He was also a member of the team that were victims of a giant-killing in the 1899–1900 FA Cup at the hands of Millwall Athletic.

[4] A league match in November 1894 against Sheffield United at Perry Barr was played in driving freezing rain.

Villa's players had dry clothes available,[5] and were given hot drinks, a courtesy apparently not extended to the visitors.

[6][7] The Sheffield players were worse affected, several – including goalkeeper Willie Foulke – needing treatment for exposure, and by the end of the match only six were still on the field.

[7][8] Villa's Jack Devey put on an overcoat, and Athersmith played under an umbrella borrowed from a spectator[9][8] before collapsing in the dressing-room afterwards.