South Yorkshire Times, Saturday December 22nd 1951
Denaby United Reminiscence to 1936 Fixture
Denaby United’s defeat of Grimsby Town Reserves last week-end has brought an interesting reminiscence from Mr. Tommy Wakefield —and a query.
It was believed that United had not beaten Grimsby Reserves at Tickhill Square since 1936. Actually they beat them again in the following season, but whether or not the feat has been repeated in subsequent seasons, perhaps old records (or memories) will supply an answer.
The reminiscence is, nonetheless, interesting, for the 1936 defeat of Grimsby was accomplished 4-2 in six inches of snow, and after the match Denaby’s 22-year-old left full-back, Gordon Clark, was transferred to Manchester City for £400. Clarke, now manager of Aldershot, had played with Barnburgh Village. He had a month’s trial with Southend United and returned to Denaby for the remainder of the season. His place at full-back, following his transfer, was taken by Westlake. Mr. Arthur Davis, financial secretary, and Mr. Matt Taylor, Secretary – manager, represented Denaby on the transfer deal.
Mr. G. A. Taylor, then groundsman at Denaby, bought half a crown’s worth of blue distemper to mark out in the pitch in the snow. At first, it was thought that it might be wasted, but the sides turned out, and, as it happened, it was a lucky win in two ways for United.
Guest (2) and Barks (2) got the Denaby goals in this match. The 1937 defeat was a 2 – 1 verdict, and Smith, Happs, Parry, Bettis and Fleetwood were in the side.
In season 1938 Denaby were beaten 4 – 1 by Grimsby Reserves at Tickhill Square.