The starting point
The FA’s historical rivalry account uses the 1997 Women’s FA Cup final between Wembley and Millwall as a reference point. A final can anchor a longer story, but it is only one match. Its significance should be explained through the competition and teams of that period, not through assumptions about their later identities.
A useful way to read the evidence
Start a research note with the year, competition, names used then and the document that describes the match. Add the result only after checking a reliable record. Keep subsequent recollections distinct from contemporary reporting. This approach allows a later rivalry to be discussed without implying that its modern branding or circumstances already existed in 1997.
Keep in your notes
- Identify the competition era.
- Retain the historical team names.
- Keep later interpretation separate.