Mexborough and Swinton Times November 21, 1902
Midland League
Denaby United 3 Newark 4
To witness this match at Denaby last Saturday there was only a moderate crowd, Owen, no doubt, to the unsettled state of trade in the locality. With exception of Massey Denaby were at full strength and G Hardy appeared in goal, Dowson, the new man from Doncaster, again playing in the halfback line.
In losing the toss the home team were set to defend the colliery end, and Newark at once invaded the home quarters.
Lawley was running out to clear a bouncing shot, and the ball accidentally touched his arm, but the referee awarded a penalty, a decision that was unpalatable to the crowd. Barnett took the kick, and Hardy stopped it. The new man followed up, and had another shop, and again are the same, but Barnett then had no difficulty in running it through and thus scored the first goal.
This reverse had the effect of rousing the home lot, and for a minute they were all over Beeton, and Ryans at length found his chance made no mistake.
Newark for a time sorely troubled the own defence, and Lawley and Dudhill were busy consequent on the weakness of the halves, but at length Soar broke through and beat Hardy a second time.
Half-time: Newark two goals, Denaby one.
Denaby went away smartly on resuming, and McNeil appeared to be working for a final shot he was fouled, and the resulting kick was cleared.
After some midfield manoeuvring the home forwards got going and Ryans got through and scored what seemed a fine goal, but he was ruled offside to the consternation of the spectators. Denaby came again, however, and Ryans scored a legitimate goal after neat bit of work.
Newark again invaded, and Goss was responsible for another goal, which he scored from a freekick close in.
Some dingdong play was now witness and then reattaching a body, only to see McNeil shoot wide. This Hardy kept discharging chat when you are called upon him, and then Roper got his chance, bang in front, and he steered the ball safely into the net with his head, and the teams were on level terms again. The excitement ran high.
Newark again attacked with method, and Walker again placed inside her head with a nice oblique shot. They came again, but scores shot cannon off Hardy’s legs and looking fashion, and following this Lawley at put back to Hardy in order to stop so.
In the last few minutes Denaby/desperately to equalise, and the likely ground of G Hardy was cleverly negotiated by Beeton, and tries the ward they could not break through and had to retire beaten.