Reading FC were formed in the Bridge Street Rooms in 1871. They played at several grounds around the town prior settling at Elm Park in September 1896. They were founder members of the Southern league and helped found the Third division in 1920. They won promotion to the second division in 1926, however could only stay there for five seasons. In 1926-27, they made the first, and so far, only appearance in an FA Cup semi final, losing 3-0 to Cardiff City. During the 1920’s, Reading boasted two of the finest defenders of the day in Billy McConnell and Alf Messer, the latter made almost 300 league appearances prior his departure to Tottenham Hotspur in 1930. In 1932, Reading were relegated and did not return to the second division for 55 years. The 1934-35 season was a fine one for Reading FC, despite failing to gain promotion, finishing the season off in second position in the Southern league three, they also reached the fifth round of the FA Cup.