The world's oldest derby fixture is finally returning ⚔️ | OneFootball

It's a game that first took place 164 years ago and is now finally set to return after a 12-year absence.

Sheffield Football Club are, as officially recognised by FIFA, the first ever football club having been founded in 1857 and were visited by Pele on their 150th anniversary back in 2007.

Their bitter rivals, Hallam FC, are the second-oldest side in the world having first started in 1860.

The two teams play what is known as the 'Rules Derby' owing to the fact that the original match in 1860 was played using the Sheffield Rules, which pre-dates the Football Association rules by a full three years.

Things in the modern game like corners and free kicks first came from the 'Sheffield Rules' with that original fixture being won 2-0 by Sheffield FC.

With the two clubs having been in different divisions over the years - Currently Sheffield in the Northern Premier League, Hallam in the Northern Counties Eastern League - the two rarely meet.

In fact, the last time these two played was back in 2012 with Sheffield claiming a dramatic 3-2.

But they are set to return to battle in the coming weeks with both clubs being drawn against each other in the Sheffield Senior Cup.

A date on that game is TBC but we'll be sure to keep you all updated on the result when it happens.

📸 PAUL ELLIS - 2007 AFP