The Football League is to make a special presentation to Everton and Accrington Stanley ahead of the two clubs’ pre-season friendly this evening.
Wednesday’s meeting re-creates the match played between Everton and the original Accrington FC on the opening weekend of the first ever Football League season.
This season, The Football League celebrates 125 years since its formation as the world’s original league football competition and its Chief Operating Officer, Andy Williamson, is to present specially commissioned blue plaques to Everton and Accrington Stanley Football Clubs.
The Football League’s Andy Williamson, said: “The names Everton and Accrington are synonymous with the history of league football and we are delighted to make a special presentation marking their role as Founder Members of The Football League.”
Everton hosted Accrington at their then home, Anfield, on 8 September 1888. On a warm, sunny late summer afternoon the Toffees ran out 2-1 winners with George Fleming scoring both goals. The match, which kicked-off at about 4.25pm after the visitors arrived 20 minutes late, attracted the day’s largest crowd – reported to be close to 12,000 by the Liverpool Mercury.
Accrington would get their revenge at the end of the season, however, by finishing in seventh place, one spot above the Toffees in the final 1888/89 league table – the Owd Reds having a superior goal average after both clubs had accumulated 20 points from 22 matches.
Celebrations around The Football League’s 125th Anniversary will continue into the new season with six special Anniversary Fixtures on the opening weekend of the new Football League season and a special exhibition opening at the National Football Museum in September. To find out more visit FL125.co.uk.