A Look Into Histories

A LOOK INTO HISTORY TWO HUNDRED AND FIFTY SIX

CAMBRIDGE UNITED FIRST FOOTBALL LEAGUE SEASON

Cambridge United were formed in 1912 as Abbey United ( Histories No 15)

Abbey United joined the Eastern Counties League in 1951 after winning the UCL League Cup and changed their name to Cambridge United. They left that league after being runners up in season 1957-1958 joining the Southern League Premier where they suffered relegation in that first season to Division One but bounced back two seasons after in 1961 and then were promoted as Champions to the Football League for the start of season 1970-71. Record attendance is still 14,000 in a first season May 1st friendly v Chelsea. So here is an old ESL connection ! George Measures of Bowers United played three times for Cambridge United.

Having won the Southern League championship and Cup, not only in 1968-69 but then, by a single point from Yeovil Town in 1969-70, Cambridge United were successful in their quest for Football League status ousting Bradford Park Avenue in the process.

Our Match Programme is for the League game with Southend United on 31st October 1970 with an orange cover and priced 1 shilling together with Football League Review.
5,j n701 attended the game which resulted in a 3-0 defeat, Southend’s goals scored by Billy Best (2) and Phil Chisnall. The Editorial stated that they were contesting the sending offs for Peter Leggett and Colin Meldrum at Lincoln but it would not be right to express their feelings at that stage. They were saddened to hear of the death of the Bradford Park Avenue Chairman and all Fixtures, Scorers, Tables and Pen Pictures were included.

At the end of their first season, Cambridge United were in 20th just missing re-election by 4 points, it was quite a baptism of fire and Southend United were not much better, just two above them but on the same points. Notts County were champions and Bournemouth second.