On this day, a much-needed victory was gained, though the Lads came perilously near to surrendering.
Sunderland had grown from humble origins in 1879 to become one of the game’s early giants, but by this point in 1896, we were in the midst of a difficult transition.
We were in desperate need of a boost, and by a strange twist of fate, we were given the opportunity to return to winning ways on what is regarded to be a pivotal date in our embryonic history.
James Allan and his colleagues are thought to have chosen to form the ‘Sunderland & District Teachers’ Association Football Club’ on October 17th.
It would eventually become the best team in the country, and it had recently evolved into a limited liability business, having recently converted ahead of the latest campaign. John Potts Henderson was appointed as the new structure’s first chairman, and he oversaw the ultimate relocation to Roker Park.
However, the outcomes on the pitch following the departure of another key figure, Tom Watson, were of greater concern.
He’d been in command as we entered and then dominated the Football League, but early performances under replacement Robert Campbell were dismal. We were equal bottom of Division One with no wins in the first eight games of the new season when we welcomed back Watson and his new team Liverpool on this day.
Tom Watson, SAFC’s most Successful Manager, witnessed another win on this day
It had been a disappointing start to the season, but Watson knew what the Wearsiders were capable of.
Despite their age, the players still had something special about them, and this was our chance to display it. The Lads were aided by beach ball against the same opposition exactly one hundred and thirteen years later, but this time we came flying out of the blocks and did it all ourselves.
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With only a few seconds remaining, a free kick was delivered into the area, and Jimmy Hannah smashed home to give Sunderland the lead.
The next Monday, ‘The Sporting Life’ included the Lads’ ‘Tynecastle Road’ stadium in its piece.
It was a textbook illustration of why old print articles shouldn’t always be taken literally, but at the very least, the consensus in the press was that Sunderland did well once ahead, and by half time, there was little doubt that we’d gone on to create a dominant yet earned advantage.
Johnny Campbell, Campbell’s half-brother, was particularly unlucky when he cut out an opportunity, but there was no let up in the initial exchanges.
Meanwhile, Hamilton scored with a quick shot, and just before the break, another free kick into the danger zone led to a third, when the grounded Hannah was able to manoeuvre himself and cleverly roll the ball into the net amid a melee and some rather forlorn cries of offside from the visiting defense.
The weather conditions included a touch of fog and a brisk breeze, although the rain held off. Much of the second half evolved into a tense midfield contest, only to regain momentum in the closing stages.
Archie Goldie’s long-range free-kick, just over fifteen minutes before the end, went beyond being a mere consolation for Liverpool. However, they fell behind again when Hamilton netted his second goal and took a hard knock in the process.
One of Englands most accomplished teams
Moments earlier, Donald Gow had his effort disallowed due to a foul on goalkeeper Harry Storer. In the aftermath of Sunderland’s fourth goal, their full-back, Robert McNeill, conceded a penalty.
McNeill was spared when George Allan’s penalty attempt went badly wide, but the Scot responded swiftly with a quick brace. Although some sources credit one of the goals as a Gow own goal.
The thrilling conclusion encapsulated Sunderland’s predicament: they could still deliver impressive performances in bursts but struggled to do so consistently.
Following the victory against Liverpool, they secured another win. However, further success remained elusive, and it was only during the season’s concluding Test Matches that they managed to stay in the top tier.
In later years, battles against relegation became sadly familiar, but in 1896/1897, this was uncharted territory. The team lost more league fixtures at home than they won, marking the first time ever.
Despite their victory over Liverpool, Sunderland’s story began with its initial chapter of hardship.
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