Sunderland had scratched from both the FA Cup and Durham Challenge Cup, as they had been drawn against Albion in both and did not want their local rivals to benefit financially from the ties. However, they did agree to play them for charity instead, over two matches during the season. After much public negotation, this first match ended up having the proceeds (£151 - considered at the time to be the largest gate ever taken in the North of England) shared between the clubs! The second match (in January 1889) did raise funds for charity.