Sheffield Daily Telegraph – Monday 16 March 1903

The Midland League match between Denaby United and Walsall was not productive of particularly good football, both teams playing a spasmodic game. There was a poor attendance of spectators, brought about probably by the continuance of the strike. Walsall were fortunate in winning the toss, and thereby gained the aid of a strong wind, but they were slow to grasp their opportunity, and the interval arrived with no score. Denaby had certainly maintained a stout defence, but this notwithstanding, if the Walsall forwards had been half as effective near goal as in midfield, they must have crossed over with a winning lead.

On changing ends the boot was on the other foot, for Denaby took up the running with a persistence that almost immediately met with reward. In the closing stages Walsall made a fine attempt to draw level, McNeill’s goal being sufficient to give the home team a hard-won victory. Walsall showed the prettier football, and Denaby the most dash, but neither side showed a combination of the two.

Denaby United v Walsall

At Denaby both Walsall and Denaby took the field at full strength, in the presence of a fair gate. Walsall kicked with the wind, and set up a strong attack. Lindley broke away, but Lester cleared his centre. Walsall swept back with rare vigour, Tayles bringing off two sparkling saves. Walsall were the better team, but towards half-time Denaby set up a strong attack, Bromage saving a couple of rattling shots, and the whistle sounding with nothing scored.

Resuming, Denaby immediately attacked, and McNeil scored a lovely goal off Lindley’s centre. The same player got through again the next minute, but was off-side. Denaby continued aggressive, and the Walsall defence was kept busy, Bromage once saving finely from Biggs. Walsall were rather erratic, and on the whole easily checked by the Denaby defence. Towards the close play deteriorated considerably. Walsall made an attempt to equalise in the last few minutes, but they were easily checked.

Result: Denaby United, 1 goal; Walsall, 0 goal.