Edwin Trounson pleaded Southport Central's case for admission to the Second Division He claimed that the ground was one of the best adapted for football in the country. The grandstand held 2000 and about 20,000 more could view the game in comfort. They could call on an 80,000 population and the town was easily accessible from all over the country. A circular sent to the league clubs stated that Southport had been in existence for a "lengthy and honourable period. "The pitch had been described by a prominent o Football league referee as the best in Lancashire The financial position was sound" being free from debt." lt was stressed that the town was reputed to be the wealthiest in Lancashire and the population was only used to the association game but it was all in vain.
Southport were one of eight clubs to apply. Doncaste Rrovers, Stockport County and Burnley sought re-election. The voting went Bradford City 30, Stockport County 20, Burnley19, Doncaster Rovers 14, Crewe Alexandra 7, West Hartlepool 7, Southport Central 4 and Wellington 1 . The result made bitter reading for club officials.
With the Lancashire League defunct, Southport were admitted to the Lancashire Combination 'B' Division for 1903-04 season. Continuing the successful form of the previous season Southport won the Championship by one point from Earlestown and in a Challenge match against Everton Reserves Champions of the 'A' Division they drew 1-l at Goodison Park.
In the F.A.Cup Central were involved in an exciting game at Accrington. Goalkeeper Jim Garvey gave a brilliant display as Stanley bombarded the Southport goal, Ben Rickerby scoring the game's only goal for Central. A Veteran oysterman Stephen Danhay of Anchor Street was one of 300 Southport supporters who made the trip. He suffered a seizure and was removed to a neighbouring cottage and was later conveyed to Southport where he died the same night. In his only interval of consciousness he murmured "Did they score?"
In the Lancashire Senior Cup Central reached the final overcoming Bury (the holders) 6-1, St. Helens Town 1-0 and Preston North End 3-2. In the final at Deepdale two goals fom Lionel Watson, formerly of Southport settled the issue in Blackburn Rovers favour.
Probably the season's most bizarre incident occured when referee McQueen blew the 'final whistle' seven minutes early against Stockport County. Many supporters left the ground but others ran onto the field to explain the mistake to the referee who immediately restarted the game and played another seven minutes. There was no further scoring Southport winning 1-0.