 The highest score during this period was in a Southern League match against New Brompton on 7 November 1896, which "the Saints" won 8–3 with a hat-trick from Willie Naughton.In the FA Cup, Southampton defeated Swindon Town 8–2 on 2 January 1897, with Jack Farrell scoring three, and Eastville Rovers 8–1 on 11 December 1897.Southampton had used the County Ground for high-profile matches prior to 1896, including FA Cup matches and the finals of the Hampshire Senior Cup.