South Yorkshire Times October 16, 1948
Sports Snapshot
Bernard Saxton
When the forward line is unable to score it is nothing new for Magnet Athletic’s captain to point to centre – half Bernard Saxton and say, “Have a go at centre-forward” and if there are any chances going, Bernard is the man to convert them into goals. And when Magnet get their noses in front, back will come Saxton and close the gap caused by his absence.
Testimony to the effect of this move is borne by Swinton Athletic, who were beaten 1-0 in a recent cup-tie. Brilliant defensive play by Saxton kept them out and after 65 minutes a Saxton goal put them out of the cup.
Unmarried, Bernard lives at 12, March Street, Conisbro’. He is 27 and had six years’ service with the Black Watch during the war, four years abroad, when he became one of Wingate’s “Chindits.” Demobilised in 1945, he commenced playing for Magnet Athletic when he began work with G.E.C. soon after his release.
During the war he was guest player for Denaby United, Scunthorpe and, in the Scottish League, Kilmarnock.
His most enjoyed game this season was the match with Swinton, and he is eagerly looking forward to the league meeting with Swinton at Christmas.
Captain of Magnet’s Doncaster League cricket team, he is a fast bowler, and a batsman “when the opposition lets me.”
More local footballers of the Saxton calibre, and the standard of football would go up.