Aided by "exceptionally fine goalkeeping by Hollies, and the sturdy defence of Jenkins, Bailey, and Speller", and by James Lundie's own goal, a 2–1 win at Grimsby Town proved an "agreeable surprise" to the Birmingham Daily Post's correspondent.Saturday's Football. The Alliance. and Notes on Sport. Birmingham Daily Post. p. 7. 21 December 1891. Christmas Day's entertainment consisted of a friendly at home to Aston Villa on an icy pitch; neither club fielded a full-strength side, but the visitors were still good enough to win 3–0. The next day's visit to second-placed Newton Heath came close to producing a surprise. Small Heath led 3–0 at half-time, but were unable to hold on to their lead, Newton Heath equalising through Alf Farman just before the final whistle.The Football Alliance. Newton Heath v. Small Heath. The Manchester Guardian. p. 3. 28 December 1891.
