MONTHLY ROUND-UP: AUGUST 1869
The Metropolitan League season is building up to an exciting finish as the Old Westminsters’ lead has been significantly reduced over the last month. The long time leaders defeated Greenwich this month, which appeared to be an important win, but were beaten in each of their other three games. That run has coincided with a three-game winning run for Angel Islington, who are now just a fraction behind the Westminsters in the standings. Heading into September, Angel have eight games to play and the Westminsters have seven, a run-in which starts with two games between the two teams on the first Saturday in September.
It isn’t just about those two however, as there are three more clubs only two games off the pace with seven to play. Greenwich have been in second place for much of the year but a poor month has dropped them into that pack, having lost their last three. Reigning champions the Royal Artillery Barracks are there as well after winning three of four in August, while Kensington are the third team in that tie. Last year’s worst team won all four of their games in the month, including an impressive win over the Westminsters to end August, and have already set a club record with thirteen wins in a season despite having seven games remaining.
Clapham’s hopes are over after three defeats from four dropped them to a losing record for the year, while the City of London Club and The Regent’s Park will contest last place after the City Club lost all their games in August, while the Regents won three of four to double their season win total, including victory over City to end the month.
