Match Report – Southport Visiter – 01/12/1881

SOUTHPORT v BLACKBURN LAW – This association match was played on the ground of the former in Scarisbrick New-road, and resulted in an out-and-out victory for the visitors. Immediately after the kick-off the superior skill of the latterin the game was soon manifest, but considering that the “locals” have only played about four games under these rules their display was very creditable but they have not yet got into the way of playing together and keeping “hands off” the ball. The strength of their opponents was clearly manifest from the start, and at the conclusion of the game they were easily defeated, after one of the most friendly matches witnessed in this town. The Southport men played vwey well considering, especially Parks, who appeared as a “sub”. For the winners, Mr Roylance[sic] (the captain) was all there and was well backed up by his comrades, especially the two gentlemen whose names were not given.”

(Southport Visiter, 1^st December 1881)