Match Report – Liverpool Mercury – 03/11/1884

SOUTHPORT V PRESTON NORTH END – The latter sent their second team to represent them in this tie at Southport yesterday, and, contrary to expectation, were beaten by a goal. The home team won the toss, and played with the wind at their backs during the first half. The visitors were pressed from the start, and their goalkeeper had to save several shots. After Melross had sent in a capital shot, which was well stopped by the North End goalkeeper, the visitors assured the offensive, and had hard lines into not scoring. The home team hacks defended in good style, and half time was called, neither side up to then having scored. On restarting the North-enders pressed their opponents; but Platt defended his charge well, and after a time the Southport man raced up the field with the ball, but were unable to score til just before the call of time, when Dalby having the ball passed to him by Briggs, kicked a goal, this being the only point in the game. Southport team: S.Platt, goal; Blundell and Baxter, backs; Critchley, Johnson, and Stewart, half-backs; Morris, Melross, Briggs, Bailey, and Dalby (captain). Referee: Mr Gregson, Blackburn.

(Liverpool Mercury – 3rd November 1884)