The Old Boltonians historic ground that once hosted Turton FC has a claim to be the oldest

 

Formed in 1920, the Lancashire Amateur League side Old Boltonians are lucky enough to have played since 1952 at the historic ground at Chapeltown, the former home of Turton FC, founded 1871. https://www.oldbolts.co.uk







According to Academic Peter Swain the ground, which off High Street, hosted its first match in 1830.

https://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/bygones/1384659.worlds-oldest-football-pitch/

This would mean that it would be the oldest football ground in the world still being used. It is a claim disputed by Hallam FC who have been playing football since 1860 at Sandygate, https://hallamfc.co.uk

Unfortunately, on the day I visited to watch a game (15-02-25) it had been moved to an all-weather pitch but I am intending returning.




The information board makes reference to FA Cup games there featuring a number of sides. I am assuming that the FA Cup games featuring Preston, Blackburn Rovers and Everton were Lancashire FA Cup games. 

In the FA Cup itself, Turton FC played 7 FA Cup home games between 25.10.1879 and 03.12.1881 and 4 away games between 18.12.1880 and 20.10.1883, their final game in the FA Cup proper.

The home games were as follows:-

25.10.1879  Round 1   Brigg Town 7-0 H Haworth 3, P Toothill 2, T Bentley Hamer

13.12.1879  Round 2   Nottingham Forest 0-6

16.10.1880  Round 1   Brigg Britannia 5-0

08.01.1881   Round 3   Sheffield Wednesday 0-2

12.11.1881   Round 1R   Astley Bridge 1-1

26.11.1881    Round 1 3R Astley Bridge 2-0 H Howarth J Howarth

03.12.1881   Round 2 Bootle 4-0 Bentley 2 Hamer J Howarth

The games that stand out are the ties against Nottingham Forest, founded in 1864, the second oldest league club in the world and Sheffield Wednesday, formed in 1867, the third oldest.

The Sheffield Wednesday side featured left winger Billy Mosforth, the greatest Wednesday player in the pre-league period. He was an engraver who played nine times for England. Mosforth was lightning quick, possessed great dribbling ability and could hit accuratescrew or spin shots that would change direction as they came in from the corner flag. In an era where individualism was king, Mosforth, known as “The Little Wonder.” had a valid claim to the throne. Future Wednesday left wingers would be judged against this marvellous player.


The Wednesday goals in the 2-0 victory in their second ever FA Cup match were scored by E Rhodes and Bob Gregory. Turton’s man-of-the-match was John James Bentley, who had first played for Turton in 1878 and who went on to become President of the Football League, formed in 1888.

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