Saturday 16 August - Melbourne Ground
Melbourne 1
Albert Park 0 (half time 1-0)
Melbourne win by 1 goal
Goalkicker: Austin Loughnan 1
A strong north wind blew across the ground, making goalkicking difficult. The visitors were better for the first half hour - having been promised a champagne dinner if they won - before Melbourne had the better of the game in the last hour.
From the kick-off it was clear that the wind was not giving Albert Park the expected advantage, and after a sustained period of attack Melbourne had the first chances to goal through Davidson. The Parkites eventually broke out, carrying the ball all the way to the other end but missing what looked like a kickable opportunity because of the wind.
In took until the last 10 minutes of the first half before Melbourne opened the score. There was controversy with Melbourne's opener, as the goal umpire appointed by Albert Park had vacated his post when Loughnan kicked his goal, but the home side claimed the goal anyway as it was the Parkites' responsibility to have a man there to adjudicate.
The second half saw the ball go straight towards Albert Park's goal, where it stayed for most of the rest of the game.
Best were James Bennie, Moore and Andrew Loughnan.
Media
Age - 18/08/1873
Australasian - 23/08/1873