1901/02 Season Summary

Central, runners-up in the, Lancashire League once again in 1902, had three hard F.A. Cup-ties against Blackpood drawing home and away 0-0 but prevailing 2-1 at Deepdale There followed three dour struggles against Darwen who finally won 1-0 at Bolton.

Central were weakened when Arthur Kelly received a nasty cut over the eye which had to be stitched by the club surgeon, Dr. Hall, and prevented him from appearing for the remainder of the game.

In October, Southport created a Lancashire League and club record 11-0 win over Bacup Borough. During the season Warrington disbanded and their record was expunged but not before Central had beaten them 4-0 at Scarisbrick New Road after paying their expenses to secure their presence.

The semi-final of the Chorley Rawcliffe Charity Cup was reached in 1902 before Stalybridge Rovers defeated Central 2-1. In an earlier Cup-tie in the competition a demonstration took place at the final whistle against the referee who had disallowed a Cooper goal for offside. A crowd of between 300 and 400 made a dash for the dressing tent which the referee reached in safety, Some constables kept guard at the entrance with the crowd maintaining its menacing attitude. The Committee tried to disperse the crowd. At 6.15 fully an hour after the game the referee guarded by constables and in the company of the Chairman, Mr. Robinson, was escorted to the tram. Outside the ground some dirt and a few stones were thrown, one of which struck Mr. Robinson’s hat. Fortunately, no one was hurt.