Bright, warm Spring day with a slight wind,
following a day of heavy rain;
Saturday last
was the day appointed for the ninth annual match between England and
Scotland according to Association rules. The heavy rain which fell in
Glasgow on Friday caused many fears lest it should continue on the
following day. Fortunately, however, these were not realized, as the
weather was gloriously fine, and over 12,000 spectators were present
at Hampden-park. Scotland set the ball rolling against the wind; but
it was soon returned by the English forwards, and a shot at goal was
made by them, but the ball went about half a yard the wrong side of
the post...
The game had
lasted about a quarter of an hour before anything of a definite
character was secured. Ker then got in possession of the ball, and
placed the first goal to the credit of Scotland. This thoroughly
called forth the enthusiasm of the large number of people present, but
their cause for exultation was short-lived, as Mosforth quickly shot
the ball through for the Southerners, it having been well passed to
him by Bambridge. For some little time after this the English kept the
play in close proximity to their rivals' posts, causing the
goal-keeper some anxiety. A claim of "hands," however, was given in
favour of Scotland who, thus aided, drove their assailants back and
carried the warfare into England's domains when, despite the activity
of Swepstone, Baird kicked a second goal for his side. The visitors,
however, were bent on not leaving them long in possession of this
advantage, and Bambridge, who kept well on the ball throughout, got
another goal for England. The score having been thus equalized for a
second time the contest became keener than ever, and a few minutes
before half-time Ker kicked a third goal for Scotland. Ends had
changed, and the ball had not long been restarted, before Ker obtained
a fourth goal. Level play ensued, but the home team again asserted
their superiority, and Kay once more sent the ball between the posts.
An accident to Campbell now caused his retirement, and the English
played up in a style which soon threatened to take the victory out of
the hands of their opponents. The ball was taken in front of the home
team's fortress, and out of a loose scrimmage, it was shot under the
cross-bar. Thus encouraged, England continued to press their rivals,
and within three minutes of the last success Bambridge gained a
fourth...
The teams were
very evenly matched in both weight and skill, and although the ground
was rather heavy, the play was pretty fast. The players afterwards
dined together at the Grand Hotel. -
The Times
- Monday 15th March, 1880
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