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This archive comes from The Ashton Reporter April 1885:

Manchester and District Challenge Cup Competition - Final Tie

HURST V NEWTON HEATH ( L. AND Y.R.)

By their brilliant victory over Newton Heath on Saturday last on the Whalley Range ground, which had been kindly placed at the disposal of the Association by the Manchester Rugby Club, Hurst became the first holders of the above challenge trophy. The weather was very unfavourable, a stong wind, accompanied by heavy showers, interfering very materially with a true exposition of the dribbling code. Great interest was manifested in the result, as fully 3,500 spectators lined the enclosure and at various stages of the game the excitement was most intense.

Newton Heath were first to take to the field, followed very soon after by the Hurst players, both teams being greeted by rounds of applause from their respective supporters. Black, on behalf of Newton Heath, winning the toss, chose to defend the pavillion goal, and at 3.45, Burns put motion to the leather by propelling to Moss and he to Ball, when further progress was made towards to Newton goal, the ball finally going over. From the goal kick the Newton rights quickly transferred to the opposite end. Nadin by a strong kick averting the threatened danger. Grimshaw, Fish and Lees were very troublesome, the slight pressure being relieved by the ball going over the line. Black displaying excellent judgement shortly afterwards in stopping a most dangerous rush. Not to be denied, however, Hurst made a most determined onslaught on the Newton stonghold, Fulton conceding the first corner. Ball making a couple of ineffectual attempts, each time the ball going over the cross bar. Resuming, Mitchell transferred the leather well amongst his forwards, where Siddons and T. Davies followed up the advantage by a smart attack on the Hurst citadel, which was, however, cleverly repelled by Burns and Nadin, and eventually from a free kick Mitchell shot through the posts, the ball, unfortunately for Newton Heath, failing to touch a player.The game continued to be carried on with great vigour, the Newton forwards being conspicuous for their good runs, while Fish, Burns, Ingham and especially Eaton did their duty manfully, principally in defence, for Hurst.

Half time was here announced, a heavy downpour forcing the players and spectators to seek shelter. A restart was eventually made, and it was quite evident that with the wind in their favour Hurst meant business, as they at once assailed the Newton Heath stronghold, the ball twice grazing the cross bar. The Newtonians then temporarily assumed the offensive, and Black from an appeal for hands looked dangerous, but Ingham and Nussey interposed and further progress was made by Fish forcing a corner, and, although splendidly placed by Ingham, the sphere was after a most severe struggle safely got away. Hurst still continued their aggresive tactics, and bore all before them, a shot by Ball, the result of commendable passing on the part of Fish and Burns, going direct to Fulton, the unfortunate Custodian being charged through. It was now pretty evident that the day was not for Newton Heath as fortune and dashing play was all on the side of Hurst, Ingham by a flying kick supplementing the splendid shot of Burns, thus scoring the second point. Fulton making no attempt whatever to handle. Shortly before the call of " time " Burns figuratively chalked up the last event of the day, a most exciting though pleasantly contested match thus coming to an end in favour of Hurst by three goals to nil.

A scene of indescribable excitement now ensued as the Hurst players were hoisted shoulder high and carried to the grand stand, where the cup was to be publicly presented to the winners. After order had been restored, and a few well-chosen remarks made by Mr. T. Hindle with regard to the rapid strides the dribbling game had made in the district, Mr. Colbert ( the President of the Association ) presetned the cup to Mr. J. Ingham, the Hurst Captain, who briefly responded.

Teams

Umpires - W. Colbert and A.R. Andrews. Referee - T. Hindle ( Darwen )

All the way back from Whalley Range the victors kept cheering and the band playing, the cup held up in front of one of the carriages in which the journey to Ashton was made. On arriving in town their cheers were redoubled and they received a great ovation from those in the streets. The victors crowded into the Pitt and Nelson, and Mr. Joseph Fletcher, holding in his hand the cup, which was filled with liquor, said he had great pleasure in presenting to Mr. Ingham the cup on behalf of Hurst Cricket and Football Club. He felt proud of them that evening. That was the first cup given by the Manchester Association, and he heartily congratulated Mr. Ingham and his team on their success. He had lately been in Blackburn, and he could assure them that the fame of the Hurst club was well known in that district, and he was certain that the next season they would be called upon to play with teams from that district, the mother of the game. In handing over the cup he wished " Health and prosperity to the Hurst Cricket and Football Club ". Three cheers were then given for the club, after which Mr. Ingham, in a short address, said he was proud to receive the cup, and would drink to the " Success of Hurst Cricket and Football Club " and then called for three cheers for Mr. Fletcher, which was heartily responded to.