Sheffield Daily Telegraph – Monday 03 February 1930

Midland League.

Two Teams Score Ten Goals Each,

Leaders Drop Home Point.

The feature of Saturday’s Midland League football was the joint achievement of Gainsborough Trinity and Lincoln City Reserves, who scored ten goals against their opponents.

Scarborough, the leaders, dropped their first home point to Scunthorpe United,

Mexborough Athletic were outclassed the dashing Lincoln City Reserves on the Sincil Bank and were beaten by 10 —1. The home forwards w ere irresistible and, with a ragged defence opposing them, kept Ward, the Mexborough goalkeeper, busily employed. Despite the heavy score against him, Ward made some remarkable saves. Kitching played clever football and was the star turn of the Lincoln side, although Robinson, the City leader, in netting four times got one more goal than he did. Jenkins was responsible for two goals (on© from penaltv), and Fisher, who was very useful with his centres, also scored. Mexborough’s contribution was made by Kelly.

Before the poorest “gate” of the season Scarborough conceded their first home point on Saturday to Scunthorpe. The home side easily held the balance of the play, particularly during the later stages, but they paid the penalty of keeping the ball too close. Scunthorpe opened the scoring after 65 minutes. Stringfellow converting a centre from the left. Straight from the kick-off Scarborough equalised through Keating. Heelbeck a young local back, gave a promising display for Scarborough.

Play was very disappointing in the game between Chesterfield Reserves and Doncaster Rovers Reserves at Saltergate, and the result was 0 – 0. Doncaster tried the experiment of playing McConnell, the Irish international, at left back, and he filled the position capably, Peake and Roc in the respective goals did clever work.

Frickley’s Bold Experiment.

Considerable feeling crept into the game at Millmoor between Rotherham United Reserves and Bradford Reserves. The referee cautioned at least six of the players. The first half was fairly even. The visitors showed slight superiority and led 2—1 at the interval. Rotherham rallied in the second half, and within five minutes had equalised. Encouraged this success they quickly scored two more, and a fast pace was reached. Scott and Hogg scored for Bradford, and for Rotherham, Parker, Wheeler, and Pattison (2), were responsible for the home goals. The Rotherham forwards worked well together.

Frickley’s home match with Shirebrook ended 0 – 0, an accurate reflex of the game. The teams were well matched, Frickley’s slight superiority in the forward line being counterbalanced the visitors’ strong defence, in which Whittaker. the goalkeeper, was brilliant. Frickley made the bold experiment of playing three new men from junior football among the forwards—Gears, Lewis, and Birkenshaw—and they gave promising displays. Freeman was outstanding right half for Frickley.

Wombwell experienced their greatest shock of the season in being beaten 5–2 by Worksop Town, at Womb well, for they had previously suffered one defeat in eight games. Worksop played some delightful football. Their positional play was of high order, the attack showing dash and enterprise. Wombwell were quite run off their legs. The heroes of the game were the new men, Neal and Webster, Raynor shone for Wombwell.

“Hat Trick” for Keeton.

Boston, playing at home, against Loughborough Corinthians, were full value for their 4-2 victory. Earle, Craven (2), and Hamday scored for Boston, and Murdin and Woolhouse for the visitors. It was interesting game, full incident.

Before 2,000 spectators, Grantham gained a well-deserved victory by 3—2. Keeton accomplishing the “hat trick” with the aid of a penalty kick. Grimsby, were strongest at half-baok, scored through Glover and Bell, who also converted penalty with the last kick of the game.

Barnsley Reserves fully deserved their 3 – 1 victory over Denaby United at Oakwell. Their superiority was marked and only the sterling work of the defence saved Denaby from a heavier defeat. Barnsley were well served by Harron, Caddick, and Wallbanks (James), whilst Denaby’s best were Shenton, Chapman, and Green (A.). Barnsley’s goals were obtained by Caddick (2) and Harron. Smith scored for Denaby.

Gainsborough trounced Wath Athletic at Gainsborough on Saturday 10—0. Tilbrook and Turnbull were splendid form each performing the “hat trick’’ and Smith (2), Yasey, and Dodsworth were the other scorers. Wath showed signs of scoring at the beginning of the second half but Hargreaves shot wide