Blackburn Park Road was one of the foremost of the teams that sprung up around Blackburn in the 1870s, yet still never reached the level of either Blackburn Rovers or Blackburn Olympic. Based in the Audley area of the town, they regularly played Blackburn Rovers and, hence, regularly got beat. All the games between the two sides were friendlies except for the time they were drawn together in the first round of the FA Cup. The game took place on October 29th 1881 at Rover’s Leamington Street ground and there was to be no upset, or even a hint of one for that matter. Rovers won the match 9-1 and embarked on a run to the final, which they would lose.

Of the other games played between the two sides the only one of any interest was when Park beat their more famous neighbours 4-2 at their Audley ground, all the other meetings having been wins for Rovers. It wasn’t quite the last time that they caused embarrassment to their illustrious neighbours however. Park Road invited Derby junction to a match after they had caused a shock by knocking Rovers out of the FA Cup. Rather than sparing any blushes, Park Road won 3-0.

Park Road lasted until 1888, when after winning their first round FA Cup match against Distillery (the Irish side) 2-1 they had folded by the time of the second round and were scratched from the tournament. A shame as it was only the second time they’d managed to avoid defeat in the first round. They never seemed to have particular chance of being one of the main teams in the town. Below is a picture of the Park Road team from the Cotton Town website.

[edit] Blackburn Park Road results against Blackburn Rovers in major competitions

• 1881/82 – FA CUP R1 – Blackburn Rovers 9 Blackburn Park Road 1