Sheffield Daily Telegraph – Monday 08 November 1909
The Don Valley “Derby.”
Mexborough Town 1 Denaby United 1
A rousing English Cup struggle was seen Mexborough between the Town team and Denabv United, who, by playing a drawn game of “one all,” have yet to decide which club to come out as the divisional qualifying winner.
As was only to expected, the Midland League superiority of Denaby counted for nothing in this strenuous match, but Mexborough having failed “get through’’ with the choice of ground to help them, will find appreciably harder task awaiting them in next Thursday’s re-play. The Town had the good luck to win the toss, yet Denaby led at the interval, and in the first fifteen minutes of the second half looked to be on the high road to victory.
Then came, with Mexborough’s equaliser, a change over the spirit of the scene, and Denaby’s defence, which responded gallantly to all calls, was several times severely extended by the home attack, which improved out of recognition towards the close, and undeniably turned the general balance of play in their favour. But their dashing attacks only served to bring out the strength of the defence, and few who saw the game would be disposed grumble at the result.
For once in way Vivian Simpson, the Sheffield amateur, could not score. Kelley the Denaby centre-half, was generally his master, whilst there was not non-tryer on the field.
Denaby undoubtedly missed Glennon, absent through injury, but when all is said and done the match was typical for doggedness rather than good football. The gate receipts amounted to £103, which is a fine testimony to the football enthusiasm of the Don Valley.
And with the replay to come, the round will bring a welcome financial harvest to both clubs.