Stockport County were elected to the Football League in May 1900 and their historic first game in the Second Division saw them travel to Leicester Fosse (now City) on September 1, 1900.

County, according to the Leicester Mercury, 'appearing in rather pretty cerise and white shirts!'

Much to the amusement of the 7,000 crowd when Leicester captain George Swift met newly signed County skipper Jack Earp, the former Sheffield Wednesday captain, there was no coin to toss and a somewhat embarrassed Swift ran to borrow a coin from a spectator, quickly returning it as the 'observant multitude laughed delightedly.'

Billy Betteley, (pictured), etched his name in County history when he netted the Hatters' first-ever Football League goal, equalising Johnny McMillan's opener for Leicester.

And, although Jimmy Connachan restored the home side's lead, County, clearly not overawed by the occasion, hit back to level again through Billy Smith.

'What go! What devilment they have!' a spectator was heard to comment.

The Cheshire Daily Echo concluded their report by stating that 'the players on both sides were cheered as they left the ground and it was generally agreed County had made a good start.'

Leicester Fosse: Godfrey Beardsley, Andy Mills, George Swift, Willie Wragg, James Foster, Dick Jones, Archie Brash, Peter Kyle, Jimmy Connachan, Johnny McMillan and Albert Dunkley.

County: James Moores, Jack Earp, Jimmy Wainwright, Percy Pickford, Andy Limond, Ben Harvey, Harry Stansfield, Billy Smith, John Patterson, Joe Foster and Billy Betteley.
 
This article has been produced with the help of Stockport County's Historical Advisors