Sheffield FC retain the Alan Cooper Memorial Trophy

A sun-drenched Sandygate played host to the 150^th anniversary of the world’s oldest derby as Sheffield FC defeated old rivals Hallam FC 2-1 on Monday. Two goals in the last ten minutes ensured that Sheffield retained the Alan Cooper Memorial Trophy, in a match which saw the two oldest clubs in the world lock horns at the oldest football ground in the world.

Sheffield dominated the early exchanges, and were unlucky not to break the deadlock after two minutes when Steve Woolley’s 25-yard-drive flew just wide of Hallam custodian Adam Valente’s far post.  Daniel Kirkland forced the first save of the match three minutes later when his expertly-struck shot was tipped wide by Valente.

After a hesitant start, the home side started to assert themselves and the lively Delano Stewart-Jones was thwarted after seeing his shot blocked by visiting keeper Dan Whatsize following a mazy dribble. Both sides defended resolutely for the rest of the first half and went in level at the interval.

Hallam started the second period with a greater sense of urgency, and defender Darren Norman tested Whatsize with two low drives in quick succession.

The away side should’ve taken the lead in the 65^th minute. Joel Purkiss’ flicked pass landed at the feet of Steve Woolley, whose scrambled effort hit the post from three yards out.

Sheffield were punished for this profligacy 13 minutes later when Craig Getliff’s thunderous left-foot rocket from the edge of the box soared past replacement keeper Brad Mimms into the top corner of the net.

Stewart-Jones missed an excellent chance to double Hallam’s lead and wrest back the trophy from the visitors, but he overran the ball after dribbling past the last defender and rounding Mimms.

And Hallam were left to rue that miss two minutes later when Jack Smith equalised for the away side. The unmarked defender smashed home at the near post after a lay-off from Sam Barnsley.

Sheffield were in the ascendancy now, and looked to have completed a remarkable turnaround when Tom Roebuck’s near-post effort found the back of the net, but the linesman’s flag ensured the score remained level.

However, Sheffield secured a dramatic last-gasp win in the 89^th minute when Charlie Tunnard slotted in from 10 yards following good work by Roebuck on the right.

A tense finale saw Getliff nearly double his tally for the afternoon, but his volley was tipped onto the bar by Mimms, and Sheffield clung on to secure victory.

The club presidents of Hallam FC and Sheffield both praised the longevity of their respective teams.

Hallam FC president and former Premier League referee Uriah Rennie said: “Football means so much to the local community, so it’s great to see so many people here to support. People have come [here today] from the USA and Finland.”

“I wish I could be here in another 150 years!” he said.

Sheffield FC president Alan Methley was equally complimentary.

“Today was a very fitting occasion. To keep going for this long is something to be celebrated,” he said.