1888

On 7th January 1888 Aston Villa were knocked out of the FA Cup in the fifth round by Preston North End, the visitors winning 3-1. This was Preston North End's second spell with our baton (team 23).
Another away win at The Wednesday on 30th January saw Preston into the semi finals, in which they played Crewe Alexandra at Everton's Anfield ground (18th February). A comfortable 4-0 win saw Preston through to the Cup Final.

1888 Final

Preston were favourites to lift the Cup. A record crowd of 19,000 were at The Oval on 24th March  to see them beaten 2-1 by West Bromwich Albion (24).
Major Marindin served up some controversy with his refereeing decisions which seemed to some to lean towards Albion. 
There were six Scots and a Welshman in the Preston side, whereas Albion were exclusively English.