Chester St Oswalds F.C.

History

Chester St Oswalds F.C. was founded by Mr L Bebbington at some point in 1883. The club first entered the FA Cup in 1887–88, the final season before qualifying rounds were introduced. In the first round, they were drawn away to Chirk; Cross gave the Saints the lead, but Chirk won 4–1. The club also competed in the Welsh Cup in 1887–88 and 1888–89, losing both ties.

In 1888–89, they advanced to the second round after Crewe Athletic scratched from their first round tie upon arriving in Chester, so the match was played as a friendly, with the Saints winning 5–1. A Special General Meeting in July 1887 recorded John Thompson as club captain, Tom Pixton as vice captain, and Mr Bennion as reserve captain; John Boardman had previously served as captain for two seasons. In 1889, Francis Jayne, the Bishop of Chester, became the club’s patron and provided financial support on the condition that the club oppose professionalism.

The club’s best run in the qualifying rounds came in 1889–90, when they lost 3–0 to Chester FC in the third round. Their anti-professionalism stance proved costly, as a lack of attractive opponents led to financial trouble, and the club was dissolved on 26 January 1892. The St Oswalds name was revived in June 1898 when Chester P.S.A. changed their name.