Friendly match: 05/11/1888, Monday, 14:45.
Rotherham Town F.C. — Preston North End F.C. 1:3 (0:2)
Place: Clifton, Rotherham.
Referee: J. Tomhson.
Umpires: Messrs. Simpson and Wilson.
Estimated attendance: 4.000.

Rotherham Town F.C.: A. Hall — C. Taylor, F. Turner — A. Sherwood, A. Rodgers, W. Damms — W. Bennet, W. G. Gummer, C. W. Musson, G. Medley, J. McCormick.

Preston North End F.C.: Trainer — Drummond, Hayes — J. Graham, W. Graham, Russell — Gordon, J. Ross, J. Goodall, Gillespie, Inglis.

Goals: McCormick(1, 80min) — J. Goodall(2), Inglis(1).


Miserable weather prevailed in the Rotherham district, but a large number of spectatores attended the meeting. Although North End had a very mixed team, from the first minutes of the game, although the poor condition of the field mitigated their short and precise passing game, they completely dominated the match.

After a series of advances, John Goodall scored the first goal towards the end of the first half. A few moments after, the centre-forward, through a low shot, added a second to the scoreboard.

In the second half, Proud Preston played with the wind. Some interesting events took place before both of the last goals were scored. For instance, Drummond replaced Jimmy Trainer in the goal, saved a long shot and Trainer later returned to his post. Drummond, once again, proved his impressive versatility.

Inglis, shortly after an action by Jimmy Ross, scored North End's last goal. Ten minutes before the end, McCormick, the outside left, scored the only goal for the home side.

After the match the teams, with friends, adjourned to the Ship Hotel, where an excellent tea was provided by Mr. Foers, the landlord. The company numbered 45. The after proceedings were presided over by Mr. George Gummer, Mr. C. Ratcliffe being in the vice-chair — The toast of the visiting club was given from the chair, and the captain responded. He expressed his admiration of the manner in which the local team had played, and his willingness to accept a further invitation to come to Rotherham.