South Yorkshire Times, February 16th, 1934
Sheffield Cup (Semi-Finals)
Mexboro’ Survive Stormy Passage
Mexboro’ 1 – Worksop 0
Mexboro’ had a stormy passage on Saturday before eliminating Worksop from the competition. It was a game played in cup-tie tradition from beginning to end. It must be said, in fairness to Mexboro’ however, that they tried to play according to rule, but against Worksop’s vigorous methods it was almost impossible. Several Worksop players were cautioned while one had his name taken by the referee. There was no need for Worksop to adopt such tactics. And this was chiefly the reason why they lost.
Worksop had generally the better of the exchanges but their forwards were weak in front of goal and Wilkinson had not a single difficult shot to save. Though having few chances, Mexboro’ were always dangerous when near goal and Siddall had some anxious moments. Though steady, Hunt and Storey, especially the latter, were not as strong to defence as Winstanley and Wilbourne, and Worksop’s real strength in defence lay in their half-back line where Jones, Adams and McCall gave sterling displays. They also gave the Mexboro’ half-backs a lesson in how to feed their forwards.
This, as far as Mexboro’s halves were concerned, was the only thing that marred splendid displays, Shepherd, coming in at the last minute for Burkinshaw, and Parry, played exceedingly well, keeping a keen grip on the Worksop wingers, while Fell had some rare tussles with Wheatley. The forward who gave the Mexboro’ men most trouble was Staniforth, who worked hard throughout and initiated many clever movements only to see them peter out. The Mexboro’ forwards had their work cut out to break through Worksop’s half-back line and this resulted in a rather ragged display. Bolan however, capably helped by Grange and Dotchin, was always ready to accept the slightest opportunity, and some of his efforts were worthy of better results.
It was the acceptance of such an opportunity in the first half that enabled Bolan to score the only goal of the match. Kelsall and Miller, on the wings, were not very successful, yet it might be added that they received, with Fell, the brunt of Worksop’s rough tactics. Nevertheless Mexboro’ got through and deserved to do so, though Worksop proved a stiff proposition in more ways than one