Career

McFarlane joined Burslem Portuguese Vale in November 1898, and made his debut at the Athletic Ground in a 2–0 defeat by Leicester Fosse on 12 November. He became a regular in the side and made 22 Second Division and five cup appearances in the 1898-1899 season. He played 31 league and 10 cup games in the 1899–1900 campaign, before he departed for league rivals Middlesbrough in the summer.