The 1898 F.A Cup Final

I remember it well. Catching the early train to London and then a long walk to the Crystal Palace. I still had a dry crust left to eat before the kick off and a couple of pennies to afford a glass of beer. London beer always was expensive. Despite our obvious technical superiority it soon became quite clear that the Notts boys were intent on kicking our boys off the pitch. Young Bloomer scored with a header but it was not to be. The trip home was long and tiring but I managed to fall asleep on one of the wooden benches in the carriage. The only thing that kept up my spirits was knowing that one day Forest would be owned by a middle eastern idiot who would send them into oblivion.

I think Forest played in red, but actually wore Derby's white shirts afterwards for the photos because they showed up better!

Think my old man played for forest then in his late twentys

That would put you at about 96 years of age then, Waggy!! - or older!!

It was a pretty effective thrashing of the sheep bleaters by 3-1.

I certainly didn't know that we played Derby. I wonder if there was the same rivalry then as now? We supposedly played in red shirts and blue shorts. Back then the manager was also the secretary.

It was also the second version of the Cup as the previous version had been stolen in 1894. Aston Villa were fined £25 by the FA and this paid for a exact replacement.

Both managers were Harry's….

Back in 1894 County played in a game of 3 halves?

Even back then Derby County were attempting to influence match officials, back then it didn't help them.

After replaying the second half as the first half and thus chalking off a 3-0 deficit, Derby then conceded a further three goals, before letting in five more in the third half.

Derby responded by scoring zero goals in reply.

I will have to conduct further research into the 1894 season it may prove to be comparable to the Rams last foray into the Prem'??

It was also known as the English Cup rather than the FA Cup. There is a commemorative tea pot in one of the trophy cabinets at the CG. Apparently, legend has it that Cloughie had it turned to face the wall as it had "Notts Forest" written on it!

Apparently, legend has it that Cloughie had it turned to face the wall as it had "Notts Forest" written on it!
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Not heard that before, Will.

I think that Will just made that up and is spinning porkies?

I used to do ground tours at the CG about twenty years ago.