Cromwell Cup


Cromwell Cup
Year
1868
Location
Sheffield
Number of Teams
4
Winner
The Wednesday

The Cromwell Cup was the second ever Sheffield
rules football competition and was held in Sheffield, England. It was held in February 1868 and named after Oliver Cromwell, manager of the local Alexandra Theatre, who donated the cup. He also played for the Garrick club. The tournament was only open to teams under two years old. The final was held at Bramall Lane, Sheffield. 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 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.

Participating teams

TeamFoundationNo. of membersHome groundColours
Exchange1863120Hallam's FarmScarlet & white
Garrick1866 400East BankRed, white, & blue
Wednesday1867170HighfieldBlue & white hoops
Wellington1866150Houndsfields ParkPuce & white

Results