Sheffield Daily Telegraph – Monday 02 November 1931

Away Clubs’ Good Day in The Midland League.

All the Leaders Successful—Debutant Does “Hat-Trick” For the Champions.

The feature of the Midland League programme on Saturday was the unusual amount of success which attended the efforts of the away clubs. They got 12 points against 10 by the home clubs, with a goal aggregate of 18 against 17. All the five leading clubs won, two of them being away.

Bradford Reserves, the leaders, beat Notts County Reserves at Park Avenue. Bradford were strong both in attack and defence, with the result that Maidment had a busy time. He was none too safe in goal, and the only player who really distinguished himself in the County side was Grice, the centre half-back, but his efforts were usually wasted by weak forward line. Leader of Attack. Kilcar (two), Scott, and Harwood scored.

With eight players incapacitated, and Abel and Schofield assisting the first team at Bury, Chesterfield were weakly represented, and lost at home Scarborough by five goals to none. They were, however, not badly hammered the score suggests. The home forwards showed consistent ineffectiveness in front of goal. Frith being the most dangerous, and when he undertook the leadership of the attack he hit the crossbar. Helliwell was no match for Wallbanks, who scored two goals against his old club. Goals were also scored by Hodgson, Evans, and Hill. Scarborough, well-balanced side, had a really good centre half-back in Williams.

Spalding Player Impresses.

Grimsby Town Reserves have got into their stride once more. They were easily masters of Hull City Reserves, at Blundell Park, and with a little more care on the part of the forwards in shooting, the champions would have won by even a bigger score than 5 —1.

Grimsby tried a young player from Spalding in the name of Holmes, who led the attack and showed some ideal work, both in getting away with the ball and goal-scorer. Three of the five fell to him, whilst Chambers and Dodds scored the other two. Hull City wore a very disappointing side. Their solitary goal, in the last minute of the game, was scored by Havelock.

Nottingham Forest Reserves beat Newark Town by a goal scored by Jones at the end of 15 minutes, on the City ground. Forest were well entitled to both points the play, for they were the more frequently on the attack, and Streets kept a wonderful goal. Defence was the best part of the Newark team, whose forwards made no show against the smart Foresters.

Scunthorpe United’s win 1-0 over their county rivals, Lincoln City Reserves, provided one of the most exciting matches seen on the Old Show ground this season. Both teams played very good football. Dawson cleverly deceived Meeson with a fast, low shot to score. The Scunthorpe half-back line was considerably strengthened by the introduction of Wilson in the centre-half. This player has just finished a trial with Portsmouth, and was with Scarborough last season. Lincoln and Halliday were the best of the visiting forwards. Both goalkeepers played a good game, particularly Bromage.

Barnsley Lucky to Draw.

Rotherham United Res. were unfortunate not to secure both points in their match with Barnsley Res. at Millmoor. They were the more aggressive side, and a draw of one goal each did not accurately reflect the run play. The Barnsley goal was frequently in jeopardy, and it escaped downfall several times by the greatest luck. Tordoff scored the Rotherham goal in the first half, and Curran the equaliser a little before the close of the game.

Barnsley were dangerous lot when they broke away, Curran and Whiteley being speedy and vigorous. Capstick kept a goal.

Tordoff was a thrustful leader for Rotherham, and McCormick and Fantham were capable schemers. Cockroft and Crawford also played well.

An uninteresting game at South Elmsall resulted in Doncaster Rovers Reserves beating Frickley Colliery 2 – 0. Doncaster showed more method and ball control on the slippery surface, whereas Frickley never got accustomed to the conditions, and missed some easy chances. Shields gave a clever display in the Colliery goal, but was beaten in the first half by Hardy, and with the last kick of the match by Vickers.

Lack of method and cohesion lost Boston their return engagement with Mexborough. O Donnell scored for Boston from a penalty, and Jevon and Wilson (two) for Mexborough, who were much the better team on the day s play.

Wombwell Meet Fine Goalkeeper.

A missed penalty Hoddinott, and lamentable falling-off in the last half hour, nearly spelt complete disaster to Grantham when they entertained Wombwell. As it was, however, they were able to share the points, due in the main a superb exhibition of goalkeeping by Reeves, who dealt with innumerable shots from all angles. The initial half was fast and interesting, the forward work on either side being distinctly creditable, and it was in this period that the goals were scored, Morris first getting through for Grantham and Davis equalising.

York City Reserves, at home to Bradford City Reserves, made shaky start, but drew level, only to fall away again. Stanners (two) and Smith netted for Bradford City, and Spooner and Jenkinson for York, who tried hard to save the game in the closing stages. Better understanding and heroic defence enabled Bradford City to win

Gainsborough Trinity deserved their 2—l away win over Loughborough Corinthians. The side was well-balanced and had a constructive front line. Loughborough were well held by the backs, Harris and Kell, who played fine game. Mobbs made some great saves. Mills, outside-right, created several openings and was outstanding. Green and Robinson scored for Gainsborough, and Dumelow for the home team.