the club was beset with financial difficulties throughout its life, as well as other problems such as the death of peter connolly in 1895. they resigned from the southern league in the 1896–97 season after only playing seven games. all of those games were lost with a total of 46 goals conceded. in october 1896, royal ordnance factories played southampton st. mary's at their antelope ground, with the match ending 10–0. in goal for the royal ordnance factory was h. williamson who had been the "saints" goalkeeper in 1894–95. their record was expunged, and it is assumed the club folded soon after, in late 1896.