Sheffield in 1893 was a whole lot different to what it was now, for the Steel City the decade to follow would be a golden era for both clubs. The Blades had won promotion via the first ever play-offs the season previous, beating Accrington (1-0) on neutral territory whilst the Owls had gained their promotion to top flight two years previous having being elected to Division One.
Trophies would reign supreme too with United just a short few years away from winning the Football League (1897-98) as well as appearing in three FA Cup Finals (1899, 1901, 1902), winning twice against Derby County (1899) and Southampton (1902).
Wednesday, who would have to wait six years until they moved to their present Hillsborough home and at the time of this meeting resided at Olive Grove, which was situation a short distance from Bramall Lane,. They won the FA Cup in 1896 and were crowned Football League Champions in 1903 and the Second Division in 1900.
Having previous met in local competitions and friendly fixtures the first ever meeting between the two clubs in the Football League would have been eagerly anticipated – particular those of the red quarters who were sitting tightly at the top of the table having beaten Bolton Wanderers (1-0) two days previous. Wednesday, had beaten Derby County (4-0) in their previous match and were mid-table in the elite league.
An estimated 27,000 packed into Bramall Lane for the first league meeting of the two clubs since their existence. It was the Blades who took the lead, Hill netting within the first minute of the match, but the Owls were level after 12 minutes – the formable Fred Spikesley finding the net.
United had won the toss and opted to defend the Bramall Lane end with a strong wind at their backs, once the scores were tied at 1-1 the play was rough and resulting in Wednesday’s Harry Davis from being unable to carry on after the break due to injury.
It was a regular occurrence; with no substitutes teams would often carry on with ten men (or less). At the break the referee called the players over and insisted they calmed things down.
Spikesley should have doubled the oppositions score in the second half; taking advantage of a poor pass back he had only Howlett in the Blades goal to beat but fired over the bar. The game ended all square at 1-1.
:: Teams ::
United: Howlett, Whitham, Cain, Howell, Hendry, Needham, Drummond, Hammond, Hill, Fleming, Gallacher.
Wednesday: Allan, Earp, Langley, Bady, Betts, Jamieson, Webster, Davis, Miller, Brandon, Spikesley.
Referee: Mr. Fitzroy-Norris