ANOTHER "FIRST" FOR OUR BRAVE NATIONAL TEAM!!!

On this day in 1949, the England team lost a home International match, beaten by the Republic of Ireland team (below) at Everton's Goodison Park, in front of 51,000. This was the first defeat for the England senior side by a visiting team from outside the UK. England was captained by the legend, Billy Wright of Wolverhamton Wanderers but he and his chums could not prevent their national side from failing to beat the Irish in a 0-2 "reverse". Goals from Con Martin and Peter Farrell sealed the English "fate".

The game was used by both teams as part of their preparations for forthcoming World Cup Qualifiers. Despite the absence of both Stanley Matthews and Stan Mortensen, England fielded a strong team, including Billy Wright, Neil Franklin, Wilf Mannion and Tom Finney.( players you should be familiar with!) 

Ireland's team included just seven First Division players, but these included Johnny Carey who had been voted Footballer of the Year in 1949. Another two Irish players, Tom Aherne and Tommy Moroney, like Finney, played in the English Second Division. The remaining two Irish players, goalkeeper Tommy Godwin and Tommy O'Connor both played for Shamrock Rovers in the League of Ireland.

The early pattern of the game saw England launch wave after wave of attacks. However Tommy Godwin was in inspired form and Con Martin, Tom Aherne and Johnny Carey proved to difficult for England to get past. Carey was also effective in keeping Tom Finney quiet, while wing-halves Billy Walsh and Tommy Moroney gradually took the sting out of the English front line. Ireland took the lead in the 33rd minute when Peter Desmond, after collecting a pass from Tommy O'Connor, burst into the England penalty area and was brought down. Con Martin then converted the subsequent penalty kick. During the second half the wave of England attacks continued. Peter Harris hit the bar and Jesse Pye also went close. However Peter Farrell, playing at his club Everton's home ground, made victory certain in the 85th minute. O'Connor slipped the ball to Farrell and as the English goalkeeper Bert Williamsd advanced, Farrell lofted the ball into the net.

England's attacking line-up and defensive resilience stood out, while Ireland impressed with their counter-attacking tactics and fighting spirit. 

England	0–2	Ireland
	Report	Martin 33' (pen.) Farrell 85'

at Goodison Park, Liverpool

Attendance: 51,047

Referee: Jack Mowat (Scotland)

Games won by England 8, lost 2, drawn 9