History
Although the club claimed a formation date of 1880, the first recorded match is from the 1883–84 season, a 5–1 defeat to fellow Mancunian club Greenheys.FA Cup entries
The club first entered the FA Cup in 1887-88, the last season before the introduction of qualifying rounds. Denton was drawn to play South Shore but could not use two of its best players because they had not met the residency requirements for that year's competition. Rather than play with a weakened side, on the day of the tie, Denton scratched, and played the match as a friendly instead, South Shore winning 2–1. Denton only entered the competition twice more, in 1889-90 and 1890–91, both times losing to Gorton Villa in the first qualifying round.The Combination
In 1890, the club was a founder member of the second incarnation ofLower league football
The club had more success at a lower level. In 1905-06 the Hatters won the Manchester League, but decided not to apply to join the next higher tier, the Lancashire Combination. In 1906–07, the club won the Manchester Junior Cup and the Healy Charity Cup, but suffered a loss of £20. The club was showing some ambition by signing more players, including formerColours
The club colours were described as red and white, probably referring to the shirts and shorts rather than a pattern.References
{{Reflist Defunct football clubs in England Association football clubs established in the 19th century Football clubs in Manchester