Mexborough and Swinton Times September 7, 1928

Denaby Promise.
Good Display Against “Class” Side.

Denaby 1, Notts Forest 2

The match at Tickhill Square on Saturday was of the type in which every moment found one expecting a goal, and if the Denaby team continue to play the same bright football they should prove a big draw.

Notts Forest were rather lucky to get away with both points, but the composition of their team made Denaby’s performance a good one even then. The match was won by a free kick given when Rodgers handled near goal. Notts had in their side three regular Football League players of last season, Dexter, McKinley, and Wallace. Cameron, who has seen Scottish League service with Hearts, and Heathcote from Leicester, were also in the team, which included four scotsmen.

Denaby’s reconstructed attack was only partially successful. Martin, the right winger from South Kirkby, was raw, but Brewin’s inclusion as leader was justified. The play was even throughout. Notts were good in every department. The defence played well up field and cleverly exploited the offside law. Yet Denaby forwards played splendidly—though for once they were poorly fed by Ogley. Turner was the most dangerous Denaby forward. He usually beat his man and he centred accurately. Jenkins, Brewin and Green were a clever inside trio, and were forceful too. Clegg and Windle had to handle two resourceful wingers in Turner and Hague, but did well. Without having quite the polish of the Notts backs, Rodgers and Taylor set up a stern defence. Birch made no mistake.

The Notts forwards had periods of brilliance, and put in much smart combination. Dickenson, last season with ‘Wigan, was the best of a good quintet, and next to him was Turner. The all-Scotch half-back line was well directed by Cameron. Marsden and Goucher were players with head-pieces as well as brawn, and Dexter was reliable.

Denaby had their hearts in their work, and that counterbalanced the slightly superior craft of their opponents.

Denaby scored first, but Notts equalised with a good goal. The goal which proved the deciding one was scored with a free-kick just outside the penalty area. After twenty minutes. GREEN put Denaby ahead, shooting from among a bunch of players. Shortly after a clever forward movement by Notts culminated in DICKENSON receiving from McKennan at close range and leaving Birch helpless with a powerful shot. Before the interval the free-kick for handling was awarded Notts, and GOUCHER shot hard and low through the waiting players to beat Birch who was unsighted. The second half contained many exciting moments, and both teams missed chances.

The teams were:—

DenabY: Birch: Rodgers. Taylor: Clegg, Oglev, Windle; Martin, Jenkins, Brewin, Green. Taylor.

Notts Forest: Dexter; Marsden, Goacher ; McKinley, Cameron, Wallace: Turner, Heathcock , McKennon, Dickenson, Hague