South Yorkshire Times December 7, 1968
Denaby Below Par Fall Down
Thackley 2, Denaby United 0
Denaby United lost their 100 per cent , record at Thackley on Saturday to a team which Denaby manager Harry Lee, described as the best side I have seen this season.
Denaby were below par, but the efficient home side must be given credit for a well-executed victory. Thackley took the lead after 15 minutes despite Denaby pressure, and from that point on there was little doubt as to the final outcome. A long range effort found the Denaby net after goalkeeper Smith was deceived by a curling drive from the Thackley left half.
For a brief spell Denaby threatened to draw level, but Thackley’s well organised defence was giving little away. Ainscough had a shot cleared off the line, and Caunt was unlucky to see his header rebound into play from the crossbar. But these were isolated moments. For the rest, it was a story of neat interplay by the home side. They found their men better, and were that vital yard quicker on the ball than their opponents.
Thackley maintained their one goal advantage until late in the game. In the 76th minute their right winger made a lightning dash down the flank crossing for the centre forward to score given Smith no chance.
Denaby were below strength. Pettit was absent through injury. Jimmy Wiggels, back from a week’s suspension, and who took over at right half, seemed short of match practice. Denaby have to find a way to plug these defensive gaps and sharpen in attack.