Match Report – Southport Guardian – 26/09/1885

HIGH PARK v SOUTHPORT

The premier club journeyed to High Park to play their fixture with the villagers last Saturday. There was a large turnout of spectators who had the pleasure of seeing a good match. Baxter won the toss, and chose to play with the wind at their backs. Tasker kicked off, and it was soon apparent that the game was to be a fast one.Southport rushed the ball up to the Park’s quarters, but Barton caught them up, returning the ball with a high kick. Hoban and hill getting possession ran up the length of the field and shot, but it went behind the line. Southport now pressed the High Parkers, putting in some shots which Spencer fisted out in grand style; but from a corner nicely put in Southport drew first blood. This reverse roused the High Parkers, who began to show some really grand play, their dribbling and passing fairly bothering the premier club. Hoban getting the ball passed it to centre, Haslehurst passing again to Hill, the little left winger made the game even at half time. After a short rest play was resumed, Southport rushing off with the ball, but Cadwell and partner were all there. High Park now pressed their opponents, three corners following in succession; but owing to the high wind Singleton put all three behind. Not to be denied, they still kept the ball in Southport’s quarters, Baxter and Griffiths defending well, but at last the winning point was gained by High Park, amidst the shouts of delight from their friends and supporters. Southport now playing desperately, at times introducing the elements of roughness into their play, but High Park were in noways disconcerted, playing a safe defensive game to the finish, ultimately defeating the premier club by two goals to one. For the winners, Spencer in goal played a splendid game. The coolnes and ease with which he got away the shots of his opponents was very much admired. Cadwell and Barton played a good game, the latter improving every match. The way Jos. Was bottled up by the ‘little un’ was a caution. The half backs also did a big share of the work while the five forwards compared favourably with their doughty opponents. For the losers, Briggs, Baxter, and Griffith played a good defence game; but the forwards were disappointing, playing too selfish a gamm and with a great want of combination.

(Southport Guardian, 26^th September 1885)