| Competition | Date | Opponent | Venue | Result |
| Friendly | Saturday, 25th October (4pm) | Pilgrims | Home | Abandoned |
Match facts:
Reading goals: None
Opposition goals: None
Half-time: Not reached
Attendance:
Weather:
Reading line-up: G F Fuller; C G Field, H F Rogers; A J Richardson, W L Franklin; G Sillence, W Holbrook, C H Wollaston, C R Black, A C Bartholomew, C J Prior
Match report:
(Full reports to follow in the future)
This friendly match was stopped after about 15 minutes when Reading's captain, H F Rogers, collapsed after complaining to our goalkeeper, G F Fuller, of feeling ill. Two doctors from the crowd attended him, but he died within minutes, from an epileptic fit. His body was carried into the pavilion, and an announcement made to the crowd, who were shocked as they were expecting him to recover.
A message was sent to his family in Leamington, and his father arrived in Reading at 10pm that evening. Rogers' body had been taken to the Queen's Hotel in Friar Street and later was returned to Leamington by train for burial, the train being seen off at the station by Reading players and officials, and other people he knew in the town. At his funeral, Reading Football Club were represented by James Simonds, the club president, and W L Franklin, the vice-captain who was also one of his closer friends.
At the inquest, his brother commented that Rogers had suffered from fits a few years previously, and it was also heard that he was feeling unwell before the game and only took part because he considered it his duty as captain.
Henry Francis Rogers worked as a clerk at an architects' firm in the town, and was 25 at the time of his death.
After the match, at a hurriedly convened special meeting, Reading withdrew from all fixtures for the remainder of the year.
From the Reading Mercury, 1/11/1879 edition:
From the Berkshire Chronicle, 1/11/1879 edition:
Match notes:
This game was played at "the home of Reading Cricket Club", which I assume is the same as Reading Cricket Ground, Reading's normal venue for home games at the time. The accepted club history states that this match took place at Coley Park, which is incorrect.
Match preview:
Ticket information:
None.
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