The
annual meeting of the representatives of England and Wales at Crewe was
favoured with a mildness of temperature unusual for this season of the
year, and the ground of the Alexandra Football Club, it is needless to
say, was in splendid condition. There was present a large crowd, and
the teams were strictly in accordance with the revised list published
two or three days ago. Doughty kicked off in behalf of Wales. After 16
minutes of fairly even play, Dewhurst scored for England, Lindley
having just previously struck the bar. The ball had no sooner been
restarted than the Welshmen, nettled by their reverse, became
aggressive, and barely a minute had elapsed before Moon injudiciously
left the goal open to the attack of Doughty, who equalised amidst loud
and protracted cheering. Soon after the kick off from the centre, the
Welshmen assumed an aggressive attitude, during which a couple of
corners were gained. The Englishmen
now had a turn, and corner kicks fell to them without avail.
Shortly
before ends were changed, Mills-Roberts most brilliantly saved a shot
from Goodall, the Welshmen, whilst prostrated, diverting the ball from
its course. Score at half-time 1 goal each. Lindley restarted for
England, whereupon Hodgetts ran brilliantly up the left, and centred
only to find Davies in the way, while
such goal keeping as that exhibited by Mills-Roberts has not been seen
for many a long day. A couple of corners again fell to England, but
nothing came of them, and although the Welshmen were pressed, the
defence of their backs were superb, Davies being especially brilliant.
Again Hodgetts ran up on the left, and 25 minutes from the re-start
Dewhurst succeeded in giving England the lead. The Whites were now
decidedly having the best of play, for six minutes later Woodhall
scored with a clinking shot. Later on Lindley scored, and just on the
call of time Dewhurst, from a pass by Woodhall, scored, England
winning by 5 goals to 1 goal.
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