THE LAST DANCE

For the third time in a row, W. N. Cobbold, of Old Carthusian, had been selected to contest the Home Championship. The first match would be against Ireland, on 05/02/1887, at Bramall Lane, Sheffield.

There is not much to describe about his performance, as Ireland did not put up much of a fight against England. The left inside forward stood out through his precise combinations with E. C. Bambridge; he was passing and centring with precision. The formidable Old Carthusian scored two goals in a 7:0 win.

The next match, against Wales, was scheduled for 26/02/1887, Saturday, at Kennington Oval.

Cobbold was very active in the match, constantly receiving the ball, performing his dribbling sequences, creating opportunities for others or finishing them off himself. In fact, the Carthusian crack added another goal in the tournament. He was also responsible for the first goal scored by Tinsley Lindley. He worked in capital style. The Carthusian, however, ended up getting injured. Consequently, there were doubts as to whether the London side would have their main player for the clash against North End in the FA Cup.



Against Scotland, Cobbold's electric runs were all too consistent. The inside forward dribbled with precision and at very high speed, but it was clear that he lacked the judgment to stop his individualism. He somewhat overdid his runs, and was often dispossessed later. Cobbold, nevertheless, played a brilliant game.


JOHN JAMES BENTLEY: Cobbold manipulated several grand dribbles, but seemed too desirous of running the ball through. 

» Cobbold gave us some of his electrifiers, but would persists in dribbling too far, was knocked over, and the danger averted. 

» Individually, Cobbold was the best, and put in some really magnificent runs.


Furthermore, due to his brilliant skill, those who saw him came to the conclusion that he was a unique, inimitable forward, and even some critics went so far as to cite him as the best ever produced.


McHAMASH SAUNDERS: Cobbold is the best forward player of Association football I ever saw, and he played one of his best games on Saturday.


Individually, with the exception of James McAulay, Cobbold was the best player on the field. This match also marked the last time that W. N. Cobbold represented England in an International match.