Central v. Heywood

Southport Visiter, Thursday 27th December 1888

These teams met on the Sports Ground on Christmas Day. The weather was not very favourable, as the rain was descending rather heavily, but, in spite of this, a large number of spectators assembled. The home team were weakened by the absence of four of their usual players. Ward kicked off for the visiters, and the game was tolerably even, though the wind militated against scientific play. Ward scored the first goal for Heywood, who crossed over leading by one to none. In the second half Heywood scored again, and Ackroyd and Sourbutts scored for the Central, the game ending in a draw, Teams:-Central: Blundell, goal: Forshaw and Aitken, backs; Horton, Ackroyd, and Lea-Jones, half-backs; Mullin and Cranshaw, right; Sourbutts, centre; Duncan and Taylor, left wing. Heywood: Hillard, goal; H. Lomax and Holden, backs; Edwards, Hanson, and J. Lomax, half-backs; Dunn and Hadfield, right wing: Ward, centre: Radcliffe and Horrocks, left wing. Mr. Whalley, referee.
Subsequently the Central Committee entertained the players and a few friends to a capital tea at Wood’s Dining Rooms, Chapel-street, thirty-two in all sitting down. The evening was spent in a jovial fashion, Mr, R. McGowan presiding, supported by Mr. E. Ramsbottom, the hon. secretary, and several members of the Central Committee.