[1] The pair moved to the town's senior side Staveley with whom Will played for three years, appearing in the Midland Counties League for the club.
[1] Harry left for Sheffield United in the summer of 1890 but Will remained at Staveley for a further season.
[1] Lilley competed with established keeper Charlie Howlett for a starting position in the first team but more often than not lost out to his rival.
[2] Despite this he remained with United for two and a half seasons and had the distinction of being in goal for their first ever game in The Football League against Lincoln City in September 1892.
[2] Both Lilley and his older brother Harry played their final first team game for United in April 1894 with Will having played in 25 league and three FA Cup games for the club, and remarkably for a keeper having scored three goals.