South Yorkshire Times April 4th 1959.
Denaby Halt Horden Romp.
Denaby Utd 2 Horden 1
High-ranking Horden colliery thinking to Tickhill Square on Monday riding on the crest of a wave of Easter victories over Sutton and Grantham, but found unexpectedly lively opposition from Denaby United, who concluded their holiday programme on a note of high optimism.
Playing with Zest and determination Denaby were a rampant force after the interval, and the architects of the 2-1 victory were newcomer Smith – a tricky and dangerous wingman – and Pilkington,Whose untiring wing half play was the feature of the game. He crowned a splendid all-round display with a blistering volley to put Denaby in the lead in the 65th minute. Following neat approach work by Lawley and Smith.
Earlier, leading goalscorer Swaby had added to his tally when he punished slack covering by the Horden defence. Woodhouse’s equalising score for Horden came when his corner was deflected into the net by keeper Smethurst. This goal was hotly disputed by the Denaby defenders who protested that the ball had not crossed the line. Smethurst had previously kept the fast raiding Horden forwards at bay. And his point-blank save from Crosby, when the visiting leader was clean through. He was a brilliant effort.
Denaby missed a great opportunity to go into the lead on the resumption when Bainbridge squandered a gilt-edged chance in front of goal after receiving from Allot. Guthrie Saved beautifully From Bainbridge As the Denaby pressure mounted and Allots skimmed the bar after a lightning break through. Horden strove to pull the game out of the fire in the closing stages, but uninspired Denaby team swept in to only their fifth victory of the season.