Some five years ago, whilst researching the history of Connah's Quay Council, I found that in 1920, the newly formed football club complained that their Half Way ground ... was being used on a daily basis by cattle dealers. Slaughtered cattle were deposited on the pitch, their carcasses dragged around the field and loaded onto carts to be taken to Chester. The secretary, Billy Roberts complained of the health hazard and the council instructed its sanitary inspector to put an end to the nuisance. I therefore assumed that a formal football club at the Halfway started in 1920. But then, by chance, I discovered on the 1910 Ordnance Survey map of Connah's Quay a clearly marked football ground and large grandstand at the rear of the Half Way Hotel. Clearly, my initial '1920' assumption was wrong.

My curiosity was now thoroughly aroused and further research revealed that there were no fewer than four successive football clubs at the Half Way between 1890 and 1914. But what also emerged was that these clubs experienced the very same problems and pleasures that are typical of today's game. Financial difficulties, professionalism, crowd invasions, violence, bad language on the one hand and the excitement of cup victories, star players, social occasions, derby matches on the other are not new and were as commonplace in the early 20th century as they are today. Thanks to John Dean for his enthusiasm and encouragement and his tirelessness in de-cyphering and typing the copious notes which comprise this volume. Vic Williams.

Vic Williams is currently completing Part Two - 1914 - 1945

First published February 2001

Interested parties may contact the author, Vic Williams, at the following address:

Vic Williams
7 Derwen Close
Connah's Quay
Flintshire
Tel (+0 national, +44 international) 1244 831186