The goal average system was eventually scrapped beginning with the 1976–77 season.
A 0–0 draw ensued, reportedly 'The Match without a shot at goal' and the League immediately withdrew the Test Match system in favour of automatic promotion and relegation.
Ironically, the League also decided to expand the top division to 18 teams after the Test Match series of 1897–98 and the other two teams, Blackburn Rovers and Newcastle United were elected into the top division for the following season,[4] negating the effect of Burnley and Stoke's reputed collusion.
In the end, the test matches and their results seem to have served no particular purpose.
After this season the test matches were scrapped in favour of direct promotion and relegation.