Denaby Utd – Denaby 2 Lincoln City Reserves 0 – Unlucky Holmes

April 1957

South Yorkshire Times April 20, 1957

Unlucky Holmes

Denaby United 2 Lincoln City Reserves 0

A poor game and a somewhat thin “gate” was a lasting impression of Saturday’s 2-0 victory by Denaby United over visiting Lincoln City Reserves.

In a curiously half speed first 45 minutes there was practically nothing to write home about and it was only in the second half that United put City under pressure.

It began with14th minute goal scored by E Gann from a beautifully place corner kick, and it took Denaby another 37 minutes to register again – a typical Derek Holmes solo goal – city were lucky not to have conceded more.

Holmes I felt, was the unluckiest man in the bunch. A long clearance well over centre half Capper looke almost a certainty for a goal as Holmes raced onto the ball, but it never reached him. The all Capper, realising the ball was beating him, put both hands up to catch it – and promptly had his name taken by referee Keyworth.

Four Holmes it must have been like grasping a bubble only to see it burst. Then again, I thought you were on the wrong end of a tackle in the penalty area, but referee Keyworth was there with the play and obviously thought otherwise, for he was awarded a corner instead.

Twice Holmes was robbed of possible goals by only a foot – goalkeeper Duthie beating to the ball – and Cliff Martin was unlucky to miss adding to that 35 goals total when Walton kicked a power drive off the line.

Lincoln had their chances. One flying header bought a full-length save; another hit the crossbar and Williamson caught the ball as it fell into the goalmouth. Gray kicked off the line and Barnes also saved a “possible.”

Lincoln looked a mediocre site, nevertheless, and if only for their second performance Denaby were good winners.