1895/96 Division 1 - Week 6
Walsall Town Swifts vs. Bootle
Fun fact, between the 3 Merseyside clubs (Bootle, Liverpool & Everton) they have lost a grand total of 0 matches this season. Bootle's opponents this week are the reigning FA Cup winners, Walsall Town Swifts, who have struggled to really make an impact following a very strong debut season which ended in a third place finish. Bootle look the better side as the match gets underway, having a few good chances and scoring in the 32nd second minute. In the second half, things turn and Walsall start taking control of the match, scoring in the 61st minute to tie the game on and managing in the end to get both teams' 3rd draw of the season.
Preston North End vs. Newton Heath
Preston have been the disappointment of the season so far. As a side that has never finished outside the top 4 in all 7 seasons of the Football League's history they currently sit in 12th place. Their opponents are a Newton Heath side who are looking the best they ever have, sitting in 5th place when their highest previous finish is 12th. Preston look the better side, constantly pushing on the attack and creating plenty of chances, leading to them taking the advantage in the 29th minute. A defensive slip-up in the 40th minute leads to Newton Heath equalising just before half time. Things stay the same in the second half with Preston the better side throughout the match but just unable to find the second goal they need and looking set settle for a draw when until an extra time winner is scored and Newton Heath have stolen the win.
West Bromwich Albion vs. Middlesbrough Ironopolis
Our third match of the week sees the bottom two sides face off as West Bromwich Albion welcome Middlesbrough Ironopolis to Stoney Lane. West Brom have not won a single much so far this season but still sit ahead of Ironopolis in the table, as the Iron's have only got points off a single win. Both side occupy the two play-off spots with the winner likely to escape the spots, while the loser is guaranteed to remain in the bottom 2. The better side won in this match as the home side have Ironopolis's number throughout this match and won with a single goal in the 23rd minute determining the outcome of this match.
Aston Villa vs. Woolwich Arsenal
Two sides who have been off to a strong start so far this season, although neither are right at the top of the league, both are sitting pretty in the top off. Villa sit higher in the table, but the run of Arsenal has been surprising as they were the favourites of many to end up at the bottom of the league table. One side looks the better in this match and while both side managed to have the same number of chances it was the home side who managed to pick up the win in this match as they put two in the back of Arsenal's net, first in the 14th minute and again in the 76th minute, knocking Arsenal all the way down to 11th as the table currently stands.
The Wednesday vs. Liverpool
The Wednesday will want to win this match as they have spent many years being a side pegged to move up and do bigger things only to end up finishing in the exact same position year after year. Their opponents meanwhile currently lead to league in only their second season in Division One and have yet to lose a single match this season. Any points for Liverpool will keep them on top, while a loss would see them drop into second place behind Bootle and with multiple teams sitting just a point behind. Both sides in the effort in this match but Wednesday are the ones able to find the goal, scoring in the 40th minute to take the lead. In the second half, Liverpool looked to find the win, but became the first Merseyside club to suffer defeat this season as no more goals are scored.
Derby County vs. Darwen
Not a lot to say on this match really as both sides sit firmly in the middle of the table. Both however have looked better sides than their form last season in which both looked to have a chance of ending up in the relegation playoffs. Derby's attack was on form today, scoring in the 5th minute and again in the 25th to take a good lead. A late goal in the 86th minute would just add to this and mean the home side handily defeat Darwen.
Birmingham St George's vs. Sheffield United
Both of these sides are currently hovering around in the relegation playoff battle, with the result of this match potential putting one side in the bottom 2, while the other will start gaining some ground and get them into a safer position. Neither have been positively favoured ahead of the season and both are currently tied on points. If you have to watch one match this week, this would likely be my pick as while the first half sees the Dragons dominating the match, scoring in the 16th and 35th minutes to take a 2-0 lead heading into half time. Knowing how important this match is the Blades start fighting back however and score in the 61st, only to be knocked back again in the 68th. Another goal in the 79th minute moves Sheff Utd close to taking the win, but they are unable to find the finally goal needed, giving the win to BSG who move into the top half of the table.
Blackburn Rovers vs. Sunderland Albion
This match is between the reigning Champions and a side that has been underachieving in Sunderland Albion. S Albion desperately need a win in this match, as a loss by more than one goal would see them fall into the bottom 2 spots and put them at risk of falling into the relegation playoffs. For Blackburn, a win will be vital to try and keep themselves in the title fight and allow them to retain the title for a second year. There was clearly one better side in this match as Blackburn controlled the match, but found themselves unable to find the back of the net throughout the first half and by the end of the second half they will be kicking themselves as despite numerous good chances no goals ever came and Albion were able to escape with an lucky point.
Preston playing a risky game and are now looking at risk of playing Division Two Football next season
- DinoKea