Sheffield Daily Telegraph – Monday 03 December 1928

Midland League.
Grantham Beat Leaders in Great Game.
Some Big Scores.

One of the surprises of the Midland League on Saturday was the odd goal defeat of the leaders, Lincoln City Reserves by Grantham, at Grantham. Lincoln City found Grantham at the top their form, and Sullivan scored the only goal five minutes from the start. It was a magnificently contested game, the forward play on both sides being superb, though the victors were probably the more scientific. Quinn, who returned to the team, was a constant source of worry to the Lincoln defenders. Kendall gave a superb display in goal for the losers.

On Saturday’s display, York City are the best team seen at Mansfield this season. They played fast and attractive football throughout, and were the stronger side during the last quarter of an hour. Merritt, Roberts, Cowie, and Charnley were the most prominent members, the extreme wingers playing very well indeed. The best players of the winners were the wingers, McLauchlan and Cooke, with Staniforth and Morris also good. Near the interval Morris and Cooke scored for Mansfield, and Cowie got one for the visitors from penalty. That was all the scoring.

Trinity’s Biggest Win.

Gainsborough Trinity obtained their biggest victory of the season by defeating Newark Town 5-1 at the Northolme. The team delighted the 2,500 spectators with a fine open game, which nonplussed the Newark defence. S this haw, their centre, who was re-transferred from Cardiff City three weeks ago, scored four of the goals, Croft adding fifth. Though Newark improved after half-time, and Hodainott reduced the arrears, they were unable to overcome the strong Gainsborough halves, which Croft, who has recently been transferred from the reserves, played finely on the left.

It was not until the last minute of the game at Scunthorpe that Scarborough managed to draw 2-2. The first half honours went to Scunthorpe, whose forwards were lively and clever. Maw, their goal-scoring inside-right, was most conspicuous. He scored both of Scunthorpe’s goals. Scarborough obtained two surprise goals —Harron’s being obtained in a breakaway. The one scored by Greatorex in the last minute was the result of Skull’s failure to head away. The attendance was 1,762.

Worksop Town, making drastic team changes, scored a well-deserved win over Hull City Reserves at Central Avenue. They were the better team, and won 3-1. All the goals were scored in the first half. I It was a thrilling fight. Harvey gave Worksop the lead, and Allison scored two more before Murray, with the best goal the day, reduced the margin. After the interval, Worksop held on to their lead. They gave a much-improved display.

Forest Win at Barnsley.

The game at Oak well between Barnsley Reserves and Notts Forest Reserves produced little that was interesting. The Forest, however, showed the better combination and took an early lead through Heslop. Neal added second, but just before the internal Gibbs had reduced the lead. In the second half Barnsley drew level through Fletcher, but Heathcock gave Forest the winning goal. Barnsley were best served by Richards left back, and his partner, Hallott, from Treeton R.R., kicked well. Jones was the pick the halves, with Gibbs the best forward. Wallace, at left half, did well for Forest, Neal and Heslop being the best forwards.

Boston were much superior to Rotherham United Reserves Boston, winning 6—0. With little more steadiness they would have run up bigger score. As it was Hoyland (2), and Earle scored before the interval, and Earle and Jenkinson in the second half. The first four goals were secured from Stephenson’s centres. Smith, the Rotherham goalkeeper, played excellently.

Wath Athletic touched their best form and beat Staveley 4—1, in game in which both sets forwards played some good football. The visitors’ defence, however, failed to hold Wath’s left wing, where Skeels’ was outstanding. Towards the end Wath were foiled by the magnificent display of Edwards in goal. The scorers were Murdin (2) and Smith (2) for Wath, and Pearce for Staveley. The players wore black armlets and stood in silence before the match in memory of the late Mr. J. J. Roper.

A Chesterfield Accident.

Chesterfield Reserves drew 1-1 with Notts County Reserves at Saltergate. Yarwood scored from a penalty for Chesterfield, and Matthews netted for the visitors. The shooting on both sides was poor. Although the County were often dangerous, the home defence maintained determined and effective resistance particularly in the closing stages. In the second half Chesterfield were without Betton, their centre half-back, who, in a collision with Houldsworth, received ugly wound over one eye and was taken the hospital to have several stitches applied.

Wombwell and Frickley Athletic drew 2—2 in a spirited game which was a tribute to both sides that the contest was not marred by any unseemly incident. Wombwell had the better of the exchanges. So far as the score want, however, it was uphill fight for them, Frickley holding the  lead for the greater part of the game. This was due chiefly to the weakness of the Wombwell forwards near goal. On the other hand the Frickley forwards indulged in hard shooting. The scorers were: Frickley, Williams and Charlton; for Wombwell, Pardon and Hamilton (own goal).

After a well-fought first half Doncaster Rovers Reserves took a strong grip of the game with Mexborough after the interval and won by 5—2. Their scorers were Tippett (2), Whitelaw, Paterson, and Binns, those by Whitelaw and Paterson facing brilliant efforts. Mexborough’s goals were obtained by Briggs. For a good part of the first half and on occasions during the second the Mexborough forwards, Briggs and Storer in particular, took good deal of holding, but Smith and Bussingham defended robustly. Paterson and Tippett were the most dangerous of the Doncaster forwards. Doncaster’s half-back line strong, while Mexborough’s middle line was their weakest section.

Shirebrook deserved their 2-1 victory over Loughborough. The introduction Whalin, the young player from the Notts Tramways, centre-forward, strengthened the attack, but their finishing was still weak. Kennedy did well at left-back, and he and Booton put up a sound, resolute defence. _ Barlow was the pick of a good half-back line. Miller and Mercer were the stronger wing forwards. Parker dominated the left wing. Loughborough were not Miller (2) scored for Shirebrook and Orton for Loughborough.