Sheffield Daily Telegraph – Monday 30 December 1929
Midland League.
First Home Defeat for Barnsley Reserves.
A Veteran’s Distinction
There were some well-contested games in the programme of twelve matches in the Midland League on Saturday, and visiting teams did better than usual, getting goals against 26, the reward for which was nine points.
The outstanding performance of the day was win of Grimsby Town Reserves at Oakwell, where Barnsley Reserves sustained their first defeat. Previously they had obtained every point but one out of 22 at home, partial failure being against Scarborough on September 7th. As a result of Barnsley’s defeat, Scarborough strengthened their hold the top position, though they had to content with a point from their visit Notts County Res.
Mansfield Town displaced Barnsley Res. second in the table, but the latter, having matches in hand, appear to be stronger rivals to Scarborough than the champions. Grimsby won 2—l at Oakwell. where play was greatly in Barnsley’s favour, but the forwards were ineffective near goal, several scoring chances being missed. At the same time, credit must be given to Bateman and Bell for their strong defensive work under pressure, and to Poskett for a capable goalkeeping display. He was very alert, and showed judgment in running out to beat Barnsley’s forwards for possession.
Ridyard and Richards were strong Barnsley defenders, and Harron and Prondfoot constituted dangerous wing. Harron gave Barnsley the lead after 70 minutes, but two goals Glover —the first from yards’ range—gave Grimsby the spoils.
Scarborough and Mansfield in Luck.
Scarborough were a trifle lucky to secure division of points with Notts County Reserves at Nottingham, for Jakeman was carried off with knee trouble early in the second half, and Fisher also had retire before the end. The visitors were the sounder side early on, but Notts the more dangerous later. Clayson scored for Scarborough in eight minutes, and just after half-time good work by Matthews enabled Fisher to get into position to equalise. Then came the injuries to the Notts players.
Had not Wath Athletic been compelled to play only ten men for their second half of the game. Mansfield would not have got away with 2—1 win. Wath played well and fully deserved their goal lead at half-time. Soon after Angus had scored the goal, Ellis, the right, half-back, was knocked out, and though he continued to play, it was clear he was only semi-conscious. In the second half he was persuaded to the dressing room. With only ten men, Wath battled strongly, but, tired in the closing stages, and near the end Gibson and Murphy scored for Mansfield. W. Moore and Angus were outstanding for Wath, who had the game well in hand up to the time of Ellis’s departure.
21 Goals This Season.
Chesterfield Reserves, home to Gainsborough Trinity, recorded their fourth successive victory, winning by three goals to none. Taylor (S. J-), the old Sheffield Wednesday player, netted twice, bringing his total 21, which places him the top of his club’s goal lift. Cousins scored the third goal. The home attack was very enterprising, and so completely did the forwards, consistently supported the half-backs, dominate the game, that Trinity never got into their stride, despite the hard work put Gerald Fell, their centre half-back, who was playing against his old club.
The five or six hundred who braved the elements at Wombwell saw some sparkling football, and also had the satisfaction of seeing Wombwell register a well-deserved win of 3—1 over Staveley. All the goals were scored in the first half; Truswell (two) and Walsh netting for Wombwell, while Staveley’s goal name from a penalty shot by Ashall. Wombwell showed rare dash, while their forward combination was good to watch. The backs, Wheatley and Hopkinson, kicked strongly. Winterbottom, the goalkeeper, wrenched himself while diving at the ball and played the game out under great difficulties. In the end he had to be assisted off.
Worksop Town gave their worst display of the season. Denaby United beating them 5 – 1 at Central Avenue. The score flattered the winners because, territorially, the Town had a fair share of the exchanges, but credit must be given them for playing the right game and swinging the ball about on the heavy ground. L. Green put the front, and A. Green got second before Goddard reduced the arrears. Afterwards Denaby, who led 4—l the interval, monopolised the scoring. L. Green completing his hat-trick.” Hancock, son of the secretary, also scoring.
Scunthorpe’s Big Win.
Before their poorest “gate” of the season, Scunthorpe United trounced Mexborough by six goals to none. Baldwin, the new centre forward, was the first to score, and Calladine, who is improving every week, got two goals, and Simmons, Stringfellow, and Cooke one each. The team spirit was again paramount, and in the last half-hour Mexborough were greatly overplayed.
Lincoln City Reserves beat Rotherham United Reserves 3—2 on the Sincil Bank. The conditions were miserable, but it was capital game, and there was much enthuse the spectators. The City Reserves were the more persistent, and deserved their narrow win, but the United, under the leadership of Patterson, gave a good display, and with bit of luck might have gained a point. Hale, who has hitherto played half-back for Lincoln, in his new role of outside-left, got a brace of goals, and Robinson also scored. Patterson and Waring got the Rotherham goals.
A second half rally enabled Frickley Colliery beat Boston 2—l at South Elmsall. The game was evenly contested in the first half. Boston securing the lead when Halliday scored from a pass by Gedney. The visitors were completely outclassed after the interval, and Frickley, playing delightful football, got couple of goals in five minutes. The first was scored Wade, and Carlton headed in the second from Brewin’s centre. Frickley’s outside-right. Brewin, gave a brilliant display, and Gedney, outside-left, was outstanding for Boston.
Second Home Win.
Doncaster Rovers Reserves defeated Grantham 2—l, and secured their second home win the season. Grantham led 1 – 0 at half-time through a fine goal by Brown. In the second half Harvey scored twice for Doncaster, the winning goal being five minutes from time. Doncaster showed promising football, even on the wet and heavy ground, but their finishing was again weak, only Harvey of the forwards showing sufficient punch in front of goal. Milne, in defence, and Flowers, of the half-backs, did good work. Grantham were well served by Watson at outside-right.
The game at Park Avenue, where Bradford Reserves and Loughborough Corinthians shared four goals, was one of wonderful merit considering the adverse conditions, both sides playing clever football. Kilcar and Dinsdale scored for Bradford, and Hoyland and White for Loughborough.
Newark Town and Shirebrook had a rare gruelling’ at Newark, and the players were no doubt pleased when the end came. The result, a draw one goal, did justice to both sides. Miller scored’ first for Shirebrook, and Brewis equalised