Mexborough & Swinton Times – Friday 07 September 1900
Denaby United 2 Rotherham 0
Well done, United! You have marked your entry into the Sheffield Association League by a splendid victory over the Rotherham men. A fair another of spectators made the journey on Saturday from Rotherham, and they did not forget to let on know they were there whenever the occasion required.
The game itself was of a first-class order, plenty of good football being displayed. Goodwin was the first to score after good work by Heathcote and Ryans.
Rotherham had their share of midfield exchanges, but gave very little trouble to Stable., who, by-the-way, did his work in an agile manner and created a most favourable opinion amongst the spectators. Freeman, at full-back, was a host in himself, and kept his men well in hand, and, needless to mention, his partner Lawley, ably supported him.
In the first half the home halfback division were rather shaky, but improved as the game proceeded.
I don’t remember having ever seen Herbert Whitehouse play fine football than he did the last 45 minutes on Saturday, and he had hard lines on several occasion. His brother John (captain) is what I call an ideal captain; in addition to playing a good game his knowledge of the game and coaching of his men had a deal to do with Saturdays victory.
Watts at right half, showed glimpses of fair form, and is without doubt a useful addition in the halfback line.
Of the forwards I must speak favourably, with one exception. The centre forward, Chapman, was decidedly at sea, and should certainly have scored at the top end, when only 5 yards from goal, and only the custodian to beat, he put the ball yards too high over the bar; yet in the last half he somewhat improved, but was much too light for the sturdy defence of the visitors.
The display of the own players in the latter stages of the game was excellent, and they were distinctly unfortunate in not having two more goals to their credit. Nevertheless they gained a smart victory by two goals to none.
Tomorrow our old antagonists from Hunslet are due at Denaby, and we should have another grand match, and I trust, a victory to avenge our English cup defeat, at Barnsley.