Mexborough & Swinton Times – Friday 04 September 1931
Happy Opening-Day At Elmsall
Better Team Work Wins.
Frickley Colliery 3 Denaby United 2
Convincing form was shown by Frickley to beat Denaby 3-2 at South Elmsall. After scoring an early surprise goal Denaby faded away for a time, and but for Brannan’s cleverness and the wind’s tricks with the light ball, they would have been more heavily in arrears.
A crowd of 1.500, which included a fair number of Denaby supporters saw a fast, entertaining game which was won by the better; team. Frickley were the more impressive’ side. They were fester, more accurate in their passing, and worked with much closer understanding. With a thrustful leader in Bell, who was always alert and a worry to the Denaby defence, the forwards gave a delightful display. Both wingers were quick and clever, and centred accurately. Mundy partnered Simmonds well and plied him with judicious passes,
On the other flank Stanyon was a box of tricks, showing excellent ball control and speed. He frequently drew the defence and slipped the ball through to the other forwards in a way that was difficult to counteract. He was the “star” forward. The wing halves were effective in defence and attack. The only weakness was in the pivotal position. Cook, although an obstructionist, showed little anticipation. The backs were sound, and Summerfield specially distinguished himself by vigorous tackling and smart clearances.
Though on the slow side, Hayhurst was a resolute defender. Holland was excellent in goal. Ile got a nasty cut on the finger early in the gains (which had to be stitched at the Warde-Aldam Hospital afterwards), but gave a plucky display and indicated that he will be a capable successor to Calvert.
The defence is easily the strongest the club have fielded; a remark which, indeed, might apply to the whole team. If Saturday’s game is any criterion, the team should go far.