Match Report – Southport Visiter – 09/10/1883

Bolton v Southport – The above clubs met on Saturday last at the ground of the latter, before a good number of spectators, and the game ended in a victory for the visitors by five goals to nil. Bolton losing the toss, Walker kicked off and after some even play the ball was taken into the Southport territory, but the backs defended well. Walker having put the ball through, it was disallowed on use of hands. Southport now worked the ball down, but the back play of Turner and Dobson was too good for them. After some good play the first goal was scored by Walker, which ought to have been stopped. Some even play in neutral ground now took place, the second goal was scored from a scrimmage in front of goal. Several attempts were made on the part of the Southport forwards to score, but their attempts proved fruitless. A claim of hands gave Bolton a free kick in front of goal, however, nothing resulted. No. 3 goal was scored immediately afterwards. After some even play half time was called score standing three goals to nil. Upon changing ends Bolton kicked off with the wind to their backs; it was thought the score would be raised considerably, but the backs played up well, especially Ramsbottom. Harper put in a low shot, which raised the score to four. The fifth goal being got from a splendid shot by Scowcroft. If the Southport forwards had played a more combined game and not shot so erratically, and the outside wingmen past oftener no doubt Southport would have been able to score. For Bolton Turner Walker Dobson and Harper played best, whilst for Southport Ramsbottom, Mellor Connor and Morris worked well. Teams:- Bolton: Goal, W.Ainslie; backs, Turner and Dobson; half-backs, Scowcroft and Sleigh; forwards, Holden, Baines, Harper, Murray, Boardman, Walker. Southport: goal, Platt; backs, Rylance and Whittaker; half backs, Baxter and Ramsbotham; forwards, Melrosss, Martin, Briggs, Mellor, Blundell and Morris. Umpire: Mr Gowanlock and R.W.T.Hatch. Referre: Mr C.Ambler. Next Saturday, our local “Reds” play the Hurst Park-road Club in the Lancashire Challenge Cup competition, on the home ground, Scarisbrick New-road, and a good game may be expected.