On this day, Hartlepool United’s Victoria Ground became the first English football ground to be bombed during wartime. Two German Zeppelins, during the First World War, dropped bombs over Hartlepools after being confronted by the Royal Flying Corps. This attack resulted in the destruction of the main stand at the Victoria Ground. Following the end of the war, Hartlepool United sought £2500 in damages from the German Government, a claim that was ultimately unsuccessful.
27th November 1948
------------------
Colchester United’s Layer Road witnessed its all-time record crowd of 19,072 during a First Round FA Cup tie against Reading. However, the match was abandoned after just 35 minutes due to fog, leaving the large crowd disappointed. This event remains a notable moment in the history of Layer Road.
27th November 1957
------------------
Bobby Robson made his debut for England against France at Wembley on this day. Remarkably, Robson learned of his selection for the national team through a newspaper stop press column. In the match, he scored twice, contributing to England’s 4-0 victory. Manchester United’s Tommy Taylor also scored twice. Tragically, this was the last England appearance for Taylor, Duncan Edwards, and Roger Byrne, as they perished in the Munich air disaster before England’s next match against Scotland in April 1958. Despite his impressive debut, Robson was dropped for the Scotland match, replaced by Bobby Charlton, who would go on to have a distinguished England career.
27th November 2006
------------------
The Ulster Bank in Northern Ireland commemorated the first anniversary of George Best’s death by issuing one million £5 notes in his honour. Best, regarded as one of the greatest players from Northern Ireland, was celebrated through this unique tribute. Although these notes were legal tender, they quickly became valuable collector’s items, often worth more than their face value.
Portsmouth hosted Italian giants AC Milan at Fratton Park in a UEFA Cup group match. The match was a highlight of Portsmouth’s only season in European competition. In front of a 20,403-strong crowd, Portsmouth took a 2-0 lead with goals from Younes Kaboul and Kanu. Despite Peter Crouch missing three good chances, Portsmouth seemed poised for a famous victory. However, Milan’s Ronaldinho scored from a free kick in the 84th minute, and Inzaghi equalised in injury time, resulting in a 2-2 draw. Unfortunately, Portsmouth failed to progress from the group stage, ending their European campaign.