On this day in 1934, a record crowd gathered at Hillsborough to witness an FA Cup 5th Round tie between Sheffield Wednesday and Manchester City. The attendance reached an impressive 72,841, a figure that remains the highest ever recorded at the stadium. The match concluded with a 2-2 draw, necessitating a replay. Manchester City emerged victorious in the replay and continued their successful campaign to win the FA Cup for the second time in their history. Hillsborough, originally known as Owlerton when it hosted its first match in 1899, was renamed in 1914. Today, the stadium has a capacity of just under 40,000.
17th February 1973
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In 1973, a First Division fixture at Molineux featured a unique family rivalry as brothers Kenny and Terry Hibbitt faced off on opposing teams. Kenny Hibbitt played for Wolves, while Terry Hibbitt represented Newcastle. Both brothers made their mark on the match, with Kenny scoring for Wolves and Terry equalising for Newcastle, resulting in a 1-1 draw. This encounter highlighted the competitive spirit and familial ties that often intersect in the world of football.
17th February 2018
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On 17th February 2018, an unusual event occurred during a Welsh League match between Port Talbot and Taff’s Well. A 4.4 magnitude earthquake, the strongest to hit the country in a decade, was felt across a wide area from Liverpool to Devon, with its epicentre in South Wales. The tremor was significant enough to cause the referee to halt play temporarily in the first half, providing a unique experience for players and spectators alike. This incident underscored the unpredictable nature of both football and the natural world.