In the season 1920-21, saw Badsey’s first venture into the old F. A. Amateur Cup, the premier competition for amateur clubs in the country.

A successful visit to Hereford C.S.D in the first qualifying round was followed by a home victory against a strong Nottinghamshire side, Netherfield Rangers in the 2^nd qualifying round.

Next came a side from Erdington and in spite of the admission charge being raised to one shilling there was over 1200 spectators present at Badsey to see the visitors sent packing to the tune of 8-0.

It was now Badseys turn to travel again, a long journey to another Nottinghamshire side – Basford ended successfully, Badsey winning 4-2 to earn the Rangers a place in the competition proper.

And so Badseys name went into the hat with the elite of English amateur football: an away tie versus Oxford City resulted, to be played on New Year’s day 1921.

The whole village was agog with excitement; almost everybody wanted to be in Oxford that day. In anticipation of a record following the Rangers committee chartered a special train, timed to leave Evesham at 10.30am;Littleton & Badsey 10.38;Honeybourne 10.45;Campden 10.58 & finally Moreton in Marsh at 11.10; returning from Oxford at 7.00pm.

The weather could hardly have been worse, incessant rain fell throughout the match, turning the pitch into a quagmire. The Badsey players never produced there true form that day; perhaps slightly overawed by their opponents reputation and no doubt missing the inspiration of their captain, George Knight, barred from the competition because of his earlier professional status, they suffered a 5-0 defeat. Some light relief for the travelling Badsey supporters was provided by an optimistic gentleman who went round the touch-line with a marker throughout the match in a futile attempt to replace the white lines which were constantly obliterated. In spite of the inclement weather over 5000 people watched the match.

Hopefully you have enjoyed this brief delve into the past and we shall endeavour to include other events and occasions from our history, periodically to the website. If you cant wait then contact us, we have a 100 years of Badsey Rangers Centenary book full of information and facts – a darn good read.