Cromwell Cup

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The Cromwell Cup is the second ever football competition. It was organised by the Sheffield FA and held in February 1868. It was named after Oliver Cromwell, a local theatre manager who donated the cup, he also played for the Garrick club. It was only open to teams under two years old. The final was held at Bramall Lane, Sheffield and was won by the world's first ever Golden Goal. The trophy is still held in the Sheffield Wednesday trophy cabinet.

Sheffield Rules at the time involved rouges as well as goals. Garrick were expected to sweep aside the newly created Wednesday team. Despite this the final remained 0(0)-0(0) at the end of the regulation 90 minutes. Both captains then agreed to carry on playing for a result with the scorer of the first goal taking the trophy. After another 10 minutes of play, Wednesday finally broke the deadlock with a goal, thus claiming their first trophy, and laying claim to scoring the first ever Golden Goal!.

[edit] Results

Date	Team 1	Goals (Rogues)	Team 2	Ground
First Round
1 February 1868	Sheffield Wednesday	4(3)-0(0)	Exchange	Mackenzie Ground
8 February 1868	Garrick	0(1)-0(0)	Wellington	Mackenzie Ground
Final
15 February 1868	Sheffield Wednesday	1(0)-0(0)	Garrick	Bramall Lane