On this day in 1909, Albert Shepherd delivered a remarkable performance for Newcastle United in their match against Notts County. Shepherd, who had transferred from Bolton Wanderers to Newcastle in November 1908, was instrumental in Newcastle’s successful season, which saw them crowned League champions in 1908/09. During the match against Notts County, Shepherd scored all four goals in Newcastle’s 4-0 victory. Notably, after netting his fourth goal, Shepherd left the pitch before the final whistle to catch a train back to his hometown of Bolton, a move made possible by the absence of substitutes in that era.
23rd January 2001
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Fast forward to 2001, and another significant event unfolded in the world of football. Jermain Defoe, an 18-year-old striker on loan from West Ham United to Bournemouth, made history by setting a post-war scoring record. Defoe scored a goal against Cambridge United, marking his tenth consecutive Football League match with a goal. This achievement highlighted Defoe’s burgeoning talent and set the stage for his future success in professional football.
23rd January 2013
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In 2013, the date was marked by a controversial incident during the Capital One Cup semi-final between Swansea City and Chelsea. Swansea secured their place in the final, but the match was overshadowed by an incident involving Chelsea’s Eden Hazard. Hazard was sent off after kicking a ballboy, an event that dominated the headlines and sparked widespread discussion. Despite the controversy, Swansea’s achievement in reaching the final was a significant milestone for the club in the 2012/13 League Cup competition.