IN reporting the results of the quarter-finals of the BFA Challenge Cup 1955-56, and prior to the subsequent semi-finals draw, The Royal Gazette of 31 January 1956 recognised that "BAA and Key West are currently the favourites to reach the final round, provided they are not drawn against each other".

This comment undoubtedly reflected the opinion/expectations of the local football community. Both teams were in leading positions in their respective leagues and had certainly performed well enough in their previous BFA Cup games ? they were already considered to be worthy finalists.

Thus, on the evening of 11 February 1956 when the draw for the semi-finals was made, the outcome may have seemed initially disappointing. In effect, though, it produced pairings which promised very competitive matches between four clubs from two separate Leagues, namely Sandys BC (BFC) v Southampton Rangers (BFL) on Sunday 26 February at BAA Field BAA (BFC) v Key West Rangers (BFL) on Sunday 4 March at Prospect Field. These fixtures were to be held one week apart in order to encourage larger crowds. And to assist in this regard, there were no other (senior) fixtures scheduled for these two dates. The semi-finals were also allocated to neutral grounds, this being the standard practice for the last two rounds of any major cup competition.

Although the hoped-for final was now to be played as a preliminary, this did not discount the fact that the draw had set up an intriguing scenario wherein it was possible to end the very first BFA Challenge Cup Competition with an all-BFL final, an all-BFC final or an inter-league final. Such considerations were perhaps irrelevant, as the only realistic outcome was that first side to be declared a finalist would be the winner of the Sandys-Southampton game. These two teams had not before met competitively, but Sandys' record throughout their BFC season was perhaps rather better than Southampton's in the BFL. This fixture was also to be played on a BFC ground with which Sandys were more familiar. On the other hand, Southampton would not necessarily be uncomfortable at Serpentine Road as they had been the very first BFL side to play there when the 'floodlights' were switched-on and the programme of night-time friendlies ? BAA against a BFL team ? was introduced early in 1955.

They had again played there during the current season. Choosing a winner of this tie was difficult, and the best prediction was that it was likely to be a very close and exciting game. Both clubs were in a position to field perhaps their strongest sides, and the following players were selected: Southampton Rangers: B.Robinson, R.Todd, W.Easton, E.Raynor, G.Ingham, S.Easton, D.Simons, H.Joynes, G.Ray, G.Dyer, R.Simons.

Sandys Boat Club: C.Renaud, D.Jenkins, R.Redding, L.Pengelly, R.Madeiros, W.Henderson, D.Mason, E.Madeiros, F.Wall, J.Campbell, C.Flood.

Next week's Diary will include the result and newspaper reports of this match, and will preview the second semi-final between BAA and Key West.