Robert Davies (footballer, born 1863)

Robert Davies (born 1863) was a Welsh footballer who played as a wing half for Druids in the 1880s and made one appearance for Wales in 1885.

Robert Davies
Personal information
Full name Robert Davies
Date of birth 1863
Place of birth Cefn Mawr, Wales
Date of death First World War
Place of death France
Position(s) Wing half
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
1883–1886 Druids
Ardwick
Rossendale
International career
1885 Wales 1 (0)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals

Football career

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Davies was born in Cefn Mawr, near Ruabon, and was the eldest of five brothers who played for Druids. Described as "a keen competitor and a tough tackler",[1] he helped Druids reach the final of the Welsh Cup in 1884, losing 1–0 to Oswestry White Stars after a replay.[2] The following year, the clubs met again in the final with Druids winning this time 3–1, again after a replay.[3]

He made his solitary international appearance against England in 1885. The match was played at Leamington Road, Blackburn on 14 March and ended in a 1–1 draw,[4] with the English performance described as "disappointing".[5]

After leaving the Druids in 1886, Davies moved to Manchester where he briefly played for Ardwick and later Rossendale.[1]

Career outside football

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Davies was killed in action during the First World War.[1]

Family

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Three of his brothers also played for Wales: Joe (7 appearances), Lloyd (16 appearances) and Thomas (4 appearances).[1]

Honours

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Druids
  • Welsh Cup winners: 1885
  • Welsh Cup finalists: 1884

References

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  1. ^ a b c d Davies, Gareth; Garland, Ian (1991). Who's Who of Welsh International Soccer Players. Bridge Books. p. 42. ISBN 1-872424-11-2.
  2. ^ "Oswestry White Stars 1 – 0 Druids". Welsh Cup Final 1884. Welsh Football Data Archive. 14 April 1884. Retrieved 14 December 2011.
  3. ^ "Druids 3 – 1 Oswestry White Stars". Welsh Cup Final 1885. Welsh Football Data Archive. 7 March 1885. Retrieved 14 December 2011.
  4. ^ "England 1 Wales 1". Welsh Football Data Archive. 14 March 1885. Retrieved 14 December 2011.
  5. ^ Gibbons, Philip (2001). Association Football in Victorian England – A History of the Game from 1863 to 1900. Upfront Publishing. p. 80. ISBN 1-84426-035-6.
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