Match Report Morning Post, Monday, 2 March 1885

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.

       Match Report The Times, Monday, 2 March 1885