Mexborough & Swinton Times – Friday 31 March 1933
Too Lively For Bradford
Denaby United 1, Bradford Reserves 0
Denaby were as lively as the ball at Tickhill Square on Saturday and deservedly won the leather-chasing game with Bradford, who defended for much longer periods than they attacked.
Their side included as old friend, Coleman, for a spell Mexboro’s left winger, but he, like his colleagues with the exception of that little box of tricks, D. H. Robertson, had a Profitless day. Denahy were hardest pressed in the last three minutes, but Diggle’s only saves of note were from shots by Robertson. A. Robertson, on other band, able to show his aJertness, agility, and swiftness of action in the Bradford goal though again. one marksman caused him most of his trouble. That was Siddall (picture), who was back in his best form, and after hitting the upright with everybody beaten towards the close of the first half, twice brought Robertson iota action for full length saves before BLACK, as a result, could tap the hall into a yawning net for the only goal of the match.
That was after eight minutes play in the second half, and by that time Denaby had fully earned more than one goal. Their forwards made better use of the ball and were quicker to see what the conditions demanded. Bradford were saved from a heavier reverse by the solidity of Elwood at centre-half, the powerful kicking of Cookson at right-back, and the agility of A. Robertson, in spite of the fact that Adams had a bad day, Walker and Siddall were the “live” men of the line. Black worked the ball nicely but often failed in finish. Dagger was a dangerous man but bad Bradford’s stoutest defender opposed to him. The Denaby halves were better in attack than Bradford’s, and King had a great day. He was the craftiest “general” on the field. Taylor and Mountney kicked into and with the wind as well as did the Bradford pair, and Diggle, though be fumbled once or twice, was quick to recover and did his work well apart from some rather weak clearance kicking.
With Siddall. however, Smith must be awarded the day’s main laurels. He was the hardest worker of the twenty-two, and one of the three most effective. Some of his recoveries and transfers from awkward situations were outstanding. Bradford played second fiddle throughout except for one sheet spell in the first half, and their three-three minute rally, during which they failed to get the ball into a well-packed goal. It would have been hard luck on Denaby had they succeeded.