On this day, Sheffield United delivered a remarkable performance against Cardiff City in a First Division match at Bramall Lane. The home side triumphed with an astonishing 11-2 victory, marking the highest score Sheffield United have ever recorded in the League and the most Cardiff City have conceded in the competition. This match came less than two years after the two clubs faced each other in the FA Cup Final at Wembley, where Sheffield United emerged victorious with a 1-0 win. During the 1925/26 season, Sheffield United scored a century of League goals for the first and only time, achieving notable victories such as a 6-1 win over Burnley and an 8-3 win against Manchester City. However, they also experienced heavy defeats, including a 6-1 loss to Sunderland and a 7-4 defeat by Bury.
1st January 1927
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George Camsell of Middlesbrough made headlines by scoring in his 12th consecutive League match, leading his team to a 5-2 victory over Port Vale at Ayresome Park. During this remarkable run, Camsell netted 29 goals, with individual match tallies of 1, 1, 1, 4, 1, 4, 1, 2, 4, 5, 2, and 3 goals. The 1926/27 season saw Middlesbrough score a total of 122 League goals, with Camsell contributing 59 of them. Both achievements set new records, although they were surpassed the following season.
1st January 1965
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Stanley Matthews became the first professional footballer to receive a knighthood while still an active player, as announced in the New Year Honours list. Matthews, who made his League debut in 1932, played his final League match against Fulham on 6th February 1965, shortly after his 50th birthday. Despite his retirement, Matthews later expressed regret, believing he could have continued playing for a few more years.
1st January 1966
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Chester faced a challenging situation during their Division 4 match against Aldershot at Sealand Road. Both of Chester’s full-backs, Ray Jones and Bryn Jones (unrelated), suffered broken legs in separate incidents and were hospitalised. Despite these setbacks, Chester managed to secure a 3-2 victory.
Arsenal goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny had a difficult start to the year during a Premier League match against Southampton at St Mary’s. Szczesny was at fault for both goals in Arsenal’s 2-0 defeat. Following the match, he was fined £20,000 after being caught smoking in the showers.