1896–97 Thames Ironworks F.C. season team. In their first ever competitive league fixture in the London League, staged at the Hermit Road ground, on 19 September 1896 Thames Ironworks beat the Vampires 3–0. The following month, "The Irons" went out in the FA Cup first qualifying round for the second year running, losing 0–8 away to Kent Southern League team Sheppey United on 10 October 1897. Shortly after their exit from the FA Cup they were handed an eviction notice from the Hermit Road ground. The club had violated their tenancy agreement by charging admission fees and building a perimeter fence and pavilion. Thames Ironworks
Rugby union in London since the development of the professional game. These have included Loftus Road as well as high Wycombe and now Coventry. Their affiliated Amateur side, Wasps FC, still play at the original ground in Acton. Another premiership team with London roots, London Irish, currently play outside Greater London, playing at the Madejski Stadium in Reading, within the London commuter belt, owned by the football club Reading F.C.. They retain their administrative and training base in Sunbury-on-Thames. Another club with London roots, London Welsh, have bounced between the Premiership and Championship in recent years, having been promoted to or relegated from the