Although the number of fixtures did not increase greatly from the previous season, there is mention in the transcript of the post-season Annual General Meeting held at the Corporation Hotel on 29 August 1879 of a 2nd XI which had played three games during the course of the campaign.
We can deduce from the introduction of a second team that the number of players wishing to play for Middlesbrough was rising, together with their ability levels. Unfortunately, the match reports that have been uncovered so far make no distinction between the two teams so the nine games which are recorded here are more than likely to be the 1st XI results.
Middlesbrough began the 1878-79 season with two away games. The first was a 3-0 win at South Bank on 26 October. This was followed a fortnight later with a 0-0 draw against Loftus on 9 November. The Loftus team were praised for their performance against “one of the best Association Clubs in the North of England.”
Boro did not play their first home match of the campaign until 23 November. It was against familiar foes, Tyne Association. In a thrilling encounter, played over four 20-minute periods, Middlesbrough triumphed 3-2.
Boro were on their travels again in early December, heading into County Durham to pick up a 2-1 victory over Barnard Castle. This victory cultivated many admirers in the press, with one match report stating: “The Middlesbrough team is becoming well known for keeping their various positions and passing from one to the other.” It was noted that Captain Jackson Ewbank in particular “distinguished” himself.
Middlesbrough’s next fixture wasn’t scheduled until early February, but this was abandoned when Darlington failed to show up for what was a charity match.
The club’s new ground at Breckon Hill Road gets its first official mention in the local press following a 1-0 victory over South Bank on 8 February. The proceeds from this charity match – £4.15s.3d – were donated to the Middlesbrough Relief Fund to help the local poor.
Seven days later, the Boro were victorious by the same score, 1-0, at home to Loftus. It is worth noting that the admission fee to watch the match that day was 3d, equivalent to about £1.50 today.
New opponents Redcar arrived at Breckon Hill Road on 22 February and were defeated 1-0. Unfortunately, one of their players, Shepherd, dislocated his shoulder but it was noted in the match report that “he is however progressing favourably”.
On 8 March, Boro travelled north for the penultimate game of the season, resuming their rivalry against Tyne Association. After a well-contested match, they registered a creditable 1-1 draw.
The conclusion of the 1878-79 campaign on 15 March saw the team embark on the short journey across Teesside to Redcar, where the match was surprising played on the beach. The game, split into four quarters, was won 2-0 by Middlesbrough.
This meant that Middlesbrough remained unbeaten throughout the season. At the 1879 AGM, captain Jackson Ewbank remarked “of the great success which had attended their efforts and hoped their endeavours would be as good in the approaching season.”
1878-79 Fixtures
| Date | Match | Status | Result |
| 26/10/1878 | South Bank (a) | Friendly | W 3-0 |
| 9/11/1878 | Loftus (a) | Friendly | D 0-0 |
| 23/11/1878 | Tyne (h) | Friendly | W 3-2 |
| 7/12/1878 | Barnard Castle (h) | Friendly | W 2-1 |
| 1/2/1879 | Darlington (h) | Charity match | Cancelled |
| 8/2/1879 | South Bank (h) | Charity match | W 1-0 |
| 15/2/1879 | Loftus (h) | Friendly | W 1-0 |
| 22/2/1879 | Redcar (h) | Friendly | W 1-0 |
| 8/3/1879 | Tyne (a) | Friendly | D 1-1 |
| 15/3/1879 | Redcar (a) | Friendly | W 2-0 |
