Denaby Get on Top

Denaby United 3, Swallownest M.W. 1.

Looking back on last season, Denaby United would not perhaps have expected the sort of opposition Swallownest put up in the Yorkshire league game at Tickhill Square on Saturday.

For the first 20 minutes Denaby, much improved this season and the eventual 3-1 winners, were truly struggling against a strong, fit Swallownest team.

And after only 11 minutes the visitors, a different kettle of fish from last season, took the lead. It was a beautifully taken header from Leigh which put Swallownest one up, thanks to a Lax centre which caught United on the hop.

Denaby were well and truly tested, but this time there was no let down for the home crowd. A 24-minute goal transformed unsettled United and brought out some of their undoubted potential.

Alan Cooper a real driving force on the right flank, dropped his centre smack in front of Mike Smith. The ball bounced awkwardly for Farrish and Denaby’s never say die inside left nudged home the equaliser, despite a challenge from Satterley.

Cooper also gave Denaby their second goal five minutes from half-time with a cross easily flicked home by centre forward “Dick” Barton, who throughout the match showed the way through the Swallownest defence with excellent ball control and good tactical thinking.

Outside right Cooper’s reward for his efforts in feeding the rest of the United attack, was a goal five minutes after half-time from Gerry Smith’s corner. All in all, this was an entertaining game with plenty of skill and energy from both sides. Denaby fully deserved their win, but the new-look Swallownest side are destined for better things then their two opening defeats of the season might forecast.

Teams and ratings

Denaby United: Collingwood 7, Wiggles 7, Caunt 7, Collins 7, Cooper (B.), 7, Ainscough 7, Cooper (A.), 8, Launders 7, Barton 8, Smith (M.), 7, Smith (G.), 7.

Swallownest: Farrish 7, Parker 6, Wilson 6, Senior 8, Satterley 6, Coldwell 6, Lax 7, Ball 6, Leigh 7, Cattel 6, Bird 7.

Referee: Mr. J. D. Thorpe Sheffield 8.