The History of Sheffield football. 150 years ago today-Norton FC v. Hallam FC in Youdan Cup 1867
Undoubtedly Norton FC’s biggest ever match was in the Youdan Cup on the 25th of February 1867 against Hallam FC, the eventual winners. After a draw the two clubs played again two days later, an astounding 3,000 spectators witnessed the contest, probably at Oakes Park:
“Hallam v. Norton. The match between these two clubs was played on the ground of Norton Club, which is distant about five miles from Sheffield, and resulted in one of the closest and most exciting games ever witnessed at football. The result of two hours and a half hard play on Saturday was, that neither side had been able to score, a sufficient proof of the equality of the contest. According to the rules formed for the regulation of matches played for the Youdan’s Cup, published in THE SPORTSMAN of the 19h inst., play had to be renewed on Monday last, the 25th, at 3pm. After a second long-protracted fight, and another game as well contested as the first, the match was finally decided in favour of the Hallam by one rouge, cleverly secured by H. Ash. As a proof of the great interest excited in Sheffield by these contests for the Youdan’s Cup, we may mention that the match between the above clubs was witnessed by nearly three thousand spectators. For the Hallam Club, T. Armitage, G. Jones, J. Dale, and S. Gilbert, while for the Norton Club, J. Linley, F. Morton, Jackson, and H. Butterly greatly distinguished themselves. The following is a list of the players: Hallam Club: J. C. Shaw (captain), H. Ash, W. Adsetts, J. Dale, J. Bradbury, G. Jones, T. Armitage, J. Bownes, S. Gilbert, A. Hobson, G. Elliott, and H. Branwell (goal-keeper). Umpire, Mr. J. Bradshaw. Norton Club: F. Morton (Captain), J. Linley, W. Jackson, J. Jackson, T. Birch, R. Kilner, S. Needham, H. Butterly, C. Mills, G. Osborne, John Shaw, and James Shaw. Umpire, Mr. T. Downing, referee, Mr. W. J. Bingham.”
