Norwich -v- Ipswich, the very first encounter…
Newmarket Road, Norwich
The very first league match between the bitter rivals took place on a cold and dull afternoon in November, 1902.
There was a large attendance when considering that Norwich City had only just been formed and had to compete with several other clubs for an audience. This match was played in the blue and white halves strip back when the club was known as the Cits or Citizens and was part of the Norfolk and Suffolk League.
To the best of this author’s knowledge, the team consisted of Robert Collinson; William ‘Dillo’ Sparks; Tommy Newell; Geno Yallop; William Cracknell; Walter Crome; George Bardwell; Jack Yallop; Bertie Playford and Fred Witham. Collinson was captain and ‘Dillo’ Sparks kept goal.
With takings of just over £20, the gate was 1,700, which wasn’t so bad when taking into consideration that Norwich boasted several good teams playing in various leagues at the time.
The first half ended goalless, it is reported, but the second half saw Ipswich’s ‘keeper, Cornell, beaten by Fred Witham for Norwich to run out the 1 – 0 victors in the first, ever, league encounter between the two sides.
It is a shame that Fred Witham’s name is not better remembered at Carrow Road. After all, the first man to ever score against Ipswich deserves to be recognised for posterity. Perhaps the club will name a corporate box after him, at the very least.