Sheffield Daily Telegraph – Monday 12 April 1886
Sheffield Challenge Cup.
Final Tie.
Heeley 1 Mexborough Town 2
Teams:
Mexborough: W Nicholson, goal; C Taylor, C Jubb, backs; J Hill, J Coe, W Marsland, half-backs; M Bennett, G Wilson, J Heeson, J Thompson, W Sayers, forwards
Heeley, C Kelvey goal; T Moss, T A Tomlinson, backs; C Knowlson, M P Jones, G Lawson, halfbacks; T Sykes, C Hiller, G Shaw, H Franks, H Stokes forwards.
Umpires, Messrs Jackson and Fletcher; referee Mr W E Clegg
The final stage tor the above cup was entered upon and decided on Saturday at the Old Forge Ground, Newhall. The weather for some time before the advertised how for commencement was very unpropitious, but during the play it cleared up, and nearly the whole time the sun shone brilliantly, and although it appeared at one time aa if the contest would have to be fought under extremely adverse circumstance, it was agreeably witnessed by nearly 2,000 spectators.
The ground, from copious rain, was in anything but good condition. Heeley were decidedly the favourites, but, will be seen, this fact does not absolutely return them the winners of the trophy. They played their full strength. Mexborough were compelled, owing to accidents, to appear without Kemp and Cook. Their places were filled with most efficient substitutes. Hill for them performed brilliantly, and at the finish was honoured by being carried shoulder high off the field. They have several times been within measurable distance of winning the cup in late years, and no one—not even their opponents Saturday—will grudge them their ultimate success. Their kicking, heading, and timely rushes were well judged, Jubb and Taylor, with the exception of the occasion of the goal scored against them, being very powerful in their returns, the half-backs were equally to be commended in their performances, while the forward division was worthy of aII praise, seeing the formidable phalanx they had to face.
The losers scarcely got into full swing, and for long time after the change of ends, certainly ought to have scored. Nicholson, however, put a veto upon all their efforts, although he several times ventured too far out of his position. All of the Heeley men worked well individually, but there was an apparent absence of the unanimity which is requisite to enable any combination be successful. The winning team was heartily cheered upon their meritorious performance upon leaving the field.
Mexborough gained the choice of ends, and Jones set the ball rolling in the direction of Grimesthorpe. It was at once apparent that great excitement would accompany the conflict. At the outset Mexborough pressed. Heeley, however, forced them back, and gained a corner, and though this danger was averted on the part of Mexborough, Hillier obtained possession, and one or two of his opponents mis-kicking, Sykes obtain the first goal.
Immediately after this splendid shot by Sayor hit the crossbar and rolled over – rather hard lines. Kelvey was constrained to give his adversaries a corner from a good low shot by Sayer, but this advantage was placed behind the goal. Jones and Jubb distinguished themselves by good kicking. Both ends were visited; Mexborough having the preponderance, and once Heeley had great difficulty in clearing their lines. Again Sayer was within an ace of scoring, the ball just screwing outside the post.
At last Hill gave them the wished for opportunity, and Bennett nicely headed a goal for his side, and thus equalised matters. Stokes and Sykes caused an invasion, but the ball was soon returned, and Wilson and Bennett made it necessary to kick away. Tomlinson and Moss soon after saved their citadel from reduction admirably, which was afterwards imitated by Knowlson. Jubb and Taylor vetoed the exertions of the Heeley forwards, along with Hill and Marsland kept the ball for the most part in their quarters. A shot by Lawson went on the wrong side of the post.
The whistle then sounded for the half interval, the game standing one goal each. Up to now Mexborough had had the best of the play, but this was perhaps caused by having the sun at their backs. Both teams received an ovation at the equal state of the game.
On recommencing Mr Harvey took Mr Clegg’s place in the responsible position of referee, the alteration been necessitated by the latter having an unalterable engagement to attend. Heeley soon obtained two corners and made it very warm for Mexborough, but the latter staved off the threatened danger. Heeley now had a lot the best of it, once a grand shot by Hiller being disposed of famously by Nicholson. The match was more evenly contested after this, both sides straining every nerve to gain the ascendancy. Heeley had a nice chance when Nicholson was out of his position, Sykes waited in front of goal to receive the ball from Hiller, but it was missed. A splendid corner by Lawson was equally well disposed of by Nicholson and then “hands” in front of Mexborough goal rendered affairs awkward for them, but nothing resulted.
Heeley continued to press, and from a great scuffle in their opponent’s goalmouth the ball issued over the bar. However, the tables were turned, and a long shot by Sayer secured a second goal for them, Kelvey being “bothered” by his opposite forwards. Again the ball was put through the Heeley goal by Heeson, but he was ruled offside. Mexborough had two corners, which was splendidly manipulated by Wilson, Kelvey saving the first well, and the last hitting the post and going outside.
Fast and furious was afraid this time, Heeley putting forward every exertion in their power, as time was going apace. In the last few minutes the ball was confined to the Mexborough and, that their defensive tactics prevailed and at the finish Mexborough had won by two goals to one.