Programme of the Week Number 23 – Derby v Arsenal 5 February 1947 (postponed)
The winter of 1947 was one of the coldest on record in British history, with February the coldest month since 1895. Snowfall led to widespread disruption across the UK including the postponement of Derby County’s match against Arsenal at the Baseball Ground on Wednesday, February 5.
On the day of the postponement the Derby Evening Telegraph reported that: ‘One look at the Baseball Ground this morning satisfied Referee W. E. Wood, of Luton, that it would be impossible for Derby County to play Arsenal there this afternoon in their rearranged League match. In response to Derby County’s request the referee was present at the ground at 9.30am.’
‘After being rescued from their special training quarters at Ashbourne, where they were cut off by snowdrifts yesterday, the Derby County players are continuing their training at the Baseball Ground.’
‘Arsenal’s team was stranded for some hours at Whatstandwell last night when the 4.20 p.m. train from St. Pancras – due at Matlock at 7.28 p.m. – broke down. A relief engine was sent for but, in the meantime, some of the players reached Whatstandwell station and telephoned for a taxi from Matlock. They finally reached their Matlock Bath hotel at 11.15 p.m. Dinner, which had been prepared for 7.30, was still being kept warm for them.’
A programme was produced for the game but with the pitch inspection being early in the morning, it is unlikely that any were on sale to the public.
The fixture was eventually played on 10 May with 19,153 in attendance at the Baseball Ground to see Ronnie Rooke score for Arsenal in a 1-0 win. Both the Rams and the Gunners finished the season in mid-table on 41 points, Arsenal one place ahead in 13th due to a higher goal average.