1897/98 Division 1 - Week 30
Middlesbrough Ironopolis vs. Preston North End
Our first match up of the week takes place at Paradise where the two sides who will compete against Wolves and Forest in the playoffs now face off against each other in the hopes of gaining some momentum heading into those matches. This match was a real change of pace for one of the sides as the Irons suddenly discovered the location of the goal, scoring in the 22nd minute to take the lead, followed by another in the 41st. Preston would score in the 62nd to start pulling themselves back into the match, only to concede once again in the 79th, sealing their defeat. Ironopolis avoid breaking the record for least goals scored in a season, which will remain with 1894-95 Everton (9).
Blackburn Rovers vs. Liverpool
It is a tough match for Liverpool if they want to claim their first ever title as they need to win this match and for all three sides above them to lose against weaker opponents. Blackburn are no push-overs however, having been up within the top group through the whole course of the season. If Liverpool were hoping to win the title they needed to look better than this, as Blackburn were able to pop two past them in the 25th and 32nd minutes. Liverpool did hit back with a goal in the 44th minute, but they never looked to be as good as the home side who walked away with the win.
Sheffield United vs. Newton Heath
After years of battling relegation, Sheffield United are starting to really find their feet in the division, with this being their second consecutive top half finish. A win in this match will put the side into 5th place, while for Newton Heath a loss could risk knocking them down to 14th, although with safety already secured it feels there is very little left to play for. Sheffield United took the lead in this one in the 29th minute, leading all the way into half-time. In the second half, it appears Newton Heath forgot the match was not over and conceded in the 64th, 74th and 88th minutes to end their season with a miserable 4-0 loss at Bramall Lane.
Woolwich Arsenal vs. Derby County
Woolwich Arsenal have made the step up this season and are now competing with sides at the top of the division. Derby have certainly fallen off after being Bootle's closest challengers, although have shown the quality to prove they deserve to be in this division. Highly defensive display in this match and if you picked this of all the matches to watch this week, I am sorry.
Darwen vs. Sunderland Albion
Darwen need a win here if they want to win their first ever League title, having lead the league for much of the season, a slip in form towards the end of the season has allowed them to slip off the top. Sunderland Albion showed up today, but Darwen slipped a goal past in the 44th minute to take the lead. Albion were keen to play and scored in the 67th minute, leading to the match ending all square. Darwen need Aston Villa to not win and Bootle to lose if they want to claim the title and will be left waiting to find out their chances.
Aston Villa vs. The Wednesday
Our third match with title implication, we now know what is required of Aston Villa if they want to walk out champions. They must claim a win against The Wednesday, otherwise they will not be able to pass Darwen in the table. Shame they did not know the match was on. 3-0 to Wednesday, with goals in the 26th, 37th and 77th minute as Aston Villa lose out on the title in embarrassing fashion.
Walsall vs. Crewe Alexandra
Of all the matches to force me to put a team into their away kit, it is one of the least important of the whole week. One of these sides will gain a single spot in the table from this match, the other remain where they are. A good match, with surprisingly few goals despite numerous chances, Walsall score in the 8th minute in what was somehow the only goal of the match. Walsall jump Derby into 9th spot, while Crewe end up stuck in 14th.
Bootle vs. West Bromwich Albion
Bootle have the opportunity here to become the first ever side to win 4 Football League titles, alongside matching Aston Villa's record for the longest title winning streak of 3 seasons. However before they can do that, they need to claim the win against West Brom. Apparently nobody told them the season was not over yet as the side put in a weak display, conceding in the 31st minute to go down and in the 52nd. A late goal in the 85th minute made this look closer than it was as West Brom were the better side on the day.
FOOTBALL LEAGUE DIVISION 1 - CHAMPIONS WALL
| 1888-89 | Preston North End
|
| 1889-90 | Preston North End (2)
|
| 1890-91 | Aston Villa
|
| 1891-92 | Aston Villa (2)
|
| 1892-93 | Aston Villa (3)
|
| 1893-94 | Bootle |
| 1894-95 | Blackburn Rovers
|
| 1895-96 | Bootle (2)
|
| 1896-97 | Bootle (3)
|
| 1897-98 | Darwen |
1x Football League Champions
1897-98 Division Champions
Darwen
- DinoKea
