The first football match between the Watford United and the Hemel Hempstead Clubs was played at Watford on Saturday, and after a pleasant game, ended in a victory for the Watford team by one goal (kicked by C Halsey) to none. For Watford, Halsey and Hatch deserve mention, as also Balderson and Hancock for Hemel Hempstead.

[From the Watford Observer of February 21, 1880]

NOSTALGIA NOTE: It's not clear from the above whether this was football (as we know it today) or rugby. Use of the word "kicked" suggests the latter. Does anyone know?

 

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