Victorian local football wasn’t just a sport; it was practically a soap opera wrapped in woollen jerseys, often fuelled by intense town rivalries and a rulebook that was still very much a work in progress. This is readily illustrated by this match report from November 1889.
FOOTBALL MATCH.—A most exciting football match was played on the Albert Village Ground between the Gresley Rovers and the Swadlincote T. F.C. As these are the two favourite teams of the neighbourhood, and of pretty equal strength, a good contest was expected, and public interest became greater as the day approached, so that upwards of 800 spectators were present to witness the match. The Swadlincote captain won the toss, and elected to play down hill. Sharpe kicked off for the Rovers, and the ball was steadily passed towards the opponents’ goal, and notwithstanding some good play on the part of the Swadlincote backs and goal keeper, the Rovers succeeded in scoring the first goal, after about five minutes’ play. This put the Swadlincote team on their mettle, and on the ball being re-started they made a dash for the Gresley goal, but the backs were equal to the occasion, and sent the ball flying to mid-field, where some good play took place on the part of both teams. After about fifteen minutes more play Swadlincote broke away, and made for the Gresley goal, where one of the backs conceded a corner kick, from which the Swadlincote scored their first goal, amidst great excitement. On again starting the ball, both teams played with great determination, but the Swadlincote forwards getting possession, Shernell made a shot at goal, which, according to the referee, would have gone outside, but unfortunately hitting a spectator who in the excitement of the moment had overstepped the boundary, it changed its course, and passed through the goal. The referee gave no goal, but the Swadlincote team refused to accept his decision, and left the field, much to the discontent and disgust of the spectators, the match being left unfinished about seven minutes before the call of half-time. The Gresley team and the spectators waited on the field for some time to see what course would be taken, and afterwards marched towards the club-house, and finding the match would not be continued, the Gresley captain appeared at the club-house window and apologised for the abrupt finish of the game, and generously offered a free ticket to all the spectators, admitting them to any match during the season, except the cup-tie, a concession which met with general approval.
Leicester Advertiser – Saturday 30 November 1889