1894/95 Division 2 - Week 24
Bolton Wanderers vs. Notts County
Notts County have probably been the shock team of the season, having once been looking set for another re-election battle having only just scraped safety last season. Instead, they look to challenge for the promotion play-off places, with the potential of making a return to the top division after 5 seasons away. Their opponents this week are a disappointing Bolton Wanderers side who look set to have very little to play for over the coming weeks with a big gap between both the playoff places and re-election spots. Notts County would score in the 16th minute to take the lead, only for Bolton to equalise in the 23rd. Plenty of chances in this match, although it was clear Bolton were the better side. This did not stop Notts County scoring again in the 52nd minute to take the lead. Bolton would manage to tie things up again in the 70th, but were unable to find the winner. This gave enough points to secure Notts County's spot in the Football League next season.
Newton Heath vs. Blackpool
With the battle for first place being hotly contested this season, Newton Heath are currently sitting in the lead and look poised to hold on with a match again Blackpool. Blackpool currently find themselves 4 points off from safety and looking at risk of having to face re-election come season's end. It was no surprise really when Newton Heath took control for most of this match and managed to score in the 73rd minute to walk away with the win.
Rossendale vs. Sunderland AFC
Rossendale were a shock inclusion in the Football League, somehow scoring a perfect voting record. Despite this, the team has been surprisingly competitive and while they are clearly stuck within the bottom group of teams, they have been able to put up more of a fight than many expected. Sunderland meanwhile have been thoroughly unimpressive as a relegated side, spending most of the season in the bottom half and while they look clear of re-election worries, it is not a big enough gap the side should feel comfortable. It was an evenly contested affair with Sunderland scoring in the 11th minute to take the lead and late miss a good chance to double it, while Rossendale's one good chance would be saved, giving the win to Sunderland.
Accrington vs. Woolwich Arsenal
After a strong start to the season, Accrington really feel like they've blown a good chance to be the drawingest team and the chance to make the play-offs, although they are still well within contention. Woolwich Arsenal meanwhile will be looking for a win to put themselves back into the lead after they dropped top spot to Newton Heath. Accrington will be kicking themselves over this one. 7 shots on target, the majority of possession against one of the top sides in the league, and yet they failed to score a single goal. Arsenal scored twice in the 14th and 26th minutes and held the lead for the full match to take the 2 points.
Crewe Alexandra vs. Burnley
A win here could be massive for both sides. For Crewe, a win would reduce the distance between them and the final playoff spot, while for Burnley this could help them keep within striking distance of the top sides and potential secure their position in the playoffs. Burnley failed to make any chances in this match, allowing Crewe to capitalise in the 80th minute to take home a deserved win and confirm their spot in the Football League for next season.
Grimsby Town vs. Newcastle United
A battle of the black and white stripes, with Grimsby having recently fallen off after holding a slight lead for the title for much of the season, while Newcastle have constantly been an outsider in the promotion battle. A win for Newcastle would seal their spot in the league and move them within a point of the playoffs, while a win for Grimsby Town would move them back into the playoffs. Grimsby looked stronger in the match, but eventually is was Newcastle scoring first in the 64th minute who would lead until the dying minutes of the match when in the 84th, Grimsby would finally score to give both sides a point each.
Burslem Port Vale vs. Nottingham Forest
Famed for finishing bottom of the league, Burslem Port Vale currently sit in dead last but only 1 point off moving into 15th, which would also match their previous best points tally. Their opponents this week are Nottingham Forest, who following their recent election have looked impressive, managing to keep pace with the playoff chasers, although never able to do much more than stay at the tail end of the pack. It was clear Forest were the better side, scoring in the 29th, 76th and 89th minutes to take a strong lead and confirm their spot in the Football League next season.
Northwich Victoria vs. Loughborough Athletic
Having had financial difficulties for a while now, Northwich Victoria are still competing surprisingly well in the league, having had a recent resurgence that has pulled them up from being on the bottom. Loughborough meanwhile have the chance to increase their lead as drawingest team. Despite the match being fairly close, the Vics struggled to find where the back of the net was located, while Loughborough were able to score once in the 17th minute and again in the 79th to take the win.
- DinoKea