The semi-final of the Chorley Rawcliffe Charity Cup was reached in 1902 before Stalybridge Rovers defeated Central 2-1. In an earlier Cup-tie in the competition a demonstration took place at the final whistle against the referee who had disallowed a Cooper goal for offside. A crowd of between 300 and 400 made a dash for the dressing tent which the referee reached in safety, Some constables kept guard at the entrance with the crowd maintaining its menacing attitude. The Committee tried to disperse the crowd. At 6.15 fully an hour after the game the referee guarded by constables and in the company of the Chairman, Mr. Robinson, was escorted to the tram. Outside the ground some dirt and a few stones were thrown, one of which struck Mr. Robinson's hat. Fortunately, no one was hurt.
At their annual general meeting it was reported that the club was at long last out of debt and had a balance of £75. It was decided not to make an application to the Second Division. Excellent work was accomplished in the Lancashire Senior Cup. Rochdale were defeated 3-0 in the Qualifying round and both the Manchester clubs, City 1-0 away and Newton Heath 5-0 at home before going out to Burnley who scored in the last minute.
After being one of the original members of the Lancashire League, Southport Central won the Championship at their 14th attempt. Their success came in what proved to be the last season of the League. Southport suffered only three defeats and won the Championship with five points to spare. They also won the Chorlev Rawcliffe C,harity Cup, defeating Stalybridge Rovers 1--4 in the final. Southport showed complete superiority when they gained a 3-0 win in a Champions v The Rest match.
On May 26th, 1903 the championship medals were presented at a dinner held at Hayes Restaurant Chapel Street . The dinner was marred by the seasons only disappointment which had taken place the previous day. Councillors lsaac Smith and Edwin Trounson went to London to put the club's case in their second bid for membership of the Second Division of the football league with plenty of confidence. Despite many promises of support some clubs evidently changed their minds for they received only four votes. Only one other Lancashire Club supported their application.