1890–91 Sheffield United F.C. season

After a first season of mixed fortunes on the field the football committee recognised the appetite amongst the Sheffield public for the game, as attendances at Bramall Lane had steadily increased.{{cite book|author=Gary Armstrong and John Garrett|title=Sheffield United FC – The Biography|publisher=Hallamshire Press|year=2006|isbn=1-874718-65-2|page=43}} They recognised that league football was essential to grow that interest and offer a better standard of opposition, and had therefore joined the recently created Midland Counties League, although still insisting on organising numerous friendly fixtures. The committee continued to select the team, although J. B. Wostinholm oversaw the day–to–day running of the club.

Although United's jersey remained predominantly white, thin red vertical stripes were introduced for the first time, which evolved into the solid red and white stripes that the team still plays in today. The team retained the blue shorts and socks worn in the previous season.{{cite book|last=Matthews, Clarebrough and Kirkham|title=The Official Encyclopaedia of Sheffield United|year=2003|publisher=Britespot|page=61|isbn=1-904103-19-7}}

File:Sheffield United Squad 1890-91.jpg, Charles Stokes (Chairman of Football Committee), JB Wostinholm (Club Secretary), Will Lilley, Charlie Howlett, Mick Whitham, Jack Houseley (trainer) [centre]: Unknown, Unknown, Unknown, Rab Howell, Unknown, H. Stones (Assist. Secretary) [Front]: Unknown, Unknown, Arthur Watson, Unknown]]The previous season had been considered reasonably successful, but United still looked to improve the quality of players in the squad. The players recruited from Scotland during the previous summer had failed to live up to expectations and the majority of them were released; only Calder and Robertson were retained. Billy Bridgewater and Edward Cross were signed from nearby Rotherham Town,{{sfn|Clarebrough and Kirkham|2008|p=65}}{{sfn|Clarebrough and Kirkham|2008|pp=93–94}} and Harry Lilley arrived from Staveley during the close season,{{sfn|Clarebrough and Kirkham|2008|p=205}} but the Blades persisted with their policy of utilising guest amateur players from the local area.

United were now playing in the Midland Counties League but results were indifferent, with the Blades winning only twice in their opening eight fixtures. Their fortunes began to improve in November and December however as they registered a series of victories including an impressive 4–0 win over Kidderminster at Bramall Lane and a 5–2 victory at Derby Midland. Despite the relative failure of their previous recruitment in Scotland, by the end of the year United had signed Gavin Crawford and Harry Munro from north of the border as the Blades entered 1891 in more positive form.{{sfn|Clarebrough and Kirkham|2008|pp=93}}{{sfn|Clarebrough and Kirkham|2008|p=237}}

Following a league fixture break during January 1891 United resumed their campaign in February, but the form they had shown in the run up to Christmas deserted them, and results were inconsistent. In the midst of congested fixture list the Blades finished the season fifth in the league (out of ten sides) and once again resolved to improve the quality of players by recruiting established professionals ahead of the next season. They duly negotiated the transfers of John Drummond, Billy Hendry and Samuel Dobson from Preston North End,{{sfn|Clarebrough and Kirkham|2008|pp=108–109}}{{sfn|Clarebrough and Kirkham|2008|p=157}}{{sfn|Clarebrough and Kirkham|2008|p=105}} then one of the top sides in the country, and they arrived over a number of weeks through February and March to bolster United's first team options. The most significant signing during the season was that of a young Ernest Needham from Staveley in February 1891. Although he did not play for United in the 1890–91 season he went on to become one of the club's greatest players, making more than 500 appearances.{{sfn|Clarebrough and Kirkham|2008|p=240}}

File:Gavin Crawford.jpg arrived from Farfield Rangers in Scotland in November 1890 to bolster the attack.]]

Having had relative success during their first FA Cup campaign the previous season United struggled to replicate that form and were fortunate to make it past the qualifying rounds in 1890. Having narrowly defeated Derby Junction they lost 2–1 to Burton Swifts in the next game, but the Staffordshire club was subsequently disqualified for fielding an ineligible player. Matlock and Loughborough were then easily despatched as United reached the first round proper of the cup for the second time. This was as far as the Blades would progress however, as they met Notts County at Bramall Lane in mid–January only to be trounced 9–1 by the visitors, a result that remains the club's worst in the competition.

United once again entered the Sheffield Challenge Cup and reached the final for the second season in succession. After a straightforward 7–1 victory over Attercliffe in round one the Blades made their way past Kilnhurst in the semi-final at the second time of asking. On 21 March they met near neighbours Doncaster Rovers in the final, but despite having home advantage, with the game being played at Bramall Lane, United lost 2–1.

The team entered the Wharncliffe Charity Cup at the semi-final stage but were drawn against established cross-city rivals The Wednesday. Despite increasing rivalry between the clubs, a relatively small crowd of just over 3,000 spectators were present at Wednesday's Olive Grove ground to watch them beat United 2–1.

Despite now playing competitive league football United continued to fill the fixture list with numerous friendlies, which ultimately led to them playing 64 first-team games over the course of eight months. There was a noticeable improvement in the quality of opposition however, as a number of the more established professional teams visited Bramall Lane during the first half of the season, drawing reasonable crowds in the process. Although there were early season losses to Everton and Preston North End, United secured victories against Bolton Wanderers and Derby County, both at the time members of the Football League First Division.

The second half of the season saw a continued run of exhibition games but the quality of opposition was, at times, not as high. Despite lesser opposition, results tailed off as the fixture congestion these games created began to take its toll on the squad, most notably at the point when United's involvement in the Sheffield Challenge Cup meant that they had two first-team games scheduled for the same day. Rather than cancelling the pre-arranged friendlies the Blades went ahead with both fixtures, splitting the first team between them. The highlight of the fixture calendar did result from a friendly match however, as a then record 14,000 Sheffielders were present at Bramall Lane in January to watch United beat local rivals The Wednesday for the first time, running out 3–2 victors. January also saw United take on their first ever non–English team when they played Scottish side Linthouse, although the match was limited to only 35 minutes each way owing to poor light.

Source:

{{fs start}}

{{fs player|no=|nat=ENG|pos=FW|name=Billy Bairstow}}

{{fs player|no=|nat=ENG|pos=FW|name=Billy Bridgewater}}

{{fs player|no=|nat=ENG|pos=DF|name=L. Brownlow}}

{{fs player|no=|nat=SCO|pos=FW|name=William Calder}}

{{fs player|no=|nat=SCO|pos=MF|name=Gavin Crawford}}

{{fs player|no=|nat=ENG|pos=GK|name=R. Creighton|other=guest player from Sheffield Club}}

{{fs player|no=|nat=ENG|pos=DF|name=Edward Cross}}

{{fs player|no=|nat=ENG|pos=MF|name=Samuel Dobson}}

{{fs player|no=|nat=SCO|pos=FW|name=John Drummond}}

{{fs player|no=|nat=ENG|pos=GK|name=Richard Fenwick|other=guest player from Sheffield Club}}

{{fs player|no=|nat=ENG|pos=FW|name=William Getliff}}

{{fs player|no=|nat=ENG|pos=MF|name=George Groves|other=captain}}

{{fs mid}}

{{fs player|no=|nat=ENG|pos=DF|name=A. Hemmingfield}}

{{fs player|no=|nat=SCO|pos=DF|name=Billy Hendry}}

{{fs player|no=|nat=ENG|pos=DF|name=Rab Howell}}

{{fs player|no=|nat=ENG|pos=GK|name=Charlie Howlett}}

{{fs player|no=|nat=ENG|pos=DF|name=Jack Hudson}}

{{fs player|no=|nat=ENG|pos=DF|name=Harry Lilley}}

{{fs player|no=|nat=SCO|pos=DF|name=Harry Munro}}

{{fs player|no=|nat=ENG|pos=DF|name=Ernest Needham}}

{{fs player|no=|nat=SCO|pos=FW|name=W. Robertson}}

{{fs player|no=|nat=ENG|pos=DF|name=Ned Stringer}}

{{fs player|no=|nat=ENG|pos=FW|name=Arthur Watson}}

{{fs player|no=|nat=ENG|pos=DF|name=Michael Whitham}}

{{fs end}}

{{fs start}}

{{fs player|no=|nat=ENG|pos=FW|name=A.D. Barber|other=guest player from Sheffield Club}}

{{fs player|no=|nat=ENG|pos=FW|name=T.B.A. Clarke}}

{{fs player|no=|nat=ENG|pos=FW|name=A.R. Elliman}}

{{fs mid}}

{{fs player|no=|nat=ENG|pos=DF|name=J. Jeeves|other=guest player from Sheffield Club}}

{{fs player|no=|nat=ENG|pos=FW|name=Bernard Shaw|other=guest player from Sheffield Club}}

{{fs player|no=|nat=ENG|pos=DF|name=Harry Thickett|other=guest player from Hexthorpe Wanderers}}

{{fs end}}

{{#invoke:sports table|main|style=WDL

|show_limit=5

|res_col_header=Q

|showteam=SHU

|winpoints=2

|team1=GTR|name_GTR=Gainsborough Trinity

|team2=LER|name_LER=Long Eaton Rangers

|team3=LIN|name_LIN=Lincoln City

|team4=DER|name_DER=Derby Midland

|team5=SHU|name_SHU=Sheffield United

|team6=BUR|name_BUR=Burton Wanderers

|team7=ROT|name_ROT=Rotherham Town

|team8=BPV|name_BPV=Burslem Port Vale

|team9=DJU|name_DJU=Derby Junction

|team10=STA|name_STA=Staveley

|win_GTR=10|draw_GTR=4|loss_GTR=4|gf_GTR=58|ga_GTR=21

|win_LER=10|draw_LER=2|loss_LER=6|gf_LER=50|ga_LER=33

|win_LIN=7|draw_LIN=6|loss_LIN=5|gf_LIN=34|ga_LIN=21

|win_DER=8|draw_DER=4|loss_DER=6|gf_DER=28|ga_DER=28

|win_SHU=8|draw_SHU=3|loss_SHU=7|gf_SHU=32|ga_SHU=25

|win_BUR=7|draw_BUR=4|loss_BUR=7|gf_BUR=25|ga_BUR=33

|win_ROT=7|draw_ROT=4|loss_ROT=7|gf_ROT=20|ga_ROT=28

|win_BPV=7|draw_BPV=2|loss_BPV=9|gf_BPV=35|ga_BPV=43

|win_DJU=5|draw_DJU=5|loss_DJU=8|gf_DJU=18|ga_DJU=30

|win_STA=2|draw_STA=4|loss_STA=12|gf_STA=19|ga_STA=57

|update=complete|source=

}}

{{updated|the end of the season{{cite book |author=Denis Clarebrough & Andrew Kirkham |title=A Complete Record of Sheffield United Football Club 1889–1999 |publisher=Hallamshire Press |year=1999|pages=72–73 |isbn=0-9508588-2-X}}}}

{{Efs start|Midland Counties League|FA Cup}}

{{Efs player | no= |nat=ENG | pos=FW | name=Billy Bairstow |14|3|0|0}}

{{Efs player | no= |nat=ENG | pos=FW | name=Billy Bridgewater |18|9|4|0}}

{{Efs player | no= |nat=SCO | pos=FW | name=William Calder |12|2|4|2}}

{{Efs player | no= |nat=SCO | pos=MF | name=Gavin Crawford |5 |4|0|0}}

{{Efs player | no= |nat=ENG | pos=GK | name=R. Creighton |1 |0|0|0}}

{{Efs player | no= |nat=ENG | pos=DF | name=Edward Cross |16|0|5|0}}

{{Efs player | no= |nat=ENG | pos=MF | name=Samuel Dobson |5 |1|0|0}}

{{Efs player | no= |nat=SCO | pos=FW | name=John Drummond |5 |1|0|0}}

{{Efs player | no= |nat=ENG | pos=GK | name=Richard Fenwick |1 |0|0|0}}

{{Efs player | no= |nat=ENG | pos=FW | name=William Getliff |0 |0|1|0}}

{{Efs player | no= |nat=ENG | pos=MF | name=George Groves |10|0|3|0}}

{{Efs player | no= |nat=SCO | pos=DF | name=Billy Hendry |7 |0|0|0}}

{{Efs player | no= |nat=ENG | pos=DF | name=Jack HouseleyJack Houseley was a former player in the Sheffield area who was acting as United's trainer. He played one Midland Counties League game as an emergency stand in because both Edward Cross and Harry Lilley had missed their train and were unable to play.|1 |0|0|0}}

{{Efs player | no= |nat=ENG | pos=DF | name=Rab Howell |18|2|5|0}}

{{Efs player | no= |nat=ENG | pos=GK | name=Charlie Howlett |19|0|5|0}}

{{Efs player | no= |nat=ENG | pos=DF | name=Jack Hudson |1 |0|1|0}}

{{Efs player | no= |nat=ENG | pos=DF | name=Harry Lilley |15|0|5|0}}

{{Efs player | no= |nat=SCO | pos=DF | name=Harry Munro |1 |0|0|0}}

{{Efs player | no= |nat=SCO | pos=FW | name=W. Robertson |16|3|4|2}}

{{Efs player | no= |nat=ENG | pos=DF | name=G. SmithThere are no surviving records as to the identity of G. Smith or whether he was registered by United or a triallist. It is possible that he may be Thomas Smith who played for the Blades the following season. |2 |0|0|0}}

{{Efs player | no= |nat=ENG | pos=DF | name=Ned Stringer |5 |0|0|0}}

{{Efs player | no= |nat=ENG | pos=FW | name=Arthur Watson |19|10|5|3}}

{{Efs player | no= |nat=ENG | pos=DF| name=Michael Whitham |21|0|5|0}}

|-

|colspan="10"|Players who left before the end of the season:

{{Efs player | no= |nat=ENG | pos=FW | name=A.D. Barber |1 |0|0|0}}

{{Efs player | no= |nat=ENG | pos=FW | name=T.B.A. Clarke |3 |0|2|0}}

{{Efs player | no= |nat=ENG | pos=DF | name=J. Jeeves |2 |0|1|0}}

{{Efs player | no= |nat=ENG | pos=FW | name=Bernard Shaw |11|0|5|2}}

{{Efs player | no= |nat=ENG | pos=DF | name=Harry Thickett |1 |0|0|0}}

|}

Source:

{{legend2|#CCFFCC|Win|border=1px solid #AAAAAA}}

{{legend2|#FFFFCC|Draw|border=1px solid #AAAAAA}}

{{legend2|#FFCCCC|Loss|border=1px solid #AAAAAA}}

{{legend2|#CCCCCC|Void|border=1px solid #AAAAAA}}

{{football box collapsible

|round =

|date = 13 September 1890

|time =

|team1 = Burton Wanderers

|score = 1–1

|team2 = Sheffield United

|goals1 =

|goals2 = Howell {{goal| }}

|stadium = Derby Turn

|report =

|attendance = 'Large'

|result = D

}}

{{football box collapsible

|round =

|date = 20 September 1890

|time =

|team1 = Sheffield United

|score = 3–0

|team2 = Rotherham Town

|goals1 = Unknown {{goal| }}
Bridgewater {{goal| || }}

|goals2 =

|stadium = Bramall Lane

|report =

|attendance = 5,500

|result = W

}}

{{football box collapsible

|round =

|date = 27 September 1890

|time =

|team1 = Sheffield United

|score = 0–1

|team2 = Long Eaton Rangers

|goals1 =

|goals2 =

|stadium = Bramall Lane

|report =

|attendance = 3,000

|result = L

}}

{{football box collapsible

|round =

|date = 18 October 1890

|time =

|team1 = Lincoln City

|score = 2–1

|team2 = Sheffield United

|goals1 =

|goals2 = Unknown {{goal| }}

|stadium = John O'Gaunts

|report =

|attendance = 2,000

|result = L

}}

{{football box collapsible

|round =

|date = 27 October 1890

|time =

|team1 = Sheffield United

|score = 1–1

|team2 = Burslem Port Vale

|goals1 = Robertson {{goal| }}

|goals2 =

|stadium = Bramall Lane

|report =

|attendance = 2,000

|result = D

}}

{{football box collapsible

|round =

|date = 1 November 1890

|time =

|team1 = Sheffield United

|score = 4–0

|team2 = Kidderminster

|goals1 = Robertson {{goal| }}
Watson {{goal| || }}
Clader {{goal| }}

|goals2 =

|stadium = Bramall Lane

|report =

|attendance = 500

|result = W

}}

{{football box collapsible

|round =

|date = 8 November 1890

|time =

|team1 = Gainsborough Trinity

|score = 4–1

|team2 = Sheffield United

|goals1 =

|goals2 = Robertson {{goal| }}

|stadium = The Northolme

|report =

|attendance = 2,000

|result = L

}}

{{football box collapsible

|round =

|date = 22 November 1890

|time =

|team1 = Sheffield United

|score = 2–1

|team2 = Lincoln City

|goals1 = Bairstow {{goal| }}
Watson {{goal| }}

|goals2 =

|stadium = Bramall Lane

|report =

|attendance = 1,500

|result = W

}}

{{football box collapsible

|round =

|date = 20 December 1890

|time =

|team1 = Derby Midland

|score = 2–5

|team2 = Sheffield United

|goals1 =

|goals2 = Calder {{goal| }}
Bridgewater {{goal| || || }}
Watson {{goal| }}

|stadium = ?

|report =

|attendance = 'Good'

|result = W

}}

{{football box collapsible

|round =

|date = 25 December 1890

|time =

|team1 = Sheffield United

|score = 2–0

|team2 = Derby Junction

|goals1 = Bridgewater {{goal| }}
Unknown {{goal| }}

|goals2 =

|stadium = Bramall Lane

|report =

|attendance = 5,700

|result = W

}}

{{football box collapsible

|round =

|date = 27 December 1890

|time =

|team1 = Kidderminster

|score = 0–2

|team2 = Sheffield United

|goals1 =

|goals2 = Bridgewater {{goal| }}
Watson {{goal| }}

|stadium = Chester Road

|report =

|attendance = 2,000

|result = W

}}

{{football box collapsible

|round =

|date = 10 February 1891

|time =

|team1 = Staveley

|score = 2–0

|team2 = Sheffield United

|goals1 =

|goals2 =

|stadium = ?

|report =

|attendance = 3,000

|result = L

}}

{{football box collapsible

|round =

|date = 21 February 1891

|time =

|team1 = Sheffield United

|score = 0–1

|team2 = Derby Midland

|goals1 =

|goals2 =

|stadium = Bramall Lane

|report =

|attendance = 4,000

|result = L

}}

{{football box collapsible

|round =

|date = 28 February 1891

|time =

|team1 = Derby Junction

|score = 1–3

|team2 = Sheffield United

|goals1 =

|goals2 = Crawford {{goal| || }}
Drummond {{goal| }}

|stadium = Derby Arboretum

|report =

|attendance = 2,000

|result = W

}}

{{football box collapsible

|round =

|date = 7 March 1891

|time =

|team1 = Sheffield United

|score = 2–1

|team2 = Gainsborough Trinity

|goals1 = Bairstow {{goal| }}
Crawford {{goal| }}

|goals2 =

|stadium = Bramall Lane

|report =

|attendance = 4,500

|result = W

}}

{{football box collapsible

|round =

|date = 23 March 1891

|time =

|team1 = Sheffield United

|score = 2–2

|team2 = Burton Wanderers

|goals1 = Howell {{goal| }}
Munro {{goal| }}

|goals2 =

|stadium = Bramall Lane

|report =

|attendance = 1,500

|result = D

}}

{{football box collapsible

|round =

|date = 27 March 1891

|time =

|team1 = Rotherham Town

|score = 0–1

|team2 = Sheffield United

|goals1 =

|goals2 =

|stadium = Clifton Lane

|report =

|attendance = 4,500

|result = L

}}

{{football box collapsible

|round =

|date = 28 March 1891
United played with 10 men after Edward Cross and Harry Lilley missed their train to the game.

|time =

|team1 = Long Eaton Rangers

|score = 2–3

|team2 = Sheffield United

|goals1 =

|goals2 = Watson {{goal| || }}
Bridgewater {{goal| }}

|stadium = Long Eaton Stadium

|report =

|attendance = 2,000

|result = W

}}

{{football box collapsible

|round =

|date = 4 April 1891

|time =

|team1 = Sheffield United

|score = 5–0

|team2 = Staveley

|goals1 = Dobson {{goal| }} {{goal| }}
Bridgewater {{goal| }}
Watson {{goal| }}
Crawford {{goal| }}

|goals2 =

|stadium = Bramall Lane

|report =

|attendance = 1,000

|result = W

}}

{{football box collapsible

|round =

|date = 13 April 1891

|time =

|team1 = Burslem Port Vale

|score = 3–1

|team2 = Sheffield United

|goals1 =

|goals2 = Watson {{goal| }}

|stadium = Athletic Ground

|report =

|attendance = 2,000

|result = L

}}

Source:

{{football box collapsible

|round = First qualifying round

|date = 4 October 1890

|time =

|team1 = Derby Junction

|score = 0–1

|team2 = Sheffield United

|goals1 =

|goals2 = Clarke {{goal| }}

|stadium = Derby Arboretum

|report =

|attendance = 2,000

|result = W

}}

{{football box collapsible

|round = Second qualifying round

|date = 25 October 1890
Although United lost the fixture Burton Swifts were disqualified for fielding an ineligible player meaning their place in the next round was handed to the Blades.

|time =

|team1 = Burton Swifts

|score = 2–1

|team2 = Sheffield United

|goals1 =

|goals2 = Watson {{goal| }}

|stadium = Peel Croft

|report =

|attendance = 3,500

|result = V

}}

{{football box collapsible

|round = Third qualifying round

|date = 15 November 1890

|time =

|team1 = Sheffield United

|score = 3–0

|team2 = Matlock Town

|goals1 = Unknown {{goal| }}
Shaw {{goal| || }}

|goals2 =

|stadium = Bramall Lane

|report =

|attendance = 2,000

|result = W

}}

{{football box collapsible

|round = Fourth qualifying round 3

|date = 6 December 1890
Originally to be played in Loughborough but switched to Bramall Lane.

|time =

|team1 = Sheffield United

|score = 6–1

|team2 = Loughborough

|goals1 = Robertson {{goal| || }}
Watson {{goal| || }}
Unknown {{goal| }}
Calder {{goal| }}

|goals2 =

|stadium = Bramall Lane

|report =

|attendance = 2,800

|result = W

}}

{{football box collapsible

|round = Round 1

|date = 17 January 1891

|time =

|team1 = Sheffield United

|score = 1–9

|team2 = Notts County

|goals1 = Calder {{goal| }}

|goals2 =

|stadium = Bramall Lane

|report =

|attendance = 9,500

|result = L

}}

Source:

{{football box collapsible

|round = Round 1

|date = 11 January 1891

|time =

|team1 = Sheffield United

|score = 7–1

|team2 = Attercliffe

|goals1 = Bairstow {{goal| || || }}
Clarke {{goal| }}
Watson {{goal| || }}
Shaw {{goal| }}

|goals2 =

|stadium = Bramall Lane

|report =

|attendance = 2,000

|result = W

}}

{{football box collapsible

|round = Semi-final

|date = 31 January 1891

|time =

|team1 = Sheffield United

|score = 3–3

|team2 = Kilnhurst

|goals1 = Bairstow {{goal| || }}
Robertson {{goal| }}

|goals2 =

|stadium = Bramall Lane

|report =

|attendance = 4,500

|result = D

}}

{{football box collapsible

|round = Semi-final replay

|date = 14 March 1891

|time =

|team1 = Sheffield United

|score = 4–1

|team2 = Kilnhurst

|goals1 = Robertson {{goal| }}
Howell {{goal| || }}
Watson {{goal| }}

|goals2 =

|stadium = Bramall Lane

|report =

|attendance = 3,500

|result = W

}}

{{football box collapsible

|round = Final

|date = 21 March 1891

|time =

|team1 = Sheffield United

|score = 1–2

|team2 = Doncaster Rovers

|goals1 = Howell {{goal| }}

|goals2 =

|stadium = Bramall Lane

|report =

|attendance = 3,500

|result = L

}}

Source:

{{football box collapsible

|round = Semi-final

|date = 23 April 1891

|time =

|team1 = The Wednesday

|score = 2–1

|team2 = Sheffield United

|goals1 =

|goals2 = Drummond {{goal| }}

|stadium = Olive Grove

|report =

|attendance = 3,250

|result = L

}}

Source:

{{football box collapsible

|round =

|date = 1 September 1890

|time =

|team1 = Sheffield United

|score = 9–0

|team2 = Sheffield Club

|goals1 = Bridgewater {{goal| || || }}
Clarke{{goal| || || }}
Watson {{goal| || }}
Calder {{goal| }}

|goals2 =

|stadium = Bramall Lane

|report =

|attendance = 2,000

|result = W

}}

{{football box collapsible

|round =

|date = 11 September 1890

|time =

|team1 = Sheffield United

|score = 2–0

|team2 = Incogniti

|goals1 = Clarke{{goal| }}
Robertson {{goal| }}

|goals2 =

|stadium = Bramall Lane

|report =

|attendance = 850

|result = W

}}

{{football box collapsible

|round =

|date = 22 September 1890

|time =

|team1 = Sheffield United

|score = 0–3

|team2 = Preston North End

|goals1 =

|goals2 =

|stadium = Bramall Lane

|report =

|attendance = 3,500

|result = L

}}

{{football box collapsible

|round =

|date = 29 September 1890

|time =

|team1 = Sheffield United

|score = 1–2

|team2 = Nottingham Forest

|goals1 = Watson {{goal| }}

|goals2 =

|stadium = Bramall Lane

|report =

|attendance = 2,500

|result = L

}}

{{football box collapsible

|round =

|date = 6 October 1890

|time =

|team1 = Sheffield United

|score = 1–2

|team2 = Everton

|goals1 = Robertson {{goal| }}

|goals2 =

|stadium = Bramall Lane

|report =

|attendance = 2,500

|result = L

}}

{{football box collapsible

|round =

|date = 11 October 1890

|time =

|team1 = Sheffield United

|score = 5–1

|team2 = Birmingham St. George's

|goals1 = Shaw {{goal| }} {{goal| }}
Watson {{goal| }}
Bridgewater {{goal| }}
Robertson {{goal| }}

|goals2 =

|stadium = Bramall Lane

|report =

|attendance = 2,250

|result = W

}}

{{football box collapsible

|round =

|date = 20 October 1890

|time =

|team1 = Sheffield United

|score = 4–1

|team2 = Derby County

|goals1 = Robertson {{goal| }}
Bridgewater {{goal| }}
Shaw {{goal| || }}

|goals2 =

|stadium = Bramall Lane

|report =

|attendance = 3,000

|result = W

}}

{{football box collapsible

|round =

|date = 5 November 1890

|time =

|team1 = Sheffield United

|score = 4–2

|team2 = Ardwick

|goals1 = Howell {{goal| }}
Robertson {{goal| }}
Watson {{goal| }}
Unknown {{goal| }}

|goals2 =

|stadium = Bramall Lane

|report =

|attendance = 3,500

|result = W

}}

{{football box collapsible

|round =

|date = 17 November 1890

|time =

|team1 = Sheffield United

|score = 2–1

|team2 = Bolton Wanderers

|goals1 = Watson {{goal| }}
Bridgewater {{goal| }}

|goals2 =

|stadium = Bramall Lane

|report =

|attendance = 2,500

|result = W

}}

{{football box collapsible

|round =

|date = 8 December 1890

|time =

|team1 = Sheffield United

|score = 3–2

|team2 = Middlesbrough Ironopolis

|goals1 = Watson {{goal| || }}
Robertson {{goal| }}

|goals2 =

|stadium = Bramall Lane

|report =

|attendance = 1,500

|result = W

}}

{{football box collapsible

|round =

|date = 15 December 1890

|time =

|team1 = The Wednesday

|score = 2–1

|team2 = Sheffield United

|goals1 =

|goals2 = Robertson {{goal| }}

|stadium = Olive Grove

|report =

|attendance = 10,000

|result = L

}}

{{football box collapsible

|round =

|date = 30 December 1890

|time =

|team1 = Sheffield United

|score = 7–0

|team2 = Casuals

|goals1 = Bairstow {{goal| || || }}
Clarke {{goal| }}
Watson {{goal| || }}
Shaw {{goal| }}

|goals2 =

|stadium = Bramall Lane

|report =

|attendance = 2,000

|result = W

}}

{{football box collapsible

|round =

|date = 2 January 1890
Only 35 minutes played in each half due to failing light

|time =

|team1 = Sheffield United

|score = 2–1

|team2 = {{flag icon|Scotland}} Linthouse

|goals1 = Calder {{goal| }}
Unknown {{goal| }}

|goals2 =

|stadium = Bramall Lane

|report =

|attendance = 1,250

|result = W

}}

{{football box collapsible

|round =

|date = 3 January 1891

|time =

|team1 = Darlington St. Augustine's

|score = 1–5

|team2 = Sheffield United

|goals1 =

|goals2 = Bridgewater {{goal| || }}
Own goal {{goal| || }}
Robertson {{goal| }}

|stadium = ?

|report =

|attendance = 'few'

|result = W

}}

{{football box collapsible

|round =

|date = 5 January 1891

|time =

|team1 = Sheffield United

|score = 2–3

|team2 = Corinthians

|goals1 = Calder {{goal| }}
Watson {{goal| }}

|goals2 =

|stadium = Bramall Lane

|report =

|attendance = 3,500

|result = L

}}

{{football box collapsible

|round =

|date = 12 January 1891

|time =

|team1 = Sheffield United

|score = 3–2

|team2 = The Wednesday

|goals1 = Watson {{goal| }}
Howell {{goal| }}
Calder {{goal| }}

|goals2 =

|stadium = Bramall Lane

|report =

|attendance = 14,000

|result = W

}}

{{football box collapsible

|round =

|date = 24 January 1891

|time =

|team1 = Middlesbrough

|score = 2–1

|team2 = Sheffield United

|goals1 =

|goals2 = Watson {{goal| }}

|stadium = Linthorpe Road

|report =

|attendance = 1,500

|result = L

}}

{{football box collapsible

|round =

|date = 26 January 1891

|time =

|team1 = Sheffield United

|score = 0–1

|team2 = Grimsby Town

|goals1 =

|goals2 =

|stadium = Bramall Lane

|report =

|attendance = 3,000

|result = L

}}

{{football box collapsible

|round =

|date = 7 February 1891

|time =

|team1 = Newcastle East End

|score = 4–0

|team2 = Sheffield United

|goals1 =

|goals2 =

|stadium = Stanley Street

|report =

|attendance = 800

|result = L

}}

{{football box collapsible

|round =

|date = 9 February 1891

|time =

|team1 = Sheffield United

|score = 6–4

|team2 = Heanor Town

|goals1 = Bairstow {{goal| || || || }}
Whitham{{goal| }}
Elliman {{goal| }}

|goals2 =

|stadium = Bramall Lane

|report =

|attendance = 1,000

|result = W

}}

{{football box collapsible

|round =

|date = 14 February 1891
United played two first team fixtures on the same day

|time =

|team1 = Derby County

|score = 3–2

|team2 = Sheffield United

|goals1 =

|goals2 = Drummond {{goal| }}
Bridgewater {{goal| }}

|stadium = Racecourse Ground

|report =

|attendance = 1,000

|result = L

}}

{{football box collapsible

|round =

|date = 16 February 1891

|time =

|team1 = Sheffield United

|score = 3–0

|team2 = Rotherham Town

|goals1 = Watson {{goal| || ||}}
Crawford{{goal| }}

|goals2 =

|stadium = Bramall Lane

|report =

|attendance = 2,000

|result = W

}}

{{football box collapsible

|round =

|date = 2 March 1891

|time =

|team1 = Sheffield United

|score = 1–4

|team2 = Nottingham Forest

|goals1 = Robertson {{goal| }}

|goals2 =

|stadium = Bramall Lane

|report =

|attendance = 3,000

|result = L

}}

{{football box collapsible

|round =

|date = 14 March 1891

|time =

|team1 = Attercliffe

|score = 1–4

|team2 = Sheffield United

|goals1 =

|goals2 = Crawshaw {{goal| |o.g.}}
Shaw {{goal| }}
Bridgewater {{goal| }} {{goal| }}

|stadium = Old Forge Ground

|report =

|attendance = 'Large'

|result = W

}}

{{football box collapsible

|round =

|date = 21 March 1891

|time =

|team1 = Royal Arsenal

|score = 1–1

|team2 = Sheffield United

|goals1 =

|goals2 = Getliffe {{goal| }}

|stadium = Kennington Oval

|report =

|attendance = 3,800

|result = D

}}

{{football box collapsible

|round =

|date = 30 March 1891

|time =

|team1 = Sheffield United

|score = 3–1

|team2 = Darlington St. Augustine's

|goals1 = Getliff {{goal| || }}
Watson {{goal| }}

|goals2 =

|stadium = Bramall Lane

|report =

|attendance = 'Not large'

|result = W

}}

{{football box collapsible

|round =

|date = 1 April 1891

|time =

|team1 = Middlesbrough Ironopolis

|score = 4–0

|team2 = Sheffield United

|goals1 =

|goals2 =

|stadium = Paradise Ground

|report =

|attendance = 900

|result = L

}}

{{football box collapsible

|round =

|date = 6 April 1891

|time =

|team1 = Ardwick

|score = 4–1

|team2 = Sheffield United

|goals1 =

|goals2 = Watson {{goal| }}

|stadium = Hyde Road

|report =

|attendance = 2,300

|result = L

}}

{{football box collapsible

|round =

|date = 11 April 1891

|time =

|team1 = Sheffield United

|score = 2–2

|team2 = Newcastle East End

|goals1 = Crawford {{goal| }}
Bridgewater {{goal| }}

|goals2 =

|stadium = Bramall Lane

|report =

|attendance = 3,000

|result = D

}}

{{football box collapsible

|round =

|date = 18 April 1891

|time =

|team1 = Lincoln

|score = 0–1

|team2 = Sheffield United

|goals1 =

|goals2 = Crawford {{goal| }}

|stadium = John O'Gaunts

|report =

|attendance = 1,000

|result = W

}}

{{football box collapsible

|round =

|date = 18 April 1891

|time =

|team1 = Matlock

|score = 3–2

|team2 = Sheffield United

|goals1 =

|goals2 = Cheffins {{goal| }}
Anon {{goal| }}

|stadium = Causeway Lane

|report =

|attendance = 'Poor'

|result = L

}}

{{football box collapsible

|round =

|date = 25 April 1891

|time =

|team1 = Stockton

|score = 3–0

|team2 = Sheffield United

|goals1 =

|goals2 =

|stadium = ?

|report =

|attendance = 2,000

|result = L

}}

Source:

{{reflist|group=note|2}}

{{reflist|30em}}

{{refbegin}}

• {{cite book|title=Sheffield United Who's Who|last=Clarebrough and Kirkham|year=2008|publisher=Hallamshire Press|isbn=978-1-874718-69-7}}

{{refend}}

• [https://web.archive.org/web/20120502140012/http://www.sufc.co.uk/page/Home Sheffield United F.C. Official Website]

{{Sheffield United F.C. seasons}}

{{1890–91 in English football}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:1890-91 Sheffield United F.C. season}}

Category:Sheffield United F.C. seasons

Sheffield United