2nd February 1929
On this day in 1929, Andy Cunningham made history by becoming the oldest player to make his debut in the Football League. At 38 years and 2 days old, Cunningham took to the field for Newcastle United against Leicester City at St James’ Park. Prior to joining Newcastle, Cunningham had an illustrious career with Rangers and was a Scottish international. His tenure at Newcastle later saw him take on the role of player-manager for the Magpies.
In another notable event on the same day, Newport County’s goalkeeper, Jimmy Maidment, made headlines in a Third Division (South) match against Torquay United. Maidment took two penalties during the game, successfully converting one and missing the other, contributing to Newport’s 4-1 victory. Throughout his career, Maidment made 219 League appearances for Newport County, scoring a total of three goals, all from the penalty spot.
2nd February 1946
The 2nd of February 1946 saw Arsenal’s Kevin O’Flanagan achieve a unique sporting feat. O’Flanagan played for Northern Ireland against Scotland in Belfast, just a week after representing Ireland in a rugby match against France in Dublin. Known as the ‘Flying Doc’ due to his medical profession, O’Flanagan was one of the last amateurs to play first-team football for Arsenal, as he needed to maintain his amateur status to continue playing rugby union. During 1946, he made 14 League and 2 FA Cup appearances for Arsenal, scoring twice.
2nd February 1991
On this day in 1991, Chelsea secured a 2-1 victory over Arsenal at Stamford Bridge. This match marked Arsenal’s only League defeat during their successful 1990/91 Premier League campaign. Notably absent from the Arsenal line-up was their captain, Tony Adams, who was serving a prison sentence for a drink-driving offence at the time.
2nd February 2013
In a memorable match on 2nd February 2013, Hartlepool United triumphed over Notts County with a 2-1 scoreline. The goals for Hartlepool came from Peter Hartley and James Poole, creating a fitting narrative as Hartley and Poole scored for Hartlepool.