In his first season with Southampton St. Mary's (who were then playing at the Antelope Ground) the club finished third in the Southern League. In the summer of 1896, the club moved to the County Cricket Ground. The Saints forward line was boosted by the signing of Bob Buchanan from Woolwich Arsenal, with the defence being strengthened by the signing of George Clawley from Tottenham Hotspur. Southampton exceeded the achievements of the two previous seasons, winning the Southern League title without losing a match, as well as reaching the Second Round Proper of the FA Cup, where they went out to Newton Heath in a replay.