In 1891-92, Leicester Fosse faced a major challenge when they were evicted from their home at Mill Street Ground by the Town Corporation, who wanted the land for new housing. With their new Walnut Street ground (which would later become known as Filbert Street) not yet ready, they were left without a place to play.
Fortunately, Leicestershire County Cricket Club stepped in, offering the Fosse a temporary home at their Grace Road ground. However, this arrangement wasn’t popular with everyone, particularly among the local cricket community, as evidenced by various “Letters to the Editor” from that period.
Leicester Fosse’s brief time at Grace Road in September and October 1891 was also unpopular with their own supporters. The team played eight games there, including friendlies against Football League sides Derby County and Notts County, an FA Cup match versus Small Heath (later Birmingham City), and two Midland League fixtures. Although they won 5 and lost 3 against notable opponents, Fosse’s crowds (apart from the FA cup tie) only averaged a few hundred. This low attendance was due to several factors: The Grace Road ground was located outside the town centre; there was only a single horse-drawn tram available to get there; and the Leicester Tigers rugby team was drawing large crowds at Fosse’s former home, the Belgrave Road ground. This contrasts sharply with their first game at their new Walnut Street ground in November, which attracted a crowd of 4,000 fans.
Leicester Fosse Fixtures Played at Grace Road
