Denaby Utd – Denaby 2, Doncaster Rovers Res. 3 – Winner Came 2 Minutes From End

18 February 1950

South Yorkshire Times February 18, 1950

Rovers’ Winner Came 2 Minutes From End

” Snap ” Goal Decider Was On The Cards

Denaby United 2, Doncaster Rovers Res. 3

It always seemed likely in the second half of this replay at Tickhill Square on Monday that a snap goal would decide. The points went to Doncaster—two minutes from time—when Wood snapped up a chance and put Rovers Reserves irretrievably ahead.

It was a game of Fireworks. The ground was wet and heavy, but there was an abundance of crisp shooting, notably in the first half. Both sides played workmanlike football and there was a great ovation for young Stansfield, in the Rovers’ goal, when he saved a stinging shot from Osborne on the goal-line very early in the half. In the 11th minute the Tickhill Square roar (from a sizeable crowd for mid-week) went up for a lovely Edwards goal and it was not until the 39th minute, when Doncaster forced their first corner, that Wood equalised.

That was the state of the game at half-time.

Play fell off early in the second half; there was too much scrambling and too little construction, In the 55th minute Graham (R) put Rovers once more ahead, and there were ten very lively minutes before Wood again balanced up the issue. From then on it could have gone either way. And it went to Doncaster in the 88th minute Wood essaying a shot from a move which started downfield on the left wing, and beating Mayhall for the winner.

Those who saw the earlier game, which was abandoned when United were leading 4-1, saw a vastly different Doncaster. Young Andrews deputising at centre-forward for the absent Saxton, was closely watched but had a reasonably successful game. He made what he could of the few chances that came his way.

This was a double dose for United who, after their splendid run of success, lost to Grimsby 4-1 on Saturday. In all departments their football matched Grimsby’s and it was not until the 65th minute that Grimsby were able to get ahead.

United are at home to Mansfield on Saturday. Doncaster very generously offered their share of Monday’s gate to Denaby.