The Western Mail of 19th February 1879 reported:-
"NEWPORT v. GLOUCESTER.-" This match was played on Saturday last at Gloucester, in the Spa Park, where there were upwards of 4,000 spectators present. Owing to the heavy rain during the previous day and night the ground was in a rather bad condition for football. The game was commenced at 3.45, W. Phillips, the captain of the visitors' team, starting the leather with the wind against him. It was soon apparent that the match would be very hotly contested, and the result proved it to be the case. The home team at first seemed to hold a little advantage, and compelled their visitors to touch in goal; but they soon pulled themselves together, and worked the ball into the Gloucester 25 in capital style. There was very little brilliant play until after half-time, heavy scrummages being the order of the day, with the exception of two fine runs made by Moggridge and Rosser for the visitors, both resulting in tries, but their opponents objected, and the referee gave it in their favour. Soon after the commencement of second half of the game, one of the half-backs of the Gloucester team, and W. Phillips, the captain of the visitors, came to grief and had to retire, consequently the remainder of the time was played with only 14 men aside. The game now became more spirited than ever. Rosser for the visitors made a splendid run, taking the ball into his opponents' 25, and soon after the home team were compelled to touch-down in self-defence. The play was now, for the most part, in the Gloucester 25, Newport again forcing their opponents to touch-down. The Gloucester forwards, by some good dribbling, gradually worked the ball down towards the Newport goal, and for a moment or two the game seemed likely to end in a draw. Newman, however, secured the ball, and made a capital run more than half way up the hill. A heavy scrummage was now formed, and the ball being dribbled out, Newman again obtained it, and went clear through all his men, with the exception of the Gloucester back, who collared him about half-a-dozen yards from the goal line. He, however, passed the ball to Loane, who ran in and obtained the try. The place kick was entrusted to Moggridge, but, owing to the slippery state of the ground and leather, it did not come off. "No side" was now called, leaving the game thus:- Newport, a try, and compelled their opponents to touch down three times in self-defence; to Gloucester nil. The following competed:- Newport: C. F. Thompson, back; F. Phillips and A. J. Moggridge, three-quarter backs; G. Rosser, half-back; C. H. Newman and T. Spittle, quarter-backs; W. Phillips, captain; H. Lyne, W. Ponsford, R. H. Loane, G. Harding, J. Boddington, A. F. Goss, A. Goss, and E. Jenkins: umpire, Mr. R. Mullock. Gloucester: W. A. Broughton and W. Sunshall, quarter-backs; J. F. Brown (captain), half-back; J. Brunwell and H. Broughton, three-quarter backs; H. Berry, back; G. Archer, Cadle, Dewey, W. Brown, Grimes, Tandy, Stephens, Winterbottom, and Cartwright, forwards; umpire, Mr. Young; referee, Mr. W. Packenham, captain Cheltenham Football Club."