Match Report Sporting Life, Monday, 29 March 1886

On Saturday last the International contest between England and Scotland took place at Hampden Park, Mount Florida, near Glasgow which, without exception, is one of the best in the kingdom for a struggle of the kind, but unfortunately for all concerned, rain of a very heavy description came down and continued throughout the whole game. The Scotchmen were the first to enter the field, headed by Arnott (their captain) amidst a round of applause, but the appearance of the English was greeted with what would be called an ovation. Scotland won the toss, but no wind prevailing, this was no advantage, as the ground is as level as a bowling green. Arnott started the game, and so nicely did he put the ball, that it landed right into goal in Arthur's hands, who returned it, and the English forwards got it well up to their opponent's goal. Paton sent it back, and getting at the foot of Aitken and Lindsay, it was dribbled into close proximity of the visitor's' citadel, and Arthur had twice to show his dexterity by throwing out, and a severe attack on the English lines ended in Gray sending the ball behind. On starting the ball again Scotland pressed their rivals, but Sellars shot high over the bar. Twice again Arthur had to clear his trust, which he did at the most critical moment. After this the England team showed to more advantage than their opponents, their passing being much admired and applauded by the the spectators. Both side slackened down in their play, more especially the Scotch forwards, who seemed to be all at sixes and sevens, not playing anything like a combined game. The English team had one or two good chances, but their shooting was anything but reputable. A shot was made at the English posts, but Arthur cleared it away. Macauly in turn was compelled to fist out. Some play in mid-field ensued, and the rain now came down in torrents, and both sides played under considerable difficulties. Several shots were made at each goal, but the Englishmen had the advantage, and on several occasions gave the Scotch backs more work they cared for. Two or three corners fell to the visitors, but without effect. Lindley, when thirty minutes of the game were gone, getting well up to the Scotch posts, sent the ball through midst great applause. This put the Scotchmen on their mettle, and for a time they bothered the opposing backs, but nothing further was done up to half time, and the teams changed sides—England one, Scotland nil. On resuming after a little, Somerville sent the ball through the English goal, and Arnott took the kick, which was claimed as a goal, but after consultation, the point was disallowed. Lindsay, one of the Scotch centres, being crippled, had now to retire, and the home team had to fight the battle with ten men, but it seemed to spur them to renewed exertion, as they had as much of the game as their opponents, and gave the English goal-keeper great anxiety, and Somerville with a nice, low shot equalised matters. Some hard play ensued from this to the end for the winning point, if anything, the Scotchmen having the best of it, but the game ended in a draw, one goal each.
   

       Match Report The Times, Monday, 29 March 1886