History of Mansfield Town F.C.
Mansfield Town was founded in 1897 under the name of Mansfield Wesleyans. Like many football clubs, their name derives from a local church, in this case the Wesleyan church on Bridge Street. Playing in Chocolate and Sky Blue shirts, with Royal Blue shorts and socks, the club played in friendly matches and local cup ties. Its first game was on 4 September 1897, drawing 2–2 against Sherwood Foresters. Mansfield first joined a league in the 1902–03 season, competing in the Mansfield and District Amateur League. 6 September 1902 saw the Wesleyans lose their first league fixture 1-0 away at Mansfield Corinthians. A week later, Shirebrook Swifts put 13 past the Mansfield goalkeeper without reply, the worst defeat ever suffered by the club in a competitive match. The team ended its first season in 7th place (of 12).
Mayfield GAA
Mayfield GAA Club was formed in 1893, with Michael Fleming as the first secretary of the club. The club competed at both Minor and Junior level in the early years with victories in various feiseanna and tournaments to which they had been invited. The club entered a trial period of merging with local clubs, Brian Dillon's and Sarsfields in 1903 to form a senior team. However, following various arguments and quarrels between members of each club, the trial period ended and each club went back to representing its respective area.