Charles Clerke (footballer)

Charles John Clerke (8 September 1857 – 7 November 1944) was an English amateur footballer who scored the only goal in the 1879 FA Cup Final.

Clerke was born at Hanover Square, London and christened at St George's, Hanover Square in December 1857. He was the fourth child of Sir William Henry Clerke (1822–1882) from Clonmel, County Tipperary, Ireland who was Principal Clerk in the Treasury and succeeded to the title of 10th Baronet Clerke, of Hitcham on 16 February 1861.

Clerke was educated at Eton College and in 1878 joined the Old Etonians football XI. He went up to Christ Church, Oxford, and represented the University of Oxford at cricket.

Having scored three goals in the Old Boys' run to the 1879 FA Cup Final, he was selected at outside-left for the final itself, played at Kennington Oval on 29 March 1879. This was the Old Etonians third Final, whereas their opponents, Clapham Rovers had reached the final for the first time. Clapham dominated the early stages of the final but the first half finished goalless. The only goal of the game came after 59 minutes, when "the energetic" Clerke scored from close range following a run from Harry Goodhart. The Old Etonians thus claimed the cup for the first time in what was considered to be "the poorest FA Cup Final to date".

In March 1880, he was selected for the international match between England and Wales but withdrew with an injury.

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