Mexborough and Swinton Times, March 5, 1910
Denaby Going Strong for the Cup.
The opposition placed in the way of Denaby’s capture of the Sheffield Challenge Cup seems to have made the lads in green all the keener on the trophy. They have been made to play an altogether unnecessary game in the competition. After drawing in the semi-final tie at Millmoor, they beat Rotherham Town soundly at Mexboro’, and as a result of a protest had to replay at Bramall Lang on. Monday, when they won by the only goal of the match, and, perhaps, deservedly.
We do not’ know the true inwardness of that protest, but it appears there are two versions of the story. It seems that Gregory, who, by the way, is turning out a fine full-back for Denaby, engaged in -the qualifying rounds of the Challenge Cup competition with Ecclesfield, prior to his transfer to Denaby. That, it is said, was unknown to the Denaby management, who selected Gregory to play against Rotherham Town. It is further alleged that the Rotherham Pawn management knew all about it, but did not elect to make a noise until after the event: I cannot think that, that is altogether the whole truth of the matter. It seems so silly, as well as unsportsmanlike, for a club to embark upon a match which is bound to be profitless merely for a second chance of capturing a trophy which will cost them money.
I prefer to believe that Rotherham Town did not press the point; but that the Sheffield Association which can always do with a benefit match, did. And thus the replayed tie.