1st March 1877 - Our first ever match, or was it!

[erimus74]

Middlesbrough FC, allegedly, played their 1st ever football match against Tees Wanderers, a local rugby union team, on this day 1877

I say allegedly because I have read, through snippets of internet news, that Boro played a game before this date, even the date that is in our history books is wrong, though I've not seen anything concrete to state its any date other than the 1st March, plus it sounds more romantic as I & I would say thousands of Boro fans, here & around the world, will celebrate this day every 3 years for our Carling cup triumph

The game was played 12 months after the club were formed (18/02/1876) which took place on the archery ground, at Albert Park

Oddly enough, Boro captain & goalkeeper Harvey kicked off the match to start the history of the mighty Boro

The following, word for word, was from the weekly exchange dated 1st March 1877 that is printed inside Middlesbrough FC complete record book

On saturday afternoon last a match (Association rules) was played between the eleven of Tees Wanderers & the eleven of Middlesbrough football club, on the archery ground, Albert Park
There was a good attendance of visitors. The ball was kicked off by Mr Harvey (captain of the Middlesbrough club)
A very strong wind was blowing against the Wanderers, but, notwithstanding this, some excellent play was witnessed
The ball was taken to the Wanderes goal & kept near for the whole of the half with one exception, when it was taken back in very good play by Jenkins (Middlesbrough) & a goal kicked by Ewbank (1-0 to the mighty Boro)
In the second half, Wanderers, who, after showing some excellent play, succeeded in making a goal, thus making a tie, both sides having one goal each
The players of Lees, Ewbank, Jenkins & Hildreth for the Middlesbrough club was very good, as was also that of Logan Dickens & Wilson

The game was played over two 40 minutes halves

Boro team that historic day:

GK. Harvey (captain)
Backs. Windorss & Hardisty
Half Backs. Booth & Parkin.
Forwards. Jackson Ewbank, Frank Lees, Greenwood, Jenkins, Harrison, Hildreth

The Boro put the date of the 24th of february on their website & others have stated the Boro played a game before this date but I've not seen anything to show that a match took place

PLAY UP BOROUGH 😁👆