Sheffield Daily Telegraph – Saturday 02 January 1932

Midland League.

Thrills at Mexborough and Wombwell.

By beating Chesterfield Reserves by 4—2 Mexborough yesterday, Mexborough Athletic gained their sixth consecutive Midland League victory. They tried Davis at  centre-forward in place of the transferred Bungay.

It was a gruelling game on heavy and difficult “going,” and in a hectic start four goals were scored in the first 15 minutes, Mexborough claiming three of them, and leading 3—2 at half-time. Mexborough got their fourth goal in the first minute of the second half, and subsequently both defences excelled against keen attacks.

For the winners, the goal scorers were Fleetwood (two). Davis, and Coleman; and the last named, Oxley, and Wassail were outstanding in a good side, with Wassail the star of the game. For Chesterfield, Walker and Orr scored, and the former and Wright were conspicuous.

Apart from the quality of the football, which was good all through, the match between Wombwell and Scunthorpe, at Womb well, was exciting as anything seen on the ground. Twice within the first two minutes Scunthorpe bad the ball in the net, but the second point was disallowed as offside. Wombwell were soon a goal in front, and during one hot spell 15 minutes in the second half five goals were scored. The dominating figure was Fred Briggs, Wombwell’s young centre-forward, who crowned a brilliant afternoon’s work with a hat-trick.” He gave the Scunthorpe defence, no peace, bustling his way through and shooting every opportunity. Despite the heavy going the pace was very fast. Ten minutes from the end the players showed signs of being completely worn out, and three or four collapsed through sheer exhaustion after heading the heavy ball. The Scunthorpe halves played clever football but the forwards finished weakly. Shepherd played worthy game in the Wombwell middle The scorers were Briggs (three) and Murden (two) for Wombwell and Cross, Baynham (penalty), and Reed for Scunthorpe.

Grantham’s resolute defensive work, and a particular smart display of goal keeping by Reeves enabled them draw at Oakwell yesterday. Barnsley Reserves had the bulk the play and were often threatening Grantham’s goal, which had some narrow escapes. Chivers was an enterprising leader of Barnsley’s attack, in which Johnson (on trial) and Green were often noticeable. Happs, also on trial, and Holmes held Grantham’s attack well in check, and Harvey was seen advantage. Morris and Hoddinott were Grantham’s best forwards, and Codling and Pearse, the backs, stood their work in commendable manner Chivers scored both Barnsley’s goals, and Morris and Marks scored for the visitors.