Denaby Utd – Denaby 4 Rotherham Town 0

20 April 1900

Mexborough and Swinton Times, April 20.

Denaby United 4 Rotherham Town 0

The above match was played at Denaby on Good Friday morning. The visitors were half an hour late, and had then to take the field with 10 men.

The state of the weather interfered with the attendance, but there still was a large company present to witness the “match of the season” as it was billed.

The home captain having won the toss chose to play with the wind in their favour. Rotherham began in real earnest, and Selby, when getting dangerous, was beaten by Lawley. The home forwards worked the ball down nicely, Tucker kicking into touch. Fouls were rather numerous hereabouts, but the visiting defence was kept very busy. Several corners were conceded by Tucker and Baker, and Parkin had to be smart in clearing his lines. Once Hardy had hard lines with a lovely header, the ball just skimming the bar. Parkin saving a fine shot from Crowcroft in the next minute.

The home forwards kept up a bombardment, on ParkinĀ“s charge, but could not get through. The visitors very rarely passed the halfway line, the home defence being very determined will stop Dr Selby and Gelding worked very hard, but they were easily kept in check. At length, after 30 min play, a smart pass by Ryans, was snapped up by Crowcroft, who shot hard in, Parkin saving, threw the ball away, and Crowcroft
getting possession again, beat Parkin and registered the first goal for his side.

Keeping up the pressure, the same player found the net again, but the point was disallowed for offside. Not to be denied, Denaby attacked again, and Goodlad beat Parkin with a clinking shot.

From now to the interval, the United pressed severely, but the score was unaltered.

On resuming it was expected that Rotherham, with the wind, would make matters warm for the home defence. The United were the first to attack, but Baker sent them back. Rotherham then had the same aggression, Hardy was called upon to save upon from Gelding. Some fine combination was witnessed by the home forwards, their efforts against the wind being splendid. Rotherham then attacked but their final effort was lost owing to bad shooting.

Denaby continued to play smart passing game, and after a spirited run Ryans put on a third goal. Again attacking, Tucker gave a corner to save his fortress but the defence prevailed. Hardy and Crowcroft were playing a splendid game for Denaby, their brilliant runs be much appreciated by the spectators. From one of Hardy’s centres Goodlad scored again