King's Lynn 1 Lynn Alexander 2

29th December 1883

Saturday, December 29th, being the last day for playing off the first round of the association cup ties, the King's Lynn and Lynn Alexandra teams met on the ground of the Lynn club.
As on previous occasions great interest was taken in the match, and despite the cheerless state of the weather, some 700 or 800 people assembled to witness the game. The Lynn Alexandra winning the toss, chose to defend the west goal, and the King's Lynn set the ball in motion, and for a short time held a slight advantage towards their opponents' goal.
Walker changed the scene of operations with a fine kick, and the Alexandra forwards worked the leather close down to the Lynn goal, but Hutchings kept them from scoring. For a time matters went on very even until Coulton made a good run, and centering, Smith sent in a good shot, but Burlingham proved quite equal to the occasion, getting the ball well away. About five minutes before half-time hands were given in front of the Alexandra goal, when Lynn, with their superior weight, made a determined scrimmage, in which the defenders ultimately triumphed.
After changing ends the Alexandrians had the best of the game, and after some ten minutes' play a good run was made by their forwards, and Sharp, with a splendid shot, brought about the downfall of the Lynn goal, which was greeted with a tremendous cheer from the spectators.
This reverse seemed to put the Lynn players on their mettle, and the ball soon travelled towards their opponents fortress and Leeper made matters equal. That it would now end in a draw was the general expectation, but it was not to be, for when hostilities resumed the Alexandrians worked the leather wards their opponents' goal, but for a time kept from scoring. However. the opportunity at last; Woodham muffing his kick, Miller got past in him, and with a splendid run carried through.
The Lynn captain now altered the position of his men by sending Hutchings forward. with the evident intention of rushing his opponents' goal, which was attempted with the greatest determination; but by some good all round play of the Alexandrian backs, Walker especially being prominent, this was averted, and responded to by a good run on their right wing; but their efforts were frustrated by a grand piece of play on the part of Woodham, who made a splendid run. for which he was loudly cheered. The score remained unaltered at the call of time, so the present holders of the cup had to retire with a defeat of two goals to one. For the winners all played well, especially Sharp, Bullock, Page and Walker, the latter playing most brilliantly throughout the game, and there ought not to be two opinions as to his capabilities for representing his county.
For the losers the services of Hutchings were invaluable; Swann. Coulten and Brackenbury were also very prominent
Lynn: T. Nuccoll (goal), W. F. N. Woodham (captain) and H. R. Hutchings, backs, Swann and Cocks, half-backs; W. Clifton and Coulton, right; R. Leeper and Brackenbury, left; J. Rutter and W. Smith, centres.
Lynn Alexander: A. Burlingham, goal; C. Page and F. Eagleton. backs; T. Bullock and M Walker, half backs; C. Sharp and E. Bunting, right; H. Jones and H. Powell, left; J. Miller (captain) and A. E. Durrant, centres.
Report: Lynn Advertiser