A Brief History of Desborough
Town FC
Desborough Town was founded in 1896 and has the unique
record of playing in the same competition since it's inaugural season
and they have captured the league title on nine occasions, the last
being in 1967. The Club's roll of honour
also includes taking the County Senior Cup four times, the Maunsell Cup
& the League Cup twice.
The Club's record victory came in season
1924\25 when they beat Nuneaton reserves by fourteen clear goals in a
League match, whilst in the same game Jack Starsmore netted six times to
set the Club's individual scoring record in a single game. At the other
end of the scale the Club's biggest defeat came at Rushden Windmill in
season 1912\13 when they were beaten by twelve clear goals.
Desborough's first giant killing run in the F.
A. Cup came in season 1910\11 when victory at local neighbours Kettering
Town earned a home tie with Midlands League champions Chesterfield,
although the side lost they had the distinction of watching their
opponents go on to beat Rotherham & Bolton Wanderers in the next two
rounds before finally losing to Chelsea. Other runs came in 1919\20 when
the side were beaten at home by Cleethorpes and in 1926\27 when the side
had to visit Doncaster twice. The first match was abandoned through fog
with the game scoreless and just eight minutes left to play; a midweek
replay resulted in defeat.
Throughout the years Desborough have produced a
string of young players who moved onto League Clubs. Dick Kilborn,
George Crick & Arthur Dixon were amongst the pre war stars, whilst
more recently Jon Purdie, Andy Tilson & Campbell Chapman were to
follow their footsteps.
Desborough have always played their home games
at the Waterworks Field which boasts probably the best lights in the
whole League.
To view a complete list of all of Desborough Town's past efforts in
the League, FA Cup, FA Vase and FA Trophy click on one of the links
below.
Desborough Town
FC's History in the FA Cup
Desborough Town
FC's History in the FA Vase and FA Trophy
Desborough Town FC's
History in the United Counties League
If you want a more detailed history of
Desborough Town FC then be sure to get a copy of "Ar Tarn" - the History of
Desborough Town Football Club, researched and written by John Lee to
mark the club's centenary. The book is available from the
Clubhouse at any time priced £10.
