1898/99 Division 1 - Week 6
Crewe Alexandra vs. Preston North End
After struggling for many seasons to stay outside the playoff spots and battling to keep their place the last two seasons, Preston looks as if they might have turned a corner this year as they sit in the top half. This week they head out to face a Crewe side struggling to keep their head above water who are goalless in their first 5. This match however is good news for Crewe as they look the better side throughout, with goals in the 5th and 70th minutes taking them to victory.
Middlesbrough Ironopolis vs. Woolwich Arsenal
It is another rough start to the season for Ironopolis, who sit just above the relegation places and after managing to survive through the play-offs, must do better than last season if they want to survive. This week they welcome Arsenal to Paradise, who will be hoping to start near the top of the table. It was not a good display by Ironopolis however and an 82nd minute goal by Arsenal confirmed defeat.
Derby County vs. Walsall
Two sides that were seemingly locked together last season, Walsall are now performing much better only being a single point off top spot, while Derby are in pretty much the same position they were last season. It gets off to a bad start for Walsall, as Derby score in the 5th minute to take an early lead. Walsall could equalise in the 33rd minute and go into half time even. In the second half, it was all one-way traffic however as Derby took control of the match, scoring in the 55th and 89th minutes to win 3-1.
Darwen vs. The Wednesday
It would be hard to argue any side has been more disappointing this season than Darwen, as the reigning champions currently sit completely outside the top half and look as if they are not even going to be near the title picture this year. Their opponents this week are a Wednesday side who look decent. Despite the clean sheet, I would say Darwen's defense was pretty disappointing in this match. Darwen dominates possession and scored in both the 8th and 52nd minutes to win, but let Wednesday get more chances that they should have.
West Bromwich Albion vs. Sunderland Albion
West Brom have fortunately been pretty useless so far this season, a disappointment for all their fans following last season's relative safety. Sunderland Albion meanwhile are flying, sitting fourth in the table at the start of this week. Not a good week to be higher in the table, West Brom score early in the 29th minute. A brief window of hope would happen when Sunderland scored in the 52nd minute, but would go behind again in the 62nd and were finished in the 89th.
Blackburn Rovers vs. Sheffield United
Sheffield United are really flying to start this season as they stand at the top of the table, although there are many teams directly behind them, leaving their position unstable. Blackburn meanwhile have been fairly disappointing as they sit in the bottom half, despite their quality. A close fought affair with a decent number of chances, but only one would end up finding the back of the net as the Blades score in the 31st minute, picking up their fifth win.
Newton Heath vs. Bootle
Bootle currently sit second in the table and with Newton Heath currently sitting dead bottom, this has to be viewed as a good chance for the Bucks to get a few points and maintain pace with the top sides in the division. The Bucks put Newton Heath to the sword in this one as they score in the 11th, 43rd, 61st and 89th minutes to take a dominant victory.
Liverpool vs. Aston Villa
Aston Villa have a good chance at Anfield to move top of the table so long as they are able to win this match by at least 3 goals. This match is probably the most even of the week with both standing a decent chance of claiming the win. However as time wears on this match looks to be pretty destined to finish as a draw that will see both sides split the points. Liverpool would change that however as they score in the 88th minute to take the win.
- DinoKea
