On Saturday last most of the principal clubs got into working order and then a good many instances the members proved that they have not deteriorated in any respect through want of practice. This was not the case however with the new organisation as in their encounter with Stanley a good many of the men was sadly out of form. We were present at the match and are of the opinion that the score by no means represented the true state of the game as the locals in many instances had very hard lines. When the match commenced a large number of spectators were present and considerable excitement was evinced. During the first half of the match the visitors succeeded in placing three goals to their credit and as each side secured a goal in the second half Stanley were declared the victors by three goals. As we have previously stated this should not have been the result had not the Central had the hardest of luck. This was particularly the case in the second half, D.Graham and Lea-Jones being the most unfortunate in not scoring. Most of the committee attended to witness the display and we have every reason to believe that they are thoroughly satisfied with the new blood imported and are confident that in a few weeks they will play a most scientific and combined game. This afternoon there will be great excitement on the Sports Ground when the following teams face each other – Central: Tyldesley, goal; Walsh and Aitken, backs; Taylor, Horton and Ackroyd, half-backs; Duncan, Sourbutts, Lea-Jones, Farrar and Graham, forwards. Old Boys: J.Greenwood, goal; T.Pearson and J.Cleves, backs; W.Parkinson Jr, J.Scowcroft and W.Parkinson (captain), half-backs; G.Thompson, T.Tasker, A.Halsall, H.T.Jones and R.Owen, forwards. As the Old Boys showed capital form last week in their encounter with the Blackburn Olympic reserves the match is sure to be exciting and well worth witnessing.

Southport Central had not a very auspicious opening, for Stanley defeated them by four goals to one, after having had by far the best of the game. By far the best forward on the field was R. Jones, who played a grand game. J. Wilson, Marin, an W. Wilson were the best of the defenders. Sowerbutts and Duncan were the pick of the Central, and Ackroyd at half-back did well, but the Stanley combination was too much for them.

(Athletic News, 4^th September 1888)

The football season is once more upon us, and last Saturday most of the teams in Southport donned their armour and prepared themselves for the hard work of the winter. The match of the most importance in Southport was that between Southport Central and Stanley, one of the leading organisations in the Liverpool district. The first team of the Southport club, as most people interested in football are already aware, is composed of professional players with the exception of five local men, vs. Lea-Jones, R.Aitken, F.Horton, J.Farrar and Tyldesley, so that with such a team football enthusiasts may reasonably expect great things this season. The Sports Ground in Sussex-road, has been engaged for the use of the new club, and a better field could not have been chosen in Southport, not only for the accommodation of spectators but also for the use of the players, asa level ground renders the play much more accurate, and helps the man considerably. Much has been done towards improving the ground, and there is every prospect of the club having a successful season.

About 700 persons assembled on Saturday, in anticipation of witnessing a good exhibition of the Association game, and they were not disappointed, for the match proved to be very exciting and the science displayed was of the finest description. The advertised time for commencing was 3-30 but, owing to the late arrival of the Stanley club, it was about four-o’clock before the start was effected. Southport commenced with only ten men, Sourbutts having failed to put in an appearance. In the first half Stanley had the wind in their favour, and at once settled down to work, but before any minutes had elapsed the Southport forwards broke away, and Lea-Jones put a good shot in, which, however, failed to take effect. Stanley made tracks for the home goal, but Aitken resisted the pressure, and shortly afterwards Tyldesley was called upon to use his hands. Stanley pressed and the home backs were tested to the utmost. The visiters secured a corner, but nothing resulted. Farrar and Graham raced away, and succeeded in gaining a corner, but the danger was averted, and Stanley again paid a visit to the home goal, but Walsh came to the fore and transferred play to midfield. Lea-Jones obtained possession and made a capital run, but was robbed of the ball. Southport gained another corner, but it proved useless. Lea-Jones sent in a clinking shot, but the ball was as well returned by the visiters’ backs, who were playing a sterling game. Play (indecipherable) stopped a stinger, and almost immediately after Aitken saved another. Graham made a grand run on the left, but his attempt at goal was frustrated. Lea-Jones showed up well, playing in splendid style. Stanley had a free-kick for hands, and the ball just skimmed the bar. Walsh headed a good shot, and shortly afterwards Tyldesley had again to save his charge. About this time Sourbutts put in an appearance, and the game was more even, but Stanley continued to press, and after about half-an-hours play Tyldesley missed a high shot, and they were credited with the first goal. Even play followed until Southport broke away and Lea-Jones made a poor attempt at goal, shooting over the bar. The visiters’ left wing were next conspicuous for some good passing, and managed to secure another corner, which, however, was not improved upon. Not to be denied Stanley sent a good shot in, but Walsh headed out, and immediately after Tyldesley stopped another. However the visiters still kept up the pressure, and with a low shot scored their second goal. Southport got away, and the visiters’ custodian saved a hot one. Duncan made a grand run, but was forced over the line. The Stanley forwards gained possession, and placed another goal to their credit with a low shot, and when half-time arrived the score stood – Stanley, three goals; Southport, nil. After the usual interval the game was re-commenced, and Southport immediately took up the running. Graham shot behind, and Lea-Jones made another futile attempt. Stanley had a look in, the right wing racing away, but Aitken relied, and Lea-Jones and Duncan paid a visit to the other end. The Stanley custodian saved a good one, and then the visiters’ forwards by a combined rush scored another goal against the wind. The game was contested in midfield for a time, until Farrar, obtaining possession, ran the ball through the visiter’s posts, thus scoring the first goal for Southport. The home team continued to press during the remainder of the game, but no further score was made, and the match resulted in a victory for Stanley by four goals to one. The fact of the Southport team being unaccustomed to each other’s play is sufficient to account for their defeat, the lack of combination telling sadly against them, but no doubt this defeat will be remedied as the season advances. The following were the teams: – Southport Central: Tyldesley, goal; Walsh and Aitken, backs; Taylor, Horton, and Ackroyd, half-backs; Duncan, Sourbutts, Le-Jones, Farrar and Graham, forwards. Stanley: Roberts, goal; Richmond and Wilson, backs; Roberts, Turner and Wilson, half-backs; Gowdon, McGolduck, Brown, Martin and Jones, forwards. Umpires: Mr. Ross and Mr. McGowan. Referee: Mr Gosson. During the afternoon Herr de Morey’s band rendered a captial selection of music, which was much appreciated.

(Southport Visiter, 4^th September 1888)

STANLEY v SOUTHPORT CENTRAL

Played at the Southport Sports Ground on Saturday. About 500 spectators greeted the first appearance of the new Southport club, the introduction of the professional element being favourably received. The dress of the central, white and navy blue is neat, and befits a “maritime borough” as Southport loves to be called. Over the breast pockets of the white jersey is embroidered in colours the Southport arms and the motto “Salus Populi”. On the grand stand were many ladies, including the Mayoress (Mrs E.J.Rimmer). Members of the Ratepayers Association, who have subscribed £5 5s to the club gave their patronage and the mimic warfare was waged to the martial strains of Herr de Mersy’s Band. Stanley won the toss and played with a light wind. Their goal was the first beseigned, but Richmond, who defended grandly throughout, averted the danger, and Stanley became the aggressors. Tyldesley, a fine custodian, eventually saving with his hands, and Aitken, with the first of a series of long kicks, repulsing a renewed assault. Southport ran the ball the other end, but missed a good chance; indeed, their forwards were too eager and so unused to each other’s play, that once, when the Stanley’s goal was undefended, the ball went over the bar. After about half an hour’s pretty even play, Stanley showed their superior attack and had registered three goals at the call of half time. On resuming the wind freshened a little, and a slight shower fell. Southport had soon again to defend, and Stanley scored for the fourth and last time. Several corners were conceded to Southport, and on the whole the ball was neatly centred, but nothing was ever attained. Once, however, Southport showed both brilliant and effective play from goal to goal. Aitken, by a beautiful return, sent the ball into mid-field. Ackroyd (who acts as captain until Frank Sugg can join) dribbled onwards, and Graham “took” the only Stanleyites who looked dangerous leaving Ackroyd to send the ball flying through the posts. Southport’s first and only score evoked hearty recognition. For the rest of the game Southport pressed, and twice sent the ball just past the post and once an inch over the bar, but in the end the score still stood Stanley 4, Southport 1. Of the players not already mentioned, Horton and Sourbutts for Southport and Jones for Stanley were the most prominent, but every man on the field worked hard, and the return match (Dec 1, at Liverpool), when both clubs are in full practice will be interesting. Teams – Stanley: Roberts, goal; Richmond and W.Wilson, backs; Roberts, Martin and J. Wilson, half-backs; Cowden, Threlfall, Jones, Brown and Millington, forwards; umpire, Mr R.J.Ross. Central: Tyldesley, goal; Walsh and Aitken, backs; Taylor, Ackroyd and Horton, half-backs; Graham, Sourbutts, Farrer, Lea Jones, and Duncan, forwards; umpire, Mr McGowan. Referee, Mr R.J.Gosson.

(Liverpool Mercury, 3^rd September 1888)

The Stanley (Liverpool) team travel to Southport today to meet the new Southport Central club, who will enter the lists for the first time. The Central consists of four Southport players and seven imported professionals, drawn from the Halliwell, Bolton Wanderers, Burnley, Blackburn and Edinburgh University clubs.
Frank and Walter Sugg will join the team at the end of the cricket season. Frank Sugg is to take the captaincy.