About Eli Davis
Born 1855. Eli Davis was an association football player.
Elisha Davis (born December 1855, Dudley) was an English footballer. He played in Aston Villa's first ever FA Cup tie. The start of the official record was Saturday 13 December 1879 when Villa faced Stafford Road F.C., of the Stafford Road railway works, Wolverhampton. The match was played before a crowd of 2,000 at Stafford's Half-Way House Ground. Although playing before shirt numbers were introduced in 1926, Goalkeeper John Ball received Legacy Number 1. Inside-left Davis received Legacy Number #3, Andy Hunter #4, officially became Villa's first goal-scorer in the 1–1 draw.
The 29-year-old Davis played his final game on 10 January 1885 in Villa's 3rd round loss 0–3 away to Albion. He subsequently retired.
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Important facts
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Frequently asked questions
Who was Eli Davis?
English footballer (born 1855)
When was Eli Davis born?
Eli Davis was born in 1855.
What was Eli Davis's occupation?
Eli Davis was an association football player.
Sources & further reading
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Eli Davis. https://biography.guide/eli-davis/
MLA: "Eli Davis." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/eli-davis/.
Chicago: "Eli Davis." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/eli-davis/.
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