South Yorkshire Times and Mexborough & Swinton Times – Friday 14 December 1883
Denaby Red Rose 2 Conisboro’ 1
This match was played on the ground of the former on Saturday last. The ball was set in motion by the visitors, and after a bit of crossing by the home team, Topley made a run on the left, but was prevented from scoring by one of the visitors’ backs.
The leather was again carried to the Conisboro’ end, and, from a corner kick by Diggles, the first goal for the home team was kicked by Topley. On play being resumed, Wilson (the home captain) by a strong kick soon returned the globe to the visitors’ quarters.
Diggles then got hold of the ball and crossed it right in front of the Conisboro’ goal, when, unfortunately for Denaby, the leather touched one of the spectators, who stood in play on the side of the goal posts. Beardsley, not noticing this, centred to Bowen, who obtained another goal for the home team, but it was disallowed on account of hitting the spectator.
The visitors now warmed up to their work, and, from a splendid dribble by Senior, they obtained their first and only goal, the game at half-time thus standing one goal and one disallowed to one.
On the change of ends, the home forwards did some very good play, and Bowen made two neat runs, but nothing resulted from them. The home backs, Westwood and Nolan, also rendered invaluable service, the former particularly distinguishing himself by playing the ball back to Diggles, who again made a run up the left side and, being tackled by one of the visitors’ backs, passed the leather to Davis, the latter promptly kicking it through the Conisboro’ goal.
At the call of time, the game stood in favour of the home team by two goals and one disallowed to one.
The following played best for Denaby:—Bowen, Diggles, Nolan, Beardsley, and the brothers Senior; while Kelly excelled for Conisboro’.