On the first day of the 1894-95 season Sunderland were at home to Derby County. The official referee was late, and the game started with a deputy in charge. The two teams played for 45 minutes and then the official referee arrived.

The referee decided to give Derby, who were losing 3-0, the option of starting the game again. They took it, and it became known as “the game of three halves”.

Derby lost the toss twice and were forced to kick against a strong gale for the first two halves. The press had already reported that Sunderland were leading 3-0 at half time.

Fortunately Derby helped them out by doing it all over again.
The game eventually finished 8-0, Sunderland actually winning 11-0 over the three halves.