[1] Wilkinson made his League debut on 1 December 1888 at his home ground of Thorneyholme Road; he played on the right wing and Accrington won 5–1.
Returning to his more customary right-wing position, Wilkinson played in both FA Cup ties against Blackburn Rovers.
In the first, on 2 February at Thorneyholme Road, he scored Accrington's only FA Cup goal of the 1888–89 season in a 1–1 draw; they lost the replay 5–0.
[2] Arthur Wilkinson' second season was the most successful as Accrington finished sixth[3] in the Football League.
[5] According to Cricket & Football Field of 14 September 1888 Arthur Wilkinson scored the first Accrington goal of the 1889-1890 Season.