Officials [umpires and referees are of equal relevance]

England

Wales

About four thousand people were present at Kennington Oval on Saturday to witness the ninth annual match between England and Wales under Association rules. The weather was delightfully fine, and a most enjoyable game was witnessed. The Football Association had got together a very powerful team to represent England, with the result that Wales suffered a severe defeat. Successful in the toss, the Englishmen selected the western goal, and shortly after three o'clock Wales kicked off with a light wind in their faces. Not many minutes elapsed before the ball was taken close up to the Welsh goal, and Bambridge made an unsuccessful shot. Again the visitors were severely pressed, and Mills-Roberts stopped shots by Lofthouse, Cobbold, and Bambridge. A quarter of an hour from the start England obtained their first goal, the ball going through of the defending backs. On play being resumed England again asserted their superiority. Their combination was remarkably good, while the defence of their backs prevented the visitors' forwards becoming dangerous. The home eleven made several attempts to increase their advantage, but this they had been unable to do up to half-time, when they were leading by one goal to none. Positions having been reversed, the home forwards again forced the play. Cobbold and Bambridge showed brilliant form along the left side. It was after a clever run by the former that Lindley scored a second goal for England. In spite of these losses Wales played in a most spirited manner. Subsequently Cobbold and Lindley each secured a further goal for England, who were declared the winners by four goals to none.
  

Preston North End defeated the F.A. Cup holders, Blackburn Rovers, 8-2.

It was on 26 February 1887 that southern France and northern Italy were counting the cost of the Mediterranean earthquake, three days earlier. The death toll reached an estimated 2000 people.

The team chosen to represent England in this international match at the Oval on Saturday proved far too powerful for Wales...
About 4,000 people witnessed the contest. Choice of positions fell to England, who selected the western goal, which gave them the advantage of a light wind, and at five minutes past 3 Wilding kicked off for Wales...
England continued their aggressive tactics, and when rather more than a quarter of an hour had elapsed Cobbold shot the ball between the posts off one of the defending backs...
Ten minutes had elapsed since half-time when a fine middle by Cobbold enabled Lindley to register the second goal for England, who quickly afterwards again pressed their opponents...
Good passing among the forwards ended in Cobbold securing a third point for England, while a fourth resulted from the foot of Lindley. - The Times, Monday, 28 February 1887.