Sheffield Daily Telegraph – Monday 07 December 1931
Surprises in Midland League Games.
Saturday’s games the Midland League brought several surprises, for, although Bradford Res. and Nottingham Forest Res. won, Bradford City Res. lost at home to lowly Rotherham Res. In addition there were two 4 —4 draws, while Frickley Colliery gained their first point since August 31st, when they drew their second match of the season.
Wombwell’s Improved Display.
A brilliant second half rally enabled Wombwell to beat Boston by 2—1 at Wombwell. Wombwell gave a much improved display. The first half was evenly contested but Wombwell missed numerous scoring chances, and Price gave Boston the lead. Ten minutes after resuming Murden equalised and a minute later Brayshaw scored a second.
Thereafter Wombwell did most of the attacking Briggs, Auckland, and Murden were outstanding for Wombwell, while Boston were well served by Mercer, Earle, and Cook.
Mexborough Athletic, following a month away, reappeared at home to defeat Grantham 2 —1. Grantham were the better side in the first half, and Mexborough the more effective after the interval. Mexborough missed a penalty, and Wiggington gave Grantham a deserved lead, but after the interval Bungay (two) scored for Mexborough, and was always a thrustful forward. Grantham were good in midfield but lacked punch.
Denaby United, at home, put up a good show against the bigger Nottingham Forest Reserves, but lost 2— 1. Jones scored for the Forest, but Skeels immediately equalised. Quantrill scored the deciding goal. Brannan, in the home goal, played splendidly and made many clever saves.
Barnsley Reserves just deserved their 3—2 victory over Doncaster Rovers Reserves at Oakwell. Doncaster were seen to advantage in tho second half, Atkin being prominent, but Ridyard did some good spoiling work, and Maskill defended resourcefully.
Curran was outstanding in Barnsley’s attack, which often lacked finish. Emery worked hard in Doncaster’s middle line. Green, Young, and Harvey scored for Barnsley, and Potter and Atkin for Doncaster. Before the game started one minute’s silence was observed in memory of Barnsley’s late groundsman, Mr. A. Jackson.
Frickley Gain First Point for Over Two Months.
Weak finishing robbed Frickley Colliery of complete success against Mansfield Town Reserves, who were fortunate to draw 1 —1. For three-quarters of the game the visitors were outplayed, and only faulty shooting and the brilliance of Staples, the goalkeeper, saved them from a heavy defeat. The Colliery backs, Hayhurst and Wade, were very sound. Jepson scored for Mansfield, Oakes equalising.
Rotherham Win at Valley Parade
Rotherham United Reserves sprang a big surprise at Valley Parade, beating Bradford City Reserves by 2—1. Although the home side did quite three-quarters of the attacking their finishing was wretched. Gowland kept goal very well for Rotherham, for whom Parkin and Aistrop scored. John replied. Parkin played a dashing game, and Scriven was City’s best forward.
Newark Town, who beat Chesterfield Reserves at Newark by 3 — 0, went ahead through goals by Burgon and B. Stanniland within 16 minutes, but splendid defensive play kept them from adding further goals before the interval. The wind behind them in the second half, the visitors kept Newark on defence, but Holbeach got a third goal. In the closing stages Chesterfield twice hit the crossbar.
Eight Goals at Lincoln.
Lincoln City Reserves, at home, drew 4 — 4 with Scunthorpe United. Lincoln deserved their interval lead of 2— 0, scored by Potts and Thursby. In the second half Reed and Dawes equalised and then Cross (penalty) and Dawes put the visitors ahead. Atkinson scored two further goals for Lincoln, however. Cross played a sterling game at back for the visitors and Bromage was sound in goal. A trial was given in the home goal to F. Nicholson, local amateur, who brought off some good Saves. The last four goals were scored when the light almost too bad for further play.
There was plenty of liveliness at Meadow Lane when Notts County Reserves and Grimsby Reserves drew 4—4. The teams were level at half-time. Hall scoring for Grimsby and Maw (penalty) for Notts. In the second half Chambers and W. Hall scored for Grimsby; then Maw (two) equalised. Dodsworth put Grimsby ahead, but only for Wright to again level the scores.
Trinity off Form.
Gainsborough gave an indifferent display at Hull, and were beaten 2—0. Hull were the masters all through, Raleigh and Diamond scoring. Gainsborough were best served by their half-back line and Mobbs, the goalkeeper. Barley and Wrack were the pick of the Hull side. Hull should have won more decisive margin.
Bradford, the leaders, were too good for Loughborough, and won 4—1. Harwood led the line in fine style, and scored three goals, while Sullivan scored for the borne team. The Bradford forwards were a dashing line, and their defence was sound. Kilcar scored the other goal.