The difficulties of war-time team arrangements could not be more clearly emphasised than in the case of the City's recent matches with the Argyle at Plymouth, and at St. James' Park against Yeovil. The latter in particular was unfortunately outstanding in this respect. At 11 a.m. on Friday, despite earlier disappointments, the team had been completed, but later in the day things began to change. Mitcheson sent through notice that he would be unable to play as he was unable to get off from work in time for the kick-off. Arrangements for a substitute were made within 30 minutes. The morning of the match brought further trouble when a wire from Steve Walker stated he could not get leave in time to catch the train. The City were thus deprived of two good inside-forwards within a few hours of the start. One would have felt that this was quite sufficient but a bigger blow followed when, at 2.45 pm, the familiar boy in red and blue arrived at the ground with a telegram from Billy Fellowes, that had been delayed in transit, which stated he could not, unfortunately, complete the journey. At three o'clock there were 10 players in the City dressing room, at first it seemed that a reserve Yeovil man would be called upon to fill the vacant position, but after 5 minutes of desperate seeking, Cpl.Clarkson, of the Royal Marines, came on the scene and after some re-shuffling of jerseys, 11 players finally took the field on time. Whilst no doubt some clubs are a little more fortunately placed, the present limited facilities afforded the City make the organisation of the few matches which we have been able to witness this year trying indeed for those responsible. I hope therefore that you will not be too dismayed at team changes which take place at the last minute and throw programme details very much adrift. I can assure you that every possible precaution is taken against such eventualities but even in our sport I am afraid we must not forget that well worn saying "there's a war on."

Recent announcements in certain National papers that the City club were to enter the Western Section Cup compet ition were rather misleading. Actually the position is as follows. With the Football League "North" cup competition heading for the final stages, the Clubs participating in the Western Section, which includes three non-League clubs in Aberaman, Bath City and Lovell's Athletic, felt that it would be helpful to conclude the season with a cup competition of their own, Application to the Football League Management Committee was made and approved, provided the Clubs were willing to agree that the results of these "cup" games would not be taken into consideration in deciding the League "North" championship. Those principally involved agreed to this. Since, however, it was necessary for the clubs to allocate fixtures on the home and away basis, it was felt that under present circumstances, it was well nigh impossible for the City club to face up to such commitments. Enquiries were made, but at no time did authority go from the Club to the effect that they would take part in the competition. It is probable, however, that fixtures may yet be arranged with Cardiff City during the remaining period of the ordinary season which of course ends on the first Saturday in May.

by GRECIAN.