He played football for the regiment, generally playing in defence, and was a member of the team who reached the first final of the FA Cup in 1872. En route to the final, the Engineers did not concede a goal and defeated Hitchin 5–0, Hampstead Heathens 3–0 and Crystal Palace 3–0 (after a goalless draw). Although the Engineers entered the final, played at Kennington Oval on 16 March 1872, as "favourites to win the trophy", their opponents, the Wanderers, won the match 1–0.