1878 | Wanderers FC vs Clapham Rovers | Historical Flood Lit Game | Engraved Original Print

“Football by the New Electric Light at the Kennington Oval 1878”.  Believed to be the 2nd floodlit match ever played.

This original engraving print is showing spectators and players at a football match between the Wanderers FC and the Clapham Rovers illuminated by the “new lighting system”, which on this occasion was reported to be unsatisfactory due to the positioning of the lights. As illustrated in the print, the light caused shifting shadows and was confusing to the players.

This match between Battersea-based Wanderers FC and Clapham Rovers was held 4th November 1878 ended as a 2-2 draw. The famous Wanderers club are chiefly noted for winning the first ever F.A. Cup held at the Kennington Oval in 1872 and dominating the early years of the competition, lifting the Cup again in 1873, 1876, 1877 & 1878. Several of the Wanderers players in the floodlit match were F.A. Cup winners.

Original paper print. 
Illustration for The Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic News, 16 November 1878.
Size of Engraving- 21.5cm. x 15cm
Excellent conditon