On This Day in Football: 21st November

21st November 1936

On this day, a thrilling Third Division North encounter unfolded at the Feethams, where Darlington faced Hartlepools United. The match ended in a remarkable 5-5 draw, witnessed by a crowd of 4,817. The goal-fest saw nine different players finding the back of the net. For Darlington, Logan, Brown, Towers, and Stranger, who scored twice, contributed to the tally. Hartlepools United, known with an ‘s’ in their name at the time, saw goals from Scott, Hill, English, Robertson, and Wigham.

21st November 1967

Peterborough United faced a significant setback as it was announced they would be relegated from the Third to the Fourth Division at the end of the 1967/68 season. This decision came after the club was found guilty of financial irregularities, including offering illegal bonuses to players to secure a victory against Sunderland in an FA Cup tie the previous season, a match they lost 7-1. At the time of the punishment, Peterborough were still hopeful of a promotion challenge, but the severe penalty rendered their season almost meaningless.

21st November 1974

Peter Shilton made headlines by joining Stoke City for a then-world record transfer fee for a goalkeeper, amounting to £325,000. Just a week after his transfer, Shilton was part of a Stoke City team that included notable players such as Mike Pejic, Jimmy Greenhoff, Alan Hudson, Jimmy Robertson, and Geoff Hurst. They secured a 1-0 victory over his former club, Leicester City, propelling Stoke to the top of the First Division. The team concluded the season in fifth place, four points behind the League champions, Derby County.

21st November 1977

Jimmy Greaves, at the age of 37 and playing for non-league Barnet, found himself in the spotlight once again. During an Eastern Floodlit League match against Chelmsford City, Greaves was sent off for using foul and abusive language. His refusal to leave the pitch led to the referee abandoning the match, adding another chapter to his storied career.

21st November 1979

For the first time in history, an England match at Wembley was postponed. The European Championship qualifier against Bulgaria was called off due to heavy fog. The match was rescheduled for the following evening, although England captain Kevin Keegan was unable to participate as he had to return to his club, Hamburg. England emerged victorious with a 2-0 win, highlighted by Glenn Hoddle scoring on his international debut.