Sheffield Independent – Monday 16 October 1899
English Cup
Denaby United 2 Mexboro’ 1
On the ground of the former, in sunny weather, with the slight northerly breeze, and before 1800 spectators.
Denaby won the toss, and had the sun at their backs. A corner to the home team ended by the ball passing over the crossbar. The visitors goal was well saved by Whitehouse, and the ball was sent wide by Gambles. During a rush Askin was slightly hurt. A foul against Denaby in front of the post was well got away by the backs.
Hardie made good use of an opening, but the leather was reached and removed by askin. A foul against Mexborough was ineffectual. Some pretty passing by the visitors became dangerous, but Lawley cleared in the nick of time.
The Denaby goalkeeper had just saved with difficulty when a freekick was granted to Mexborough and plaque shot through, but it did not count. J Hardie was slightly injured by a fall.
Denaby continued to press and amid great excitement Sheldrake scored after half an hour’s play.
The visitors made a good rush on the left wing, but finally sent wide. The next, effort however, was completely successful, Goodison equalising smartly from a good kick by Hotlin. A long shot towards Askin sent the bill just over the I cross-bar and half-time was sounded, the game standing, Denaby 1. Mesboro’ 1.
Resuming, the respective custodians had to save in quick sucession. The play was very fast and exciting.
A corner to Denaby was well centred, but the back sent, away. A foul against Mexboro’ ended unsuccessfully after a good run. A similar advantage to Mexboro’ was also unfruitful.
After a quarter of an hour’s play Mexboro’ made a gallant effort to score. Hardie fisted away three times in a few minutes. A fine shot by Goodwin would have scored, but for Akin touching and giving a corner. The corner was placed well by Sheldrake, and Ryan kicked into the net, Askin being unable to reach the ball in time.
The visitors increased the pace and repeatedly attacked, but Hardie was well on the alert, and prevented Mexboro’ equalising. A corner to the visitors went wide. Play followed near the Mexboro’ end, and Askin was kept busy for some minutes. Mexboro’ pressed, but the home defence was strong enough to save the goal. Occasionally Denaby broke away, but without any additional score. The game was proceeding merrily when the whistle finally, sounded.
Result: — DENABY 2 goals. MEXBORO 1 goal