Sheffield Daily Telegraph – Monday 23 February 1931
Heavy Scoring In The Midland League.
Leaders Get 13 Goals Against Wombwell, and Frickley Seven Against Mansfield.
There was some remarkably heavy scoring in the Midland League on Saturday, no fewer than 56 goals being obtained in ten matches— 40 for the home teams and 16 for the visitors.
Grimsby Town Res. got 13 against Wombwell, but whereas the leaders were strongly represented, the visitors had only weak team, owing claims of the Sheffield Senior Cup semi-final.
The sensation of the day was Frickley Colliery’s 7—1 win over Mansfield Town, for the Colliery are near the bottom of the table. But there was no fluke about the victory, which was well deserved.
Although overwhelmed, Wombwell were greatly admired at Grimsby for their gameness. They were completely outplayed the first half, being unable to reply Grimsby’s eight, but after the interval couple of quick goals gave promise of more serious encounter. Grimsby, however, rallied, to put on five more. The goals were scored by Moulson (five). Craven (four), Moralee (two), and Dodds for Grimsby, and Waring and Hodgson for Wombwell.
Frickley’s “Finds.”
Frickley Colliery beat Mansfield by 7 – 1 at South Elmsall. Giving an exhibition of clever football, the Colliery kept their opponents the defensive for 80 of the 90 minutes, and eventually the Mansfield defence cracked under the strain, only the smartness the goalkeeper, H. Chambers, preventing a double-figure score. Frickley opened with a dash which yielded three goals in the first three minutes, and the shock completely disorganised the visitors, who gave a dispirited display. Frickley’s centre-forward, Fitzpatrick, who was secured short time ago, was chiefly responsible for the Town’s downfall; he scored four goals- Jackson, the new outside-left, crowned a brilliant performance with the “hat trick.” Hill scored Mansfield’s goal five minutes from the end, during a snowstorm.
Scarborough secured their first victory this year by beating Grantham 5-0 at Scarborough. They were full value for the points, for they exhibited much improved form the heavy ground. Grantham were kept almost wholly on the defensive, and only sterling work by Mobbs kept the score down to five. Rand, who resumed centre-forward, two goals in the first half, Harold Hill getting third with a characteristic effort. Hill scored a remarkable goal in the second half, and Pearce put through his own goal in the closing stages.
Rotherham United were well beaten on their own ground by Shirebrook by 4 – 1. The home forwards were very weak, and it was only on very rare occasions that they showed any really good combination. Rotherham were best served their defenders, who had plenty to against the visitors’ forwards, whose shooting was much more effective and stronger than Rotherham’s. The scorers for Shirebrook were J. Smith (two), Woods, and Kaye, and for Rotherham Lievesley netted with a penalty.
Disheartening for Denaby.
Early goals were the deciding factor in the match at Denaby, where Bradford City won 4—2, after leading 4—1 at half-time. Hall, Cochrane, Frier, and Keetley scored for the City, and Skeels for Denaby, who subjected the Bradford goal a bombardment the second half, but all purpose, for all a 40-yards shot from Vollans were either blocked by defenders, stopped by Moore, or hit the posts bar—a most disheartening experience for Denaby.
The return match between Scunthorpe United and Boston produced a poor game. Scunthorpe played like a tired team, although Cross, a reserve back, was full energy in the centre-forward position. Pearson, an ex-Scunthorpe player, scored for Boston, and Rawlings, an ex-Boston player, scored for Scunthorpe. A draw was fair reflex of the play.
Gainsborough Trinity returned to winning ways by defeating Loughborough Corinthians soundly by four goals to one, all the scoring being done in the first half. Trinity, with a greatly improved forward line, did most of the attacking, and Robinson (two). Taylor, and Wilbourn scored. Wilkes replied for Loughborough, who deserved credit for the plucky fight they made in the second half.
Chesterfield’s Great Improvement.
Chesterfield Reserves, beating Doncaster Rovers Reserves at Saltergate by 4—1, recorded their first success in five weeks. The introduction of Binks and Thornewell had stimulating effect and the team played one of their best games. Wallbanks scored three goals, including penalty, and Walker the other, while Wadsworth netted for Doncaster. For the home team Binks was outstanding centre- half Thornewell and Tepper developed lively attacks on the wings, and Baldwin had strong insider raiders in Walker and Wallbanks. The Rovers’ attack was disorganised through Lievesley being injured and having to change places with Wadsworth, who was the pick of the forward line. Foster was masterful at centre half-back. Just before the end Tate had his chest badly bruised a collision with home player, and he was assisted to the dressing-room.
Lincoln City Reserves ought to have beaten Bradford Reserves at Park Avenue, for, in the second half particularly, they were much smarter on the ball, and their tactics generally were much better than, those of their opponents. In the first half, with a strong wind behind them, the visitors attacked persistently, and when the home goalkeeper had to go off injured for 20 minutes, their pressure was so strong that eventually Halliday opened the scoring with a fine goal. Then defensive blunders during a Bradford attack led to a penalty being awarded the home team, and Atherton made the score level with the spot kick. In the second half Douglas scored Bradford’s second goal, and Atkinson equalised.
A goal, headed Wells, following a cornerkick, after 5 minutes, gave Newark the points against Barnsley Reserves in a capital game at Newark. Play was remarkably fast and good, considering the conditions, and the home team just deserved their narrow win.