He was the youngest member of their team which reached the FA Cup Semi-final in 1881 played on 26 March 1881, when Darwen FC were beaten 4–1 by the eventual winners, the Old Carthusians.
Earlier he had become the second youngest player to represent England when he was selected to play against Wales on 26 February 1881, when he was 17 years 311 days old.
[2][3] For the match against Wales, played at Alexandra Meadows, Blackburn,[4] the English selectors had picked an inexperienced team with seven players making their debuts.
[5] Despite this defeat, Rostron was selected for the next international, against Scotland played at the Kennington Oval on 12 March 1881.
[1] Originally a weaver by trade, Rostron became a bowling green keeper, but died on 3 July 1891, aged 28.