For the sixteenth time representatives of England and Wales met in friendly rivalry under Association rules yesterday, the scene of the encounter being Wrexham Racecourse. The English team was composed entirely of amateurs belonging to Southern clubs, while in the Welsh ranks there were six amateurs, the professionals being W. Lewis and B. Lewis among the forwards, and Trainer, Parry, and Jones in the back division. The day proving fine up to four o'clock, and the expectation being general that a close contest would be witnessed, there was the largest concourse of spectators ever attracted to a football match in North Wales. The ground was in grand condition when the match began punctually to time, but after the interval rain fell somewhat persistently, and during the concluding portion of the game, the players found it very slippery.
Smith started for England against the wind and Trainer had at once to kick away a long shot. James sent in a shot, but Gay was on the alert and cleared. Topham shot at goal, but just missed his mark. At the other end Gay had to run to kick away a long shot. The Welsh forwards returned to the attack again, and Bowdler, getting possession, steadied himself, and put the ball past Gay. This success was loudly cheered by the Welsh supporters. After Wales had been given a futile corner the English left wing was getting away, but Veitch was slightly hurt, and play was suspended for a short time. The English front rank then broke away, and Trainer ran out and took the ball off Gosling's toe in fine style. The English goal next had a very narrow escape from a centre by Rea. Wales again attacked, and Bowdler and Rea dashed away towards their opponents' quarters. The former centred, and B. Lewis shot through, but as the whistle sounded as it was going through the point was not allowed. England were given a free kick in the middle of the field, but it came to nothing. Then by some pretty passing by their forwards they got dangerously near the goal, but Parry cleared in the nick of time. A free kick for hands right in the visitors' goal mouth looked dangerous, but after bobbing about from head to head the ball was finally got safely away. Topham and Gosling came down beautifully. and the former centred. Veitch secured, and gave to Smith, who was only a few yards from goal, and that player promptly banged it into the net. Trainer, however, cleared in capital style, a feat which was very loudly cheered. As the result of some first-class passing Veitch beat Trainer, and equalised the score. The game had no been restarted more than a minute when Trainer in defending sent the ball against another player, and rebounding into the net it scored the second goal for England. England were given a free kick for hands, but Trainer saved well. Wales were next dangerous, but the whistle sounded for hands just as the ball was put past Gay. The English forwards did a lot of passing close into goal but delayed in shooting, and half-time was signalled.
On re-starting play rain began to fall, and continued nearly all through the last half of the contest. James screwed in a fine shot, but Gay just hit it out. The ball dropped in front of goal, and Lodge dashed up and cleared. England rushed away, and Gosling transferring to Veitch, that player put on a third goal for England. From a corner Wreford-Brown made a capital attempt, the ball striking the cross-bar. Wales next had a corner, but Chapman sent behind. The Englishmen were immediately afterwards dangerous, but Jones robbed Smith just in time. Gosling put the ball past Trainer as the whistle was blowing for offside. Trainer saved just after. England again returned, and after Hossack had made a good shot Veitch scored a fourth goal for the visitors. Wales still strove hard to score, but Lodge and Pelly defended superbly. Gosling and Topham dashed away, and the former player landed the ball into the net for the fifth time. Shortly afterwards the same player beat Trainer again, but the point was disallowed on the plea of off-side. Before the free-kick could be taken 'Time' was called.