Cheers Yorkie. The first real London derby (professional teams) was played between which 2 clubs, and for a bonus where was it played ?
Moving in the right direction NZ. these 2 were the first 'professional' clubs in London (Arsenal in 1891 and Millwall in 1893) but they didn't play each other competitively for many years after that. Another clue is to think of the boundaries of London at that time.
They played at Woolwich Arsenal.... I am trying to think of somewhere near there that had a ground.. Upton Park?
The Manor Ground in Plumstead was, technically speaking, the venue but which teams were involved ? A clue is that before the creation of Greater London in 1965, there was the county of London - which corresponded to the present Inner London boroughs. Before then West Ham and Leyton Orient were, technically, Essex clubs. Spurs were, just, in Middlesex - as were Brentford. Chelsea were not founded until 1905. Which doesn't leave many real London clubs.
Charlton turned professional after Arsenal left SE London. Did they take over the Manor ground after Arsenal left? I will guess they did and played Millwall.
Sorry NZ. Charlton didn't turn professional until about 1905. By 1900 there were 4 professional football clubs within the county of London, Woolwich Arsenal, Millwall, Fulham and QPR (though the Steptoes were a borderline case).
To summarize. The stadium was the Manor Ground in Plumstead and Woolwich Arsenal were the home team, all I need is the opposing team.
You're there Yorkie. The first professional London derby (played within London) was Woolwich Arsenal v Fulham at the Manor Ground in Plumstead. It was in the FA Cup in 1904, which was surprisingly late but there are reasons for this. The oldest London derby is between Fulham and QPR, who played in the West London Cup Final of 1892, but they were both still amateur at the time. QPR. were founded in what was then Chelsea (ie. within London) and were named Queens Park because most of their players came from there. But they played their home matches mostly at Middlesex venues up until 1917. Their cup game against Millwall in 1900 was played at Kensal Rise Athletics ground (just) in Middlesex. Fulham and Millwall, though both in the Southern League, were in different divisions until 1904. Which leaves only Arsenal and Fulham - over to you.
That was an interesting challenge....... OK When was a former home for the Horns its' highest attendance?
Am not sure I quite understand the question... Was it the last time we played Luton at Cassio Road? Speaking of Luton, today is the anniversary of this....
