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Rules derby

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Rules derby
Other namesThe oldest derby
The first derby
SportFootball
LocationSheffield
Teams
First meeting26 December 1860
Hallam 0–2 Sheffield
Latest meeting21 January 2025
Sheffield & Hallamshire Senior Cup
Hallam 2–1 Sheffield
StadiumsHome of Football Stadium (Sheffield)
Sandygate (Hallam)

Rules derby (or Sheffield derby) is a football derby played in Sheffield, England between Sheffield F.C. and Hallam F.C. It was first played on 26 December 1860[1] and is the oldest football fixture in the world. The name refers to the fact that the fixture was originally played under the Sheffield Rules.

History

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The first match was played at Hallam's home ground, Sandygate, and resulted in a Sheffield victory by two goals to nil. The teams competed in the first ever football match at Bramall Lane.

The derby is currently not a regular fixture as Sheffield are currently in the NPL Division One East, while Hallam are in the NCEL Premier Division, one tier below; however, the teams do regularly meet in pre-season friendlies and occasionally local FA matches. The last competitive meeting between the two sides was a 2–1 win for Hallam on 21 January 2025 in the Sheffield & Hallamshire Senior Cup at Sandygate.[2]

References

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  1. ^ "World's oldest football teams play in derby". BBC News. BBC. 27 July 2013. Retrieved 25 July 2016.
  2. ^ "Hallam FC v Sheffield FC: 1,496 pack into World's Oldest Ground for 2025's version of the first derby". The Star. 22 January 2025. Retrieved 22 January 2025.