By name, these lads call themselves The Terrors. But how is our head-to-head record looking against Tooting & Mitcham United? Y’know – by nature and tha’. After all, we’d like to know if we need to put an 18 rating on this one. That’s what you do with horror fillums. Like us, this lot were members of the Diadora League Division One during the 1992-3 campaign. In all, we met three times that season; starting with a 2-1 victory for Boro’ in the Loctite Trophy. Our two league fixtures, however, got wedged in during the last couple of weeks of the season; us both winning one each.
As you can no doubt guess from their name, the Terrors came when two sides decided to join forces. The background to this 1932 merger is a little more detailed than we’re willing to talk about. That’s for you to go and find out more about if you want. So, we’ll just keep things nice and simple. Tooting Town and Mitcham Wanderers were the teams involved. Both played in the London League. But it soon became clear that neither could sustain themselves when the other one was down the road. Why not pool resources?
After starting out in the London League, 1937 brought with it a move up into the Athenian League. Not until after World War Two would the new club make their mark, however; title wins in 1949-50 and 1954-5 setting new milestones in what were still relatively early days for the Terrors’. As one of the Athenian League’s strongest clubs, we can only guess that a new challenge was needed. So, in 1956, they were elected into the Isthmian League.
And the good times kept on rolling.
The Terrors were crowned Isthmian League champions in only their second season. In the following season, meanwhile, the club reached the FA Cup Third Round for the first (and, to date, only) time. Nottingham Forest eventually beat them – but required a replay to do so. And the season after that? Well, the 1959-60 campaign saw them win the Isthmian League title once more. Not a bad period by any stretch.
Why do we know Tooting & Mitcham United?
All things pass. Soon, it became less common to see the Terrors in the top three. Or the top six. Or even the top half. By the 1980s, it became harder to make their mark on the league. By the end of the 1983-4 season, they were second bottom of the table. But they avoided relegation to Division One; Staines Town in 14th going down instead. The stay of execution lasted just five seasons. In 1989, they were relegated; again finishing second bottom.
By this point in time, Boro’ had tasted life in Division One – but decided, at the time, that wasn’t for us. We’d already returned to Division Two North by the time The Terrors were relegated. But a return back up wasn’t happening for them. And it wouldn’t be long before Cloughie had us storming back up from the league below.
In 1991, it was time for us to take on The Terrors for the first time.
How to get to Tooting & Mitcham United – Travel Information – Distance: 67 miles
By Road
A route through London may be the shorter option, but it could also prove longer in terms of time. With that in mind, we’ll take you on a route around the M25. Traffic depending, it should get you to the game on time.
So, go counter-clockwise on the M25 until you reach Junction 10 (A3). Take the London-bound A3 for 11.2 miles, before coming off at the exit for Beverley Way/A298. On the slip road, bear right to stay on the A298 and head on for about a mile. Turn right for the B298 here and go through one roundabout towards Morden.
Keep more or less straight to follow the A24; passing Morden tube station on the left. Up the road ina short distance is a roundabout; take the second exit here and go right for the A297. At the next roundabout you come to, it’s the first exit you want (A239). In just 0.1 miles, however, turn right onto Wandle Road.
In half a mile or so down the end of this road, the ground will be in front of you.
The club says it has “plenty of parking” that means it’s “not a problem” to come in your car. Famous last words, eh?
By Rail
Station: MITCHAM
Services to: WIMBLEDON (for LONDON WATERLOO)
In case you were curious, this is a Tramlink stop – not a conventional station. Come out of the station onto Tramway Path; turning left onto London Road. Go down here and over the river, before a right turn shortly after takes you into the ground.
