Banner Jones Middleton Cup

The Banner Jones Middleton Cup is an annual pre-season friendly cup competition contested between Chesterfield F.C. and Matlock Town F.C. in Matlock, Derbyshire, England. The competition was founded at the beginning of the 2002/03 season and is always held at Matlock's Causeway Lane ground.

Background and history

Chesterfield F.C. and Matlock Town F.C. have played each other annually, with only a couple of exceptions, since the 1970s. The supporters are very keen of this tie and look forward to the pre-season friendly every year. Many supporters go the match not only to watch the game, but to chat to supporters of the other club about the season passed and their aspirations of the new season.

In 2002, Banner Jones Solicitors, a local company, decided to sponsor the game and provided a cup to play for. The "Banner Jones Middleton Cup" has been played for every season since.

As the traditionally wealthier club, Chesterfield allow all gate receipts to be received by Matlock. During Chesterfield's financial crisis in 2001, The Gladiators gave a show of generosity by splitting the gate 50/50. This is usually Matlock's highest gate of the season, and can often breach the 1000 mark.

Rules

The competition follows typical friendly rules. The man of the match also gets a cash sum to give to their chosen charity.

Current Champions

Chesterfield F.C. are the current cup holders after beating Matlock Town 3-2 after being 2-0 down at half time. the match was played on the 20th July 2010.

Total wins

Results