Gershom Cox

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Gershom Cox (born Birmingham March 1863, died c.1940) was a professional footballer who played as a full-back for Aston Villa from 1888 to 1893.

His main claim to fame is that he "scored" the first goal in The Football League on the first day of the inaugural season, 1888-89 on 8 September 1888 for Aston Villa against their Midlands rivals Wolverhampton Wanderers. Unfortunately, his goal was scored into his own net, thereby scoring an "own goal".

The first intended goal was scored shortly afterwards by Fred Dewhurst of Preston North End.

Cox also won an FA Cup runners-up medal, appearing for Aston Villa in the 1892 final. Villa lost to West Bromwich Albion.