Robert Davies (footballer, born 1869)

Robert Davies (born 1869) was a Welsh footballer who played as a forward for Chester and Wrexham in the 1880s and 1890s. He also made two appearances for Wales in 1892.

Robert Davies
Personal information
Full name Robert Davies
Date of birth 1869
Place of birth Caergwrle, Wales
Date of death 1930s
Position(s) Forward
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
1888–1891 Chester
1891–1892 Caergwrle
1892–1895 Wrexham
1895–1913 Caergwrle
International career
1892 Wales 2 (0)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals

Football career

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Davies was born in Caergwrle, about 5 miles north of Wrexham. He started his career with Chester in 1888 before joining his village team in 1891. He then spent two years with Wrexham where he was considered to be a "capable" winger who had pace and showed "neat skills".[1]

His first international appearance came on 27 February 1892, when he was selected to play against Ireland; the match ended with the scores level with one goal each.[2] Davies retained his place for the next match against England which ended in a 2–0 victory for the English.[3] The English team consisted mainly of players associated with the Corinthian club, who were "a little too skilful for the Welsh".[4] Davies himself was described as "weak" in his international appearances.[1]

In 1893, he was part of the Wrexham side who won the Welsh Cup, defeating Chirk 2–1.[5] Wrexham next reached the final in 1895, but this time lost 3–2 to Newtown.[6] This was Davies' final appearance for Wrexham.[1]

In 1895, he returned to playing for his village team, and was still playing in 1913.[1]

International appearances

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Davies made two appearances for Wales in international matches, as follows:[7]

Date Venue Opponent Result[8] Goals Competition
27 February 1892 Penrhyn Park, Bangor   Ireland 1–1 0 British Home Championship
5 March 1892 Racecourse Ground, Wrexham   England 0–2 0 British Home Championship
Win Draw Loss

Career outside football

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Before becoming a professional footballer, Davies was a coal-miner.[1] He was also a keen cricketer who was a notable bowler for Caergwrle Cricket Club.[1]

Honours

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Wrexham
  • Welsh Cup winners: 1893
  • Welsh Cup finalists: 1895

References

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  1. ^ a b c d e f Davies, Gareth; Garland, Ian (1991). Who's Who of Welsh International Soccer Players. Bridge Books. p. 42. ISBN 1-872424-11-2.
  2. ^ "Ireland 1 – 1 Wales". Welsh Football Data Archive. 27 February 1892. Retrieved 15 December 2011.
  3. ^ "Wales 0 – 2 England". Welsh Football Data Archive. 5 March 1892. Retrieved 15 December 2011.
  4. ^ Gibbons, Philip (2001). Association Football in Victorian England – A History of the Game from 1863 to 1900. Upfront Publishing. p. 189. ISBN 1-84426-035-6.
  5. ^ "Wrexham 2 – 1 Chirk". Welsh Cup Final 1893. Welsh Football Data Archive. 3 April 1893. Retrieved 15 December 2011.
  6. ^ "Newtown 3 – 2 Wrexham". Welsh Cup Final 1883. Welsh Football Data Archive. 15 April 1895. Retrieved 15 December 2011.
  7. ^ Samuel, Bill (2009). The Complete Wales FC 1876-2008. Soccer Books. p. 11. ISBN 978-1-86223-176-4.
  8. ^ Wales score first
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