South Yorkshire Times, April 11th, 1970
Pettit (2) Paves the Way for Denaby!
Denaby United 2, Ossett Albion 0
After the disappointment of Saturday’s Yorkshire League cup semi-final defeat at the hands of Rawmarsh, Denaby could have been excused a lethargic display against Ossett at Tickhill Square the following day but excuses were never necessary in this match – Denaby played with surprising zest and confidence, and though the championship is out of the question, the club may close the season with an honourable place in the top four.
This match was particularly significant for one man, Denaby full-back Jimmy Wiggles who was playing against his old club.
And in the words of one of his old team mates he “performed like a man inspired”. It almost had the fairy tale ending when Wiggles had a scoring chance in the second half, but the full-back hit the shot – as full backs often do – wide. Denaby were without Steve Toyne, the only casualty of the previous day’s game and Trevor Allen came in at left-back
Never In …
Ossett were seeking the double over Denaby – who they beat 2-1 in the early part of the season – but after the first fifteen minutes they were never in the picture. Denaby defended as Ossett threw themselves forward for a quick goal, and with several big men coming up for the corners, Ossett looked very dangerous.
But it was Denaby’s goal-scoring wing-half, Pete Pettitt, who found the net to ease the pressure and give the home club the chance to settle down and play football. He headed in Sumpner’s corner after a quarter of an hour.
Pettit Again
And he didn’t stop there. For with half an hour gone and Denaby on top, a lovely move involving Willey, Sapey and England ended with the Denaby player-manager lofting a short cross for Pettit to head in.
Denaby midfield trio of Pettit, Sapey and Willey were in command now, and Ossett back-pedalled for the remainder of the first half.
The exertions of Saturday began to take their toll after the break, and the football began to look a little ragged. Still Denaby had the chances with England and Morley going close, and with Peter Whitehead having a fine game in defence, Ossett couldn’t break the ice.
Young Allen had to leave the field after 70 minutes with an arm injury and Gray substituted, Denaby holding out to the close with little difficulty.