Mexborough and Swinton Times January 6, 1928
Wombwell Attack in Trim.
Two Missed Penalty Kicks at South Elmsall.
Frickley 1, Wombwell 2
Frickley: Bromage; Smelt, Price Lax, Neal, Riley; Millea, Greatorex, Grice, Kinney, Bedford.
Wombwell: A. Smith; Pennington, Brewin; Bamforth, Brown, Sanderson; Fisher, Bradford. Rushton, Brunt, J. Smith.
Referee: F. Barnes, Barnsley.
Wombwell sprang a surprise on Saturday at South Elmsall. Frickley expected little difficulty, but Wombwell, who had a rearranged team, gave a sparkling display and fully deserved the win.
Though played on a frost-bound ground the game was good. The players„ especially Wombwell’s, made the best of it and the exchanges were fast and exciting. The Wombwell forwards played delightfully—with skill las well as vigour. It was almost impossible to realise that the- team were near the bottom of the table. On Saturday’s form they, should rise quickly, though they were opposed by a weak defence. Smelt and Price were not in form. Both made bad mistakes and Bromage had no chance with the shot’ that beat him.
Many chances went Frickley’s way but the forwards played with too much individualism and were robbed of the ball before they could finish. Wombwell gradually got on top. They were awarded a penalty kick but Rushton’s shot struck an upright. The Frickley goal had another narrow escape when Smelt made a bad miskick and J. Smith shot wide. Wombwell hardly deserved to take the lead after 25 minutes for Frickley had a bigger share of the play up to that point. The ball was put over to Brunt. Price hesitated instead of tackling, and Brunt centred for FISHER to rush in and score.
Frickley pressed till the interval and Albert Smith saved well from Greatorex. With the open goal before him Binney hung on to the ball till Brewin took it off his toe.
Wombwell resumed strongly and RUSHTON scored after ten minutes. After that second goal the best play was seen. For 20 minutes Frickley kept Wombwell in their own half and their efforts were rewarded when GRICE scored from a centre by Miller. Frickley kept up the offensive but with Albert Smith in grand form, and Pennington and Brewin kicking strongly, the Wombwell goal was never in real danger till Frickley were awarded a penalty kick when Grice was pulled down in the area. Smelt, however, tapped the ball straight to Smith, who easily cleared. Frickley’s hopes of a draw went when five minutes before the end. RUSHTON scored Wombwell’s third goal after both Neal and Smelt had missed the ball.
Smelt and Price were the weakest players on the field. Pennington-and Brewin were reliable, and Albert Smith was fine. Riley and Lax were the pick of the Frickley halves. Lax who was in the team owing to an injury to Kenyon, thoroughly earned his place. Greatorex was the outstanding forward and Kinney the least effective because he _persisted in trying to do too much himself. Millea was Food, and Bedford showed improvement.
Nothing but praise can be given to the whole Wombwell forward line. They played dazzling football and their short passing game completely beat Smelt and Price. Rushton was a capable leader, and J.
Smith and Fisher were two smart wingers. The game was cleanly contested and the points went to the better side.