The Western Mail of 10th November 1879 reported this disputed game, which was accompanied by crowd trouble, with Newport walking off!
"CARDIFF v. NEWPORT. - EXCITING GAME"
"On Saturday afternoon last a football match was played in Cardiff Arms Park, Cardiff, between the Cardiff and Newport football clubs, and was witnessed by a numerous concourse of persons. The Cardiff team comprised Messrs. W. D. Phillips (captain), J. G. Stothart, A. B. Macdonald, Saunders, P. K. Heard, Norton, B. B. Mann, B. E. Girling, J. A. Jones, Knight, J. D. Evans, F. Vyvyan, H. F. D. Sewell, H. H. Treatt, and E. D. Thomas. The Newport team was composed of Messrs. W. Phillips (captain), Thompson, Lyne, Loan, T. Harding, F. Harding, Jordan, Edwards, Ponsford, A. Goss, Alfred Goss, Spittle, F. Phillips, Hancock, and Rosser. Cardiff won the toss, and the ball was kicked off by Sewell. It was caught by the Newport back, and a succession of scrimmages took place in close proximity to the Newport goal. At the very outset Rosser received a severe kick on the ankle, which necessitated his retirement. He did not again appear on the field. After a warm struggle Girling managed to obtain possession of the ball, and to score a try, for which he was applauded by the spectators. The kick for goal by Macdonald was unsuccessful and the fight was resumed with increased vigour on Newport ground. The home team played remarkably well, and though the leather was at one time driven into their territory, it was returned by some clever dribbling on the part of Girling. During a scrimmage Phillips (Cardiff) made off with it, and accomplished the feat known as "running in." The umpires, however, decided against him. For some time no noteworthy advantage was gained by either team, but Heard (Cardiff) and Phillips (Newport) alternately distinguished themselves by their smart running and passing, which elicited considerable applause. Ultimately the Newport goal was again threatened, Heard having kicked the ball well forward. A skilful punt from Thompson, the Newport back, sent it to the left of the goal, but after a scrimmage it was caught by Phillips (Cardiff), who tried a drop kick for goal. The attempt was a good one, but it failed, and the Newport men seeing their danger touched down in self-defence. Half-time was soon afterwards called, the ball being then in the vicinity of the Newport goal. The clubs having changed goals, the captain of the Newport team kicked off, and a scrimmage immediately ensued. The visitors played with great energy, and compelled their opponents to defend their goal. F. Phillips made a plucky run, but was collared by Heard. Another Newport man kicked the ball forward as soon as it fell to the ground, but it alighted on the line of goal and rebounded. The excitement at this point was intense, and the two teams were encouraged by their respective partisans with continuous cries of "Go it, Cardiff," "give it them, Newport," &c. The Cardiff backs did their duty well, and the ball was driven back some yards. Heard was unfortunately kicked in the scrimmage which ensued, and left the field. Seeing, however, that Newport was gaining the advantage, he returned amidst the cheers of the bystanders, and once more displayed his wonted skill and agility. Several times he made off with the ball, but was stopped, and several times he was instrumental in preventing the Newportonians gaining a try. So imminent, however, did the danger appear, that the Cardiff team did their utmost to touch-down in self-defence, and in this they were ultimately successful. It is to be regretted that no more effective means were adopted for keeping the ground clear. during the excitement which was occasioned the crowd frequently surrounded the players, and the scene became one of uproar and confusion. On the recommencement of the contest the Cardiff goal was again threatened, and a succession of scrimmages took place close to the line of the goal. The bystanders thronged around the players, and it was difficult for the umpires to pay proper attention to the game. The result was a dispute. Newport claimed a try, and was supported by their umpire. The Cardiff men denied that any try had been gained, and the public to a great extent siding with them, they refused to give way. They were, however, willing that Newport should kick for goal under protest, but this they refused to do, and the captain called his men off the ground. The game, therefore, terminated amidst general disorder. The umpires were - Cardiff, Mr. Jones; Newport, Mr. Mullock."