Wales beat England to notch first international football win

The week after the Wales rugby team had been walloped by England in their first international appearance in Blackheath, the Welsh football team notched their first victory on Saturday, 26 February, 1881, with a 1-0 win over England at Blackburn. The only goal of the game came from Jackie Powell (Druids) in the 54th minute on a pitch made treacherous by snow and ice. Llewellyn Kenrick was a late replacement for Jack Powell, who missed a train connection and failed to make the game. The founding father of the FAW, Kenrick hadn’t played for a couple of years and was forced to retire during the game with a dislocated knee and smashed teeth. He returned to the action before the end.

Hawtrey, the English goalkeeper, threw the ball out but was charged over at the same time and Vaughan running up placed the leather safely through the goal for Wales. The Englishmen strove hard to get on terms with their opponents. Shot after shot was aimed at the Welsh goal but each attempt was rendered futile. When time was called Wales were declared winners by one goal to love – Wrexham Advertiser – Saturday 5th March, 1881