We are used now to hyperbole in the media. Victorian journalism was more restrained.
Here's how The Athletic News introduced the England team who faced Scotland on 5th March 1876:
The following constitute the English team:
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Hubert Heron
Scotland won 3-0. It was a case of a heavier, dribbling team being outdone by combination.
Here's how The Athletic News introduced the England team who faced Scotland on 5th March 1876:
The following constitute the English team:
A.H Savage, Crystal Palace (goal): He is a very good goal keeper and a powerful kick.
* A H Stratford, Wanderers (back): Can play forward or back, plays well as a full back, being a good and strong tackler.
E. Field, Clapham Rovers (back): A first rate back.
E. Field, Clapham Rovers (back): A first rate back.
E.H Bambridge, Swifts (half back): Is a very useful forward as well, especially at the wings, keeps the ball when he gets possession of it, and is happy as a goal keeper.
B.G Jarrett, Cambridge University (half back): A real good player, and has shown good form this year.
Hubert Heron, Wanderers: As a wing player is very useful, and at times brilliant, is fast aside, dribbles skilfully, used to be a little selfish in his style of play, but of late very much improved in this respect; played in the International matches, 1873, 1874 and 1875.
W.J Maynard, Fist Surrey Rifles (new man): Very powerful and strong forward.
C.E Smith, Crystal Palace: One of the best players in his team.
A.W Cursham, Nottingham: One of the best of the Northern players- a very fast and energetic forward.
F.Heron,Wanderers: Dribbles well, but is rather too light.
W.S Buchanan, Clapham Rovers: A good dribbler, the best of his team.
W.S Buchanan, Clapham Rovers: A good dribbler, the best of his team.
H. Heron captains the team for England.
*Stratford did not play; his place was taken by F.T Green (Wanderers)
Hubert Heron
Scotland won 3-0. It was a case of a heavier, dribbling team being outdone by combination.