Robert Davies (footballer, born 1863) explained

Robert Davies
Fullname:Robert Davies
Birth Date:1863
Birth Place:Cefn Mawr, Wales
Death Date:First World War
Death Place:France
Position:Wing half
Years1:1883–1886
Clubs1:Druids
Clubs2:Ardwick
Clubs3:Rossendale
Nationalyears1:1885
Nationalteam1:Wales
Nationalcaps1:1
Nationalgoals1:0

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.

Football career

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

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

Family

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

Honours

Druids

Notes and References

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