The First Six Football League Matches in England - September 8, 1888

On September 8, 1888, a significant milestone in the history of football was achieved with the commencement of the first-ever matches of the English Football League. This day marked the beginning of organized league football, setting the stage for the modern game as we know it today.

Background

The Football League was founded in 1888 by William McGregor, a director of Aston Villa, in response to the need for a more structured competition among clubs. Prior to this, clubs played friendly matches and participated in the FA Cup, but there was no regular competition to determine the best team over a season. McGregor’s vision was to create a league where clubs would play each other home and away, with points awarded for wins and draws.

The Matches

On this historic day, six matches were played, involving 12 of the original 12 clubs that made up the inaugural Football League. Here are the details of those matches:

1. Preston North End vs. Burnley

   • Location: Deepdale, Preston
   • Result: Preston North End 5 - 2 Burnley
   • Preston North End, known as “The Invincibles,” would go on to win the first league title without losing a match.

2. Bolton Wanderers vs. Derby County

   • Location: Pike’s Lane, Bolton
   • Result: Bolton Wanderers 3 - 6 Derby County
   • This high-scoring game saw Derby County emerge victorious.

3. Everton vs. Accrington

   • Location: Anfield, Liverpool (Everton’s home ground at the time)
   • Result: Everton 2 - 1 Accrington
   • Everton secured a narrow win in their opening match.

4. Wolverhampton Wanderers vs. Aston Villa

   • Location: Dudley Road, Wolverhampton
   • Result: Wolverhampton Wanderers 1 - 1 Aston Villa
   • The match ended in a draw, showcasing the competitive nature of the league.

5. West Bromwich Albion vs. Stoke

   • Location: Stoney Lane, West Bromwich
   • Result: West Bromwich Albion 2 - 0 Stoke
   • West Bromwich Albion claimed victory with a clean sheet.

6. Notts County vs. Blackburn Rovers

   • Location: Trent Bridge, Nottingham
   • Result: Notts County 1 - 1 Blackburn Rovers
   • Another draw, highlighting the evenly matched teams.

Significance

The establishment of the Football League was a transformative moment in sports history. It introduced a formalized competition structure that would become the blueprint for football leagues worldwide. The league’s success helped popularize the sport, leading to the expansion of the league and the eventual formation of multiple divisions.

Preston North End’s unbeaten run during the inaugural season set a high standard and earned them the nickname “The Invincibles.” The league’s creation also paved the way for professionalization in football, as clubs began to attract larger crowds and generate more revenue.

Aftermath

The Football League continued to grow, expanding to include more teams and divisions. It laid the foundation for the English Premier League, which would become one of the most popular and lucrative football leagues globally. The league’s establishment also contributed to the global spread of football, influencing the formation of leagues in other countries.

The matches played on September 8, 1888, were more than just games; they were the beginning of a new era in sports, one that continues to captivate millions of fans around the world today.