In a disappointing Cup-tie at Scarborough, the Midland League club forced a goalless draw against Southport. Players could not be blamed; the weather was the culprit. Heavy rain left the pitch waterlogged and eventually, all down the middle, it resembled a quagmire.

The centre-forwards had a terrible time. They could not help overrunning the ball when it stuck in the mud. Scarborough held their own fairly well and came very close with solo efforts in the second half.

The mud, however, could not prevent Southport showing they were the more skilful side comments “Mariner”. Grainger was the outstanding defender on the field, and in approach Southport’s wing halves stood out. In the front line, the wingers, Stapleton and Colquhoun, were most prominent, because they were on drier ground. A draw was the only fair result to what was more a test of endurance than a football match.

On Southport’s light ground there should be a different story in the replay to-morrow and at least some better football.

The receipts at Scarborough were £347 and the attendance was 6,816.