拍品专文
West Bromwich Albion defeated Preston North End 2-1 in the 1887-1888 F.A.Cup final, played at Kennington Oval, before 19,000 spectators, with goals from Woodhall and Bayliss.
The above medal represents the first-ever F.A. Cup win by West Bromwich Albion. However, their opponents Preston North End, who were credited as being the finest team of the period, and who had an exceptional run of victories during 1887-88 were confident of defeating West Bromwich Albion in the final. Reputedly, they asked Major Marindin (the match referee) if they could have their photograph taken with the cup prior to the match so that the post-match team photograph would not show them in mud-covered strips.
Tom Pearson was born in West Bromwich in 1866 and started his footballing career with Christchurch School and Oak Villa before joining West Bromwich Sandwell. In April 1886 he joined West Browich Albion and is credited as being their first great goal-scorer. In fact, he was the leading club scorer for five consecutive seasons, 1888-1893, and scored over 100 goals during his career with West Bromwich Albion. He retired through injury at the age of 28 in 1894 and died in West Bromwich July 1918.
A similar medal awarded to J.J.Wilson was sold in these rooms, 14 November 1989, Lot 16.