

23rd January 1892
Unity Gas F.C. 1-2 Singers F.C.
Birmingham Junior Cup 5th Round.
At Small Heath, Birmingham.
Scorer: Mobley (2).
Team: Kirk (goalkeeper), Sheldon, Cashmore (full backs), Howell, Hughes, Edmond (half backs), W. Dorrell, Bird, Mobley, Edwards, Bodley (forwards).
Unity had reached this stage by defeating Coventry Rovers F.C. 8-0, Sparkbrook F.C. 13-0 and Redditch Excelsior F.C. 10-4. The Singers players and officials departed to Birmingham on the 12.47pm train. They were followed at 1.30pm by a special excursion train packed with thousands of their supporters. Frank Mobley put the Vocalists in front with a header from a free-kick. The equaliser came from a dangerous attack down the left flank. Hill’s centre found Fawcett who controlled the ball and beat Teddy Kirk with a poerful shot. It was 1-1 at half-time. Unity put a lot of pressure on Singers’ defence early in the second half, but it held firm. William Dorrell went on a mazy run and looked certain to score, but he was fouled before he could get his shot away.  The resultant free-kick was cleared. With literally seconds remaining the Vocalists scored a dramatic winner.  Dorrell attacked down the wing and appeared to have over-run the ball. Cotterill, the Gas full back, tried to shield it out of play. Dorrell regained possession and sent in a great cross. Mobley, timing his run to perfection, headed past Benton, the Gas goalkeeper. Singers supporters went wild! The referee, Mr. J. G. Priestley, blew his whistle for full-time before the game could be restarted.

30th January 1892
Singers F.C. 3-1 Burton Alma F.C.
Scorers: Mobley (2), W. Dorrell.
Team: Kirk (goalkeeper), Glew, Skelding (full backs), Turner, Edwards, Brocklebank (half backs), W. Dorrell, Gallier, Mobley, Law, Bodley (forwards).

6th February 1892
Singers F.C. 2-0 Burton Swifts F.C.
Scorers: Bodley, Mobley.
Crowd circa 2,000.
Team: Kirk (goalkeeper), Sheldon, Glew (full backs), Howell, Hughes, Edmond (half backs), W. Dorrell, Bird, Mobley, Bodley, Edwards (forwards).

13th February 1892
Singers F.C. 3-0 Cotterills F.C. (Darlaston).
Walsall Junior Cup 4th Round.
Scorers: Edge (own goal), Edmond, Mobley.
Crowd circa 1,500.
Team: Kirk (goalkeeper), Sheldon, Cashmore (full backs), Howell, Hughes, Edmond (half backs), Bird, W. Dorrell, Mobley, Bodley, Edwards (forwards).
Thomas Bird won the toss and elected to play up the hill with the advantage of the sun behind his back. The Vocalists took the lead in fortuitous circumstances. An attempted clearance by Butler, Cotterills goalkeeper, struck his full back Edge and the ball was deflected between the posts. Fulford almost equalised with a terrific shot which went over Teddy Kirk’s crossbar by an inch. A few minutes later a shot by Harry Edwards hit a post.  It was 1-0 at the interval. A speculative lob by Edwards early in the second half was fisted clear by Butler.  Foster thought he had equalised for the visitors, but Teddy Kirk pulled off a great save to thwart the Cotterills centre-forward. A spell of pressure from Singers brought a second goal from an excellent drive by Walter Edmond.  Frank Mobley wrapped things up with a late goal to give the Vocalists a comfortable victory.

20th February 1892
Singers F.C. 3-1 Leicester Fosse F.C.
Scorers: Mobley, Bodley, Bird.
Crowd circa 2,500.
Team: Kirk (goalkeeper), Sheldon, Cashmore (full backs), Edmond, Summerfield, Howell (half backs), W. Dorrell, Bird, Mobley, Edwards, Bodley (forwards).
The appointed referee, William McGregor (Aston Villa) was unable to attend. At the request of Nuttall, the Fosse captain, James Morgan agreed to officiate. The pitch was snow-bound, but the match went ahead with the agreement of both clubs. Volunteers had cleared the snow from within the Stoke Road Ground, making the enclosure safe for spectators. The Vocalists went 1-0 up in the 5th minute. The ball came in from the right flank and Frank Mobley hit a thunderous shot past De Ville, the Fosse goalkeeper. Such was Singers’ dominance, Teddy Kirk only had to make one save during the first 45 minutes. Harry Bodley notched goal number two when he converted William Dorrell’s centre. This was the club’s 100th goal of the season. The Fosse pulled a goal back after a goal-mouth skirmish. Bodley centred from the right wing to Thomas Bird who coolly slotted the ball into the top corner of the goal. Fosse had a goal disallowed in the closing stages. This was the Vocalists first win against their Leicestershire rivals. 

27th February 1892
Singers F.C. 3-1 Hednesford Town F.C.
Wednesbury Charity Cup 3rd Round.
Scorers: Bodley (2), Bird.
Referee: W. Rollins (Walsall Association).
Team: Kirk (goalkeeper), Sheldon, Cashmore (full backs), Howell, Hughes, Edmond (half backs), W. Dorrell, Bird, Mobley, Edwards, Bodley (forwards).
Hednesford were current holders of the Wednesbury Charity Cup. The Vocalists took the lead within 90 seconds. A long throw-in by Will Howell found William Dorrell. His perfect centre found Harry Bodley who headed the ball past Webster in the Town goal. Bodley added a second with another header after Webster’s poor fisted clearance. Singers led 2-0 at half-time. Hednesford pulled a goal back a few minutes after the break. Teddy Kirk’s clearance struck an opposing forward and the ball rebounded into the goal. Thomas Bird sealed victory when he scored from Frank Mobley’s pass.

5th March 1892
Singers F.C. 5-0 Park Mills F.C. (Nechells, Birmingham).
Birmingham Junior Cup Semi-Final.
At the Aston Lower Grounds, Birmingham.
Scorers: Mobley (3), Bird (2).
Crowd circa 3,500.
Referee; Arthur Cooknell.
Team: Kirk (goalkeeper), Sheldon, Cashmore (full backs), Howell, Hughes, Edmond (half backs), Dorrell, Bird, Mobley, Edwards, Bodley (forwards).
The Aston Lower Grounds was a 31 acre site formerly part of the Aston Hall Estate. It was opened to the general public in 1872 as a Victorian amusement park. The land stretched from the Holte Tavern to Witton Cross between Trinity Road and Witton Lane. It had facilities to cater for football and cricket. The Lower Grounds became the home of Aston Villa F.C. in 1897. Park Mills had only formed as a club this season.  Singers’ supporters boarded a special excursion train to Witton at 1.45pm. George Maley wrote: “The Coventry sightseers at once entered the Lower Grounds and took up their positions around the enclosure, while the players strolled off to the Holte Tavern, where they donned the war paint”. A vicious drive by Frank Mobley beat Thew, the Park Mills goalkeeper, to put Singers in front. A few minutes later a section of the crowd encroached onto the pitch amid the excitement of the occasion, which forced the referee to temporarily stop the game.  Thomas Bird made it 2-0 with a terrific shot which struck the underside of the crossbar before going in. Park Mills had a goal disallowed early in the second half as the ball had previously gone out of play. William Dorrell hit a tremendous drive which smashed against the crossbar and the rebound was cleared. Thew conceded a third goal and it was a howler. He raced out from his goal, completely missed the ball, which rolled to Mobley who scored. Thew was now demoralised and conceded again when Mobley beat him with a header. Bird completed the rout just before full time.

12th March 1892
Singers F.C. 8-5 Lichfield Leomansley F.C.
Walsall Junior Cup Semi-Final.
At the Stoke Road Ground.
Scorers: Bodley (4), Edmond (2), Bird plus 1 unknown.
Crowd circa 2,000.
Referee: Mr. W. Rollins (Walsall F.A.).
Team: Kirk (goalkeeper), Sheldon, Cashmore (full backs), Howell, Hughes, Edmond (half backs), Briggs, Bird, Mobley, Edwards, Bodley (forwards).
Lichfield wore red shirts so the Vocalists donned white shirts. Thomas Bird lost the toss so Frank Mobley kicked-off down the hill with the brilliant sunshine in his face. Despite the hot weather the pitch resembled a quagmire due to recent prolonged heavy rain. This really was a crazy game. It was fairly even in the first half and at the interval the score was 2-2. A calamitous mix-up between Stoker, the Leomansley goalkeeper and his full back Hackett, gifted Singers a goal. Walter Edmond’s shot from distance went past both of them and trickled over the goal-line. Lichfield equalised, but Teddy Kirk claimed he had been fouled during the goal-mouth scramble. The referee dismissed the protest. Rollins was the centre of attention again when the Vocalists scored a few minutes later. Harry Bodley put the ball and Stoker through the goal. Lichfield claimed a foul, but their plea was ignored. Singers added two more goals before Griffin made it 6-4. He netted again after he dispossessed Tom Cashmore who tried to dribble out of defence. At 6-5 the home supporters had cause for concern, but a brace of goals by Bodley near the end settled nerves.

19th March 1892
Singers F.C. 2-0 Willenhall Pickwick F.C.
Birmingham Junior Cup Final.
At the Perry Barr Ground, Birmingham.
Scorers: Bird, Edwards.
Crowd circa 6,000.
Referee: Mr. J. Adams.
Team: Kirk (goalkeeper), Sheldon, Cashmore (full backs), Howell, Hughes, Edmond (half backs), W. Dorrell, Bird, Mobley, Edwards, Bodley (forwards).
Two special trains left Coventry at 2.30pm and headed for Perry Barr. Among the passengers in the first train were the Singers F.C. players and officials, who took the Birmingham Junior Cup with them. The trophy was placed securely in a deal wooden box. The question was: Will it return to the City of Three Spires? The Pickwicks kicked-off just after 4pm towards the Wellington Road goal. The game was only a couple of minutes old when the Vocalists received a severe blow. They were reduced to ten men when Will Howell had to leave the pitch after being badly winded from a kick to the stomach. There was some anxious moments in Teddy Kirk’s goalmouth before Howell re-appeared to take his place, although it was clear he was not fully fit.  Eventually the referee became concerned about Howell’s condition, suggesting he should retire from the game. Howell consented which reduced Singers to ten men. A second catastrophic blow for the Vocalists was unthinkable, but it happened a minute later. Hales, the Pickwick goalkeeper, saved Frank Mobley’s drive and the ball ran loose. In the ensuing melee William Dorrell went down with what appeared to be aserious ankle injury.  Play was suspended temporarily. It was clear Dorrell could not continue which meant the Vocalists were now down to nine players, with only ten minutes played. Most teams would have capitulated but incredibly Singers almost took the lead on three occasions. Half-time arrived with a suprising scoreline of 0-0.
As the Vocalists players left the pitch they received huge cheers from their supporters. It was hard to believe that Singers began to dominate led by the dashing exploits of Harry Bodley and Frank Mobley. Concerted pressure brought them a goal in the 70th minute. Tom Bird received a pass from William Hughes and the Vocalists captain smashed the ball beyond the reach of Hales. The supporters from Coventry went crazy! The cheers had hardly died down when Singers sensationally scored a second. Walter Edmond broke up an opposing attack and fed the ball to Harry Edwards, who advanced and coolly beat Hales. Pandemonium broke out. Kirk made two good saves near the end enabling the Vocalists to clinch a remarkable 2-0 victory. George Maley commented: “Their performance being one that will ever shine brightly in the annals of local sport”.  Howell was taken to hospital after the game but he was not detained. The victorious team, along with the cup, arrived back in Coventry at nine o’clock that evening and witnessed wild celebrations. The Birmingham Junior Cup was presented to James Morgan at the B&DFA AGM held at the Masonic Hall, Birmingham on 30 May.  The trophy was handed over by the Mayor of Birmingham, Councillor Lawley Parker. Medals were given to the players.

26th March 1892
Singers F.C. 2-2 Walsall Football Association Representative XI.
Scorers: Mobley, Hughes.
Team: Kirk (goalkeeper), Sheldon, Cashmore (full backs), Turner, Hughes, Edmond (half backs), Briggs, Bird, Mobley, Edwards, Bodley (forwards).

2nd April 1892
Worcester Rovers F.C. 0-2 Singers F.C.
Crowd was over 2,000 – a record gate for Rovers
Scorers: Bird (30 mins), Bodley
Team: Kirk (goalkeeper), Sheldon, Cashmore (full backs), Hughes, Edmond, Glew (half backs), Banks, Bird, Mobley, Edwards, Bodley (forwards).

9th April 1892
Singers F.C. 2-4 Aston Villa Reserves F.C.
Scorers: Bird (2).
Crowd circa 3,000.
Team: Kirk (goalkeeper), Sheldon, Cashmore (full backs), Turner, Hughes, Edmond (half backs), Briggs, Bird, Mobley, Edwards, Bodley (forwards).
Villa had won all of the four previous meetings, scoring fourteen goals and only conceding one. This was Singers’ first defeat since September 1891. The “Villans” included left winger Albert Brown, who at one time was selected to play for England. His elder brother Arthur, who also played for the Villa, was capped by England three times in 1882 and scored four goals. The Brown brothers were both born in Coventry, Arthur in 1858 and Albert in 1865. They were born in Broomfield Place, Spon End. The Brown brothers were quite young when the family left Coventry and developed their footballing skills with Birmingham-based clubs. Arthur has the distinction of being the first Coventry-born player to play for England. Thomas Bird gave Singers the lead and Davis equalised just before half-time. It was 1-1 at the interval. Albert Brown scored two goals early in the second half to make it 3-1. Davis scored Villa’s fourth goal after receiving a pass from Brown. Bird scored a consolation goal for the Vocalists in the closing stages.   

Monday 11th April 1892
Wednesbury Old Athletic F.C. (Staffordshire) 1-1 Singers F.C.
Scorer: Mobley.
Wednesbury Charity Cup Semi-Final.
At the Wednesbury Oval Ground.
Team: Kirk (goalkeeper), Sheldon, Cashmore (full backs), Turner, Hughes, Edmond (half backs), Briggs, Bird, Mobley, Edwards, Bodley (forwards).
No-one could have predicted the fiasco which surrounded the later stages of the Wednesbury Charity Cup competition. The Old Athletic team were full time professionals. To hold them to a 1-1 draw after ninety minutes was no mean achievement. The Singers Committee informed the referee, Mr. W. Rollins (Walsall F. A.), their team was prepared to play 30 minutes extra-time. This commitment was not recipricated by the Old Athletic players, despite their officials knowing this cup-tie had to be concluded on the day. This reaction allowed the Vocalists to claim the match as their victory, as per the rules of the competition. Within 24 hours Singers discovered their claim had been dismissed by the Executive Committee of the Wednesbury Football Association. They instructed a replay should take place at the Perry Barr Ground, Birmingham on Wednesday 13 April. Astonishingly, the Old Athletic did not turn up for the replay. Upon the order of the referee, Thomas Bird scored a goal unopposed and Singers claimed the cup-tie again. The Wednesbury Football Association was advised accordingly. James Morgan (Singers F.C. Secretary) was astounded to receive a telegram the following morning from this governing body, advising him the club had been disqualified from the cup competition.
The disqualification was imposed due to Singers allegedly not informing the WFA of the club’s intention to travel to Perry Barr and fulfil the fixture. This was a ludicrous position to take because Morgan had contacted the WFA Executive Committee at 12.30pm on the day of the game, stating Singers would play under protest.  He later stated the WFA special instructions for travel arrangements for the replay had not been received in Coventry. It appears Morgan had simply followed normal protocol regarding such important games. At a special meeting held on Friday 15 April the WFA Executive upheld the disqualification decision. The following day Wednesbury Old Athletic F.C. defeated Hanley Town F.C. (Staffordshire) 3-1, in a match described as the “Wednesbury Charity Cup Final”. Hanley had previously won their semi-final game and innocently took part in the Final as instructed by the WFA. George Singer was kept informed of proceedings and was incensed at the way Singers F.C. had been treated. He sent a telegram to the WFA stating: “I claim the semi-final match for Singers Football Club and forbid the handing over of any cup or medals pending legal proceedings”.
This whole fiasco was concluded at a special meeting held at the Athletic Institute, Birmingham on Thursday 19 May. The Football Association had previously appointed an Inquiry Commission consisting of Charles Crump (Wolverhampton), Mr. Hinds (Nottingham) and Mr. Roberts (Derby), to adjudicate the case. The meeting lasted two and a half hours. At its conclusion, the following statement was issued: “The disqualification of Singers from the Wednesbury Cup competition was unwarranted and against all football rules. Believing however, there are some extenuating circumstances on behalf of the Wednesbury Old Athletic Club, it is resolved the justice of the case would be met by allowing that Club and Singers, to be joint holders of the Wednesbury Charity Cup for the next twelve months, and winners medals of equal value should be presented to both teams”. 

16th April 1892
Bloxwich Strollers F.C. (Staffordshire) 1-1 Singers F.C.
Walsall Junior Cup Final.
At the Chuckery Ground, Walsall.
Scorer: unknown.
Crowd circa 2,000.
Kick-off 4.30pm.
Referee; Mr. E. Smith.
Team: Kirk (goalkeeper), Sheldon Cashmore (full backs), Howell, Hughes, Edmond (half backs), Briggs, Bird, Mobley, Edwards, Bodley (forwards).
The Strollers took the lead with a controversial goal. A long shot tested Teddy Kirk and in the opinion of the referee, he failed to stop the ball going between the posts. Singers claimed Kirk had palmed the ball over the crossbar to concede a corner. The referee did not see it that way and the goal stood. Bloxwich, playing down the slope and assisted by a strong wind, continued to put pressure on Kirk’s goal. However, they wasted several chances to increase their lead. The Vocalists had a good spell just before half-time. Westwood, the Strollers goalkeeper, made a great save to deny Frank Mobley and then watched a terrific shot from Thomas Bird go a couple of inches wide of the posts. Bloxwich led 1-0 at the interval. It was pretty even in the second half.  Thankfully, with about five minutes remaining, the Vocalists secured an equaliser albeit in controversial circumstances. There was a goalmouth scramble and Singers appealed for a goal claiming the ball had gone over the line. The Strollers claimed otherwise but the referee dismissed their protest and still awarded a goal.  Singers wanted to play extra-time but Bloxwich refused. The Walsall F.A. instructed both teams to participate in a replay four days later.

Wednesday 20th April 1892
Bloxwich Strollers F.C. 1-3 Singers F.C.
Walsall Junior Cup Final Replay.
At the Perry Barr Ground, Birmingham.
Scorers: W. Dorrell (2) plus 1 unknown.
Crowd circa 1,500.
Referee: W. Rollins (Walsall F.A.).
Team: Kirk (goalkeeper), Sheldon, Cashmore (full backs), Howell, Hughes, Edmond (half backs), W. Dorrell, Bird, Mobley, Edwards, Bodley (forwards).
Two special trains took hundreds of Singers supporters to Perry Barr. Admission to the ground was fourpence (roughly 2p) and eightpence (roughly 4p). William Dorrell made a welcome return to the team and effectively became their “match winner”. Bloxwich won the toss and decided to kick down the slope, also being assisted by a strong wind. To make conditions worse, heavy rain fell during most of the first half. Singers scored a goal early on but was disallowed for an infringement. Dorrell was causing havoc down the left flank and it was his strike which opened the scoring. He dribbled past several defenders, cut inside and unleashed a powerful drive which beat Westwood, the Strollers goalkeeper. Bloxwich equalised a few minutes later with a headed goal by Reay from a corner. It was 1-1 at half-time. Teddy Kirk had very little to do in the second half. The identity of their second goal-scorer is unclear. The ball was “rushed through the goal” after being kicked into the penalty area by one of the backs. Weswood’s goal came under increased pressure as the Vocalists dominated. Dorrell put the icing on the cake with a superb shot which gave the opposing goalkeeper no chance. The Walsall Junior Cup was presented to James Morgan at the Walsall Football Association’s AGM, held at the Dragon Hotel, Walsall on 24 May. Medals were presented to the players.

23rd April 1892
Singers F.C. 1-2 Unity Gas F.C.
Scorer: Mobley.
Team: Kirk (goalkeeper), Sheldon, Skelding (full backs), Turner, Bates, Edmond (half backs), Hands, Bird, Mobley, Edwards, Bodley (forwards). (Bates and Harry Hands were Rudge players)

30th April 1892
Singers F.C. 3-2 Foresters Charity Association F.C. (Staffordshire).
Charity Match.
Scorers: Briggs, Mobley, Bodley.
Team: Kirk (goalkeeper), Sheldon, Owen (full backs), Turner, Hughes, Edmond (half backs), Howell, Briggs, Mobley, Edwards, Bodley (forwards). (Owen was Owen Ireland borrowed from Coventry Central for the game.
The Forrester’s team was made up of players from the following clubs: Cannock F.C. (5), Hednesford Town F.C. (2), Rugeley F.C. (2), Aston Villa F.C. (1) and Tettenhall F.C. (1). It was 2-2 at half-time. Singers’ goals were scored by Joe Briggs and Frank Mobley. Wootton got both of the Forresters goals. Harry Bodley scored the winning goal in the closing stages.

1891-92 Playing Record: Played 34, Won 26, Drawn 4, Lost 4, Goals For 134, Goals Against 42.

1892-93

The departure of Frank Mobley and William Dorrell during the close season was a massive blow to the club.  Mobley transferred to Small Heath F.C. (later Birmingham City F.C.) and Dorrell joined Leicester Fosse F.C. (later Leicester City F.C.). These two forwards had contributed 59 goals between them during the 1891-92 season.  Unfortunately, the Vocalists were unable to adequately replace that kind of firepower. The team was further weakened with the departure of Harry Edwards (to Small Heath F.C.) and Sheldon (to West Bromwich Albion).  George Maley chaired a special meeting of Singers F.C. held at the White Lion Hotel on 8 August. Despite the huge success achieved the previous season, there were persistent rumours the football club was to be disbanded, due to the slump experienced in the bicycle trade. Maley said those rumours were totally false. He also advised the club had entered the Football Association Cup and the Birmingham Senior Cup competitions for the first time. Singers’ AGM was held at the same venue eight days later. Details on the Balance Sheet showed a working capital of £18 & 16 shillings, so the financial situation was not as gloomy as some people may have thought. The Reserve Team were undefeated since October 1890. George Maley suggested the club should adopt professional status. This was agreed to but in reality it simply meant some players could be paid expenses, whilst others retained their amateur status. It was agreed that James Morgan, the club’s Secretary, should receive a financial allowance to cover expenses relating to his position.

The kit colours ere announced for the new season: First Team: Red & Black. Reserves: White & Black. 

3rd September 1892
Leicester Fosse F.C. 10-1 Singers F.C.
Scorer: Taylor – an own goal by Fosse’s Taylor and not Singer’s Harry Taylor.
Crowd circa 3,000.
Team: Casey (goalkeeper), Cashmore, Hancox(full backs), Edmond, Hughes, Howell (half backs), Bodley, G. Dorrell, Taylor, Bird, Gallier (forwards).
William Dorrell faced his former team-mates for the first time since his transfer and scored two goals against his former club. Singers fielded a weakened eleven which contained only six players from the triple-cup winning team. J. Edwards, brother of Harry, had promised to play for the Vocalists, but failed to turn up. His place was taken by George Dorrell, who happened to be at the match, no doubt initially to watch his younger brother.  The Fosse fielded ten professional players. This was an embarrassing defeat and illustrated how far the club had gone backwards. Singers’ consolation goal was fortunate. Thomas Bird’s drive hit a post. The rebound hit Taylor, the Fosse full back, and the ball went over the goal-line.

10th September 1892
Singers F.C. 7-2 Unity Gas F.C.
Scorers: Taylor (2), Bodley, Elt, Howell, Rickus plus 1 unknown.
Team: Kirk (goalkeeper), Elt, Cashmore (full backs), Hughes, Simms, Edmond (half backs), Howell, Bird, Taylor, Rickus, Bodley (forwards).
The Vocalists bounced back with an excellent victory over Unity. It was an eventful first half. Fawcett put the Gas in front within a couple of minutes. Singers’ equaliser came when Taylor knocked Benton over the goal-line after the Unity goalkeeper had gathered the ball. This type of charge was legal in those days. A brilliant header by Timmins from Fawcett’s cross, made it 2-1 to Gas after 20 minutes. Rickus then set-up Harry Bodley to notch an equaliser. Taylor’s superb header just before half-time gave the Vocalists a 3-2 lead at the interval. It was virtually one-way traffic in the second half. Singers added four more goals without reply.

17th September 1892
Singers F.C. 6-0 Wolverhampton Saint Andrews F.C.
Scorers: Howell (2), Rickus, Edmond, Simms, Bodley.
Team: Casey (goalkeeper), Cashmore, Culm (full backs), Edmond, Simms, Hughes (half backs), Bodley, Rickus, Taylor, Bird, Howell (forwards).

24th September 1892
Aston Villa Reserves F.C. 4-0 Singers F.C.
Crowd circa 4,000.
At the Perry Barr Ground.
Team: Kirk (goalkeeper), Cashmore, Culm (full backs), Edmond, Simms, Howell (half backs), Bodley, Rickus, Ingram, Bird, Brooks (forwards).
Ingram kicked-off for Singers who played up the hill and against the sun in the first half. Kirk was roughly charged by Davis when he tried to deal with an awkward shot. Play was suspended for a few minutes while he received treatment. Kirk recovered but seemed dazed and he immediately conceded when beaten by a shot by Hare. Davis made it 2-0 with a terrific shot after a skilful run down the centre. The Vocalists were reduced to ten men when Jack Rickus sustained an injury. Hare scored Villa’s third goal just before the interval. Villa led 3-0 at half-time. Rickus re-emerged for the second half but was limping badly. Villa’s fourth goal came from a goal-mouth scramble. Harry Bodley, in a great position, had Singers’ best chance to score in this half, but hesitated too long before shooting.  

Wednesday 28th September 1892
Burton Swifts F.C. 3-0 Singers F.C.
F. A. Cup Preliminary Round.
At the Peel Croft Ground, Burton-on-Trent.
Team: Kirk (goalkeeper), Cashmore, Culm (full backs), Elt, Simms, Edmond (half backs), Rickus, Banks, Hughes, Howell, Bird (forwards).
The Swifts were members of the English Football League Second Division. This was Singers’ first F. A. Cup tie.  The match was played in mid-week as Burton refused to play on a Saturday due to league commitments. The journey to Burton was hardly ideal. Singers departed on the 8.40am train from Coventry to Birmingham. This arrived late which meant they missed their intended train connection to Burton. The next train appeared to be a slow service which meandered its way to the “brewery town”. The match started much later than advertised.  The pitch was in very good condition despite heavy rain falling the previous day. Singers kicked-off with the wind in their favour and started brightly. However, they went behind in the 15th minute when Worrell scored from a quick counter-attack involving Perry and Emery. Teddy Kirk made three excellent saves as half-time approached. The Swifts led 1-0 at the interval. Three minutes into the second half Perry made it 2-0 after Kirk had spilled a fierce shot from Worrell. Kirk made a series of superb saves as Burton piled on the pressure.  Singers’ forward line was totally ineffective and handicapped by the fact Rickus, near the end, limped around the pitch in considerable discomfort. Elt suffered an injury late on which left the Vocalists with nine fit men. The Swifts third goal came from a header by May in the closing stages.

1st October 1892
Worcester Rovers F.C. 2-0 Singers F.C.
Team: Kirk (goalkeeper), Cashmore, Culm (full backs), Edmond, Simms, Howell (half backs), Bodley, Pretty, Hughes, Bird, Yardley (forwards).

8th October 1892
Singers F.C. 3-2 Hednesford Town F.C.
Scorers: Briggs (2), Edmond.
Team: Kirk (goalkeeper), Casmore, Culm (full backs), Edmond, Simms, Howell (half backs), Bodley, Pretty, Briggs, Bird, Ingram (forwards).
The Vocalists trailed 2-0 at half-time after goals by Jones and Smith. The crowd witnessed an incredible second half fight back. Singers had a goal disallowed for an infringement but never let this dishearten them. Walter Edmond beat Edge, the Town goalkeeper, with a 30-yard pile-driver. With twelve minutes remaining the home side suffered a blow. Will Howell had to withdraw due to injury. Not to be denied, the Vocalists showed great character and determination. Joe Briggs went on a mazy run down the left flank, cut inside and hammered the ball beyond the reach of Edge. A few minutes later he dribbled through the centre of Town’s defence and scored a sensational winner, this being greeted with wild celebrations.   

22nd October 1892
Singers F.C. 2-3 Hednesford Town F.C.
Scorers: Bodley, Bird.
Birmingham Senior Cup 2nd Round.
Referee; Mr. J. Round.
Team: Kirk (goalkeeper), Culm, Cashmore (full backs), Edmond, Simms, Elt (half backs), Howell, Briggs, Bird, Banks, Bodley (forwards).
William Hughes was unavailable for the Vocalists due to business commitments and was replaced by Elt. Will Howell started the match but was clearly unfit. Harry Bodley opened the scoring after good attacking play by Joe Briggs and Howell. Francis equalised for Hednesford just before half-time. The visitors started strongly in the second half and a shot by Francis clipped a post. Defensive mistakes were not punished because Teddy Kirk made two outstanding saves. Thomas Bird made it 2-1 with a great shot after receiving the ball from a throw-in. Oswell thought he had equalised for Town, but his effort was ruled out for offside by the referee. A counter-attack by Town ended with Smith’s shot beating Kirk to level the score. Hednesford now had the upper hand and won the game with a goal by Rollins. No doubt their victory was sweet revenge for the defeat they suffered two weeks ago.   

5th November 1892
Singers F.C. 1-4 Stourbridge F.C.
Scorer: Perry (penalty).
Team: Kirk (goalkeeper), Culm, Cashmore (full backs), Howell, Simms, Edmond (half backs), Briggs, Perry, Bird, Banks, Bodley (forwards).
This was the first time the two teams had met. Stourbridge dominated the first half and led 3-0 at half-time thanks to goals by Whitehouse, Bond and Crabtree. They increased that lead early in the second half. Teddy Kirk misjudged a shot by Whitehouse. The ball crashed aginst the cross bar and Crabtree knocked in the rebound. The Vocalists were awarded a penalty kick after a foul on Haynes. Perry scored from the spot-kick.  Singers tried desperately to add to their tally, but the Stourbridge defence held firm.

12th November 1892
Lozells F.C. (Birmingham) 1-2 Singers F.C. (limited to 35 minutes each way)
Scorers: Bodley (2).
Crowd circa 100.
Team: Kirk (goalkeeper), Culm, Cashmore (full backs), Edmond, Simms, Hughes (half backs), Bodley, Tomlinson, Bird, Howell, Briggs (forwards).

19th November 1892
Singers F.C. 1-0 Leicester Fosse F.C.
Scorer: Bodley.
Team: Kirk (goalkeeper), Culm, Cashmore (full backs), Edmond, Simms, Howell (half backs), Bodley, Banks, Glover, Bird, Briggs (forwards).
The Vocalists started the game with ten men due to the abscence of Harry Banks. Harry Bodley was unlucky on two occasions. His first shot struck an upright and then another effort clipped the crossbar. Singers missed several chances to break the deadlock. Teddy Kirk made three fine saves just before the interval. He palmed one of those shots onto the top of the crossbar. It was 0-0 at half-time. Banks made an appearance early in the second half. The closing stages of the game was played out in semi-darkness. Joe Briggs sent in a thunderous “daisy-cutter” which went narrowly wide of the posts, much to the relief of De Ville, the Fosse goalkeeper.  Bodley secured victory for Singers with a late goal scored from close range.

26th November 1892
Singers F.C. 1-6 Aston Villa Reserves F.C.
Scorer: Simms.
30 minutes each way.
Referee: Mr. Marsh.
Team: Kirk (goalkeeper), Culm, Cashmore (full backs), Edmond, Simms, Howell (half backs), Hughes, Glover, Bird, G. Dorrell (forwards)
The pitch was very slippery after heavy rain and there was a large mud patch in front of both goals. The Vocalists played with ten men due to two players being unavailable. Harry Bodley was injured with a sprained ankle and Joe Briggs was getting married! George Dorrell replaced Briggs. Villa turned out a strong eleven.  They led 3-0 at half-time thanks to goals by Campbell (2) and Dutton. Simms scored from a goalmouth scramble early in the second half. He punished a mistake by Benwell, the Villa goalkeeper, who inexplicably rushed from his goal-line and failed to gather the ball. Villa dominated the remainder of the game and added three more goals through Ramsey, Burton and Woolley, who stunned the home crowd with his effort. He raced the length of the field with the ball and completely outstripped Singers’ defence, beating Kirk with a powerful drive. The reason for a 60 minute game was probably due to playing conditions and fading light.   

3rd December 1892
Singers F.C. 13-1 Birmingham Southfield F.C.
Scorers: Hughes (4), Bodley (3), Simms (2), Briggs (2), Edmond plus 1 unknown.
Team: Kirk (goalkeeper), Culm, Cashmore (full backs), Howell, Simms, Edmond (half backs), Griffiths, Bird, Briggs, Bodley, Hughes (forwards).
George Maley’s match report commenced with the following: “Muddy under foot, gloomy overhead, and a small gate attended this hastily arranged encounter. Southfield came with only eight men. Substitutes had to be found”. Wareing and Ashby, most likely local junior players, and Harry Banks of the Vocalists, volunteered to play for Southfield. Singers were let down by Jack Edwards who had promised to play. He was replaced by Griffiths, the Coventry Unity player. Singers officials seriously thought about calling the game off and handing back the gate money to supporters. It was the third game in a row where there was a shortage of players.  Nevertheless, the match went ahead, albeit being a complete farce due to its one-sided nature. The Vocalists led 6-1 at half-time. Harry Banks scored Southfield’s goal. Darkness was creeping in when Harry Bodley’s shot beat Perrott, the Southfield goalkeeper. The thirteenth goal came with just a few seconds remaining. The light was that poor it was not possible to identify the goal-scorer! 

31st December 1892
Singers F.C. 1-1 Aston Saint James F.C. (Birmingham).
Scorers: Bird for Singers, W Brown equalised for Aston Saint James.
Team: Casey (goalkeeper), Ireland, Cashmore (full backs), Howell, Simms, Edmond (half backs), Briggs, Timmins, Bird, Latham, Bodley (forwards).

7th January 1893
Practice Match.
Singers F.C. 1st XI 3-1 Singers F.C. 2nd XI.
First Eleven: Kirk (goalkeeper), Cashmore, Alldrick (full backs), Simms, Edmond (half backs), Briggs, Wilson, Culm, Rickus (forwards).
Played with nine men.
Second Eleven: Casey (goalkeeper), Ireland, Tomlinson (full backs), Brocklebank, Perry, Hughes (half backs), Watts, Law, Gallier, Gough (forwards).
Played with ten men.
Scorers: Culm (2) and Rickus for the 1st Eleven. Law scored for the 2nd Eleven.

14th January 1893
Singers F.C. 1-0 Unity Gas F.C.
Scorer: Bodley.
Team: Kirk (goalkeeper), Alldrick, Cashmore (full backs), Edmond, Howell, Simms (half backs), Bodley, Rickus, Culm, Bird, Wilson (forwards).

21st January 1893
Singers F.C. 2-6 Wednesbury Old Athletic F.C.
Wednesbury Charity Cup 2nd Round.
Scorers: Bird, Bodley.
Team: Kirk (goalkeeper), Alldrick, Cashmore (full backs), Howell, Simms, Edmond (half backs), Wilson, Culm, Bird, Bodley, Rickus (forwards).
Both clubs were joint holders of the Wednesbury Charity Cup. This was the first time they had met since the controversial semi-final game in April 1892. The game was fairly even early on but Old Athletic took control as the first half progressed. They led 3-0 at half-time thanks to goals by Longmore (2) and Wilkes. Singers tried to make an impact after the interval but the visitors defence snubbed out every attack. Old Athletic added two more goals through Longmore and Norman. Thomas Bird got on the scoresheet after receiving the ball from Harry Bodley’s pass. Cooper made it 6-1 before Bodley scored a consolation goal near the end. The general consensus after the match was the Vocalists had been outplayed and out-muscled. The defeat would have been heavier but for a brilliant individual goalkeepeing performance by Teddy Kirk, who received a well-deserved ovation from the home supporters as he left the pitch. 

28th January 1893
Singers F.C. 3-5 Aston Villa Reserves F.C.
Scorers: Bodley (2), Rickus.
Team: Kirk (goalkeeper), Alldrick, Cashmore (full backs), Howell, Simms, Edmond (half backs), Bodley, Rickus, Bird, Wilson, Culm (forwards).
The match was switched from Birmingham to Coventry because the Perry Barr Ground was needed for Villa’s first team fixture. Singers had most of the possession early on and took the lead when Harry Bodley scored with a header, to punish a mistake by Roberts in the Villa goal. Bodley added another goal which prompted enthusiastic celebrations from the home crowd. Davis pulled a goal back for Villa just before the interval. The Vocalists led 2-1 at half-time. Villa started strongly in the second half and equalised with a shot by Hare.  Campbell quickly added two more goals for the visitors. Villa were reduced to ten men when Bond had to retire due to injury. This did not handicap them as Campbell completed his hat-trick to make it 6-2. Jack Rickus scored a consolation goal for the Vocalists a few minutes from time.

4th February 1893
Rugby Alexandra F.C. 0-9 Singers F.C.
Scorers: Culm (4), Bird (2), Rickus, Hughes plus 1 unknown.
Team: Team: Kirk (goalkeeper), Alldrick, Cashmore (full backs), Briggs, Simms, Edmond (half backs), Hughes, Rickus, Bird, Wilson, Culm (forwards).
A home match against Wolverton F.C. (Buckinghamshire) was scheduled for this day but the fixture was cancelled at their request. Teddy Kirk, Singers Secretary, hastily arranged a game with Rugby Alexandra (Warwickshire), a relatively unknown new club. Most of their players were railway workers who had been re-located to the locomotive works at Rugby. They had previously played for Crewe Alexandra F. C. The game kicked-off at 3.30pm and its duration was less than 90 minutes due to poor light. The Vocalists led 4-0 at half-time with goals from Jack Rickus and a hat-trick by Culm. Alexandra were outplayed in every department.  Singers added five goals in the second half. Such was their dominence, goalkeeper Kirk and full back Albert Alldrick, played as forwards for the last few minutes, and Wilson dropped back into defence.

11th February 1893
Hednesford Town F.C. 6-0 Singers F.C.
Team: Kirk (goalkeeper), Alldrick, Cashmore (full backs), Briggs, Simms, Edmond (half backs), Hughes, Rickus, Bird, Wilson, Law (forwards).
A farce of a match. Singers started with eight players due to the late arrival of Simms, Kirk and Hughes. They were already a goal down when those players entered the field of play. Hednesford were extremely aggressive in their tackling to the point of being violent. The game was refereed by the Town Secretary and his conduct came into question as he allowed three dubious goals.  A large crowd had assembled prior to kick-off and had great expectations, but what they witnessed was very disappointing.

18th February 1893
Singers F.C. 12-2 Walsall Town Unity F.C.
Scorers: Bodley (3), Simms (2), Bird (2), Culm, Wilson, Rickus plus 2 unknown.
Team: Kirk (goalkeeper), Alldrick, Hughes (full backs), Howell, Simms, Edmond (half backs), Wilson, Bird, Culm, Bodley Rickus (forwards).
This match was refereed by George Maley. When Unity were trailing 4-0 they decided to change their goalkeeper. It made little difference. Singers led 7-0 at half-time. In the first minute of the second half Harry Bodley had a goal disallowed for offside. The Vocalists added five more goals to make it 12-0 with just a couple of minutes remaining. During that time Unity scored two consolation goals.

25th February 1893
Rudge F.C. 3-2 Singers F.C.
Scorers: Bird, Wilson.
At the Red House Ground, Stoney Stanton Road.
Referee: Mr. S. Tranter (Secretary of the Wednesbury F. A.).
Team: Kirk (goalkeeper), Casmore, Alldrick (full backs), Howell, Simms, Edmond (half backs), Wilson, Bird, Culm, Bodley, Rickus (forwards).
Musson and Salisbury were unavailable for the Crow Laners. They were replaced by Crump (formerely with Smethwick) and Tapper (the well-known Walsall player). Hundreds of supporters of both clubs made swarmed along Stoney Stanton Road an hour before kick-off, which indicated there would be a “bumper” gate. Singers had won all five matches previously against their arch rivals. Rudge took the lead in the 3rd minute when Holmes scored with a fierce drive. Jack Rickus and Thomas Bird both had shots which hit the outside of a post.  The home side began to rough things up and the Vocalists responded in a similar manner. This led to the game having a period of play littered with fouls and free-kicks. A blistering shot by Rickus hit Chalker, the Rudge goalkeeper, and the ball rebounded against the crossbar before being cleared. The equaliser finally came after Chalker had parried a shot by Harry Bodley. Thomas Bird ran in and smashed the loose ball home. Bird was then unlucky to have two goals disallowed in quick succession. Thomas Cashmore left the action just before the interval due to injury, but would return at the beginning of the second half. It was 1-1 at half-time.
Wilson put Singers in front after receiving the ball from a back-header by Bodley. A rare handling error by Teddy Kirk was punished by a Rudge player who scored from close range. The Crow Laners were now dominent and a spectacular header by Holmes put his team in front. This prompted wild celebrations by the home spectators.  Singers gallantly tried for an equaliser but were denied by stubborn defending. This was Rudge’s first win against Coventry’s premier team. Gate receipts amounted to £36, a record for a Rudge home match.           

11th March 1893
Singers F.C. 2-0 Wellington Town F.C. (Shropshire).
Scorers: Perry, Bird.
Walsall Senior Cup Semi-Final.
Referee: Mr. Moon (Wednesbury F.A.).
Team:Kirk (goalkeeper), Alldrick, Edmond (full backs), Howell, Simms, Perry (half backs), Wilson, Bird, Cashmore, Bodley, Rickus (forwards).
The Vocalists came the closest to scoring in the first half when a shot from Wilson hit the cross-bar. It was 0-0 at half-time. After the break Singers threatened immediately and Perry gave them the lead, drilling the ball past Bates, the Town goalkeeper. Wilson thought he had increased that lead, but his goal was ruled out by the referee for offside. Wellington then had a goal disallowed from a quick counter-attack. The home side finished strongly and Bird made the game safe with a quality finish.

18th March 1893
Wednesbury Old Athletic F.C. 1-2 Singers F.C.
Scorers: Edmond, Bodley.
Team: Kirk (goalkeeper), Alldrick, Cashmore (full backs), Howell, Simms, Edmond (half backs), Rickus, Fletcher, Bodley, Bird, Wilson (forwards).
Singers gained revenge over the Old Athletic for their cup-tie defeat in January. The visitors were far superior in the first 45 minutes. A goal by Walter Edmond gave the Vocalists a 1-0 half-time lead. Although faced by a strong wind in the second half, Singers had the upper hand up to the 70th minute, when Harry Bodley made it 2-0 from across by Wilson. Old Athletic pulled a goal back near the end after a goalmouth scramble. George Maley described the action: “From a scuffle in front of goal, the weighty Heath rushed the ball and several players through the goal”. The local supporters were astonished at the final result, given the severity of Singers’ defeat in the last encounter.    

25th March 1893
Kick off: 3.30pm
Singers F.C. 1-1 Lozells F.C.
Scorer: Wilson.
Team: Kirk (goalkeeper), Alldrick, Cashmore (full backs), Howell, Simms, Edmond (half backs), Bird, Wilson, Cotterill, Rickus, Fletcher (forwards).

Monday 27th March 1893
Stourbridge F.C. 2-4 Singers F.C.
Scorers: Cotterill, Wilson, Rickus, Bird.
Team unknown. 

1st April 1893
Singers F.C. 2-1 Rudge F.C.
Scorers: Bird, Fletcher.
Referee: Mr. W. Marsh (Birmingham).
Team: Kirk (goalkeeper), Alldrick, Cashmore (full backs), Rickus, Simms, Edmond (half backs), Wilson, Bird, Cotterill, Bodley, Fletcher (forwards).
There was a very large crowd present. Hands gave the Crow Laners an early lead when he beat Teddy Kirk from close range. Singers responded with several dangerous attacks, but each one was repulsed by resolute defending. Thomas Bird equalised just before half-time when his low shot deceived Chalker, the Rudge goalkeeper. Supporters encroached onto the pitch on two occasions early in the second half. This caused play to be suspended for a several minutes while order was restored. Rudge was reduced to ten men when Gandy had to retire due to an injury sustained after a collision with Walter Edmond. Singers capitalised on this misfortune. An attack led by Jack Rickus and Harry Bodley ended with a splendid goal by Fletcher, to make it 2-1. Bird thought he had scored number three, but his effort was disallowed by the referee for an infringement.

8th April 1893
Wolverton F.C. (Buckinghamshire) 0-4 Singers F.C.
Attendance:2,000
Referee: F STyles (Wellingborough)
Scorers: Cotterill 2, Bird, and unknown.
Team: Kirk (goalkeeper), Alldrick, Cashmore (full backs), Rickus, Simms, Edmond (half backs), Howell, Bird, Cotterill, Bodley, Fletcher (forwards).
This was the first visit of a Coventry team to the Wolverton club and the match proved to be a big attraction for local people. The MDT commented (Monday 10/4/1893): “The field of play is a very nice piece of turf and is surrounded by a slope with seats for spectators. Saturday was a very fine day and the scene was strikingly pretty. The onlookers appeared to have expected a closely contested game with a victory for their favourites.  As this hope became more and more dim, a section of the crowd got a little ruffled, but confined their disappointment solely to the tongue. Their better feeling prevailed and they could not restrain an expression of admiration for the excellent performance which had brought victory to the visitors”.

15th April 1893
Rudge F.C. 3-2 Singers F.C.
Scorer: Bodley (2).
At the Red House Ground.
Referee: Mr. H. Stansbie (Birmingham St. George’s F.C.)
Team: Kirk (goalkeeper), Alldrick, Cashmore (full backs), Rickus, Simms, Edmond (half backs), Howell, Bird, Cotterill, Bodley Fletcher (forwards).
The Vocalists drew first blood when Harry Bodley’s high shot sailed past Chalker in the Rudge goal. Some ill-feeling crept into the game after Bodley collided with Chalker whilst challenging for the ball. Singers won a corner which led to a second goal by Bodley, who scored from close range after a goalmouth scramble. The Vocalists led 2-0 at half-time. Rudge staged an incredible fightback in the second 45 minutes. Weston, their right winger, beat Teddy Kirk with a rasping shot. A shot by Jack Rickus went past Chalker but the effort was disallowed for a foul. The Singers defence came under increasing pressure and Kirk conceded again when Tapper scored with an acrobatic over-head kick. This knocked the stuffing out of the Vocalists who proceeded to capitulate. Rudge laid siege to Singers goal and Tapper became the hero when he made it 3-2, with a shot beyond the reach of Kirk. An effort by Bodley hit the Crow Laners crossbar in the dying seconds, as Singers strove for an equaliser which never materialised. Having won two of the three fixtures between these two clubs, Rudge could now rightly claim to be “Champions of Coventry”.

22nd April 1893
Singers F.C. 0-6 Walsall Town Swifts F.C.
Walsall Senior Cup Final.
At the Wednesbury Oval Ground, Wednesbury.
Crowd circa 1,000.
Team: Kirk (goalkeeper), Alldrick, Cashmore (full backs), Simms, Edmond, Howell (half backs), Perry, Bird, Briggs, Bodley, Rickus (forwards).
In the opening stages Martin scored a goal for Walsall against the run of play. Thomas Bird went close to scoring on two occasions during the first half. The Swifts led 1-0 at half-time. Singers were completely outplayed in the second half and conceded another five goals. Their best chances fell to Jack Rickus and Harry Bodley. Rickus sent a shot narrowly wide from a pass by Walter Edmond. Bodley failed to hit the target on two occasions with the goal at his mercy. One player to come out of this game with credit was Albert Alldrick, who performed brilliantly in defence.

29th April 1893
Singers F.C. 7-1 Crewe Britannia F.C.
Scorers: Fletcher (2), Bird (2), Briggs (2), Perry.
Team: Kirk (goalkeeper), Alldrick, Cashmore (full backs), Hughes, Simms, Edmond (half backs), Briggs, Bird, Perry, Fletcher, Rickus (forwards).
Frank Moseley refereed this match. There was a “moderate” crowd in attendance to watch the last game of the season. Britannia were an unknown entity and were emphatically put to the sword. The Vocalists led 5-1 at half-time.

The Singers Committee raised the subject of changing the Club’s name to incorporate “Coventry” in its title. A special meeting chaired by George Maley was held at the White Lion Hotel on 27 June to consider the matter.  George Singer had been consulted and his reply was: “If it will be any advantage to make the football club a Coventry Club, there is no reason why it should not be done. It will give you a large scope for selection of players and no doubt the club would then be very strong. The main advocate for the name change was Thomas Macklin, a vice-president of the Singers F.C. He commented: “I think it would be as well to make it a Coventry Club, as it has grown larger than we could possibly hope to control in the future”. He was supported by Mr. W. J. Sidwell and Mr. M. Parsons, who were committee members. George Maley said: “The best thing to be done is for the Singers Club and the Rudge Club to amalgamate, but I fancy the Rudge are in so sound a state they are prepared to go on by themselves”. Mr. W. J. Sidwell made the proposal: “That the Singers Football Club be converted into a Coventry town club”. A sub-committee was appointed with a remit to canvass support for the proposal. The intention was to ratify the new club name at the forthcoming Annual General Meeting.

The AGM was held at the Kings Head Hotel, Broadgate on 4 July. George Maley chaired the meeting and he commented: “It must be distinctly understood if the resolution passed last week is confirmed tonight, then Mr. Macklin or anyone else connected with the Singer Works wish to run a team, they would have to start a new club. All the property owned by the Singers Club would become the property of the Club under its new name”.  Macklin had since changed his stance on the proposal and was against the name change. He had support from Frank Moseley. A letter from George Singer was read to those present, a portion of which said: “Anything I can do I shall be happy to do, to assist the Club to uphold the reputation of Coventry for football”. George Maley advised the suggestion of amalgamation with the Rudge F.C. with two representatives of that club. They informed Maley the suggestion was yet to be considered by their membership. Nothing else materialised on this subject so it must have been rejected. A dispute then broke out regarding adoption of minutes for the previous meeting, with specific reference to the name change proposal. Joe Biggs protested against the name change and was vehemently against it. He proposed an amendment to adopt the minutes minus the name change proposal. A vote was taken. The amendment was passed by 11 votes to 4. The Singers name was retained. Teddy Kirk summed up his feelings when he commented: “There are members of the committee who have done more for the Club than Mr. Singer or any of the vice-presidents. We are tied down to such an extent while we are a shop (works) team that we will never reach the heights we aspire to”.

Season record 1892/1893: Played 31, Won 16, Drew 3, Lost 12, Goals For 88, Goals Against 66. 

1893-94

A meeting of Singers F.C. members was held at the White Lion Hotel on 11 July 1893. It was chaired by William Macklin junior. George Singer was unanimously elected Preisident of the football club. Edwin Kirk stepped down as Secretary and was replaced by Joseph Collins. Horace Bailey became Assistant Secretary.
The playing colours/kit remained the same for both the First Team and the Reserves.  

2nd September 1893
Singers F.C. 2-0 Gresley Rovers F.C. (Derbyshire).
Scorers: Roberts, Bird.
Team: Casey (goalkeeper), Alldrick, Walker (full backs), Edmond, Simms, Preedy (half backs), Cashmore, Fletcher, Roberts, Bird, Haynes (forwards).
Gresley were an unknown entity. The Vocalists led 1-0 at half-time thanks to a goal by Roberts. He beat Langford, the Rovers goalkeeper, with an overhead kick from close range. Thomas Bird made it 2-0 not long after the interval. 

9th September 1893
Singers F.C. 8-1 Great Bridge Unity F.C.
Scorers: Roberts (3), Law (2), Bird (2) plus 1 unknown.
Referee: Frank Moseley.
Team: Casey (goalkeeper), Alldrick, Cashmore (full backs), J. Mason, Simms, Edmond (half backs), Roberts, Bird, Law, W. Mason, Fletcher (forwards).
J. Mason and W. Mason were cousins and based at West Bromwich Standard F.C. This was their trial match.  Unity kicked off and played uphill in the first half. Malin gave the visitors an early lead with a great shot which gave Casey no chance. Singers got their act together and scored four goals before the interval. In the second half they carried on where they had left off and dominated play, adding four more goals.

16th September 1893
Singers F.C. 6-0 Mitchell Saint George’s F.C.
Scorers: Haynes (3), W. Mason (2), Roberts.
Team: Casey (goalkeeper), Alldrick, Cashmore (full backs), J. Mason, Simms, Edmond (half backs), Roberts, W. Mason, Sheldon, Bird, Haynes (forwards).

23rd September 1893
Singers F.C. 1-1 Willenhall Pickwick F.C.
Scorer: Roberts.
Referee: Frank Moseley.
Team: Casey (goalkeeper), Cashmore, Alldrick (full backs), Edmond, Simms, J. Mason (half backs), Roberts, W. Mason, Sheldon, Bird, Haynes (forwards).
Goalkeeper Sam Casey competed in a cycling road race prior to the match. Singers officials were concerned he would not get to the Stoke Road Ground in time to play, so had Teddy Kirk on standby. As it happens, Casey made it on time. The first 45 minutes was fairly even and it was goal-less at half-time. The Vocalists almost opened their account when a shot by Thomas Bird clipped a post. Roberts put Singers in front after the visitors conceded a free-kick in front of their goal. There was an element of blame attached to Sam Casey for Pickwick’s equaliser. He appeared to misjudge a looping high shot which he thought was going over the crossbar.

30th September 1893
Singers F.C. 3-0 Cannock Town F.C.
Scorers: Bird, Law, Roberts.
Team: Casey (goalkeeper), Alldrick, Cashmore (full backs), J. Mason, Simms,Edmond (half backs), Haynes, Bird, Law, W. Mason, Roberts (forwards).

7th October 1893
Singers F.C. 5-0 Windsor Street Gas F.C. (Birmingham).
Scorers: Roberts (2), Holloway, Bird, W. Mason.
Team: Casey (goalkeeper), Alldrick, Cashmore (full backs), J. Mason, Simms, Edmond (half backs), Haynes, Bird, Holloway, W. Mason, Roberts (forwards).
The Vocalists had been given a bye in the First Round of the Birmingham Senior Cup, a competition which started on this day. Rather than face a blank Saturday, Singers officials persuaded Windsor Street to make the journey from Birmingham. They arrived at the Stoke Road Ground with only nine players. Two volunteers, Hughes and Edwards, made their numbers up. To a certain extent it was a scrappy first half which finished goal-less. The home side dominated the second half to score five goals in the process.

14th October 1893
Singers F.C. 1-4 Redditch Town F.C.
F.A. Cup 1st Qualifying Round.
Scorer: Roberts.
Referee: Arthur Cooknell (Secretary B&D League).
Team: Casey (goalkeeper), Alldrick, Cashmore (full backs), J. Mason, Simms, Edmond (half backs), Holloway, W. Mason, Roberts, Haynes, Bird (forwards).
Redditch entered the pitch wearing similar kit colours to the Vocalists. The referee instructed Singers to use their alternative jerseys of a lighter colour. The delay meant the match did not kick off until 3.30pm. Redditch broke the deadlock after ten minutes with a goal by Boucher, their centre-forward. A couple of chances were wasted by Singers before the visitors made it 2-0. It stayed that way up to half-time mainly due to Town’s resolute defence. The referee incurred the wrath of the home supporters when Singers claimed a goal, but he decided the ball had gone out for a corner. Those supporters were cheering a few minutes later. Roberts beat Wilks, the Redditch goalkeeper, with a terrific shot. Holloway had a great chance to equalise but he blasted the ball over the crossbar. Singers visibly tired in the closing stages and conceded two more goals.

21st October 1893
Rudge F.C. 3-1 Singers F.C.
Scorer: Bird.
Team: Flavell (goalkeeper), Alldrick, Cashmore (full backs), J. Mason, Simms, Edmond (half backs), Haynes, Bird, Holloway, W. Mason, Roberts (forwards).
Thomas Bird and Haynes had early chances for the visitors but they failed to hit the target. Finally, the deadlock was broken. Albert Alldrick broke up a Rudge attack and sent a lofted pass to Roberts. He headed the ball into the path of Bird, who sprinted forward and unleashed a terrific drive, which struck an upright before going into the goal. The game intensified and Rudge equalised through Holmes, their inside forward. The Crow Laners led 2-1 at half-time after scoring from a goalmouth scramble. Just before the interval Holloway, along with hundreds of Singers supporters, thought he had equalised but the ball clipped the outside of a post. The second half started at a frantic pace with both sides creating chances. Weston, the Rudge winger, was unlucky when his shot hit an upright and the ball went out for a goal-kick. Chalker, the Rudge goalkeeper, was then tested by efforts from Roberts and Holloway. The Crow Laners made it 3-1 when Holmes/Tasker scored from Weston’s corner kick. The Vocalists could have conceded further goals near the end, but for excellent defending by Walter Edmond and Tom Cashmore.

28th October 1893
Halesowen F.C. 0-1 Singers F.C.
Birmingham Senior Cup 2nd Round.
Scorer: Holloway.
Team: Flavell (goalkeeper), Cashmore, Alldrick (full backs), Edmond, Roberts, Howell (half backs), Haynes, Bird, Holloway, W. Mason, Bodley (forwards).
When the Singers players were stood on the platform at Coventry Railway Station, one of them was heard to have said: “Afraid we shall lose but intend having a go for it”. As the game progressed it was clear to see both teams were evenly matched. It was 0-0 at half-time. Holloway, who had an outstanding game for Singers, broke the deadlock when he scored mid-way through the second half. Halesowen exerted a lot of pressure in the closing stages but the visitors defence held firm. As the players were leaving the pitch, there was some unsavoury behaviour by the home supporters none too pleased with the result. They slated their own players and directed unpleasant verbal abuse at Singers players.

4th November 1893
Singers F.C. 6-0 Aston Saint James F.C.
Scorers: Bird (2), Bodley, Holloway, W. Mason, opponent own goal.
Team: Flavell (goalkeeper), Alldrick, Cashmore (full backs), Howell, Roberts, J. Mason (half backs), Haynes, Bird, Holloway, W. Mason, Bodley (forwards).
There was a poor attendance for this match against opposition which lacked any sort of quality. A header by Harry Bodley and a terrific drive by Thomas Bird gave the Vocalists a 2-0 lead at half-time. Saint James’s best chance came from an attack involving Kirby and Marshall. The latter looked certain to score, until Will Howell cleared the danger with a timely tackle. Singers should have had a bigger lead at the break given the amount of chances they had squandered in the first 45 minutes. However, they added four more goals in the second half to clinch an easy victory.

11th November 1893
Singers F.C. 0-1 Leicester Fosse Rovers F.C.
Team: Flavell (goalkeeper), Alldrick, Tomlinson (full backs), Howell, Roberts, Edmond (half backs), Bailey, Bird, Holloway, W. Mason, Bodley (forwards).

25th November 1893
Park Mills F.C. 2-2 Singers F.C. (match finished early due to poor light)
Scorers: Bodley, W. Mason.
Team: Flavell (goalkeeper), Alldrick, Cashmore (full backs), Edmond, Howell, J. Mason (half backs), Roberts, Bird, Holloway, W. Mason, Bodley (forwards).

2nd December 1893
Singers F.C. 1-3 Brierley Hill Alliance F.C.
Scorer: Bird (some sources give the goal to W Mason)
Birmingham Senior Cup 3rd Round.
Referee: Mr. Lewis (Redditch).
Team: Flavell (goalkeeper), Cashmore, Alldrick (full backs), Edmond, Roberts, J. Mason (half backs), Holloway, Bird, Law, W. Mason, Bodley (forwards).
The Alliance were a quality team and had already disposed of Wellington Saint George F.C. and Old Hill Wanderers F.C. They had also defeated Burton Swifts F.C. and Walsall Town Swifts F.C. in the F. A. Cup. The game was played in glorious sunshine, surprising for this time of year. Singers withstood a lot of early pressure before Thomas Bird gave them the lead. It was 1-0 at half-time. An equaliser came against the run of play early in the second half, when Parslow (or Purlsow) beat Flavell in the Singers goal. Flavell then made an acrobatic save from a corner, but sustained a head injury whilst falling to the ground. Play was suspended for a while. Brierley Hill’s nickname was “The Lions” and their supporters roared loudly when a goal by Baker put them in front. Parslow added number three near the end.

23rd December 1893
Singers F.C. 4-0 Smethwick Carriage Works F.C. (game was 70 minutes long)
Scorers: Holmes (2), Law, Richards.
Team: Flavell (goalkeeper), Cashmore, Alldrick (full backs), Roberts, Howell, Edmond (half backs), Holloway, Richards, Holmes, Law, Bodley (forwards).
Smethwick came late with only 9 men (Singers loaned them Billy Fletcher)

26th December 1893
Willenhall Pickwick F.C. 1-3 Singers F.C.
Scorers: Holmes (2), Richards.
Team: unknown.

27th December 1893
Singers F.C. 4-1 Oldbury Town F.C.
Scorers: Holmes (3), Holloway.
Team: Flavell (goalkeeper), Cashmore, Alldrick (full backs), Roberts, Lomas, Edmond (half backs), Holloway, Richards, Holmes, Law, Bodley (forwards).
Oldbury had suffered just one defeat prior to this match. The first half was fairly even. Considering the pedigree of the two teams, it was disappointing to get to half-time goal-less.  In the second half Singers went 2-0 up before J. Matthews pulled a goal back for Town. Holmes completed his hat-trick with two late goals to secure a fine victory.

13th January 1894
Singers F.C. 3-2 Rudge F.C.
Scorers: Richards (2), Holloway.
Crowd circa 2,000.
Referee: Arthur W. Cooknell (Secretary B&DFL).
Team: Flavell (goalkeeper), Cashmore, Alldrick (full backs), Howell, Roberts, Edmond (half backs), Holloway, Richards, Cotterill, Bird, Bodley (forwards).
Early morning rain made the pitch slippery in places. The match kicked-off at 2.30pm. Holmes, who had previously made some appearances for Singers, played for the Rudge. The Vocalists started with ten men due to Will Howell’s late arrival. Holmes and Eaton missed chances for the visitors before Holloway put Singers in front with an over-head kick. The Crow Laners had several efforts which tested Flavell in the Singers goal. That spell of pressure led to an equaliser by Eaton, who scored from close range. Rudge kept the scoreline on level terms when Reeves, their left back, headed the ball off the line. They took the lead when Holmes pounced on the rebound after his initial shot had rattled the crossbar. Rudge led 2-1 at the interval. Harry Bodley looked set to equalise with an easy header early in the second half, but Reeves nipped in and cleared the ball. Singers now laid siege to the visitors goal and scored a deserved equaliser. Albert Alldrick’s pass found Holloway and his drive was blocked by Hatton, but Richards gathered the rebound and smashed the ball home. This triggered wild celebrations by the Stoke Road faithful. Singers winning goal was scored by Richards. Cotterill’s excellent shot rattled the crossbar and Richards was in the perfect place to slot the ball home.  

20th January 1894
Singers F.C. 1-1 Oldbury Town F.C.
Scorer: Cotterill.
Team: Flavell (goalkeeper), Alldrick, Cashmore (full backs), Howell, Roberts, Edmond (half backs), Holloway, Richards, Cotterill, Bird, Law (forwards).

27th January 1894
Singers F.C. 2-2 Small Heath Reserves F.C.
Scorers: Cotterill, Richards.
Team: Flavell (goalkeeper), Alldrick, Cashmore (full backs), Howell, Roberts, Edmond (half backs), Holloway, Richards, Cotterill, Bird, Killeen (forwards).
The Small Heath team arrived 20 minutes late. Insisive passing by the opposition forwards created the opening goal for Ison. Short made it 2-0 with a header from a corner kick. It was one-way traffic for the remainder of the first half. Flavell made several stunning saves to keep Singers in the match. Trailing by two goals at the interval meant the Vocalists had their work cut out to try and get a result. They responded magnificently. Edmond’s cross found Cotterill who went round Pumphrey and beat Partridge in the Small Heath goal, with a vicious low shot. It was 2-1 at half-time. A shot by Holloway early in the second half hit an upright and went out for a goal kick. Both sides had chances before Singers created an equaliser. Brilliant defending by Albert Alldrick enabled him to send a pin-point pass to Richards. He evaded his marker and rammed the ball past Partridge. It was a remarkable come-back against a quality side. In the closing minutes Richards almost won the game for the Vocalists but his goal was disallowed for an infringement.

10th February 1894
Singers F.C. 2-1 Hednesford Town F.C.
Harry Banks Benefit Match
Attendance: 2,000
Scorers: Roberts, plus 1 unknown.
Referee: Teddy Kirk.
Team: Flavell (goalkeeper), Cashmore, Alldrick (full backs), Howell, Roberts, Edmond (half backs), Holloway, Richards, Cotterill, Bird, Fletcher (forwards).
“Little Harry” had been seriously ill for five months, which prevented him from working. His career at Singers is legendary and during this time he was regarded as one of the finest players of his era. Singers officials, players and supporters were happy to acknowledge his contribution and raise some money for him. The Vocalists had a goal disallowed in the first half but led 2-0 at the interval. Although this was a benefit match, some of the tackling was heavy by both teams, which required Mr. Kirk to calm down several incidents during the game.  

24th February 1894
Singers F.C. 6-1 Causeway Green Villa F.C. (Oldbury).
Scorers: Fletcher (2), Holloway, Cotterill, Richards, Bird.
Team: Flavell (goalkeeper), Alldrick, Cashmore (full backs), Edmond, Roberts, Lomas (half backs), Fletcher, Bird, Richards, Holloway, Cotterill (forwards).
Cotterill had a goal disallowed for offside early on before Holloway put Singers ahead. Cotterill and Richards made it 3-0 with two quick goals in succession. Causeway pulled a goal back when Flavell was beaten by Birkett just before the interval. The Vocalists led 3-1 at Half-time. Fletcher notched a brace of goals early in the second half as Singers dominated play. Thomas Bird completed the scoring in the closing stages. 

3rd March 1894
Leicester Fosse Rovers F.C. 0-0 Singers F.C.
Crowd circa 4,000.
Team: Flavell (goalkeeper), Alldrick, Cashmore (full backs), Edmond, Roberts, Parsons (half backs), Rickus, Bird, Richards, unknown, Tasker (forwards).

10th March 1894
Singers F.C. 3-0 Coalville F.C. (Leicestershire).
Walsall Senior Cup 2nd Round.
Scorers: Bird, Fletcher, opponent own goal.
Team: Flavell (goalkeeper), Alldrick, Cashmore (full backs), Edmond, Roberts, J. Mason (half backs), Fletcher, Bird, Richards, Holloway, Hubbard (forwards).
Singers were originally drawn against Burslem Port Vale F.C. in the First Round of this competition. They had a league fixture already scheduled on the day the cup-tie should have been played. Vale decided to play their league game as a matter of priority.  Joe Collins, the Singers Secretary, contacted the Walsall Football Association and claimed the tie for the Vocalists. He cited the rules of the competition, whereby cup matches take precedence. The governing body agreed with him and gave Singers a bye into the next round. This was the first time these two teams had met. Recent rain made the pitch boggy in places and there was a strong wind.  Midway through the first half Singers were reduced to ten men after Holloway received a serious injury which forced him to retire. It was 0-0 at half-time.
The home side suddenly found some urgency. A spell of pressure ended with Hubbard sending in a dangerous cross, after he had beaten two opponents. The ball struck a defender and went past Massey, the Coalville goalkeeper. Thomas Bird made it 2-0 with a rasping shot having been set-up by Fletcher’s pass. The roles were reversed a few minutes later, Fletcher scoring from a clever pass by Bird.

17th March 1894
Rudge F.C. 2-3 Singers F.C.
Scorers: Richards (penalty), Bird plus 1 unknown.
Crowd circa 1,500.
Referee: Arthur W. Cooknell (Birmingham & DL).
Team: Flavell (goalkeeper), Cashmore, Alldrick (full backs), J. Mason, Roberts, Edmond (half backs), Hubbard, Richards, Cotterill, Bird, Fletcher (forwards).
The opening stages were even as both sides failed to take their chances. Singers went ahead when they were awarded a penalty after Culm, the Rudge left back, committed a foul within the 12 yards line. Richards duly converted the spot-kick, easily beating Chalker in the Rudge goal. The Crow Laners fought back and Flavell made several good saves to preserve Singers’ lead. Chalker was then called into action having to punch clear on four occasions. Rudge equalised when one of their players scored from close range after a goalmouth melee. It was 1-1 at half-time.
There was a worrying incident early in the second half. Chalker and Cotterill, Singers centre-forward, were involved in a confrontation which required calming words from the referee. The action was now thick and fast, just what you would expect from a local derby. Singers’ second goal came as a result of a mis-understanding between Chalker and his defenders. This allowed an opponent to score from close range. Rudge equalised almost immediately when Eaton’s fierce drive went in just underneath the crossbar. Two minutes later Thomas Bird made it 3-2 with an excellent shot. Cotterill had a goal disallowed for offside near the end. Rudge tried hard for an equaliser but Singers’ defence repelled every attack.

24th March 1894
Kick off 4.00 pm
Cannock Town F.C. 4-0 Singers F.C. (2-0 at half time)
Scorers: Pickerill, Lomas and 2 unknown
Singers first ever visit to Cannock Town.

31st March 1894
Ironbridge (Staffordshire) 4-2 Singers F.C.
Attendance: 450
Scorer: Bird (2).
Walsall Senior Cup Semi-Final.
At the West Bromwich Road Ground, Walsall.
Team: Flavell (goalkeeper), Cashmore, Alldrick (full backs), J. Mason, Roberts, Edmond (half backs), Hubbard, Holloway, Richards, Bird, Fletcher (forwards).
In preparation for the 1893-94 season Walsall Town Swifts F.C. decided to drop “Town Swifts” from their title, to become Walsall F.C. They also moved from the Chuckery Ground, to a new enclosure on the West Bromwich Road. This semi-final tie was played at Walsall’s new ground. Despite being advertised locally as a “senior match of importance” the attendance was very poor and the game itself was not much better. Due to Cotterill being ineligible the Vocalists were forced to play Holloway, even though he had a knee injury. To make things worse for Singers, Richards received a deep cut to his head having collided with Meredith in the first half. Richards was off the pitch for some time. When he re-appeared it was obvious he was suffering from concussion and offered very little thereafter. Ironbridge led 2-1 at half-time thanks to goals by E. H. Brocksop and Adlington, the latter scoring in highly controversial circumstances. From a throw-in the ball clearly went out of play before curling back onto the pitch. The linesman failed to spot this and did not signal, allowing Adlington to gain possession and score. Singers protested but it was to no avail. Thomas Bird pulled a goal back for the Vocalists just before the interval. Ironbridge went 4-1 up in the second half with goals by A. Brocksop and Meredith, before Bird scored a consolation goal near the end.

28th April 1894
Singers F.C. 3-3 Windsor Street Gas F.C.
Scorers: Richards (2), Roberts.
Referee: Thomas Cashmore.
Team: Flavell (goalkeeper), Alldrick, Tomlinson (full backs), Edmond, Roberts, Lomas (half backs), Chatland, Cotterill, Richards, Hubbard, Holloway (forwards).
There was a good crowd present for Singers’ last match of the season. The visitors kicked off and scored an early goal from a shot which hit a post before going over the goal-line. Caswell scored a beauty from a pass by Trueman. Windsor led 2-0 at half-time.
Roberts pulled a goal back early in the second half with a high looping shot which deceived Benton, the Windsor goalkeeper. Singers conceded another goal midway through the second half when Wilkinson scored from a right wing cross. Richards made it 3-2 when he appeared to get the last touch on the ball from a free-kick. Singers worked hard to try and find an equaliser. They got their reward with another goal by Richards. He fired a shot past Benton having received the ball from Cotterill’s pass. This brought loud applause from the home supporters, who appreciated Singers’ excellent fight-back.

Match record for 1893/1894 season: Played 27, Won 15, Drawn 6, Lost 6, Goals For 73 Goals Against 36.

Singers F.C. competed in the Birmingham & District League for the first time in 1894-95.  

See the main match section for details of games from that season onwards.