As was generally expected,
the Englishmen proved
successful in this their first international match of the season,
played under Association rules, at Whalley Range, Manchester, on
Saturday afternoon. Between 5,000 and 6,000 persons assembled to
witness the contest. At times the play was very fast, and although
defeated, it must be admitted that the visitors made a bold bid for
victory. Successful in the toss, the English eleven elected to play
with the wind during the initial period of the game. Gibb kicked off
for Ireland, and it was not long ere the ball was returned, when the
combined play of the English forwards placed the visitors' goal in
great danger. Still, Henderson, for a time, proved equal to the occasion,
and, after several unsuccessful attempts to score, the home eleven in turn
had to retire. Alternately, each team was now in the ascendant, and
just prior to half time Spilsbury dribbled the ball to Bambridge, who
quickly sent it between the posts. Having thus weathered the first half
so well, it was thought that change of ends would enable the Irishmen
to show to greater advantage, but scarcely had play been resumed ere
England again took the ball in close proximity to their rivals'
fortress, and a free kick enabled Spilsbury to score. Next a corner
was taken by Ireland, which resulted in Eames sending the ball through
his own goal. The game having been restarted, Davidson and M'Wha
relived their side by some neat dribbling, as did also Brown, to whom
the ball was ultimately centred by Lofthouse, and a fourth goal
resulted. A good shot from the foot of Cobbold followed, but the ball
struck the crossbar, when Brown got possession, and tried to head it
through. Henderson, however, saved his charge in fine style. This was
the last incident of note, and thus, at the call of time, the
Englishmen were declared the winners by four goals to none.
xxxx
|
|
Queen's Park beat Notts County, 2-1 at Derby in an F.A. Cup replay to reach the
semi-finals for the second year in succession. They were to repeat their
feat of the previous year, when they became the first and only Scottish club
to reach the final, but once again, Blackburn Rovers were to deny them the
ultimate prize.
It was on 27 February 1885
that the government achieved a narrow majority of 14 votes over the
opposition's motion that their indecision and neglect of the war in Sudan
had led directly to the loss of Khartoum and the death of General Gordon. |