Sheffield Daily Telegraph – Monday 05 December 1921

F.A. Cup

Worksop Defeat Wombwell.

Worksop Town 2  Wombwell  0

It must be admitted that the score by which Worksop defeated Wombwell (2-0), did not adequately represent the run of the play, for the visitors were full value for at least one goal. Indeed, there was every possibility of the Yorkshiremen securing the equalising goal when the home team converted a penalty kick and placed the issue beyond, doubt.

Strange to say the home team were playing with ten men when Banks gave them the lead, Simmonite being off the field in an unconscious condition owing to a collision with Dauber. Ten minutes from the end, Robinson converted a spot kick. The most satisfactory feature of the game so far as Worksop are concerned was the display of Lawrie, who proved that his month’s absence, owing to influenza, has not interfered with his play. Both goalkeepers were at the top of their form and, with the home attack being reduced to four men (Oscar Bretnall playing half-back), Brown had more to do in the second half than Johnson. Richardson and Bratley were a pair of sterling backs and so wore the visitors’, Howson and Drew. Smelt and Kaye were the pick of the losers, whose forwards were smarter on the ball than Worksop’s.

Midland League.

At Hampden Road, Mexborough and Rotherham County Reserves played a goalless draw. The home side have rarely acquitted themselves better and they deserved the full spoils of the game. They had set the pace throughout, were attacking three quarters of the time, and got in half a dozen good shots to the County’s one. Mexborough’s goal was not often in danger, and for this immunity Matt Taylor was chiefly responsible, giving a superb display. County had a strong side out, but it was their defence that shone, Millership in particular. Parry filled the Mexborough centre-half position, in the absence through illness of Saxton, and the ex-Houghton man did very well after the first ten minutes. Of the home forwards, Waterfield, Cox, and Ingham were the most prominent, and the latter came near to scoring on two occasions in the first half.

Rotherham sustained an unexpected 1 – 0 defeat against Denaby United at Rotherham on Saturday. Burkinshaw scored the goal after thirteen minutes’ play. On the whole they were very fortunate to capture both points. On the home side, Taylor and Harrison were the pick, with, Garfily the best of the forwards – For the winners, Coope, Peters, and McGuire, in defence, and Hill and Burkinshaw, of the forwards, were the most prominent.

Trinity’s Improved Attack.

The alteration in Gainsborough Trinity’s forward line against Wath Athletic, who were beaten 3-0, made a surprising difference. Talbot’s return to the centre improved the attack wonderfully. He fed both wings impartially, and in addition scored two fine goals. Askil, the left-half obtained from Silverwood, made his debut as partner to Shearman. Some of his footwork was very good, and he knows how to shoot, but he seemed to find the great pace of a Midland League game somewhat unsettling. However, he showed distinct promise. Wath played a fast, open game, but their shooting was poor. They had a strong, determined defence, among whom Topham (in goal) was the shining light.

“Wednesday Res Draw Big Gate” to Wakefield Enclosure.

Wakefield City fully deserved the point they obtained from the Wednesday Reserves at Thornes. The home team gave a smart display before the biggest “gate” of the season, and did the bulk of the attacking. The visitors scored first through S. Taylor, and, despite determined attempts by Wakefield, maintained the lead until the interval. Robinson equalised with a fine, long low shot early in the second half, and for the remainder of the game both sides tried desperately to get ahead, but without avail. Binney and Shelton, two speedy wingers, and Burton were prominent for the visitors. The Wakefield forwards all showed greatly improved form.

At Oakwell, before two thousand spectators, Barnsley Reserve took quick revenge for the reverse they sustained at Castleford the previous week by winning 2-0. Their re-arranged forward line, well led by Kay, showed enterprise, and only Whelpton’s smartness in the Castleford goal prevented goals in the first half, although Duke made a bad miss. Early in the second half Kay scored a fine goal, and Barnsley’s continued pressure was further rewarded when Retford netted. Spoors and Fell rendered good service, Armstrong defended well, and Cooper made some clever saves. Roe was Castleford’s most dangerous forward, and Robins showed trickiness on the right wing, with Waddington prominent in defence.

Harrogate gained their third successive victory on Saturday by beating Hull City Res. 2-0, at Harrogate, before about 2,000 spectators. In the first half the home club did most of the attacking. Following an early but fruitless corner, Smith (J. H.) sent down a long shot, which went high into the net, giving Harrogate the lead. Kitchen missed an open goal for the visitors, allowing Gale to rush out and fist clear. In the second half both sides defended keenly, though Gedney got through on his own to beat Briggs at close quarters- Gale made several splendid saves for Harrogate.

Scunthorpe Again Beaten.

Boston beat Scunthorpe 2-0 at Boston, before about 3,000 spectators. A keen and exciting ‘game was witnessed, both teams being fairly evenly matched. The home team scored the first goal a minute before the interval, Barrell heading through from a corner taken by Manning. The second half was a repetition of the first. Boston went off strongly, and after play had been in progress about fifteen minutes Parish converted a centre put across by Manning. Scunthorpe improved towards the end, but could not break down the strong defence of the home side, Blakey playing a fine game in goal.

At Hampden Road, Mexborough and Rotherham County Reserves played a goalless draw. The home side have rarely acquitted themselves better and they deserved the full spoils of the game. They had set the pace throughout, were attacking three quarters of the time, and got in half a dozen good shots to the County’s one. Mexborough’s goal was not often in danger, and for this immunity Matt Taylor was chiefly responsible, giving a superb display. County had a strong side out, but it was their defence that shone, Millership in particular. Parry filled the Mexborough centre-half position, in the absence through illness of Saxton, and the ex-Houghton man did very well after the first ten minutes. Of the home forwards, Waterfield, Cox, and Ingham were the most prominent, and the latter came near to scoring on two occasions in the first half.