Mexborough & Swinton Times — September 17, 1904
Sheffield United Res. 6. Denaby United 2
At Bramall Lane on Monday, in wet weather. The home team lost the toss, and had to face the wind and rain. There was not a great deal to choose in the opening exchanges, but within five minutes of the start the home team had taken the lead. Edgeley ran through and sent in a fast ground shot, which Massey stopped with his hands, and then, running out, kicked away. Porter, however, could not get out of the way, and the ball striking him on the head rebounded into the net.
Bromage was several times seen to advantage with good runs and centres, from one of which Edgeley made a good attempt to head in. The best effort by far was from Needham, who, working his way to a good position, all but beat Massey, who managed to clear at the second attempt. With a centre across Needham drew Massey out of his goal, but Porter fell back and cleared.
After about 35 minutes’ play Denaby attacked, and Foster handled just outside the penalty area. From the free kick the ball went straight to Binney, who had only Livesley to beat, and with a shot which struck underneath the cross-bar and then bounced into goal, he brought the teams level.
The champions were soon in the Denaby half again, and McCormick had a splendid opportunity, but his shot from close in was badly directed. It was not long before the Sheffield team were in front again. Bromage put in a long shot from the wing, and Massey allowed the ball to travel into the net in the far corner. Following upon the kick-off, the ball was again played out to Bromage, who ran down and tried another long oblique shot, which was equally successful, Massey throwing himself at the ball, but failing to reach it.
At half-time Sheffield United led by three goals to one.
On resuming the home team were the first to attack, and it was not long before they had added another goal. Edgeley gave Needham a pass right in front of goal, and the inside left had no difficulty in beating Massey at close quarters. At the other end Lindley had a splendid opportunity, but shot badly, and Denaby were soon compelled to act upon the defensive again, and Massey was applauded for a couple of fine saves.
As the game proceeded, the rain came down faster, and the conditions were most uncomfortable. Foster once put in a long centre, which Welch could not quite stop, and the ball went on to Bromage, who ran within two or three yards of the goal before he shot past Massey for the fifth point.
Soon afterwards the same player, with a long cross shot, was again very close to the mark. From a free kick the ball was kicked direct to Livesley, who carried it beyond the prescribed limit, with the result that Denaby were awarded a free kick within two or three yards of the goal, from which the ball was handled, and Lavery scored from a penalty.
Just before the finish Sheffield United rushed the ball through from a scrimmage.
Result: Sheffield United Reserves, 6 goals; Denaby United, 2 goals.