24/02/1900 Llandudno Wales 0-2
Tom Scott, John Pyper, Mick Cochrane, John McShane, Archie Goodall, Hugh Maginnis, George Sheehan, Thomas Morrison, Jack Kirwan, Alfie Kearns, Joseph McAllen
Played at The Oval, Llandudno in Wales Ireland returned to the same venue where they had defeated Wales in 1898. The attendance was recorded at around 6,000 and the fans got to enjoy the fine weather while watching the association football match. The pitch was in good condition generally but for one of the goalmouths which was muddy.
The Glasgow Herald states that the “game was fast and entertaining from beginning to end.”
Wales won the toss and chose to play “with their backs to the light wind that was blowing.” Ireland did well in the opening period with George Sheehan (Bohemians) and Thomas Morrison (Burnley) causing problems within Welsh territory. The Irish attacks were not to be rewarded however, and Wales nearly took the lead when Tom Scott (Cliftonville) saved well from David Jones (Bangor City).
The score remained 0-0 at half-time.
The crowd picked up in the second half driving the Welsh team forward. However, it was the Irish who nearly scored after a shot by Alfie Kearns (Distillery) was dropped by Welsh goalkeeper Leigh Rose (Aberystwyth Town) although William Harrison (Wrexham) was on hand to clear the ball.
Wales scored soon afterwards from David Davies (Hereford) as he took the ball from Billy Mederith (Manchester City). His shot hit the back of the net but it was ruled out as the player was judged to be in an off-side position.
With the scores still level at 0-0 the game entered into the final quarter of an hour, with Wales pressing hard on home turf for the goal to obtain the victory. Their fortitude was rewarded on 80 minutes when Jones centred for Thomas Parry (Oswestry) who scored past Scott.
Not long after, Wales were able to wrap up the match with a second goal from the penalty spot, after the ball struck the hand of John Pyper (Cliftonville). Mederith scored the resulting penalty.
The game finished Wales 2 – 0 Ireland.
Author: Magheramesk
* Trivia –
On February 24, 1900, Ireland were coached by former national defender Robert Torrans. The importance of the team captain was far greater in the 19th century than it is today, and the post carried with it more authority and duties.
Robert Torrans won the most national cup competitions in one or more countries as either player and trainer (coach) during the 19th century. In 1892, 1893 and 1895 he won the Irish Cup three times as player with Linfield, and twice in 1898 and 1899 as trainer with the same club. Robert Torrans, born in Belfast on November 26, 1866, was three years older than his brother Sam. “Rab” Torrans, who also played a full international for Ireland in 1893, was a versatile player who preferred the position of left half-back, but could also play on outside left or left full-back. As a trainer he was very circumspect and determined.
The Glasgow Herald Match Report
The Ireland side which faced Wales in Llandudno 1900
Source: http://nifootball.blogspot.co.uk/2010/11/053-24-february-1900.html
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