In 1909, Bamlett refereed the FA Cup fourth round tie between Manchester United and Burnley, but called the game off with only 18 minutes left and the score at 1–0 to Burnley due to heavy snow. United won the rearranged game 3–2 and went on to win the FA Cup for the first time. He also refereed the 1914 match between Scotland and England. At the end of that season, at the age of 32, Bamlett was appointed to referee the 1914 FA Cup Final between Liverpool and Burnley.