THE INTERNATIONAL AT BIRMINGHAM
— James Catton | 05/05/1902 —

It is often said that a match is never won until it is lost, and an exemplification of the truth of this sporting proverb was vouchsafed at Birmingham on Saturday, when England and Scotland replayed what should have been their annual struggle, a course deemed necessary, not only in the interests of football, but also for the sake of the Ibrox Relief Fund. But the match at the Aston Villa ground was neither won nor lost, for as at Glasgow we assisted at another drawn battle. Thus, although England remain unbeaten in their international series, they cannot pose as the champion country of these isles, for that honour has by Saturday's match been regained by Scotland. Returning to the point at which we set out, it may at once be said that the game was really extraordinary, for during the first half the Scotsmen were easily the winners. Indeed it looked all Bond-street to the familiar china orange on the Caledonians gaining a handsome victory, for England were completely mastered and could do nothing right. The sons of Scotia were irresistible so long as the ground was firm and fast, and they had a lively ball, with the result that at the interval Scotland had two goals to their credit, and England were in the position of the poor dog that went to the cupboard and found it bare. But before the first period had been completed we experienced one of those drenching rainstorms peculiar to the season, and water lay on the ground, the ball became greasy, the foothold insecure, and the conditions totally different. In such surroundings even a two goals lead was insufficient for the Northerners, as the Englishmen played a vastly superior game. Within about twenty minutes the arrears had been extinguished, and with the least luck England would have won outright. Such a transformation is not often seen, and a remarkable game ended in a draw of two goals each — so that the last three games between these determined opponents have ended without a decisive issue. But if England had taken the finest chance of the match on Saturday it is exceedingly probable that they would have been hailed the victors

THE PEOPLE AND THE PLAYERS.

The gathering was a trifle disappointing, for there were not more than 16.000 spectators round the enclosure, but with a shilling admission the sum taken at the gates was £990. A collection on the ground realised upwards of £57, while the English players contributed a sum of £19 10s. towards the fund. A month earlier there would have been a larger assembly, for it is very late for the winter game, and all vitality ebbed out of it when the Cup was won at the Palace. Besides, the public seemed convinced that this was only an exhibition match arranged to assist the Ibrox Fund. They did not grasp the idea that the Glasgow match had been officially declared "unfinished," and that the battle of Aston was the real Simon Pure after all. The populace have a mind of their own, and it is difficult to persuade them to believe that an International could be replayed. Of course, this is the first time such a course had been taken. Both Associations were anxious to play exactly the same elevens, and while England realised their wish, there were three changes in the Scottish ranks. Having injured his hand while goalkeeping, Doig gave way to Rennie, to the delight of Edinburgh, for the custodian to the winners of the Scottish Cup is very popular in the capital. Then John Campbell and George Livingstone were not quite up to International pitch, and the Celtic begged their release. The Scottish Football Association decided to requisition M'Coll, who, during last week, showed some of his best form in Glasgow, while they gave the position at inside-left to Orr, who usually appears as inside-right in his club team. Thus with Andrew Aitken as captain, Stewart M'Coll as centre, and Ronald Orr on the left, Newcastle United had the distinction of supplying three men to Scotland. The teams accordingly lined up thus: —

ENGLAND: W. George — R. Crompton, G. Molyneux — A. Wilkes, F. Forman, A. Houlker — W. Hogg, S. Bloomer(captain), W. Beats, J. Settle, J. Cox.

SCOTLAND: H. Rennie — N. Smith, J. Drummond — A. Aitken(captain), A. Raisbeck, J. Robertson — R. Templeton, R. Walker, R. S. M'Coll, R. Orr, A. Smith.

TWO GOALS EACH.

England kicked off against the wind, which was not very strong, but the Scotsmen settled down with such a pronounced lead that a goal came in so short a time as three minutes. The right wing of the Caledonians had splendidly forced the play, and their attack was assisted by a free kick for hands against Wilkes near the eighteen yards line. The ball was returned to the right by the English backs, and Templeton made a fast shot at 25 yards' range. This took effect, and had a very subduing effect on the crowd. The Scottish right were both clever and persistent, and many corners were conceded, especially by Molyneux, who was often in difficulties. The only relief for England came from their right wing, too, for Hogg and Bloomer were determined, and beating both Robertson and Drummond the Derby man centred, but only on to the top of the netting. But Templeton was seldom out of the picture, and he let drive from near the touch line. Of course George had a long view of the flying ball, but nevertheless he made a gallant save. Bloomer evoked a cheer by a heroic effort to dash between the backs. Indeed he got to close quarters, and to foil his final effort Rennie rushed out and charged the ball down, although not without difficulty, for Bloomer and Beats were hustling and bustling around. Although England were manifestly the inferior team, so well were their opponents manoeuvring, Hogg was eager to distinguish himself, and centred so accurately that again Rennie ran out to remove danger. But Templeton and Walker, well fed by the half-backs, were persistent raiders, and England gave away more corners. From one of these, beautifully placed by Templeton, Orr jumped up and headed in. The ball grazed Molyneux's cranium, but passed into the net on the far side from George, Scotland thus being two up at the end of twenty-seven minutes. The English forwards tried all they knew, but generally the opposing half-backs nipped in and put their plans awry. Once Settle made a long shot which was wide of the mark, and Drummond decided to let the ball roll over the line wide of the goal. Hogg dashed up at full speed behind him, and Rennie, on seeing danger, was drawn out of goal. Hogg grassed Drummond, and trapping the leather, passed back to Beats, who had the full goal at his mercy, and nary a goalkeeper to stop him. Even then he pushed the ball gently to one side ,and as it was going out Aitken cleared. This was a goal simply thrown away, and Scotland made tracks to the other end, where the ball hit the crossbar, and George cleared as rain began to descend in torrents. Although Rennie again saved from Hogg, the Scotsmen were pressing at the interval, George having just dodged Orr and punted away from a corner. Thus Scotland were leading by two clear goals when ends were changed. After Templeton and Walker had been beaten off England began to show vastly better form than they had yet done, for Hogg was still more to the fore, and both Forman and Wilkes developed good shooting powers. Hogg's centres presented more than one chance. Bloomer seized an opportunity and shot, when Smith conceded a corner. From this Settie smartly headed a goal at the end of twenty minutes. The point infused such life into the Englishmen that they again attacked by the same methods, and again there came a corner. The ball was never got away, and passing out to the right Wilkes equalised with exactly the same kind of shot as Templeton opened accounts with. Two goals in as many minutes was a startling change, and the atmosphere which had been subdued, was rent with cheers. England kept up the pressure to the end, but there was no more scoring, and when the whistle blew, Bloomer secured the ball.

POINTS OF PLAY.

Perhaps the drawn game was the happiest possible ending, and maybe reflected the course of the struggle, for England had quite as much in hand during the latter half as Scotland had in the opening forty-five minutes. Indeed, after the interval George was mainly a spectator, and I do not think he had as much to do as Rennie, take the game all through. And yet, during their ascendency the Scotsmen showed complete mastery both of the ball and their opponents. Their footwork was bewitching, for, their combination was only equalled by their dexterous dribbling, and those little telling taps and touches which distinguish the true artist. Nearly all the Scotch manoeuvring was to the right wing. Neither Orr nor Alec Smith had many chances, and when they had they experienced a lot of trouble from Crompton. But Templeton's pace and trickery were made the most of against Houlker and Molyneux, who were really not able to cope with such a sinuous sprinter. The result was that Scotland wisely plied the outside right for all they were worth. And what a partner had Templeton in Bobby Walker, a strong and resourceful player, whose passes were perfection? He sacrificed everything to feeding Templeton, and whenever it was possible both Aitken and Raisbeck pursued the same tactics, with the result that time after time the ball was placed right at the toes of Templeton, who had nothing to do but dash off. He was equal to all that was required of him in the first half, and was therefore a constant source of danger, and really both the goals came from his wing. When we add to this that the Scottish half-backs were always in good position, and able to nip in so as to break up most attempts at any methodical attack by the opposing forwards it will be seen that England had indeed a stormy time. And then when they did perchance get past the middle line,JohnDrummond was behind lunging away with ponderous, wild kicks. Only twice during the first half had England any chance of notching a point, and then Beats was as weak as a baby at the most critical moment. There was some diversity of opinion as to the Scottish goals, for when the free-kick was given against Wilkes for hands it was said that the ball bounced from the turf and accidentally hit him, while in the second instance it was contended that the corner was never really given. However this may be, I cannot tell, for an iron pillar is not transparent, and it obstructed my view of many incidents in front of the Aston goal, where every point was scored. Still I would not have that iron pillar removed, and I am convinced that such play as Scotland showed fully deserved a couple of goals, despite the defence of Crompton and George. But in the second portion Scotland lost their combination and everything else, including two goals. No doubt the changed conditions troubled them more than the Englishmen, who, however, rallied very largely because Houlker redeemed himself, and kept Templeton more in hand, for he never gave him a yard of room, while Frank Forman was always on the ball. We all know what a difference strength at half-back makes, for the forwards get support and can forge ahead. Hogg imitated Templeton's tactics, and then as the game progressed the English left wing at length asserted themselves. For instance, Settle obtained his customary goal in these representative matches in a manner which became the crack scorer of the League. But even Cox, who had been disappointing, seemed to find his bearings, and time and again he made telling centres into the neighbourhood where Rennie was dancing about, very keen to scent danger. Wilkes equalised, and such an act covered a multitude of sins. All this time George was trying to devise means to keep himself warm, for he had a good view of the battle from afar. England attacked with tremendous power after getting on terms, and they were precious near scoring, but nothing more tangible than a barren corner was their reward, and so the spoils were divided.

THE SCOTTISH STARS.

Templeton's foot was on his adopted heath, anl he was nothing more nor less than a dazzling star during his period of activity. There is a spontaneity and a natural genius about this effervescent youth, who possesses a talent for all kinds of games. He can play at anything, and at football best of all. Discarding the tracery of mosaic patterns and dwelling on the ball for the sake of appealing to the gallery, the Aston Villa outside right went about his duties like a workman. Considering that M'Cartney broke his leg and that Scotland were at their wits' end for an outside right, Mr. M'Gregor did a great service to his country in selecting the youth — but then this is the one match of the year in which the Father of the League feels he is a Scotsman. All the other days of the year The M'Gregor tries to realise that he is an Englishman by residence. Not one whit less praise is due to Bobby Walker, who, as the secretary of the "Hearts" once said to an English League club official of an enquiring turn of mind, is worth all Edinburgh Castle. During the match I saw famous Billy Bassett — the hero of many an International — and he was enthusiastic in his appreciation of Walker. He is certainly a great initiator, and such a man is the big flywheel of a complicated football machine. While by no means the power he has been in the last three matches with Scotland, M'Coll kept his wings going impartially, but his individualism was not prominent, and he never seemed able to dash his way through either in a beeline or by feints as of old. Some quiet work was accomplished by Orr, but Alec Smith was not so great as aforetime, for Crompton kept a watchful eye on the All Ranger, whose chances were few. the Scottish half-backs were good, with I liked Aitken probably the cleverest. his work for once in a way more than that of Raisbeck, while Robertson was untiring and often successful against a strong wing. The better of the Scottish backs was Drummond, probably because he had much more to do then Smith. Both were strong kickers and braw tacklers, who have no fear. Like a man on springs Rennie kept goal well, and he had no chance whatever with the balls which beat him.

THE ENGLISH ELEVEN.

As to the Englishmen I must compliment them on the way they rallied and saved the game when they faced such odds George was in no way to blame, and it is just possible that he might have saved the second goal had he had a clear view of the ball all the time. Certainly it was going away from him after the leather left Orr's head, but Molyneus intervened. I cannot say that I was much struck with the Southampton back, and all thing considered it was lucky there was a Crompton on the side. The Blackburn Rover was the finest back on the field without any exception, and revelled in the work which fell to him. He kicks well with either foot, and is an honest tackler. In the first half Frank Forman was quite below par, but afterwards he was the life and should of the team, always on the ball, giving opportunities to his forwards, and shooting like a marksman. This made such a lot of difference, while Houlker after the interval clung to Templeton like a limpet to a rock. Moreover, Wilkes played a hard, plodding game. As to the English forwards, Hogg was far and away the best, for he is fearless, fleet, and strong, and he centres well. He was a long way the most consistent of the attacking brigade. Once or twice Bloomer sparkled like a brilliant, but altogether he seemed stale and irritable. Generally in the thick of the fight Beats tried his best, but much as I should like to think so I cannot say that he struck me as an international centre, although on the day he was just as capable as M'Coll. Only I do not think that the Scotsman could have missed such a chance as Beats did. The left wing was less satisfactory than in any match in which Settle and Cox have been associated. The Liverpool flyer made hardly any of those runs for which he is famous — those dribbles down the touch line, with a centre at the end of them. In the second half Cox improved, and middled occasionally in his best style. Nor was it Settle's day out, although at times he showed what he could do with the ball in very little compass. But he was nothing like so effective near goal as is usual with him. However, we must be thankful. A team which was two goals behind and then makes a draw deserves our gratitude.