Costley was signed by Everton from Blackburn Olympic in 1886 and was described as a skilful winger and superb dribbler.
However, once League football arrived at Anfield he could no longer hold a regular place in the team.
The visitors won 4–2 and Costley, on his League debut scored both Everton's opening goals to put his team 2–0 ahead before half–time.
Costley appeared in six of the 22 league matches played by Everton in the 1888–89 season and scored three goals.
This biographical article related to association football in England, about a forward born in the 1860s, is a stub.