On This Day: April 9th

On this day in 1898, Southport Central welcomed Rochdale.

In 1897-98 Central were able to field a relatively settled side. Tom Abram in goal proved to be a most consistent performer and gave five years service. Tom Smith and Fred Spink were generally acknowledged to be the best pair of full-backs in the league, with Walter Cunliffe, Herbert Hallows (although missing for this game) and Tattersall at half-back giving sturdy defence.

Fred Spink was a recent signing from Clitheroe and went on to have a career with Central which spanned 13 years, gaining the reputation of being one of the best backs in Lancashire. He had several offers to assist league clubs but preferred to remain at Southport where his coolness and resource where his outstanding characteristics

SOUTHPORT 2 – 0 ROCHDALE

Competition: League
Date: 09/04/1898

Southport Line-Up: Tom Abram, Thomas Sellars, Tom Smith, Fred Spink, Walter Cunliffe, Jimmy Tattersall, Joey Shadbolt, Joey Blundell, Charlie Hallows, Walter Lymath, John Lang
Goals: Joey Blundell, Walter Lymath