Denaby Utd – Denaby 3 Retford 0 – United Click into Gear in Cup Replay

September 1956

South Yorkshire Times September 29, 1956

Denaby Click into Gear in Last Night’s Replay

An injury weakened Denaby United, reduced to 10 men in the second half and saved from an FA Cup defeat at Retford on Saturday only by Retford’s own ineptitude, “clicked” into the old gear in the replay at Tickell Square last night (Thursday) and before the best “gate” of the season (close on 2000) beat Retford 3-0. It could have been four if Lambert had not failed with a penalty.

Only period of the game to heart in the big Retford following last night was a spell of 10 minutes midway through the first half stop United have been yards faster on the ball, and both Lambert and Dougan are being within an ace of scoring. There momentarily Denaby lost touch, and in this period of six and seven Retford suggested that the potential to win was there.

The Phase Passed

Then as quickly the phase passed. United swung back into their stride. In the 20th minute Martin had a terrific shot saved by Harrison and in a goalmouth scramble a defender fisted out. To United’s astonishment the referee indicated a goalkick, but he was so mobbed by players that he consulted the linesman and changed his decision to a penalty. It was a tame anti-climax, Lambert, who took the kick, attempted to place it gently – and it didn’t work.

United got the ball into the net after 27 minutes but the referee said offside and there began one of the most exciting onslaughts we have had at Denaby this season. For five minutes Denaby did everything but score – law, Lambert, Duggan, Martin – and it ended in the 42nd minute when Southall slammed in a heart shot which Harrison only parried and Lambert smashed the rebound into the net. Wroe saved a possible goal just before half time when Smethurst had dealt with one shop and United led at the interval 1-0 stop

No Mistake This Time

it was almost all Denaby in the second half against the strongish wind which Retford failed entirely to use to advantage. Duggan was unlucky twice before Martin scored in the 53rd minute, Holmes made chance, and at least one angler defence was allowed to go before Harrison, J.another Duggan shot in the 75th minute. This time the referee awarded a penalty and Southall smashed a beauty into the roof of the net.

Holmes was as unlucky as Duggan late in the game, and there were only two telling shots from Retford this half – from Smith and Vardy, – and one chance which nearly succeeded but was saved by Smethurst’s quick thinking.