Bill Nicholson's Spurs reign begins with a 10-4 classic at White Hart Lane
Bill Nicholson's Tottenham reign began in spectacular fashion. Appointed manager on the morning of the game, the 39-year-old former Spurs player took charge of a struggling side sitting 16th in the First Division. His first match could hardly have gone better. Tottenham tore Everton apart at White Hart Lane, racing into a 6-1 half-time lead before eventually winning 10-4. Bobby Smith scored four, Alf Stokes added two, while Terry Medwin, George Robb, Tommy Harmer and Johnny Ryden also found the net. Everton's Jimmy Harris completed a hat-trick, but it could do little to prevent one of the most remarkable scorelines in Tottenham's history.
Events Today
The birth of American soccer in Waukesha
The history of soccer in the US began in Waukesha, Wisconsin, when students from Carroll College took part in the country’s first recorded association football match. The students challenged a local team and secured a 5-2 victory. Played under the standardised rules created by the Football Association in 1863, the match marked the earliest known example of organised soccer being played in the US.
Billy Smith makes history from the corner flag
Huddersfield Town’s Billy Smith made English football history by scoring directly from a corner against Arsenal. The goal came just months after a change to the laws made such strikes legal. Smith’s historic effort helped Town to a 4-0 victory during their second consecutive First Division title-winning season.
Pelé conquers Lisbon in one of football's greatest performances
Santos became the first winners of the Intercontinental Cup after beating Benfica 5-2 in Lisbon. Pelé scored a hat-trick in one of the competition's greatest individual performances, while Coutinho and Pepe also found the net. Santos won 8-4 on aggregate after a 3-2 victory in the first leg.
Paul Ince makes history as England qualify for France '98
Paul Ince became the first black player to captain England as they drew 0-0 with Italy in Rome to qualify for the 1998 World Cup. With Alan Shearer injured, Ince wore the armband and produced a heroic performance, playing through a head injury that required stitches as England secured the draw they needed. For Ince, it was a landmark night - and one that became synonymous with his bloodied head.
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