Umpires

Between 16,000 and 17,000 persons visited Cathkin Park, Glasgow, on Saturday, to witness the annual International match, under Association rules, between England and Scotland. The contest had been anticipated with great interest, and as most of the leading clubs in both countries had avoided making other fixtures for the same date, the teams were thoroughly representative. Through an accident at Birmingham, H. A. Cursham was kept out of the English side, but a very efficient substitute was found in Gunn. The game proved to be one of the hardest fought international encounters of recent years, but the Scotchmen if anything had the better all round team, and for the most part of the play pressed their opponents very closely. Bromley-Davenport kicked off for England, but the ball was very quickly returned. After a few minutes of very smart play, Anderson made a long kick, which Dr. Smith converted into a goal for Scotland. amidst enthusiastic cheering. Naturally elated by this early success the home team played with great dash and vigour, but the English back play was strong and sure, and no appreciable impression could be made. The Englishmen made one or two good dashes into the opposition territory, and one or two chances of scoring were missed. On more than one occasion the kicking was a trifle erratic. The forward play of Gunn and Bambridge on the left wing was the saving of the English game, and by the way the backs fed these two players it was evident that the whole side were aware of this fact. The play was hard and fast, and mostly confined to the English half of the ground, but despite strong attacks and several corner kicks, the Scotch team were unable to put on another point. When half-time was called the score was still one goal to nothing in favour of Scotland. When the ends had been changed a strong rush was made upon the English goal, but Rose cleverly averted the charge. The ball was quickly returned, however, and for fully five minutes the English goal was in immediate danger. Rose was ably supported by the English backs, and Scotland was unable to score. The remainder of the game does not require much description. The English forwards with the exception of Gunn and Bambridge, were weak and easily broken through, but the backs were almost faultless, and resisted every charge made by the Scotchmen. No further score was made on either side, and at the call of time Scotland had gained a well-earned victory by one goal to nothing.
       

Although rain fell at Glasgow on Saturday morning, the weather brightened considerably in the afternoon, and nearly 10,000 spectators assembled at Cathkin-park to witness the 13th International contest, under Association rules...
After a sharp attack on the English goal, Dr. Smith sent the ball under the cross-bar, thus scoring the first and, as it proved, the only goal. Although England made most energetic attempts to bring the score level, they were unable to do so, owing to the determined manner in which the home backs played.. - The Times, Monday, 17 March 1884

...one of the most disappointing ever played between thoroughly trained representatives of both countries... - North British Daily Mail, Monday, 17 March 1884.
The international match of 1884, in fact, may be said to have been won by the backs of the Scotch team and Macauley, the goalkeeper....- Daily Mail, Monday, 17 March 1884.
"At Glasgow, on Saturday....It was agreed that the football associations of England, Scotland, Wales, and Ireland should take every means to suppress professionalism." - Sheffield Independent, Monday, 17 March 1884