ON THIS DAY

The two goalkeeping subs named for the League 2 match between Carlisle United and Stevenage had a combined age of 95. An injury crisis saw the Stevenage goalkeeping coach, former England international Dave Beasant, on the subs bench 11 years after retiring from playing – at the age of 55! Tony Caig, Carlisle’s goalkeeping coach, was the Carlisle sub but being a mere 40 years old had been a regular on the Carlisle bench. Had he played, Dave Beasant would have been the oldest person to play in the Football League but as it was neither of the senior citizens took part in Carlisle’s 3-0 victory. 12 th October

Northampton Town were the last League side to have its home at a cricket ground. The football pitch at the County Ground had the reputation of having the worst playing surface in the League, largely the result of the pitch being used as a spectator area/car park/picnic area during the cricket season, as shown in the picture. The Cobblers played their last match there on Tuesday October 11th 1994, a 0-1 Division 3 defeat by Mansfield Town. Four days later they drew 1-1 with Barnet in their first match at the Sixfields Stadium.

Bill Nicholson started his new career as a manager on this day and watched his Spurs side beat Everton 10-4 in a First Division match at White Hart Lane. Not a bad debut!