CENTRAL SWIFTS V. HIGH PARK RESERVE

Southport Visiter, 4th December 1888

This match was played on the Sports Ground on Saturday last, in lovely weather, and some 500 spectators lined the ground. So far this season the Parkites have played twelve matches, winning them all, scoring 52 goals to nine against them. Hibbs kicked off for the Swifts, and a smart attack was made by the home team. Guest was called upon to negotiate a hot shot from Aspenall and the same player shortly afterwards put the ball over the bar. The Swifts played up, but could not do anything, owing to the grand defence of the Parkites. The game became very fast and exciting, Guest having to save twice in rapid succession. T. Evans and Hoban got away, and caused Webster to kick out. From the throw in, Hoban passed neatly to W. Evans, who scored the first goal for the Park, after twenty minutes’ play. From the kick off the Park forwards worked the ball into the home quarters, and, after some pretty passing, they were able to score again.
Elated by this success, the visiters played up, and Cadwell sent in a hot shot, but Guest cleared in grand style, amid applause. The Swifts forwards worked the ball up, and T. Halton scored for the home team. At half-time the total was-High Park, 2 Central, 1. On resuming the home team pat Vose in goal, Guest going half-back. Re-starting, the Swifts soon made is warm for the visiters’ defence. The game again settled down to a very even state, the ball travelling with great rapidity from end to end. A break-away by Hoban and T. Evans looked very much like the downfall of the Swifts’ goal, but the latter just shot over the crossbar. Walmsley and Webster presented a stubborn defence, and repeatedly cleared. Cadwell received the ball, and a grand passing was made by the Parkites, in which W. Evans and Cadwell played the principal part, and Aspinall scored No. 3 for the visiters. Soon after hands were obtained in the home goal mouth, and C. Blundell headed through his own goal. After this the home team tried hard to score, but owing to the grant back play of L. Sumner they were prevented. Soon after, time was called, leaving the final result -High Park. 4 goals: Central, 1 goal. Teams:- High Park A. Ball goal; L. Sumner, captain, and C. Taylor, backs; J. Forrest, W. Wright and B. Gregson, half- backs; R. Cadwell, W. Evans, R.Aspenall, T.Evans and D. Hoban, forwards. Central: Vode, goal; R. Walmsley and Ted Webster, full backs; A. Guest, W. Forshaw, and C. Blundell, half-backs; T.Halton, Brighouse, T. Hibbs, W. Rimmer and Blackledge forwards. Umpires: Mr. J. Wareing and Mr J. Rimmer. Referee: Mr. Watson