[1] The Heathens' first entry into the Lancashire Cup had seen them drawn against Blackburn Olympic, who beat them comfortably despite playing their reserve team.

However, Eccles appealed against the result, claiming that Newton Heath's third goal was invalid and should not have stood.

The match was replayed two weeks later at Henrietta Street, Old Trafford, home of the Manchester Association club.

However, despite being the home team and their status as favourites, Manchester were unable to compete with Newton Heath, who ran out 3–0 winners.

The Railwaymen racked up another four goals in the semi-final against Owens College (which would go on to become the University of Manchester), winning 4–3 to put them into their first ever final.