BLACKBURN LAW v SOUTHPORT – On the ground of the latter at Southport. Shortly after play commenced repeated shots were made at goal by the visitors, and from their general all round play it could at once be seen that they had the best of the game, as at half-time they had succeeded in scoring give goals in a neat manner to their opponents nil.

On change of ends the game became of a more even character, and though the home team made repeated runs, they were finally stopped but the determined back of the visitors. Ultimately, at the call of time, the visitors were declared victors by seven goals to nil.

(Blackburn Standard – Saturday 3^rd December 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)