In preparation for the new Midland League campaign, Burslem Port Vale signed winger Jimmy Scarratt from Wellington St. George's and prepared a new kit of red jerseys with grey kickers – the uniforms were made by Mrs Danks, the secretary's wife.[1] They failed to bring good fortune in the opening league game, however, a 3–2 defeat at home to Burton Wanderers.[1] After the game the club also signed a new outside-right, G McHarg.[1] Though he had little impact on the first-team, they managed to record a 7–1 victory over Loughborough Town, with Frank McGinnes claiming a hat-trick in a match that kicked off 50 minutes late as some visiting players had missed their train.[1] Vale followed this with a 4–0 win over Doncaster Rovers, despite McGinnis missing the first ever penaltyshot awarded at the Athletic Ground and McHarg being criticised for over-dribbling.[1] McGinnis was suspended for refusing to follow management orders, whilst McHarg was sidelined with a rib injury. On 7 November, Vale were narrowly beaten 2–1 by league leaders Wednesbury Old Athletic. On 12 December, John Davies had his contract cancelled after failing to turn up to what turned out to be a 3–1 defeat at Doncaster Rovers amid a blinding snowstorm.[1]
Potteries derby rivals Stoke were keen to take McGinnis to the Football League First Division, but Vale resisted all attempts to sign him, rejecting a bid of £30.[1] Instead of losing a player, Vale signed goalkeeper Joe Frail, a gypsy, though he sprained his knee in a friendly game against a touring Canadian side and had to undergo surgey.[1] The team kit was changed in January to red shirts. Results began to improve, starting with a 6–3 home win over Rotherham Town, and the club won seven and lost two of their final nine fixtures. New signing Billy Beats in particular found form. Alarmingly, though, only 150 spectators turned out to witness the final day victory over Leicester Fosse on 28 April, causing the club to make a loss on the game after marketing costs were deducted.[1] Vale ended the campaign in third place, with McGinnes scoring three times as many goals as any other player at the club.[1] Port Vale were elected to the Football Alliance.[1]
Vale failed to transfer their league form to the FA Cup, bowing out at the first qualification round after losing 4–2 to Burton Wanderers.[1] They entered the Birmingham Senior Cup, but faced tough opposition in Aston Villa in the first round and were beaten 5–2.[1] They fared better in the Staffordshire Senior Cup, avenging Burton Wanderers with a 4–0 victory despite a slow start to the game.[1] In the next round, they overcame Walsall Town Swifts after a replay, but fell to a 4–1 defeat to Burton Swifts in the semi-finals.[1] They managed to end the season by taking home the North Staffordshire Challenge Cup outright, beating Stoke 2–0 despite McGinnis being sent off for "foul charging".[1]
^ abcdefghijklmnopqKent, Jeff (1990). "Trying to make the Grade (1888-1898)". The Valiants' Years: The Story Of Port Vale. Witan Books. pp. 26–50. ISBN0-9508981-4-7.
Joe Frail
Bob McCrindle