International football in the British Home Championship, with Ireland v England at Windsor Park. The visitors struggle with deplorable weather conditions in Belfast.

The first international of the season would prove a damp squib for the away team, England losing 2-0 on a sodden pitch to a solid Ireland team. From the opening shots, it's clear that the public haven't been put off by the fierce rain, supporters thronging the stadium. Note the group of young Fred Astaires dancing in the rain. As the teams come out for kick-off, we see the old Windsor Park terraces. 
 

Things would only get worse for the England team after this opening fixture. They would go on to finish the 1927-28 Home Championship in bottom spot, losing all three games, most notable a 5-1 home drubbing at the hands of Scotland's 'Wembley Wizards'. Ireland fared somewhat better, finished second as they won two of their three games - a sole defeat coming at the hands of eventual champions, Wales.

 This film was digitised as part of the BFI's Unlocking Film Heritage project.

• Football on Film - BFI