On this day in 1913, Arsenal, then known as Woolwich Arsenal, played their inaugural match at Highbury following their relocation from the Manor Ground in Plumstead. The match was against Leicester Fosse in the Second Division. A crowd of 20,000 spectators witnessed Leicester’s Tommy Benfield score the first goal at Highbury. However, Arsenal responded with George Jobey equalising, and Archibald Devine securing the victory for Arsenal with a penalty, marking a historic day for the club.
6th September 1989
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Fast forward to 1989, England faced Sweden in Stockholm in a crucial World Cup qualifier for the 1990 finals in Italy. The match is famously remembered for Terry Butcher’s gritty performance. The England central defender sustained a deep gash on his forehead early in the game, which was stitched and bandaged. Despite the injury, Butcher continued to play, heading the ball and reopening the wound, resulting in a bloodied appearance that became iconic. His determination helped England secure a 0-0 draw, maintaining their record of not conceding a goal in any of their six qualifiers, edging them closer to World Cup qualification.
6th September 1995
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In 1995, England played a friendly international against Colombia at Wembley, which ended in a 0-0 draw. The match might have been easily forgotten if not for the memorable antics of Colombian goalkeeper René Higuita. He introduced the world to the ‘scorpion kick’, a remarkable and unconventional save that left spectators and players alike in awe.
6th September 2014
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On this day in 2014, Non League Day was marked by an inventive promotional effort by Bungay Town, a team in the Anglian Combination. The club made headlines by offering each supporter a punnet of mushrooms, an initiative that successfully doubled their usual attendance. This creative approach followed their previous year’s strategy of paying fans 5p to watch a match, showcasing the unique and engaging methods non-league clubs employ to boost attendance.
In 2022, a unique piece of football memorabilia went under the hammer at Graham Budd Auctions in London. The item was the boyhood bible of England football legend Bobby Charlton, featuring what might have been his first autograph, along with details of his class and teacher. The bible, originally purchased at a jumble sale in the 1980s, fetched £2,200 at auction. Additionally, Alan Sunderland’s 1979 FA Cup winners’ medal and two FA Cup runners-up medals, all earned during his time at Arsenal, were sold for a total of £30,000, highlighting the enduring value of football history and memorabilia.