The disillusioned Thames Ironworks team would record seven successive defeats until 15 January 1900, when they drew away at Bristol Rovers 1–1, with Kenny McKay getting the all important goal. The Irons managed to follow this up with a 3–0 win over Sheppey on 20 January, with goals coming from McKay, Carnelly and Joyce. A further four wins and three draws were just enough for Thames ironworks to avoid bottom place, and much of the credit for that should go to their forwards McKay, Carnelly and Joyce, who between them scored 90% of The Irons' goals.