December 1937 as Chelsea FC battled Charlton FC at Stamford Bridge Stadium in London, the match was stopped and abandoned at the 60th minute due to a heavy fog. Unfortunately, the Charlton FC legendary goalkeeper, Sam Bartram remained unaware and kept guarding the goal post for another fifteen minutes after the match was stopped. He didn’t hear the referee’s whistle because of the crowd behind him.
He stood at the goal with his arms outstretched and completely focused in the fog so as not to be caught unawares as he thought his teammates were attacking the opponent’s goal. Fifteen minutes after the match was abandoned, he was approached by the Stadium Police and informed the match had been stopped fifteen minutes earlier, Sam Bartram said these famous great words with great sorrow, “HOW SAD THAT MY FRIENDS FORGOT ME WHEN I WAS GUARDING THEIR GATE.”
There are many players in the field of Life whose Goal we defend with enthusiasm and Support, but when the situation becomes a wave of fog, they leave us all alone. Always pay attention to the Gatekeepers of your life, never abandon the people guarding your Gates. We have Spiritual, Physical, Mental, Emotional, Financial, Economic, Family, Marital, Societal, Cultural, Legal, Social, Health, etc gates.
Match detail: Chelsea v Charlton Athletic
Match Date: Friday, 26th Mar 1937 at 15:30
Competition: League – Football League Division 1
Opponent: Charlton Athletic
Venue: Stamford Bridge
Attendance: 64,463
Half Time: 1 – 0
Result: Won 3 – 0
Referee: J M Wiltshire (Dorset)
Team List:
Len Allum
Jimmy Argue
George Barber
Harry Burgess
Allan Craig (C)
George Gibson
George Mills
John O’Hare
Dickie Spence
Sam Weaver
Victor Woodley (GK)
Chelsea Goal Scorers:
Jimmy Argue
George Mills
Harry Burgess (Penalty)
Charlton Athletic Goal Scorers:
None
