Match Report – Liverpool Mercury – 12/10/1883

English Cup Tie – Blackburn Rovers v Southport – This match as played at Blackburn on Saturday afternoon, but there was no great degree of excitement manifested anent the result, and the Rovers did not achieve such a sensational victory as did Darwen over Bootle the week previous. Play commenced at 20 minutes past three, the Blackburn men having to go against the wind in the first half. Suter soon lowered the Southport colours, whilst Lofthouse kicked a the second, and two more were added before half-time. In the second half Southport held their opponents at bay for nearly half an hour, but at last Avery defeated the visitors’ custodian, and finally the Rovers win an interesting game by seven goals to nil. Teams – Rovers: Arthur, goal; Suter and Beverley, backs; McIntyre and Forest, half-backs; Avery, Douglas, Duckworth, Lofthouse, Strachan and Sowerbutts, forwards. Southport: Platt, goal; Baxter and Burnett, backs; Rylance, Derby, and Ramsbottom, half-backs; J. Melross, T. Morris, Mellor, Briggs, and Whittaker, forwards.

(Liverpool Mercury – 12th October 1883)