Accrington FC, from the town of Accrington in Lancashire, was amongst the twelve founder members of the Football League in 1888; however they retained their league status for just five years. Having been forced to apply for re-election in 1891 and 1892 they were relegated to the newly formed Division Two in 1893.  The club opted instead to join the Lancashire League where travel costs would be considerably lower. After two seasons in the Lancashire League, the club joined the Lancashire Combination but withdrew after five matches. They finally folded after suffering a 0-12 defeat at the hands of Darwen in the Lancashire Senior Cup in January 1896.  Their home ground was at Thorneyholme Road, still home to Accrington Cricket Club.