Wrexham, 1878: E
Phennah, C Murless, T W Davies, A Davies, E A Cross, E Evans snr, C
Edwards, J Davies, John Price, E Evans jnr, H Loxham
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Druids: B Roberts, J Powell, L Kenrick, H Morris, W Williams, C F Ketley, E Bowen, Dr D Grey, G F Thomson, J Jones, J Vaughan | ||||
19 teams entered (one, Swansea RFC entered in error believing it to be a Rugby competition and withdrew). There was one English club (Northwich Victoria) and Aberystwyth from Ceredigion, the others all being north Wales sides.
The final was contested by two near neighbours , both founded in 1872.
The origins of Druids F.C. date back to 1869 with the formation of Wales’ first football club, Plasmadoc F.C. In 1872 Plasmadoc merged with Ruabon Rovers and RuabonVolunteers under the guidance of Llewelyn Kenrick of Wynn Hall Ruabon. (In March 1876 Kenrick founded the Football Association of Wales at the Wynnstay Arms Hotel, Ruabon ) In 1876 the Druids became the first Welsh club to enter the FA Cup, but before their match with Shropshire Wanderers, the Ruabon side withdrew.
The Druids, who won the Welsh Cup 5 times in the 1880's, took part in the first ever Welsh Cup match (at Newtown) on October 13, 1887, just a week after playing Scottish giants Queens
Park at Hampden Park.Wrexham was formed on 28th September 1872 at the Turf Hotel by members of the Wrexham Cricket Club, who wanted a sporting activity for the winter months.
Their early matches were curious affairs played by teams of up to 17 a side. Wrexham were leaders of the campaign to restrict teams to 11 a side.
The final was decided by a 90th minute goal credited to James Davies: 'the Wrexham forwards charged the Druids' defenders to take the ball over the line'
There wasn't an actual trophy though.
Welsh Cup Final-30th March 1878
Wrexham 1- Druids 0
Acton Park,Wrexham
Attendance- 1500
