Mexborough & Swinton Times – Friday 07 April 1933

Wombwell’s Apathetic Challenge

Wombwell 0, Mexboro’ 1

The game between Wombwell and Mexboro’ was disappointing. The “gate” was poor and that Mexboro’ were the better of two indifferent sides is the best one can say.

The first half was evenly contested, the strong wind helping Wombwell to develop attacks which, however, proved altogether ineffective through bad shooting. Wilkinson in the Mexboro goal had an easy afternoon, not more than three or four hard shots being directed at him.

In the second half Mexboro’ had most of the play, Wombwell lacking the strength to make headway against the high wind. The score accurately reflected the play, although Wombwell were somewhat unlucky in being denied a penalty. The merit on both sides lay in the defences. Walker and Haigh went through the game without making a single slip, while Jones and Williams were an equally reliable pair for Wombwell. There was an almost entire lack of forward combination and many scoring chances were missed. Ward had plenty to do in the Wombwell goal chiefly from goalmonth scrambles. His best piece of work was when be dived full length and took the ball from Smith’s toe with one hand. In an effort to pull themselves together Wombwell made frequent positional changes during the game but this only made their play less convincing.

Being without Woodhouse. Mexboro’ had to re-arrange their team entirely, Haigh going full hack and Lees being introduced to the half-back line. Wombwell tried Wragg, a player from the Sheffield district, at centre-forward, while Banks was introduced at inside-left. In the early stages Austin put in some delightful work for Mexboro’ but in the gusty wind the wing men found it difficult to get the ball across.

Wombwell had the better of the first half but for ten minutes Mexboro’ were quite on top. Ward brought down a grand header from Smith but looked like being beaten by a shot from McMahon which, however, scraped the top of the crossbar. Wilkinson was tested by Wragg and Lloyd, and did well to let Lloyd’s shot over. Random kicks by Haigh twice saved Mexboro’ when Wilkinson was in difficulties. After one of the Mexboro’ forwards had been down injured Lloyd was sent to the pavilion to have his boots seen to. Once Thackeray had only Wilkinson to beat, but shot tamely.

The deciding goal scored by McMAHON came after long pressure by Mexboro’. The visitors ought to have had the lead before this. Play was subsequently listless with Wombwell making half-hearted attempts at organised aggression. Immediately after Mexboro’ had taken the lead McMahon tried again to get through but was stopped by Jones, against whom there was an appeal for a penalty. Mexboro’ were not among the most attractive aides seen at Wombwell this season, but as least they were all triers. They put their full weight into the tussle and were always ready and willing to make a dash and take a risk. On the other hand Wombwell showed unmistakeable signs of staleness. In the second half particularly they kicked in a perfunctory way, showing symptoms of an inferiority complex which is understandable in the circumstances, but which is not calculated to keep up interest. Just before the end Ward rushed out to stop a ground shot, missed it entirely and turned round to see it cannon off an upright.

Wombwell’s play was very ragged but good individual work was accomplished by Thackeray, Clegg, Lloyd and Jones, Lloyd at centre-half being outstanding.

On the Mexboro’ side Smith and McMahon were the pick of an uneven forward line and the full backs both did well.