Derby Junction F.C.

Derby Junction first developed as an old boys' team for Junction Street School, and were renamed Derby Junction Street in 1885, at some point dropping 'Street'.[3] Reports suggest the team began playing at some point in the early 1880s, although the club claimed a foundation date of 1870.[4] In 1882 the club's colours were red and navy blue thin stripes on the shirt with white shorts and navy socks, however by 1890 they had switched to a green shirt with a gold sash, white shorts, and green socks.[5] They folded in 1895 as professionalism began to spread into the game.[3]

Their run to the F.A. Cup semi-finals came in the 1887–88 season. They won all of their ties in the early rounds by one goal margins, received a bye in the fourth round, then beat Welsh side Chirk to secure their place in the last eight. They were drawn against the holders, Blackburn Rovers. The team spent a week at Matlock Baths to prepare for the tie, which was paid for by public subscription.[6] With a bumpy and icy pitch acting as a leveller, the Juncs pulled off an unexpected 2–1 win to reach the last four. Their run came to an end in the semi-finals when they lost to eventual winners West Bromwich Albion.

1884 - 1885:

1885 - 1886:

Note: The results archive on the official F.A. website shows Darwen as the home team for both the original tie and the replay.

1886 - 1887:

1887 - 1888:

1888 - 1889:

1889 - 1890:

1890 - 1891:

Source:[7]