For the emerging teams from the South success was sporadic. However, in 1901 it was a London team which created a record that will surely remain unequalled. Spurs, then in the Southern League, won the FA Cup, the only non-league side ever to win the trophy. They disposed of three Division One sides en route, Preston, West Bromwich Albion and holders Bury They faced Sheffield United in the final, and most observers thought they were on the receiving end of a bad decision when ’keeper Clawley was adjudged to have made a save behind his line. A goal was given and the game ended 2-2. A 3-1 victory in the replay at Bolton meant that any error hadn’t been too costly. Sandy Brown was the Spurs’ hero, netting a record IS times during the Cup run, including tliree in the two Finals. 1 10,000 watched the first encounter at Crystal Palace, a record that has been beaten only twice since. Some commentators did note that the team consisted entirely of players from the provinces and Scotland, and as such the victory could hardly be regarded as a revival of the capital’s footballing fortunes. Spurs were elected to the league in 1908, winning promotion to Division One at the first attempt.
Arsenal’s rise was more steady. It wasn’t until 1904-05 -11 years after becoming a League club - that the Gunners made it into the top flight. Several seasons of consolidation followed before the club was relegated in 1912-13. This proved to be a blessing in disguise, as it precipitated Chairman Henry Norris’s decision to relocate to Highbury. New neighbours Spurs were none too pleased with the decision, creating a rivalry that continues unabated.
Chelsea win league status in five months
Chelsea’s entry into tlie league was remarkable in itself At the start of 1905 the club didn’t exist, yet just five months later it was elected to Division Two. Founder Gus Mears was behind this amazing rise up the ladder. He acquired the Stamford Bridge Athletic ground, signed a group of players and then, in May, saw die club’s application to join the Second Division accepted. Both divisions were expanded from 18 to 20 clubs, and Chelsea joined the ranks with a club that would have rather less of an impact on the game, Clapham Orient. Chelsea finished third in their debut season, while Clapham Orient propped up the table. Chelsea were promoted to the First Division the following year.
The 1914 Cup Final in which Burnley defeated Liverpool by one goal scored in the 58th minute. This was the fourth year in succession that the Final had ended with a 1-0 scoreline.
Football served as an effective recruiting sergeant. Rousing speeches were made at matches, and both players and supporters enlisted in droves.
World History
