1896-97 Season Summary

Highlights

The new Leicestershire Senior League – won by Coalville Albion – “proved to be much more advantageous to Leicestershire clubs than the old Leicestershire and Northants League.“

There were 211 clubs affiliated to the Leicestershire Football Association, with 4,784 registered playing members.

The Shield Competition was a great success, all previous records being far exceeded; Fleckney F.C. were the successful team. The Junior Cup Competition won by Sileby Rangers, was not as successful financially as 1895-96. The Senior Cup Competition was more successful than in any other previous season, both financially and in the greater interest taken by the various clubs competing. Coalville Albion beat Hinckley Town 1-0 in the final staged at Earl Shilton.

Hathern Victoria won the inaugural Loughborough & District League.

The North Leicestershire League collapsed at the end of its second season.

One county match was played, viz., Oxford University.

Perhaps the most famous fixture ever witnessed in Loughborough took place on 12 December 1896 – the 8-0 demolition of Arsenal – which is still stands as the Londoners record defeat in the Football League.The score could have been higher since Loughborough had two “good goals” disallowed for offside and several near misses.

National Cup Competitions

Regional & National Leagues

Leicestershire Cups

Leicestershire Leagues

Other Cup Competitions

Friendly Matches

Additional Information