South Yorkshire Times, January 5th, 1934
Surprise Win
New Denaby Forwards Fit In Well
Hull City Reserves 2, Denaby United 3
Supporters of Denaby were no doubt surprised at their team’s success at Hull on Saturday, but the Hull spectators got a much bigger surprise. What made Denby’s performance the more meritorious was that their forward line included two “raw recruits” to Midland League football and another with very little experience.
Denaby were without Siddall, McLean, who were inured during the holidays, and Mangnall who was rested. Barrow was a doubtful starter but happily put in an appearance and played a great game. The forward line was well led by B. Ward, who was signed during the week from Dragon United and in his last nine Mexboro’ League games and scored 18 goals. He proved himself the type of leader Denaby have been seeking to deputise for Adam. Turton, as inside right from Kilnhurst, came in for Fitzgerald, who moved over to the left. And a further trial was given to Carter at outside-right. Turton showed promise and with training may fill the place vacated by Hinchcliffe, while Carter showed signs that he is gaining confidence. He made several fine solo efforts and scored his first goal for the club besides playing a part in the scoring of the other two. Fitzgerald was a hard worker and schemer., while Haggar showed improvement. The half-back line was sound and the defence recovered from a shaky start. Kirby put in some good work. Sargeant and Talents were the pick of the Hull forward line and Allen the best of a moderate half-back line.
Denaby forced a corner in the first minute but Hull fought back and Kirby had to deal with hot shots from Sargeant and Burdett. Miskicking by the Denaby defenders compelled King to drop back. Ward tested Brannan while at the other end Kirby made a fine save from Burdett. Taylor and Skelton settled down and got the measure of Sargeant. Denaby, after 30 minutes, gained a deserved lead.
Speed conceded a corner and Ward scored from Carter’s centre. The Denaby forwards put plenty of vigour into their play and did most of the attacking. Carter, after beating all opposition centered, but Ward and Fitzgerald missed the ball and Haggar rushed up to score. The point however, was disallowed for offside. At the other end Talents and Sargeant hit the woodwork but following a scramble in the Denaby goalmouth, Talents put the teams on terms.
A minute later, Carter restored Denaby’s lead with an excellent solo effort. Just before the interval Atkinson equalised again.
Hull were the better side on resuming but their short passing game was overdone to the advantage of Denaby. Ward and Fitzgerald gave Brannan some hot shots to deal with and the only danger at the other end was when Sargeant struck the bar. Thanks to the fine constructive play of Seth King, Denaby finished on top. About midway through the half, they got the winning goal, Seth King heading the ball forward to Haggar who ran on to beat the ex-Denaby goalkeeper.
After this King played the game of his life and saw to it that Denaby kept their lead.