I am not entirely convinced by this, but despite the lack of social media and satellite communications, Upton Park FC's West Ham pitch was reported to be the place where the first ever FA Cup goal was scored on November 11th in 1871. This was a First Round tie in the first ever round of the newly formed competition. The goal was scored by Jarvis Kendrick of Clapham Rovers, whose team beat the home side 3-0. In the next round the Rovers were beaten by The Wanderers, the eventual Cup winners.
These two links will explain a bit about Upton park and their legacy, not only in the FA Cup but also in football in and around West Ham and even having some influence in the Channel Islands.
Having been founded in 1866, the Upton Park club disbanded in 1887, despite having won the London Senior Cup in 1883. The club was reformed in 1891 joining the Southern Alliance League.
In 1884 after their drawn FA Cup tie with Preston North End 1-1, in what was the last 16 of the cup, Upton Park complained about the professionalism of the Preston players, who apparently were being paid to play. Preston were disqualified and thrown out of the competition. Upton Park went through by default to the last 8 of the competition, where they lost to Blackburn Rovers (also pros??) the eventual cup winners.
In 1884 after their drawn FA Cup tie with Preston North End 1-1, in what was the last 16 of the cup, Upton Park complained about the professionalism of the Preston players, who apparently were being paid to play. Preston were disqualified and thrown out of the competition. Upton Park went through by default to the last 8 of the competition, where they lost to Blackburn Rovers (also pros??) the eventual cup winners.
Upton Park FC still plays and they were privileged to be invited to play the final match ever at the Boleyn Ground, sometimes known as Upton Park, against the Royal Engineers, another historic non-league club. UPFC won 3-2, in what was a friendly run out.
In 1900 the club was invited by the Olympic FA to represent England in the Paris Olympics. They beat USFSA XI 4-0, representing France, the hosts in a "demonstration" sport. The IOC retrospectively awarded the club a medal to mark the occasion.
Regular tours by the club to Guernsey proved so popular that the two Channel Islands teams, Guernsey and Jersey, play for the annual Upton Trophy.
Three famous players to be club members were; Charles Alcock who became FA President, and FA Cup Final referees, Alfred Stair and Segar Bastard (presumably he had to put up with a fair bit of abuse!).
FA Cup ties start tonight!!
Three famous players to be club members were; Charles Alcock who became FA President, and FA Cup Final referees, Alfred Stair and Segar Bastard (presumably he had to put up with a fair bit of abuse!).
FA Cup ties start tonight!!
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