Hibernian defeat Preston North End in the 'Championship of the World' football match (1887)

In August 1887, Hibernian defeated Preston North End in a friendly match billed as the 'Championship of the World'. Hibernian had won the 1887 Scottish Cup, while Preston reached the FA Cup semi-finals. The match occurred before Easter Road opened in 1893, contradicting legacy location data.

Episodes

Background and detail

Background. Hibernian won the 1887 Scottish Cup, becoming the first east coast club to win a major trophy. Preston North End reached the 1887 FA Cup semi-finals but lost to West Bromwich Albion. Despite Preston not being the best English side that year, the match was advertised as the 'Association Football Championship of the World'.

Venue. The match is traditionally associated with Easter Road, but the stadium's first match occurred in February 1893. Hibernian joined the Scottish Football League in 1893, when Easter Road began use. Therefore, the 1887 match likely occurred at a different venue or prior ground, as Easter Road was not in use in August 1887.

Legacy. Hibernian counts honours won between 1875 and 1891 as part of its continuous history, including the 1887 Scottish Cup. The match against Preston is described as a friendly, not an official championship, despite the promotional title. The club's first major trophy was the 1887 Scottish Cup.

People involved

Sources

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