1892–93 Burslem Port Vale F.C. season
Encyclopedia
The 1892–93 season was Burslem Port Vale
's first season of football in the Football League
. The club were founding members of the Football League Second Division
, the First Division having been in operation for four seasons prior to 1892–93. A learning curve for the club, it marked the first of four seasons of struggle in what was rapidly becoming the second tier of the strongest league in the world. This learning curve was punctuated by the biggest league defeat in the club's history, a 10–0 humiliation in a snowstorm at home to Sheffield United
on 10 December 1892, still a Football League record for a home defeat.
Other than the record defeat (which saw right-half Billy Delves
play in goal), and two away performances where five goals were conceded, the Vale were competitive in most matches, winning three of their games by at least a three goal margin. If not for the capitulation to Sheffield United then the club would have had one of the better defensive records in the league. However a run of one goal scored in five consecutive games highlighted their lack of offensive firepower. This run saw them lose eight of ten games.
playing only friendly matches, cup games, and in minor leagues such as the Midland Football League
; 1892–93 marked the club's first season in the Football League
. The Football League's merger with the Football Alliance
saw the club granted Second Division status, due to their third place standing in the Midland League in 1891–92, along with Northwich Victoria
and Sheffield United
.
dying of kidney disease before a ball was kicked. His replacement was Wallace Bliss
, and local headmaster Fred Farrington
was appointed captain. The first match continued in desperately poor fashion; Billy Beats
missed the train, and so Vale played with ten men against Small Heath
, losing 5–1, with Bliss scoring the club's first Football League goal – his only goal in the league ever. Away matches were difficult for the "Valeites" as players had trouble gaining permission from their employers to miss work.
Finishing in 11th place, they finished one place above bottom club Walsall Town Swifts
, and level on points with Crewe Alexandra
. Their fifteen points were less than half the tally of champions Small Heath (who were not promoted after losing their 'Test Match'). A time of expansion for the competition, they retained their league status despite their poor showing (disbanded Bootle
were the only team to lose their status), and the next season three more teams were added to the league. Vale's defence performed admirably (most of the time), however Vale only scored 30 goals in their 22 league games. Their first ever point came at Bootle, and their first ever win was a 4–1 home victory over Crewe Alexandra.
in 1885–86, they failed to make it through the qualifying stages this time round. In the Staffordshire Senior Cup
they exited in the First Round to Burton Wanderers
, and in the Birmingham Senior Cup
they left at the Second Round after a 4–1 defeat by Aston Villa
.
P = Matches played; W = Matches won; D = Matches drawn; L = Matches lost; F = Goals for; A = Goals against; GA = Goal average; Pts = Points
Port Vale F.C.
Port Vale Football Club is an English football club currently playing in Football League Two. They are based in Burslem, Staffordshire — one of six towns that make up the city of Stoke-on-Trent. The club's traditional rivals in the city are Stoke City, and games between the two clubs are known as...
's first season of football in the Football League
The Football League
The Football League, also known as the npower Football League for sponsorship reasons, is a league competition featuring professional association football clubs from England and Wales. Founded in 1888, it is the oldest such competition in world football...
. The club were founding members of the Football League Second Division
Football League Second Division
From 1892 until 1992, the Football League Second Division was the second highest division overall in English football.This ended with the creation of the FA Premier League, prior to the start of the 1992–93 season, which caused an administrative split between The Football League and the teams...
, the First Division having been in operation for four seasons prior to 1892–93. A learning curve for the club, it marked the first of four seasons of struggle in what was rapidly becoming the second tier of the strongest league in the world. This learning curve was punctuated by the biggest league defeat in the club's history, a 10–0 humiliation in a snowstorm at home to Sheffield United
Sheffield United F.C.
Sheffield United Football Club is a professional English football club based in the city of Sheffield, South Yorkshire.They were the first sporting team to use the name 'United' and are nicknamed 'The Blades', thanks to Sheffield's worldwide reputation for steel production...
on 10 December 1892, still a Football League record for a home defeat.
Other than the record defeat (which saw right-half Billy Delves
Billy Delves
-Playing career:Delves joined Burslem Port Vale in the summer of 1891, making his debut at a friendly game at Newton Heath on 1 September 1891 – the match was abandoned with Vale down 2–1. The half-back played in goal for the Football League record 10–0 home demolishing by Sheffield United on 10...
play in goal), and two away performances where five goals were conceded, the Vale were competitive in most matches, winning three of their games by at least a three goal margin. If not for the capitulation to Sheffield United then the club would have had one of the better defensive records in the league. However a run of one goal scored in five consecutive games highlighted their lack of offensive firepower. This run saw them lose eight of ten games.
Winning Football League status
Having spent their early historyHistory of Port Vale F.C.
The history of Port Vale F.C., an English association football club based in Stoke-on-Trent, began when the club was formed in 1876. In 1884, the club moved to the town of Burslem, changing their name to Burslem Port Vale in the process. The club joined the Football League Second Division upon its...
playing only friendly matches, cup games, and in minor leagues such as the Midland Football League
Midland Football League
There have been at least two different football competitions in England which used the name Midland Football League.One existed until 1982 before merging with the Yorkshire League to form the Northern Counties League....
; 1892–93 marked the club's first season in the Football League
The Football League
The Football League, also known as the npower Football League for sponsorship reasons, is a league competition featuring professional association football clubs from England and Wales. Founded in 1888, it is the oldest such competition in world football...
. The Football League's merger with the Football Alliance
Football Alliance
The Football Alliance was an association football league in England which ran for three seasons, from 1889–90 to 1891–92.It was formed by 12 clubs as a rival to the Football League, which had begun in the 1888–89 season, also with 12 member clubs...
saw the club granted Second Division status, due to their third place standing in the Midland League in 1891–92, along with Northwich Victoria
Northwich Victoria F.C.
Northwich Victoria Football Club are an English football club who play at the Victoria Stadium in Wincham, Northwich, Cheshire in the Northern Premier League Premier Division, the seventh tier of the English football league system.Northwich are an old club, founded in 1874 and named in honour of...
and Sheffield United
Sheffield United F.C.
Sheffield United Football Club is a professional English football club based in the city of Sheffield, South Yorkshire.They were the first sporting team to use the name 'United' and are nicknamed 'The Blades', thanks to Sheffield's worldwide reputation for steel production...
.
Second Division
The pre-season started terribly, star striker Frank McGinnisFrank McGinnis
Francis McGinnis was a Scottish footballer. He was described as 'the best centre-forward that ever left Scotland'.-Playing career:...
dying of kidney disease before a ball was kicked. His replacement was Wallace Bliss
Wallace Bliss
Wallace Bliss was a footballer. He was the first player to score a Football League for Burslem Port Vale.-Playing career:Bliss joined Burslem Port Vale in August 1892. He made his debut at inside-left on 3 September 1892 as Vale lost 5–1 at Small Heath, his goal was the clubs first in the Football...
, and local headmaster Fred Farrington
Fred Farrington
Fred Farrington was a footballer.-Playing career:Farrington probably joined Burslem Port Vale in the autumn of 1888. He took four years to establish himself in the first team, but was a regular from March 1892 to September 1893. He retired due to ill health in April 1894.-References:...
was appointed captain. The first match continued in desperately poor fashion; Billy Beats
Billy Beats
William Edwin "Billy" Beats was an English international footballer from Wolstanton in Staffordshire.-Club career:...
missed the train, and so Vale played with ten men against Small Heath
Birmingham City F.C.
Birmingham City Football Club is a professional association football club based in the city of Birmingham, England. Formed in 1875 as Small Heath Alliance, they became Small Heath in 1888, then Birmingham in 1905, finally becoming Birmingham City in 1943.They were relegated at the end of the...
, losing 5–1, with Bliss scoring the club's first Football League goal – his only goal in the league ever. Away matches were difficult for the "Valeites" as players had trouble gaining permission from their employers to miss work.
Finishing in 11th place, they finished one place above bottom club Walsall Town Swifts
Walsall F.C.
Walsall Football Club are an English association football club based in Walsall, West Midlands. They currently play in League One. The club was founded in 1888 as Walsall Town Swifts, an amalgamation of Walsall Town F.C. and Walsall Swifts F.C. The club was one of the founder members of the Second...
, and level on points with Crewe Alexandra
Crewe Alexandra F.C.
Crewe Alexandra Football Club is an English professional football club based in Crewe, Cheshire. Nicknamed The Railwaymen due to the town's links with the rail industry, they currently play in Football League Two, the fourth tier of English football, and are based at the Alexandra Stadium.The club...
. Their fifteen points were less than half the tally of champions Small Heath (who were not promoted after losing their 'Test Match'). A time of expansion for the competition, they retained their league status despite their poor showing (disbanded Bootle
Bootle F.C.
Bootle Football Club is an English football club based in Bootle, Merseyside. The club are currently members of the North West Counties League Premier Division and play at New Bucks Park.-Previous clubs in Bootle:...
were the only team to lose their status), and the next season three more teams were added to the league. Vale's defence performed admirably (most of the time), however Vale only scored 30 goals in their 22 league games. Their first ever point came at Bootle, and their first ever win was a 4–1 home victory over Crewe Alexandra.
Cup competitions
Despite reaching the Fifth Round of the FA CupFA Cup
The Football Association Challenge Cup, commonly known as the FA Cup, is a knockout cup competition in English football and is the oldest association football competition in the world. The "FA Cup" is run by and named after The Football Association and usually refers to the English men's...
in 1885–86, they failed to make it through the qualifying stages this time round. In the Staffordshire Senior Cup
Staffordshire Senior Cup
The Staffordshire Senior Challenge Cup is a football cup tournament based in the county of Staffordshire in England first competed for in 1877-78. Organised by the Staffordshire Football Association, it is competed for by a mix of clubs from Staffordshire and the surrounding areas. Both...
they exited in the First Round to Burton Wanderers
Burton Wanderers F.C.
Burton Wanderers were a football club from Burton upon Trent, Staffordshire, England that spent three seasons in The Football League. In 1901, the club merged with Burton Swifts and formed a new club, Burton United.-History:...
, and in the Birmingham Senior Cup
Birmingham Senior Cup
The Birmingham Senior Cup is a football competition for Birmingham County FA club teams, organized by the Birmingham County Football Association...
they left at the Second Round after a 4–1 defeat by Aston Villa
Aston Villa F.C.
Aston Villa Football Club is an English professional association football club based in Witton, Birmingham. The club was founded in 1874 and have played at their current home ground, Villa Park, since 1897. Aston Villa were founder members of The Football League in 1888. They were also founder...
.
Final league table
| Pos | Team | Pld | W | D | L | F | A | W | D | L | F | A | F | A | GA | GD | Pts | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Small Heath Birmingham City F.C. Birmingham City Football Club is a professional association football club based in the city of Birmingham, England. Formed in 1875 as Small Heath Alliance, they became Small Heath in 1888, then Birmingham in 1905, finally becoming Birmingham City in 1943.They were relegated at the end of the... |
22 | 10 | 1 | 0 | 57 | 16 | 7 | 1 | 3 | 33 | 19 | 90 | 35 | 2.571 | + 45 | 36 | ||||
| 2 | Sheffield United Sheffield United F.C. Sheffield United Football Club is a professional English football club based in the city of Sheffield, South Yorkshire.They were the first sporting team to use the name 'United' and are nicknamed 'The Blades', thanks to Sheffield's worldwide reputation for steel production... |
22 | 10 | 1 | 0 | 35 | 8 | 6 | 2 | 3 | 27 | 11 | 62 | 19 | 3.263 | + 43 | 35 | ||||
| 3 | Darwen | 22 | 10 | 0 | 1 | 43 | 15 | 4 | 2 | 5 | 17 | 21 | 60 | 36 | 1.667 | + 24 | 30 | ||||
| 4 | Grimsby Town Grimsby Town F.C. Grimsby Town Football Club is an English football club based in the seaside town of Cleethorpes, in North East Lincolnshire, England, who compete in the Conference National. They were formed in 1878 as Grimsby Pelham and later became Grimsby Town... |
22 | 8 | 1 | 2 | 25 | 7 | 3 | 0 | 8 | 17 | 34 | 42 | 41 | 1.024 | + 1 | 23 | ||||
| 5 | Ardwick Manchester City F.C. Manchester City Football Club is an English Premier League football club based in Manchester. Founded in 1880 as St. Mark's , they became Ardwick Association Football Club in 1887 and Manchester City in 1894... |
22 | 6 | 3 | 2 | 27 | 14 | 3 | 0 | 8 | 18 | 26 | 45 | 40 | 1.125 | + 5 | 21 | ||||
| 6 | Burton Swifts Burton Swifts F.C. Burton Swifts were an English football club from Burton upon Trent, Staffordshire. The club ceased to exist in 1901 when they merged with Burton Wanderers to form Burton United.-History:... |
22 | 7 | 1 | 3 | 30 | 18 | 2 | 1 | 8 | 17 | 29 | 47 | 47 | 1.000 | ± 0 | 20 | ||||
| 7 | Northwich Victoria Northwich Victoria F.C. Northwich Victoria Football Club are an English football club who play at the Victoria Stadium in Wincham, Northwich, Cheshire in the Northern Premier League Premier Division, the seventh tier of the English football league system.Northwich are an old club, founded in 1874 and named in honour of... |
22 | 7 | 0 | 4 | 25 | 26 | 2 | 2 | 7 | 17 | 32 | 42 | 58 | 0.724 | – 16 | 20 | ||||
| 8 | Bootle Bootle F.C. Bootle Football Club is an English football club based in Bootle, Merseyside. The club are currently members of the North West Counties League Premier Division and play at New Bucks Park.-Previous clubs in Bootle:... |
22 | 8 | 1 | 2 | 35 | 20 | 0 | 2 | 9 | 14 | 43 | 49 | 63 | 0.778 | – 14 | 19 | ||||
| 9 | Lincoln City Lincoln City F.C. Lincoln City Football Club is an English professional association football club based in Lincoln, Lincolnshire. The club are currently members of the Conference National in 2011–12 following relegation from the Football League.... |
22 | 6 | 2 | 3 | 30 | 18 | 1 | 1 | 9 | 15 | 33 | 45 | 51 | 0.882 | – 6 | 17 | ||||
| 10 | Crewe Alexandra Crewe Alexandra F.C. Crewe Alexandra Football Club is an English professional football club based in Crewe, Cheshire. Nicknamed The Railwaymen due to the town's links with the rail industry, they currently play in Football League Two, the fourth tier of English football, and are based at the Alexandra Stadium.The club... |
22 | 6 | 1 | 4 | 30 | 24 | 0 | 2 | 9 | 12 | 45 | 42 | 69 | 0.609 | – 27 | 15 | ||||
| 11 | Burslem Port Vale Port Vale F.C. Port Vale Football Club is an English football club currently playing in Football League Two. They are based in Burslem, Staffordshire — one of six towns that make up the city of Stoke-on-Trent. The club's traditional rivals in the city are Stoke City, and games between the two clubs are known as... |
22 | 4 | 1 | 6 | 16 | 23 | 2 | 2 | 7 | 14 | 34 | 30 | 57 | 0.526 | – 27 | 15 | ||||
| 12 | Walsall Town Swifts Walsall F.C. Walsall Football Club are an English association football club based in Walsall, West Midlands. They currently play in League One. The club was founded in 1888 as Walsall Town Swifts, an amalgamation of Walsall Town F.C. and Walsall Swifts F.C. The club was one of the founder members of the Second... |
22 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 25 | 24 | 1 | 0 | 10 | 12 | 51 | 37 | 75 | 0.493 | – 40 | 13 |
P = Matches played; W = Matches won; D = Matches drawn; L = Matches lost; F = Goals for; A = Goals against; GA = Goal average; Pts = Points
Legend
| Win | Draw | Loss |
Football League Second Division
| Date | Opponent | Venue | Result | Attendance | Scorers |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 September 1892 | Small Heath Birmingham City F.C. Birmingham City Football Club is a professional association football club based in the city of Birmingham, England. Formed in 1875 as Small Heath Alliance, they became Small Heath in 1888, then Birmingham in 1905, finally becoming Birmingham City in 1943.They were relegated at the end of the... |
A | 1–5 | 2,500 | Bliss Wallace Bliss Wallace Bliss was a footballer. He was the first player to score a Football League for Burslem Port Vale.-Playing career:Bliss joined Burslem Port Vale in August 1892. He made his debut at inside-left on 3 September 1892 as Vale lost 5–1 at Small Heath, his goal was the clubs first in the Football... |
| 10 September 1892 | Ardwick Manchester City F.C. Manchester City Football Club is an English Premier League football club based in Manchester. Founded in 1880 as St. Mark's , they became Ardwick Association Football Club in 1887 and Manchester City in 1894... |
A | 0–2 | 2,000 | |
| 12 September 1892 | Bootle Bootle F.C. Bootle Football Club is an English football club based in Bootle, Merseyside. The club are currently members of the North West Counties League Premier Division and play at New Bucks Park.-Previous clubs in Bootle:... |
A | 1–1 | 3,000 | Dean Meshach Dean Meshach Dean was an early footballer.-Playing career:Dean joined Burslem Port Vale in 1890; he soon became a regular and helped the team win numerous cups, becoming the top scorer for the 1892–93 Football League season with 6 competitive goals... |
| 24 September 1892 | Crewe Alexandra Crewe Alexandra F.C. Crewe Alexandra Football Club is an English professional football club based in Crewe, Cheshire. Nicknamed The Railwaymen due to the town's links with the rail industry, they currently play in Football League Two, the fourth tier of English football, and are based at the Alexandra Stadium.The club... |
H | 4–1 | 1,500 | Farrington Fred Farrington Fred Farrington was a footballer.-Playing career:Farrington probably joined Burslem Port Vale in the autumn of 1888. He took four years to establish himself in the first team, but was a regular from March 1892 to September 1893. He retired due to ill health in April 1894.-References:... (2), Walker Tommy Walker (winger) -Playing career:Walker probably joined Burslem Port Vale in December 1891. He scored a goal on his debut at outside-right in a 3–1 defeat at Doncaster Rovers in a Midland Football League match on 12 December 1891. He was a first team regular and managed to bag a goal in the 2–0 Staffordshire... , Dean Meshach Dean Meshach Dean was an early footballer.-Playing career:Dean joined Burslem Port Vale in 1890; he soon became a regular and helped the team win numerous cups, becoming the top scorer for the 1892–93 Football League season with 6 competitive goals... |
| 1 October 1892 | Darwen | H | 2–4 | 2,000 | Walker Tommy Walker (winger) -Playing career:Walker probably joined Burslem Port Vale in December 1891. He scored a goal on his debut at outside-right in a 3–1 defeat at Doncaster Rovers in a Midland Football League match on 12 December 1891. He was a first team regular and managed to bag a goal in the 2–0 Staffordshire... , Bliss Wallace Bliss Wallace Bliss was a footballer. He was the first player to score a Football League for Burslem Port Vale.-Playing career:Bliss joined Burslem Port Vale in August 1892. He made his debut at inside-left on 3 September 1892 as Vale lost 5–1 at Small Heath, his goal was the clubs first in the Football... |
| 8 October 1892 | Burton Swifts Burton Swifts F.C. Burton Swifts were an English football club from Burton upon Trent, Staffordshire. The club ceased to exist in 1901 when they merged with Burton Wanderers to form Burton United.-History:... |
H | 1–0 | Farrington Fred Farrington Fred Farrington was a footballer.-Playing career:Farrington probably joined Burslem Port Vale in the autumn of 1888. He took four years to establish himself in the first team, but was a regular from March 1892 to September 1893. He retired due to ill health in April 1894.-References:... |
|
| 10 October 1892 | Ardwick Manchester City F.C. Manchester City Football Club is an English Premier League football club based in Manchester. Founded in 1880 as St. Mark's , they became Ardwick Association Football Club in 1887 and Manchester City in 1894... |
H | 1–2 | 1,000 | Walker Tommy Walker (winger) -Playing career:Walker probably joined Burslem Port Vale in December 1891. He scored a goal on his debut at outside-right in a 3–1 defeat at Doncaster Rovers in a Midland Football League match on 12 December 1891. He was a first team regular and managed to bag a goal in the 2–0 Staffordshire... |
| 22 October 1892 | Lincoln City Lincoln City F.C. Lincoln City Football Club is an English professional association football club based in Lincoln, Lincolnshire. The club are currently members of the Conference National in 2011–12 following relegation from the Football League.... |
A | 4–3 | 1,000 | Mountford George Mountford -Playing career:Mountford joined Burslem Port Vale in November 1892 and made his debut in a 2–1 home loss to Lincoln City on 3 December that year. He scored two goals in his next two league games and also made a cup appearance but was released at the end of the season.-References:... , Bliss Wallace Bliss Wallace Bliss was a footballer. He was the first player to score a Football League for Burslem Port Vale.-Playing career:Bliss joined Burslem Port Vale in August 1892. He made his debut at inside-left on 3 September 1892 as Vale lost 5–1 at Small Heath, his goal was the clubs first in the Football... , unknown, unknown |
| 5 November 1892 | Darwen | A | 1–4 | 3,000 | Farrington Fred Farrington Fred Farrington was a footballer.-Playing career:Farrington probably joined Burslem Port Vale in the autumn of 1888. He took four years to establish himself in the first team, but was a regular from March 1892 to September 1893. He retired due to ill health in April 1894.-References:... |
| 12 November 1892 | Bootle Bootle F.C. Bootle Football Club is an English football club based in Bootle, Merseyside. The club are currently members of the North West Counties League Premier Division and play at New Bucks Park.-Previous clubs in Bootle:... |
H | 0–0 | 1,300 | |
| 26 November 1892 | Crewe Alexandra Crewe Alexandra F.C. Crewe Alexandra Football Club is an English professional football club based in Crewe, Cheshire. Nicknamed The Railwaymen due to the town's links with the rail industry, they currently play in Football League Two, the fourth tier of English football, and are based at the Alexandra Stadium.The club... |
A | 0–5 | ||
| 3 December 1892 | Lincoln City Lincoln City F.C. Lincoln City Football Club is an English professional association football club based in Lincoln, Lincolnshire. The club are currently members of the Conference National in 2011–12 following relegation from the Football League.... |
H | 1–2 | Beats Billy Beats William Edwin "Billy" Beats was an English international footballer from Wolstanton in Staffordshire.-Club career:... |
|
| 10 December 1892 | Sheffield United Sheffield United F.C. Sheffield United Football Club is a professional English football club based in the city of Sheffield, South Yorkshire.They were the first sporting team to use the name 'United' and are nicknamed 'The Blades', thanks to Sheffield's worldwide reputation for steel production... |
H | 0–10 | 1,000 | |
| 17 December 1892 | Sheffield United Sheffield United F.C. Sheffield United Football Club is a professional English football club based in the city of Sheffield, South Yorkshire.They were the first sporting team to use the name 'United' and are nicknamed 'The Blades', thanks to Sheffield's worldwide reputation for steel production... |
A | 0–4 | 2,000 | |
| 31 December 1892 | Walsall Town Swifts Walsall F.C. Walsall Football Club are an English association football club based in Walsall, West Midlands. They currently play in League One. The club was founded in 1888 as Walsall Town Swifts, an amalgamation of Walsall Town F.C. and Walsall Swifts F.C. The club was one of the founder members of the Second... |
H | 3–0 | 1,000 | Lander Johnny Lander -Playing career:Lander joined Burslem Port Vale in September 1892. His first match was a 4-0 defeat at Sheffield United on 17 December 1892. He scored two goals in his next two games but was released at the end of the 1892–93 season.-References:... (2), unknown |
| 14 January 1893 | Grimsby Town Grimsby Town F.C. Grimsby Town Football Club is an English football club based in the seaside town of Cleethorpes, in North East Lincolnshire, England, who compete in the Conference National. They were formed in 1878 as Grimsby Pelham and later became Grimsby Town... |
A | 0–2 | 500 | |
| 11 February 1893 | Grimsby Town Grimsby Town F.C. Grimsby Town Football Club is an English football club based in the seaside town of Cleethorpes, in North East Lincolnshire, England, who compete in the Conference National. They were formed in 1878 as Grimsby Pelham and later became Grimsby Town... |
H | 0–1 | 500 | |
| 18 February 1893 | Walsall Town Swifts Walsall F.C. Walsall Football Club are an English association football club based in Walsall, West Midlands. They currently play in League One. The club was founded in 1888 as Walsall Town Swifts, an amalgamation of Walsall Town F.C. and Walsall Swifts F.C. The club was one of the founder members of the Second... |
A | 0–3 | 1,000 | |
| 4 March 1893 | Northwich Victoria Northwich Victoria F.C. Northwich Victoria Football Club are an English football club who play at the Victoria Stadium in Wincham, Northwich, Cheshire in the Northern Premier League Premier Division, the seventh tier of the English football league system.Northwich are an old club, founded in 1874 and named in honour of... |
H | 4–0 | 800 | Wood (2), Beats Billy Beats William Edwin "Billy" Beats was an English international footballer from Wolstanton in Staffordshire.-Club career:... , Dean Meshach Dean Meshach Dean was an early footballer.-Playing career:Dean joined Burslem Port Vale in 1890; he soon became a regular and helped the team win numerous cups, becoming the top scorer for the 1892–93 Football League season with 6 competitive goals... |
| 18 March 1893 | Burton Swifts Burton Swifts F.C. Burton Swifts were an English football club from Burton upon Trent, Staffordshire. The club ceased to exist in 1901 when they merged with Burton Wanderers to form Burton United.-History:... |
A | 3–3 | Dean Meshach Dean Meshach Dean was an early footballer.-Playing career:Dean joined Burslem Port Vale in 1890; he soon became a regular and helped the team win numerous cups, becoming the top scorer for the 1892–93 Football League season with 6 competitive goals... (2), Scarratt |
|
| 25 March 1893 | Small Heath Birmingham City F.C. Birmingham City Football Club is a professional association football club based in the city of Birmingham, England. Formed in 1875 as Small Heath Alliance, they became Small Heath in 1888, then Birmingham in 1905, finally becoming Birmingham City in 1943.They were relegated at the end of the... |
H | 0–3 | 3,000 | |
| 8 April 1893 | Northwich Victoria Northwich Victoria F.C. Northwich Victoria Football Club are an English football club who play at the Victoria Stadium in Wincham, Northwich, Cheshire in the Northern Premier League Premier Division, the seventh tier of the English football league system.Northwich are an old club, founded in 1874 and named in honour of... |
A | 4–2 | 1,000 | Beats Billy Beats William Edwin "Billy" Beats was an English international footballer from Wolstanton in Staffordshire.-Club career:... (2), Mountford George Mountford -Playing career:Mountford joined Burslem Port Vale in November 1892 and made his debut in a 2–1 home loss to Lincoln City on 3 December that year. He scored two goals in his next two league games and also made a cup appearance but was released at the end of the season.-References:... (2) |
FA Cup
| Round | Date | Opponent | Venue | Result | Goalscorers |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1Q | 15 October 1892 | Burton Swifts Burton Swifts F.C. Burton Swifts were an English football club from Burton upon Trent, Staffordshire. The club ceased to exist in 1901 when they merged with Burton Wanderers to form Burton United.-History:... |
H | 0–2 |
Appearances
| Pos. | Name | League | FA Cup | Total (+Senior Cup) | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | ||
| GK |  Joe FrailJoe Frail Martin Joseph Frail was an English footballer who lived a traditional Romani lifestyle.-Playing career:Frail probably joined Port Vale in the autumn of 1891. His debut came in a friendly against Lincoln City on 14 November 1891, Vale lost 2–0. He was the keeper of choice from September 1892... |
19 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 22 | 0 |
| GK | Levi Higginson Levi Higginson -Playing career:Higginson most probably joined Burslem Port Vale in 1890. He enjoyed a successful spell with the team and was between the sticks for two cup final victories. He played 43 matches for the club in all; including 21 friendlies, 1 Football League and 17 Midland League matches... |
1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| DF | James Clutton James Clutton James Clutton was a 19th century footballer. He made 92 appearances for Burslem Port Vale; 27 of these were friendlies, 29 were in the Football League and 22 in the Midland League.-Playing career:... |
21 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 14 | 0 |
| DF | W. Downwood W. Downwood -Playing career:Downwood joined Burslem Port Vale in June 1892. He made his debut for the club at right-half in a 2–0 loss at Ardwick on 12 September 1892. He was only selected for a further three league games and one FA Cup match before being released at the end of the season.-References:... |
3 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 4 | 0 |
| DF | C. McAlpine C. McAlpine C. McAlpine was a 19th century footballer. He played 76 games for Burslem Port Vale, although 30 of those were friendlies, which were more prevalent in that era than today.-Playing career:... |
10 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 11 | 0 |
| DF | W.E. Powell W.E. Powell -Playing career:Powell most likely joined Burslem Port Vale in the autumn of 1884. His first recorded game was in a 6–1 thumping at Blackburn Olympic on 1 November 1884 in a friendly. The next year he was a member of the sides that won the Burslem Challenge and shared the North Staffs Charity... |
3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 |
| DF | Albert Skinner Albert Skinner Albert James Skinner was an English footballer.-Playing career:Skinner most likely joined Burslem Port Vale in the summer of 1886. He enjoyed regular football from October 1888 to February 1889, but was used mostly as a reserve player after this period... |
1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| DF | George Youds George Youds -Playing career:Youds joined Burslem Port Vale from Kettering Town in November 1892, he played 62 games before being released sometime in 1897.-References:... |
2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| MF | Meshach Dean Meshach Dean Meshach Dean was an early footballer.-Playing career:Dean joined Burslem Port Vale in 1890; he soon became a regular and helped the team win numerous cups, becoming the top scorer for the 1892–93 Football League season with 6 competitive goals... |
16 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 19 | 6 |
| MF | Billy Delves Billy Delves -Playing career:Delves joined Burslem Port Vale in the summer of 1891, making his debut at a friendly game at Newton Heath on 1 September 1891 – the match was abandoned with Vale down 2–1. The half-back played in goal for the Football League record 10–0 home demolishing by Sheffield United on 10... |
2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| MF | Billy Elson Billy Elson William Elson was a 19th century footballer. He played 241 games and scored 15 goals for Burslem Port Vale, however 114 of these games were friendlies.-Playing career:... |
16 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 19 | 1 |
| MF | Fred Farrington Fred Farrington Fred Farrington was a footballer.-Playing career:Farrington probably joined Burslem Port Vale in the autumn of 1888. He took four years to establish himself in the first team, but was a regular from March 1892 to September 1893. He retired due to ill health in April 1894.-References:... (c) |
18 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 20 | 4 |
| MF | W. Jones W. Jones (winger) W. Jones was a footballer.-Playing career:Jones most likely joined Burslem Port Vale in the summer of 1890. He was a regular in his first season, but was selected only intermittently from February 1891. He did managed to make the first 11 in the 1892 Staffordshire Senior Cup winning side though... |
1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| MF |  Bob McCrindleBob McCrindle Robert McCrindle was a Scottish footballer. He played 183 games for Burslem Port Vale, scoring six goals, however 72 of these games were friendlies.-Club career:... |
20 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 23 | 0 |
| MF | Jos Randles Jos Randles Joshua Randles was an English footballer who was a one club man for Burslem Port Vale.-Playing career:Randles probably joined Burslem Port Vale in the autumn of 1885. His first known game was at left-half in a 6-0 triumph over Cheshire side Crewe Alexandra in a friendly on 26 October 1885... |
2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| MF | Jimmy Scarratt | 20 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 23 | 2 |
| MF | James Smith James Smith (footballer born 1876) -Playing career:Smith played for Kilmarnock before joining Burslem Port Vale in September 1894. He bagged a goal on his debut – a 4–4 home draw with Newcastle United on 6 October 1894. He was a regular for the 1894–95 season, but was released in March 1895.... |
4 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 5 | 0 |
| MF | Tommy Walker Tommy Walker (winger) -Playing career:Walker probably joined Burslem Port Vale in December 1891. He scored a goal on his debut at outside-right in a 3–1 defeat at Doncaster Rovers in a Midland Football League match on 12 December 1891. He was a first team regular and managed to bag a goal in the 2–0 Staffordshire... |
15 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 18 | 3 |
| MF | Alf Wood |
7 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 9 | 2 |
| FW | Billy Beats Billy Beats William Edwin "Billy" Beats was an English international footballer from Wolstanton in Staffordshire.-Club career:... |
21 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 23 | 4 |
| FW | Wallace Bliss Wallace Bliss Wallace Bliss was a footballer. He was the first player to score a Football League for Burslem Port Vale.-Playing career:Bliss joined Burslem Port Vale in August 1892. He made his debut at inside-left on 3 September 1892 as Vale lost 5–1 at Small Heath, his goal was the clubs first in the Football... |
13 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 14 | 3 |
| FW | Jimmy Ditchfield Jimmy Ditchfield -Playing career:Ditchfield joined Burslem Port Vale from Rossendale in the summer of 1886. On his debut game, Vale lost 7–0 to Preston North End in a friendly. He soon became a regular though, and with 8 strikes was top scorer for the 1888–89 season and in 1891 he helped the side share the North... |
11 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 12 | 0 |
| FW | Charles Garner Charles Garner -Playing career:Garner joined Burslem Port Vale in November 1892. His only match was in the Football League record 10–0 home demolishing by Sheffield United on 10 December 1892. He was released at the end of the season.-References:... |
1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| FW | Johnny Lander Johnny Lander -Playing career:Lander joined Burslem Port Vale in September 1892. His first match was a 4-0 defeat at Sheffield United on 17 December 1892. He scored two goals in his next two games but was released at the end of the 1892–93 season.-References:... |
3 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 2 |
| FW | William McFarlane William McFarlane William McFarlane was a footballer.-Playing career:McFarlane joined Burslem Port Vale in January 1893, making his debut in a 3–0 defeat at Walsall Town Swifts on 18 February that year. He made a further three appearances before being released at the end of the season.-References:... |
4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 0 |
| FW | George Mountford George Mountford -Playing career:Mountford joined Burslem Port Vale in November 1892 and made his debut in a 2–1 home loss to Lincoln City on 3 December that year. He scored two goals in his next two league games and also made a cup appearance but was released at the end of the season.-References:... |
4 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 3 |
| FW | John Nash John Nash (footballer) John Henry Nash was an English footballer.-Playing career:Nash most likely joined Burslem Port Vale in the autumn of 1890. His debut is believed to have come in a friendly at Middlesbrough Ironopolis on 22 November 1890; Vale lost 6-1 with Nash scoring the Vale goal... |
2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| FW | Arthur Pimlott Arthur Pimlott -Playing career:Pimlott probably joined Burslem Port Vale sometime in 1891. Over his two seasons with the Vale he played eight games and scored three goals . He was released at the end of the 1892–93 season, two years before his death.-References:... |
1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
All competitions
| Scorer | Goals |
|---|---|
| Meshach Dean Meshach Dean Meshach Dean was an early footballer.-Playing career:Dean joined Burslem Port Vale in 1890; he soon became a regular and helped the team win numerous cups, becoming the top scorer for the 1892–93 Football League season with 6 competitive goals... |
6 |
| Billy Beats Billy Beats William Edwin "Billy" Beats was an English international footballer from Wolstanton in Staffordshire.-Club career:... |
4 |
| Fred Farrington Fred Farrington Fred Farrington was a footballer.-Playing career:Farrington probably joined Burslem Port Vale in the autumn of 1888. He took four years to establish himself in the first team, but was a regular from March 1892 to September 1893. He retired due to ill health in April 1894.-References:... |
|
| Tommy Walker Tommy Walker (winger) -Playing career:Walker probably joined Burslem Port Vale in December 1891. He scored a goal on his debut at outside-right in a 3–1 defeat at Doncaster Rovers in a Midland Football League match on 12 December 1891. He was a first team regular and managed to bag a goal in the 2–0 Staffordshire... |
3 |
| Wallace Bliss Wallace Bliss Wallace Bliss was a footballer. He was the first player to score a Football League for Burslem Port Vale.-Playing career:Bliss joined Burslem Port Vale in August 1892. He made his debut at inside-left on 3 September 1892 as Vale lost 5–1 at Small Heath, his goal was the clubs first in the Football... |
|
| George Mountford George Mountford -Playing career:Mountford joined Burslem Port Vale in November 1892 and made his debut in a 2–1 home loss to Lincoln City on 3 December that year. He scored two goals in his next two league games and also made a cup appearance but was released at the end of the season.-References:... |
|
| Alf Wood |
2 |
| Johnny Lander Johnny Lander -Playing career:Lander joined Burslem Port Vale in September 1892. His first match was a 4-0 defeat at Sheffield United on 17 December 1892. He scored two goals in his next two games but was released at the end of the 1892–93 season.-References:... |
|
| Jimmy Scarratt | |
League
| Scorer | Goals |
|---|---|
| Meshach Dean Meshach Dean Meshach Dean was an early footballer.-Playing career:Dean joined Burslem Port Vale in 1890; he soon became a regular and helped the team win numerous cups, becoming the top scorer for the 1892–93 Football League season with 6 competitive goals... |
5 |
| Billy Beats Billy Beats William Edwin "Billy" Beats was an English international footballer from Wolstanton in Staffordshire.-Club career:... |
4 |
| Fred Farrington Fred Farrington Fred Farrington was a footballer.-Playing career:Farrington probably joined Burslem Port Vale in the autumn of 1888. He took four years to establish himself in the first team, but was a regular from March 1892 to September 1893. He retired due to ill health in April 1894.-References:... |
|
| Tommy Walker Tommy Walker (winger) -Playing career:Walker probably joined Burslem Port Vale in December 1891. He scored a goal on his debut at outside-right in a 3–1 defeat at Doncaster Rovers in a Midland Football League match on 12 December 1891. He was a first team regular and managed to bag a goal in the 2–0 Staffordshire... |
3 |
| Wallace Bliss Wallace Bliss Wallace Bliss was a footballer. He was the first player to score a Football League for Burslem Port Vale.-Playing career:Bliss joined Burslem Port Vale in August 1892. He made his debut at inside-left on 3 September 1892 as Vale lost 5–1 at Small Heath, his goal was the clubs first in the Football... |
|
| George Mountford George Mountford -Playing career:Mountford joined Burslem Port Vale in November 1892 and made his debut in a 2–1 home loss to Lincoln City on 3 December that year. He scored two goals in his next two league games and also made a cup appearance but was released at the end of the season.-References:... |
|
| Alf Wood |
2 |
| Johnny Lander Johnny Lander -Playing career:Lander joined Burslem Port Vale in September 1892. His first match was a 4-0 defeat at Sheffield United on 17 December 1892. He scored two goals in his next two games but was released at the end of the 1892–93 season.-References:... |
|
| Jimmy Scarratt | 1 |