Denaby Utd – Denaby 2 Mexborough 1 – Challenge Cup Final – Denaby First Holders

May 1926

Mexborough and Swinton Times, May 7, 1926

Mexboro’ Challenge Cup.
Denaby First Holders.
A Keen Final.

Denaby United 2, Mexborough 1

Before the biggest ‘gate’ Denaby had since Mexborough were their visitors on Christmas Day, these teams contested the final round of the Mexborough Challenge Cup competition on Friday. The crowd was 2,200 and the receipts £60.

There was no end-of-the-season stuff about the match. It was fought out at a rousing pace and was full of thrills. Denaby found that last ounce they always seem to pull out for these local clashes, but Mexborough’s exhibition was not that of Champions of the Midland League. Perhaps the players felt the strain of the strenuous programme they had gone through. But then a team can only play as well as the opponents let them. Denaby spoiled Mexborough’s efforts by skilful methods and seldom let them get dangerous. Mexboro’s goal was more often challenged than was Denaby’s.

There was a sensational opening. Windle passed forward to Pring. He tipped the ball to ALLEN, who worked his way through the defence to beat Copo with a low shot at short range. It was a very well-worked goal. One wondered where all the noise came from after this goal, for judging by the support accorded to Denaby this season the usual attenders could not have made such a row. Mexborough might have drawn level immediately afterwards when Ashton put in a curling shot which Bromage failed to gather properly had any Mexboro’ forwards been there to take advantage of the lapse. Two free kicks for Mexborough in immediate succession from 35 yards out raised Mexboro’s hopes when Etherington potted at goal, but one went back from the crossbar, and Bromage fisted the other away. After 23 minutes Pring bent G. Taylor, drew Cope, and shot, and SKEELS dashed up and made sure of it. Thompson immediately brought Cope to his knees with a low shot at the foot of the post. After 31 minutes Mexborough got a goal, and Stanley Taylor did the trick! Bramley beat Balmorth and slung the ball to Ashton. He passed it to Buxter, who gave the ball to TAYLOR, and he beat Bromage at close range. That was the first time Denaby’s goal had been in danger. It was a heartener for Mexborough, who subjected Denaby to pressure until Bisby raised the siege. Cope showed his brilliance when Pring had a clear field. He went to the edge of the ‘box’ to throw clear. The ball went to Thompson, but Cops cleverly intercepted the return.

In the second half no goals were scored, and the balance of the play was in Denaby’s favours. They might have made a good score, Parkinson should have scored three in the half. After ten minutes he received on the half-way line and ran forward with only Cope to beat, but shot straight at the latter. Again after 22 minutes Cope was on the ground and Parkinson missed his kick. Shortly before the end the same player was again too slow on the ball. It must not be thought that Parkinson played a poor game. He played well, as did the rest of the side, but he was new to the team. He gives promise of good things.

Just on time Hill was sent off for kicking Ogley, the culminating incident in a series, which spoiled the closing stages of the game.

Denaby deserved the victory. The team played well together, and Balmorth, a local lad, gave a fine account of himself. He is a ‘find.’

Mexborough were weak in defence, and the forwards were not served well in consequence.

Teams:-

Denaby United: Bromage; Taylor, Bisby; Windle, Ogley, Balmforth; Thompson, Parkinson, Pring, Allen, Skeels.

Mexborough Athletic: Cope; Hill, Taylor (G. A.); Harrison, Etherington, Saxton; Ashton, Bramley, Taylor (S.), Boresford, Baxter.

Referee: J. E. Elmer, Parkgate.

The cup, given anonymously, was presented to ‘Paddy’ Windle by Mr. B. L. Smith, of Mexborough. He said they must first congratulate Mexboro’ on winning the Midland League championship; then Denaby on sending a captain to lead The Wednesday from the Second Division to the First; and then the teams who had just played, on their splendid display.

Medals were handed to the players by Mr. J. W. Fawcett.