Sheffield Daily Telegraph – Monday 14 November 1904

Blackwell Beaten at Mexborough.

Mexborough 6  Blackwell 2

The visit of Blackwell to Mexborough did not provide the close contest anticipated, Mexborough Town, although deprived of the services of that brilliant back, Westwood, practically throughout the second half, crowning previous good performances in the competition by running out dashing and clever winners by six goals to two.

Despite the big margin separating the teams, the game was always full of swing, Blackwell playing all out in the teeth of superior opponents. Curiously enough, Mexborough scored three goals to one in each half, and, it be stated, the opening scoring was sensational enough, a trio of goals coming with startling rapidity. First Mexborough took the lead, only to see Blackwell promptly equalise, but before the excitement had died down the home side was in front again, from this point forging further and further ahead, despite the plucky efforts of the Derbyshire players. In the face of pronounced victory, the visitors were perhaps unfortunate in having Greasley, their goalkeeper, palbably off colour, neither of Mexborough’s opening trio of goals being exactly gilt-edged affairs. Their last trio, however, scored whilst a man short, and up the bill, bore the hall-mark of class, the Blackwell defenders finding the Mexborough forwards far too slippery and deadly in front to hold in check.

Certainly, the visiting forwards looked dangerous in spasmodic bursts, and Bell, a particularly fast outside-right, who, single-handed, notched their second point, could with advantage have been fed far more than was the case. He, with Broadhurst, Hart, and Marriott, were the pick the visitors, whilst in the Mexborough ranks there was not really weak man. Streets, right back justified his inclusion, and should retained in that position; Gosling was the best a fine trio of half-backs, and forward, every man showed sprightliness and ready aptitude for shooting. Rothery as usual, was the star attacker, but Hakin’s thrusting methods in the centre, and Rodgers’ ” brainv ” play at inside-right contributed largely to the result.

Match Report

Play opened briskly, and Tayles cleared from Vardy, following which Mexborough dashed down, forcing an abortive corner. The home team  maintained the pressure, and Rodgers bear Greasley fifteen minutes from the start. Blackwell retaliated, and live minutes later Vardy equalised. Immediately after Hopkinson gave Mexborough the lead again.

Mexborough were now going the stronger, and Rothery put on a third goal the ball going off Greasley’s hands.

The visitors occasionally broke away, but found Streets impassable.

Resuming, the Mexborough goal experienced narrow escape in the first minute. Westwood was then injured, and had to leave the field, but, though handicapped. Mexborough attacked furiously, forcing three corners. From the last Hopkinson netted the ball, ruled off-side. In the next minute Rogers easily beat Greasley, and Makin followed with the fifth goal.

Blackwell tried hard to make up the leeway. but were outclassed. From the breakaway Bell scored for Plackwell, Rothery followed with another for the Town