Saturday last the new organisation – the Southport Central – had an important engagement, the club they met being long Eaton Athletic, the winners of the Derbyshire Junior Cup. It was expected that the visiters who came with such a good reputation would make rings around a local club, and even “Bertie,” who is considered to be about the best local judge concerning football matters, had expressed his opinion to that effect; but those who had come to that conclusion were greatly disappointed, as the Central men played with great dash, and where within an ace of winning. A large number of spectators turned out to witness the encounter, and they were rewarded by seeing a really scientific display. The local captain, Ackroyd, played with great determination, and thoroughly deserved the applause which he was favoured with. Duncan also worked willingly, and if he was not inclined to be a little selfish, no doubt he would be seen to even greater advantage. Lea-Jones, and in fact the whole team, with the exception of Tyldesley, played capitally, and it was exceedingly hard lines that they had to put up with defeat by three goals to two, as on many occasions it was by the narrowest shave that the visiting goalkeeper repelled the shots that were sent in. This afternoon the Central meet St Helens on the Sports’ Ground ,and we have no hesitation in saying that the home team will gain a decisive victory. The following will represent the Central: Joy, Shaw, Blinkhorn, Horton, Ackroyd (captain), Sourbutts, Lea-Jones, Taylor, Graham and Duncan.

Southport Central v Long Eaton Athletic – These clubs met on Saturday last, for the first time on the Sports’ Ground, Sussex Road, when a large number of spectators turned out to witness the encounter. The Long Eaton club were last season the winners of the Derbyshire Junior Cup hence some good play was expected, and in their anticipations of such, those who had assembled were not disappointed. Ackroyd, the central captain, won the toss, and having decided to defend the railway goal, the visiting centre commenced operations precisely at four o’clock. The home forwards at once went to work with a will, and were soon peppering away at the visitors’ goal; but the custodian defended in such a capable manner that for a time there efforts we’re not rewarded with success. Duncan, the left wing man, who is a sterling player, then made a run run down the field, but he was on this occasion a wee bit selfish, for had he had passed to Sourbutts a goal would have been certain. Ackroyd played with considerable dash, and greatly pleased the onlookers with his smart tackling and kicking. Just before half-time the last named player got possession, and he passed smartly to Lea-Jones, who, in turn, sent the ball to Sourbutts, and the last named repassed to Lea-Jones, that player was able to beat the visiting goalkeeper. During the second half the long Eaton Club store three goals owing to the faulty play of Tyldesley who let a couple of shots passed him that any child could have repelled. Notwithstanding the visitors being two goals ahead, the home team continue to play with considerable dash, and all but scored on half a dozen occasions. Just before the call of time another appointment registered for the Central and although they left the field a goal to the bad, they certainly had the satisfaction of knowing that the spectators were thoroughly satisfied with the exhibition they gave. There is not the slightest doubt that had it not been for the feeble display of Tyldesley the home team would have recorded a victory, and the visitors have their goalkeeper to thank for the admirable exposition he gave. The following was the Central team: Tyldesley, goal; Blenkhorn, right full-back; Shaw, left full-back; Horton, right half-back; Ackroyd, centre half-back; Farrar, left half-back; Sourbutts, right wing outside; Lea-Jones, right-wing inside; Taylor, centre; Graham, left wing inside; Duncan, left wing outside.