Denaby Miss a Penalty

Heeley Amateurs 1 Denaby United 0

“If I were a Liverpool supporter, I’d be looking for a train to smash up”.

This caustic comment by a Denaby United supporter is a fair epitaph to his side’s frustrating 0 – 1 defeat by Heeley amateurs at Staveley on Saturday.

After their pointless meanderings in attack, United didn’t deserve to win – but they were handed a point on a plate with an 85^th minute penalty that outside right Mike Smith could only blast over the bar.

It is difficult to see how Denaby can gain promotion on this form, barring miracles. United had made a promising start in the opening minutes as centre forward Hall robbed a Healy defender and slipped the ball to outside left Toyne, who hit the bar with a sparkling shot.

Defence Dally

After 12 minutes came the beginning of the end, for with the Denaby defence dallying, Healy centre forward Wallace snapped the ball up to guide it past keeper Hyde.

From then on, Denaby’s goalward progress was strictly limited and only one attack and made a consistent impression on Healy inside left Kingstone who showed all the fighting qualities the rest of the team lacked.

All credit to Heeley, enjoying fine form in their first Yorkshire league season. They looked a solid and intelligent, if unspectacular side, who were caught on the hop only once in the second half as their defence was split by a long through ball from Foster, upfield to Hall and on to Smith. But Walter was quick to pick the ball off the outside right toes.

Teams: –

Heeley Amateurs: Walton; Lee, Mawby; Slater, Bond, Peacock; Forrest; Oldfield, Wallace, Redfearn, Guy.

Denaby United: Hyde 6; Whant 6, Foster 6; Dalton 6, Williams 6, Colin 6; Smith 5, Phillips 5, Hall 5, Kingstone 8, Toyne 6.

Referee Mr W. A. Mariette, Sheffield 5