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Arnold Kirke-Smith


Arnold Kirke-Smith (23 April 1850 – 8 October 1927) was an English footballer who played for England as a forward in the first international match against Scotland, as well as captaining Oxford University in the 1873 FA Cup Final.

Kirke-Smith was born in Ecclesfield, Sheffield and was educated at Cheltenham College before going up to University College, Oxford. He became the captain of the University football team and was known to be a "powerful and quick attacker". He won his solitary England cap playing at inside right in England's first ever international match against Scotland on 30 November 1872, although he had previously represented Scotland in London based unofficial matches between the two nations.

In 1873, he captained the University team in the 1873 FA Cup Final against the holders, Wanderers. He started the match in goal but after conceding the first goal, he decided to play without a goalkeeper and moved into attack. Despite some "skilful" play, the students were unable to equalize before his plan "back-fired" when Charles Wollaston scored a second goal. During his career he also represented the Sheffield FA and played for the original Sheffield club.


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