First FA Cup Victory (1898)
Nottingham Forest's first FA Cup triumph came in 1898 with a 3–1 win over Derby County.
Nottingham Forest won their first FA Cup in 1898, defeating Derby County 3–1 in the final at Crystal Palace.
Quick Facts
- Key figure
- Billy (William) Bryant (Player)
Lore & Background
Nottingham Forest's first FA Cup semi-final win was at the fifth attempt, the 1897–98 FA Cup 2–0 replay win against Southampton. The first game was drawn 1–1. Derby County beat Nottingham Forest 5–0 five days before the final. Six of the cup final side were rested in that league game. In that 1898 FA Cup final at Crystal Palace before 62,000 fans, Willie Wragg passed a 19th minute free kick to Arthur Capes. Capes shot through the defensive wall to score. Derby equalised with a free kick headed home by Steve Bloomer off the underside of the cross bar after 31 minutes. In the 42nd minute Jack Fryer was unable to hold a Charlie Richards shot giving Capes a tap in for his second goal. Wragg's injury meant Forest had to change their line up with Capes dropping back to midfield. In the 86th minute John Boag headed away a corner by Nottingham Forest. John McPherson moved in to collect shooting low into the goal to win 3–1.
Reader's Guide
The 1898 FA Cup final was played at Crystal Palace. Forest's goals came from Arthur Capes (2) and John McPherson. Derby County's goal was scored by Steve Bloomer.
The Historic 1898 Triumph
Nottingham Forest's inaugural FA Cup win arrived during the 1897–98 campaign, ending a run of five semi-final failures with a gritty replay against Southampton to set up their final at Crystal Palace. A massive crowd of 62,000 packed in for the Derby County clash. Arthur Capes gave Forest an early lead from a Willie Wragg free-kick before Steve Bloomer's header leveled things up. Capes tapped in after Jack Fryer made a save to restore the advantage; following an injury to Wragg, Capas dropped deeper, but Forest held on until John McPherson sealed the 3–1 win in the 86th minute. This major trophy was the club's first, proving they could beat local rivals on the biggest stage.
Foundations and Early Identity
Founded in 1865 by former shinty players at the Clinton Arms, Nottingham Forest built a unique identity with distinct colors and charity work. The founders picked 'Garibaldi Red' for their tasselled caps to honor Italian revolutionaries, a color now tied to the club's roots. Starting play at Forest Racecourse in Sherwood Forest, the team shifted from a multi-sports group to a professional football side. Their early reach went beyond their own games; they donated kits to new teams like Arsenal and Everton and helped Brighton secure ground space. This helpful spirit defined those early days as they moved from amateur roots to league play, joining the Football Alliance before entering the Football League after winning that competition in 1892.
The Derby Rivalry Context
The 1898 FA Cup final was deeply intertwined with Nottingham Forest's fierce regional rivalry against Derby County, a contest known today as the East Midlands derby. The stakes were heightened just days before the cup decider when Derby inflicted a crushing 5–0 defeat on Forest in league play, resting six of their own potential cup finalists for that match. Despite this demoralizing loss and the subsequent pressure, Forest's squad remained resilient against their neighbors at Crystal Palace. The final featured key players from both sides, including Steve Bloomer for Derby and Arthur Capes for Forest, whose performances dictated the flow of the game. This victory was not merely a cup win but a significant assertion of dominance over their primary local competitor, laying the groundwork for decades of intense competition that would later be formalized with the creation of the Brian Clough Trophy in 2007.
Legacy and Historical Standing
Nottingham Forest's status as one of England's oldest clubs relies on their 1865 founding date, officially recognized by the English Football League after clarifications regarding Stoke City. The 1898 FA Cup win kicked off a trophy cabinet that later held two European Cups and multiple domestic titles, making them unique for winning Europe's top club competition more often than their own league championship. Though the club has seen ups and downs between divisions over the last century with relegations and promotions, the drive from those early wins remains. Their path from shinty players to European champions shows a history where charitable starts grew into global sporting wins, keeping their spot as a key part of English football.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Nottingham Forest win their first FA Cup?
The club secured this monumental achievement in 1898, marking their arrival on the national stage just two decades after founding.
Who were the opponents in the final match?
Forest faced Derby County and won with a scoreline of 3-1 at Crystal Palace in London.
Which manager guided the team to this trophy?
Billy Gillespie served as the key figure and manager during this victorious campaign for the Reds.
Where was the 1898 FA Cup Final held?
The historic match took place at Crystal Palace, London, away from Nottingham's home grounds.
Why do supporters value this specific era?
It remains a cherished memory symbolizing resilience and the ability to overcome odds against England's industrial giants.
More in Club History & Eras
Elsewhere in Nottingham Forest
Spotted an error? Know more?
Reader corrections go straight into our review queue. Suggest an edit · How this site is sourced