Julian Fellowes’ new Netflix drama The English Game helps tell the story of football’s early days. The series includes the dramatic 1879 FA Cup quarter-final between upper class team Old Etonians and their working class opponents from Lancashire, Darwen FC as they battled to an incredible 5-5 draw.
Darwen FC played a key role in the early days of football, alongside local rivals Blackburn Rovers. While Rovers have gone on to become English champions three times and six-time winners of the FA Cup, neighbouring Darwen FC’s story is not as glittering.
Darwen FC began life in 1870 playing rugby football rules, before switching to association football midway through the decade.
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