Denaby Utd – Frickley 2 Denaby 3 – Ardron´s Winner in Brilliant Victory

1 September 1939

Mexborough & Swinton Times, September 1

Denaby on Their Toes at Westfield Lane
Ardron´s 79th Minute Winner in Brilliant Victory
Forwards On the Mark

Frickley 2, Denaby United 3

If Denaby´s display at South Elmsall on Saturday is a sample of what is to come, Tickhill Square supporters are in for a treat this season. Giving a sprightly display and blending in a way that was surprising in view of the fact that eight new players were included in the team, Denaby Impressed as a power to be reckoned with.

The most enthusiastic Frickley “fan”, had to admire the transformation which secretary H. Shephard has wrought, although on the other hand, Denaby supporters acknowledged that a draw might have been a fairer result to a fast and even game in which there was rarely a dull moment. It is a paradox that had the result been reversed it would not have flattered Frickley and yet would have done injustice to Denaby´s splendid performance.

The explanation lies in the different finish of the two teams. Shooting often and accurately, Denaby brought the best out of Brannan. But though the exchanges were evenly shared, the lion´s share of chances fell to Frickley, who only for a brief spell in the second half displayed any power and direction in their marksmanship. They sadly lacked a marksman, Lawson being especially disappointing. The centre-forward had chances to have got a hat trick, but supporters have the consolation of knowing that both he and Barley, who had a poor game, can do much better. Frickley´s right wing was unconvincing in the first half, in which the left wing pair, Wipfier and Brown took the eye. The position was reversed after the interval, due largely to Hancock, who came into the picture with some clever play and the best goal of the match.

The More Skilled

Although Frickley had more chances, Denaby were the more skilled team. They found their men better with the ball and unlike Frickley, kept it on the ground. In Davis and Gibbs they had the two outstanding “stars”, of the game. Both were fast and tricky, and showed, shooting ability which was lacking in the Frickley attack. The Denaby half-back line too was more convincing that Frickley´s. Fletcher struck one as being a player of great promise, and Wright´s distribution left nothing to be desired. Happs and Williams gave nothing away. Both kicked strongly and tackled keenly, and their good work, coupled with Frickley´s ineffective finish gave Gibson a comparatively easy time in goal.

From the Kick-Off

A big crowd had plenty to keep them interested. From the first minute, in which Gibson turned a drive by Hancock round the post and then saved from Brown the excitement was maintained, with first one team and then the other attacking. The biggest thrills, however, came midway through the second half, when four goals were scored in five minutes. The first two fell to Denaby, and both were scored by DAVIS from centres by Gibbs. The first followed the failure of Brannan to hold the left winger´s centre. Davis rushing up and tapping the ball into the net. The second was headed in by the outside-right the ball going in off the post. Denaby´s jubilation was short lived.

A Great Drive

A great drive by HANCOCK from 25 yards, completely beat Gibson and then Lowery dashed down and from near the post pushed the ball across the goalmouth for BARLEY to score. For a time there seemed a danger of Denaby cracking. Frickley had them and with better marksmanship they might have made the result safe.

They failed badly however, and the turning point came when ARDRON, allowed to go through unchallenged, scored an opportunist goal 11 minutes from the end. Denaby took command, but the Frickley defence recovered and kept them out.

Victory went to the team who knew what to do with the ball near goal.