Sheffield Daily Telegraph – Saturday 02 January 1909
Mexborough Town 3 Denaby United 3
Yesterday, on the Town ground, which suggested heavy going.
Both teams were strongly represented. A fast start was made before 4,000 spectators, and both teams quickly warmed to their work.
Mexborough were the first to seriously threaten, but the Denaby defence was sound, Mexborough ran down, and from a centre from the right-wing Palmer missed an open goal. At the other end Banner, the Denaby back. who was in this match figuring as centre forward, ran through nicely, and sent a fast snot over the bar.
For a period the Denaby forwards were very aggressive, but Westwood, who had made a welcome reappearance, together with Whitham, put up a stout defence. The game last took a turn in Mexborough’s favour, and warm work ensued in front of the Denaby goal. A free kick, however, relieved Denaby, who swept to the other end, for Frost to shoot wide. Considering the heavy state of the ground the play was of very good quality. The Mexborough goal experienced a narrowr escape, Clarke all but being beaten by a high bouncing shot. Tingle, however, falling back to clear in the nick of tune.
Then the game took a sensational turn. Mexborough pressed hotly, and Gadsby scored with a fine shot right in the far comer of the net.
Half-time: —Mexborough Town, 1 goal; Denaby United, 0 goal.
The second half had only been in progress a few minutes when a melee took place in front of the Denaby goal, and both Hancock and Nimrod were laid out. Hancock was carried off the field, and during his temporary absence Bonner went in the Denaby goal.
A corner followed, from which Frost headed past Clark, and put the teams on level terms. Murphy and Gadsby missed a rare opening. Kelley put Denaby in front, and Lowe scored a third. Near the end Murphy equalised.
Result;. Mexborough Town 3 goals. Denaby United 3 goals.