Old Etonians F.C.

The first reference to football clubs consisting of Old Etonians relates to matches between the former pupils at Oxford University and those at Cambridge University, starting in 1859. These matches were played to the Eton Field Game rules. Sides made up of former pupils played annual matches against the school in the Field Game over the next few years. The first match for an Old Etonian side against non-Etonian opposition was at Westminster School in 1863, probably to that school's rules. At the start of 1866, an Old Etonian side, chosen by Arthur Kinnaird, drew with the Wanderers in an association match. Possibly in relation to preparations for this match, the Old Etonians in period gave the club's foundation date as 1865. The Etonians entered the FA Cup for the first time in 1873–74. However, having been drawn to play High Wycombe, the club scratched; at this time, the best Old Etonians were playing for Wanderers in the competition. The following season, the club reached the final, beating Shropshire Wanderers at the Kennington Oval in the semi-final. The Countrymen were without their star half-back John Denning, and the Etonians won 1–0. The final against the Royal Engineers went to a replay. At the time, ends were only changed after each goal; the original match had a stiff breeze, and the Old Etonians had it at their backs for all but the five minutes when the Sappers were 1–0 behind. The law was changed as a result of the unfairness. However, the Etonians were missing…

FA Cup Winners (2): 1879, 1882 Runners-up (4): 1875, 1876, 1881, 1883 Arthurian League Premier Division Champions (2): 1992–93, 2004–05 Division One Champions (1): 1985–86 Division Two Champions (2nd XI) (4): 1992–93, 1997–98, 1999–2000, 2003–04 Division Three Champions (3rd XI) (2): 1995–96, 2004–05 Division Four Champions (4th XI) (2): 1989–90, 1993–94 Arthur Dunn Cup Winners (2): 2004–05, 2009–10