Phil Bratley started his footballing career with his local amateur side Rawmarsh before transferring to Football League Second Division side Doncaster Rovers in 1902 where he played three games between 27 September and 11 October. He then moved closer to home when he joined Rotherham Town before moving on to the more successful Rotherham County. In 1910 he joined Barnsley as a replacement for Tommy Boyle who had been sold to Burnley. He scored Barnsley's winning goal in their semi-final replay with Swindon and won a FA Cup winners medal in the final when Barnsley beat West Bromwich Albion in a replay after the first match ended goalless. Bratley almost scored in the replay; Barnsley had forced a corner and Bratley headed the ball towards the line, only a jumping save at the edge of the goal by Pearson the WBA goalkeeper prevented a goal.