Tossed Out…
Another unique Sheffield footballing historical first: Tossed on & out!!
On the 30th of October 1873 Sheffield FC played Shropshire Wanders in the first round of the FA Cup. 600 spectators witnessed a 0-0 draw at Sheffield’s Bramall Lane.
The replayed match took place on 17th November at Shrewsbury Racecourse (located just northeast of Shrewsbury centre). Again, the score was goalless. 100 spectators this time attended the match to witness the continued deadlock between the two clubs.
So, what next? Who should go through to the second round to face north London’s Pilgrims. Both teams dined together after their match in the centre of Shrewsbury at the Raven Hotel. At some point during the evening the 2 captains decided that the toss of a coin would decide who progress in the competition.
The coin toss created 2 footballing firsts, the first club to be knock out of the FA cup by the toss of a coin and the first club to progress as the result of the toss of a coin. Sheffield FC won the toss making them the later.
Sheffield FC went onto reach the third round eventually losing in the quarter finals to Clapham Rovers at Peterborough. Shropshire Wanderers had more success the following season reaching the semi-finals only to lose against Old Etonians. This makes them the most successful Shropshire club in the competition so far in history.
Do you have more information about this that we could add? Are any of the facts wrong? Please get in touch if so.
Source: Steve Wood
