Sheffield Daily Telegraph – Monday 31 August 1931

Midland League

Wombwell need make no excuses for being beaten 4 – 3 by Nottingham Forest Reserves, for they are not likely to meet a better side this season.

Wombwell were leading by 2 – 0 just before the interval, but later the Forest showed themselves a better trained side and turned the tables quickly.

Hopkinson and Hopson were good backs, Auckland was the pick of a good halfback line and the brothers Murdin were  the best of the forwards.

Murdin E (2) and Murden L, scored for Wombwell. The Forest goal scorers were Loftus (2) and Brown (2).

Mexborough Athletic opened the season with a 3 – 2  win at home over the Doncaster Rovers Reserves. A fast pitch and strong sun and wind were too big a handicap, and play was scrappy.

Mexborough scored twice through Fleetwood. Doncaster replied with goals by Vickers and Wadsworth, and shortly before the end Wilson scored the winning goal for Mexborough.

Doncaster strength was in goal in the halfback line. Greig was outstanding in Mexborough’s defence and Wassall the pick of the half backs. Fleetwood and Wilson made a successful right wing and Bungay worked hard at centre forward. There were 2,000 spectators.

Frickley Colliery opened the season in fine style by beating Denaby 3 – 2 at South Elmsall. After Unwin had scored a surprise goal for Denaby in the first 10 minutes, Frickley dominated the exchanges, and Bell, who led the attack in lively fashion, got through twice before the interval.

Play was more even in the second half , in which Stanyon was Frickley’s cleverest forward, scored their third goal, Bennett reducing the arrears.

After the match Holland, the home goalkeeper, was taken to South Council hospital to some clips putting a cut finger.

Hughes (right half) and Owen (inside left) were outstanding for Denaby