IT was interesting to read that the railway poster which featured a cup-tie between Manchester City and Bolton Wanderers, sold for £7,500 at auction recently.

The match was the FA Cup Final of 1904 played at Crystal Palace, which City won 1-0. The only goal was scored by Meredith, "who was obviously offside when the ball was sent out to him," according to the report published in a 1926 Review of Bolton's Trade, Sport and History. Mr George Harwood MP gave a dinner for the players and directors after the match and commented: "Although the goal given against them (Wanderers) was doubtful, they never gave in, but fought a chivalrous, knightly and courageous game."

Today's criticism of refereeing decisions then seems to be nothing new.

Gordon Price

Cold Ash Hill, Cold Ash, Thatcham

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.