Lancashire Junior Cup ties – First Round

Central v Haydock St. James’. – Consequent upon the central winning their first round in the English Cup, a larger number of spectators than have ever attended the Sports Ground this year put in an appearance on Saturday to witness the contest between these clubs in the first round of the Lancashire Junior Cup. The time announced for the commencement of the match was 3-15 and punctually at that period the Haydock men were on the field, but it was fully twenty minutes before the Central men put in an appearance, and then it was only when the visiters threatened to kick a goal and claim the match. However when once upon the field operations were not long in being commenced, as Ackroyd, after winning the toss, decided to defend the Railway goal, and the Haydock centre immediately put the ball in motion. In less than a minute hands were given to the home team, and the ball was well placed, but Sourbutts missed the mark, the ball going just over the the bar. Two corners fell to the Central in quick succession, both of which were placed by Duncan, but the Haydock backs averted disaster by long kicks. Horton getting possession, with conspicuous for a good run down the right wing, which was heartily applauded. Dodging past the full back, he centred, and after a series of passes between Ackroyd, Taylor, and Graham, the last-named sent in a terrific shot, which struck the post. Sourbutts immediately afterwards had very hard lines, an excellent shot being just a little too high. Ackroyd encouraged his men on, and it was wonderful how they did not score, as all the forwards, and generally one or two of the half backs, were continually hovering around the visiters’ goal, but the ball seemed to go anywhere except where it was wanted. Lea-Jones, after a good dribble, sent one in, and called upon the goalkeeper to use his hands for the first time. This he did exceedingly well, but he could not avert a corner. Duncan took the kick, and Ackroyd sent the ball over. The Haydock forwards by a good rush got into the home quarters, and eventually gained a corner, but nothing came of it. Shaw by a good kick sent the ball again within shooting distance of the visiters’ citadel, and Cook, who have been playing a brilliant defensive game, in attempting to clear, conceded hands. The ball was placed right in front of the goal, and after a scrimmage of short duration, Taylor did the needful, notching the first point after 30 minutes’ play. In less than two minutes the Haydock forwards did a rush up the field, and has both the home backs treated their attempts in an in different sort of way, the result was that “Barney” equalised. After the kick-off the home team was soon busy, and it was not long for Taylor place to side one to the front. The score was not increased up to halftime. After a brief rest the game was re-commenced. As the Central men had the benefit of a slight wind it was soon seen that the visiters had no chance. In fact it was very seldom that they got the ball past half way flag. The ball was nearly always in close proximity to the visiters’ goal, and Lea-Jones, Horton, Taylor, Graham and Ackroyd, all sent in shots which the goalkeeper had the greatest difficulty in saving. Eventually Taylor again scored, and before long Sourbutts found an opening, the game eventually terminating in a win for the Central by four goals to one. The score by no means represents the nature of the game, and it is entirely owing to the brilliant defence of Cook, the fullback, and the goalkeeper, that the score was not at least half a dozen goals more than it was. As regards the home team it is unnecessary to individualise, suffice it to say that every man did his duty, and although at times they took matters easy, the display was by no means unscientific. The Haydock men worked energetically, but they sadly lacked the speed of the home team. In the defensive department we never saw a better display. The following with the teams:- Central: Tyldesley, Borrow, Shaw, Lea-Jones, Ackroyd, Horton, Duncan, Graham, Sourbutts and Taylor. Haydock St. James: Ralphs, Cook, Pimblett, Carney, King, Peake, Goulden, Clarke, Marsh, Chisnall and Williams.