On Saturday last the Central encountered Stanley on the sports ground before a good number of spectators. It will be remembered by football enthusiasts that the Central met the same club in their opening match and the result was decidedly in favour of Stanley. On Saturday last, however, the local team, who have made great strides since the first match, were not long in asserting their authority, as immediately after the commencement Horton got one past the stanley custodian. After this the visiting team had slightly the best of the play, and upon one occasion called upon Tyldesley to use his hands. Till the remainder of the first half the Central men worked assiduously, and through they only secured another point before the whistle blew, it was entirely owing to the brilliant defence of the Stanley goalkeeper, who saved shot after shot in a most masterly manner.

During the latter portion of the game the home team were continuously hovering around the visiters citidel, but Ross again acquitted himself most creditably, and only allowed one shot to go past him. Thus the game ended in favour of the Central by three goals to one – a marked contrast to four goals to one in favour of Stanley, which was the state of the poll at the conclusion of the first match. Although the visiting team were not quite fully represented, the same remarks apply to the Central, which made the victory one to be proud of. For the fit time this season Ackroyd missed a couple of kicks, but directly after he pulled himself together, and played with his usual smartness.

Frank Horton is a greatly improved player and the same may be said of Lea-Jones, both of whom were frequently applauded on Saturday last for their capital opposition.

Stanley went to Southport to open the new ground of the Central, and were beaten rather unexpectedly. They easily defeated the same team at the commencement of the season, but they were on this occasion without the services of Jones, who on the former visit of Stanley to Southport played very brilliantly, and this might to some extent account for the difference in the result.

(Athletic News, 23^rd October 1888)

ATHLETIC NEWS

FOOTBALL

ASSOCIATION

Central v. Stanley

About 500 spectators assembled on the sports ground, Sussex Road, on Saturday last to witness the encounter between these clubs. It will be remembered that on the last occasion the teams met, Stanley proved victorious by three goals to one, and thus supporters of the Central were rather anxious as to the result, to see if their team had benefited by the matches they had contested in. They were not long left in doubt, as from the commencement of the match it was evident that the local club had improved so much, that their opponents had not the slightest chance against them.Operations were commenced by Stanley kicking off in the direction of the railway goal, and they at once paid a visit to the home team’s quarters, but their efforts were repelled by Cheetham, who, with a huge kick, sent the ball past the halfway flag. Taylor got possession, and after a smart run he passed to Horton, who sent in a hot shot, which beat the Stanley custodian, thus notching the first point in less than two minutes. After the kick-off, a corner was soon gained by the home team, but it proved futile. Horton immediately afterward was conspicuous by a fine dribble, and his final touch was saved at the expense of a corner. Stanley then paid another visit to the other end, and Tyldesley was called upon to use his hands. The ball was soon sent to the Sussex-road end of the field through the instrumentality of Lee-Jones, who, after a splendid bit of play, passed to Graham, and that player notched another point. Half-time was called without any change in the score.After a brief rest, the Central started the sphere, and Lee-Jones made a grand run, dribbling past all his men, and shot against one of the backs, who put it through his own goal. After this, the Central were constantly peppering away at the Stanley citadel, but the goalkeeper repelled every effort in a manner that frequently drew forth the applause of the spectators, until Forshaw, who assisted Stanley, made a good run and sent in a terrific shot, which Tyldesley just managed to save. After this, the game was always in favor of the Central, and the wonder is how the score was not largely increased, as shot after shot was sent in, which the goalkeeper saved in the most miraculous manner.The following were the names of the teams:—Central: Tyldesley, Cheetham, Aitken, Shaw, Ackroyd, Horton, Hillman, Duncan, Graham, Taylor, and Lee-Jones.Stanley: Ross, Richmond, Wilson, Martin, Hillman, McDonald, Maxwell, Brown, Platt, Jeffer, and Forshaw.

At Southport, before nearly 1000 spectators. Stanley kicked off, and the ball was immediately taken into the visitors quarters, Taylor, by a grand shot scoring for the home team. Some give and take play followed, and ultimately from a scrimmage in front of goal Lea and Jones forced the leather through, thus registering the second point for the Central. Nothing further occurred and at half time the score stood – Southport 2, Stanley 0.
Result – Southport Central 3 – 0

(Lancashire Evening Post, 20^th October 1888)