1979–80 British Home Championship

The 1979–80 British Home Championship saw only the second undisputed victory for Northern Ireland in the British Home Nations international football tournament in 96 years of its existence. It was the first time since 1970 that Scotland agreed to travel to Northern Ireland, having refused to play there since 1972.

The opening matches provided two great shocks for the long-established favourites of England and Scotland, with a narrow Northern Irish home victory over the Scots and a Welsh 4–1 thrashing of the English, putting the underdogs in pole position going into their remaining rounds. Scotland recovered slightly with a narrow victory over the Welsh, but England could only manage a draw with the Northern Irish, who were in the best position to claim undisputed first place for 66 years. In the final matches, England salvaged pride and points with a win over the Scots taking them to second place, but the Northern Irish claimed the trophy by defeating Wales in Cardiff, celebrating their centenary with a rare triumph.

Table

Team Pld W D L GF GA GD Pts
 Northern Ireland (C) 3 2 1 0 3 1 +2 5
 England 3 1 1 1 4 5 1 3
 Wales 3 1 0 2 4 3 +1 2
 Scotland 3 1 0 2 1 3 2 2
Source:
Rules for classification: 1) points 2) goal difference. The points system worked as follows: 2 points for a win and 1 point for a draw.
(C) Champion.

Results


Wales 4–1 England
Thomas  19'
Walsh  30'
James  60'
Thompson  66' (o.g.)
Mariner  16'
Referee: Ian Foote

England 1–1 Northern Ireland
Brotherston  81' (o.g.) Cochrane  83'
Referee: Gwyn Owen

Scotland 1–0 Wales
Miller  26'
Referee: Hugh Wilson


Scotland 0–2 England
Brooking  8'
Coppell  75'

References

  • Guy Oliver (1992). The Guinness Record of World Soccer. Guinness. ISBN 0-85112-954-4.
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