1895/96 Division 2 - Week 6
Fairfield vs. Newcastle United
A side many were skeptical of as while they had won the Lancashire League they also suffered a bad defeat to Blackburn in the FA Cup, Fairfield have so far proven that they have what it takes to compete in Division 2. This week they welcome a tough side to Gransmoor Road in Newcastle United who are once again in the congested promotion hunt following their playoff defeat last season. Fairfield shock Newcastle quickly with a goal in the 5th minute and following this the two sides are equal but neither is able to find a second goal, giving Fairfield the win and moving them up (temporarily) into 5th place.
Crewe Alexandra vs. Notts County
It seems miracles will not be happening twice for Notts County so far as after a surprise promotion push last season, they now find themselves in the bottom 3 places and look to potentially be at risk of losing their place in Division 2. Their opponents are a side that have been in this division since the formation of the Football Alliance and so far it looks unlikely to change as Crewe sit firmly in the middle of the table. The winners of this one was never in much doubt as Crewe punished Motts and eventually got a goal in the 61st first minute that would surprisingly be their only goal of the match.
Leicester Fosse vs. Accrington
A solid addition to the division so far, Leicester Fosse sit firmly in the middle of the table. Their opponents this week are a founding member of the Football League in Accrington who have found themselves stuck in the second for 3 seasons now after losing a playoff match to Sheffield United back in 1893. While some suspect this has impacted the financial stability of the club, on field this has never showed. Given the two sides and particularly Accrington's record of being incredibly defensive with no attacking talent, it was unsurprising this match was kind of dull. Fosse had a couple of chances and the only chances but could not score anything leading to both teams picking up their 4th draw in 6 games.
Loughborough vs. Grimsby Town
Loughborough have a big trend in Division 2 so far as being a side that both draws a lot and ends up finishing around 10th/11th place, which is where they once again find themselves. Rocking their away kick as they head out to Athletic Ground, Grimsby Town are continuing the trend they started late last season where they managed to choke not only the title be even a promotion playoff spot. This continuing trend now sees them hovering dangerously above the re-election spots and in desperate need of points. Looking for their first win Grimsby found themselves on the backfoot as they conceded in the 5th minute and the 25th minute and the 35th minute. Loughborough let off after this, scoring just once more in the 83rd and while Grimsby would discover the back of the net in added time, it would not help them as they will finish this week in the bottom 3.
Everton vs. Wolverhampton Wanderers
It would be pretty hard to argue again this match between the two relegated sides being the biggest match this week. Everton have yet to drop a single point and sit on a perfect 10 points with no goals conceded. Their opponents Wolves will also be seeking promotion this year, are also undefeated and have also yet to conceded a single goal all season, although a couple of draws mean they currently sit in 3rd place. Wolves came to Goodison Park looking for the win and it was a close first half which saw a penalty hand Everton the advantage in the 34th minute. Wolves came out in the second half with a new game tactic and dominated Everton, clearly the better side now and had multiple good attempts to win which would end up being saved by Everton's keeper. Unfortunately, this meant Wolves were unable to find the equaliser needed and Everton would steal the win against the better side.
Bury vs. Nottingham Forest
A bit of an interesting match-up in that these are currently the only team to have ever won the Pub League. Bury have got to be the favourites having yet to lose a match in the league and being the home side, while Nottingham Forest have just been a fairly average side in the Division since being elected. With Bury undefeated and Nottingham Forest undefeated, Bury clearly came to show their quality and that they were going to be taking the points scoring just once in the 22nd minute, but not allowing Forest a single chance, controlling possession and with Wolves losing early now creating 3 point gap, while Forest somehow are holding strong in 11th without a single win in their first 6.
Sunderland AFC vs. Blackpool
This season is a terrible year to be a fan of Football in Sunderland, with Albion not looking great in Division One, but even worse are Sunderland AFC who are yet to find the back of the net in their first 5 games, sitting winless with a solitary point. Welcoming Blackpool to Newcastle Road however could provide Sunderland with the chance needed to break their winless run and potentially even move out of the bottom 3. Blackpool meanwhile will be looking to avoid the bottom 3 spots as the league electors have not been forgiving on sides facing election twice in a row. It was a close fought match as Sunderland found their first goal of the season early on in the 17th minute and held on to the lead until half time. In the second half Blackpool were able to equalise in the 58th minute and as the match reached the last 10 minute the winner would be scored as the Tangerines walked away with the win, leaving Sunderland still without a win.
Bolton Wanderers vs. Burnley
Our final match of the week is between two founding sides of the Football League as Bolton take on Burnley (who are also founding members of the Football Alliance and Division 2). If Bolton lose they will drop into the bottom 3 on goal difference, while any points will keep them in the safe spots. No goals scored in this one, with two fairly equal sides. Burnley unsurprisingly looked better, but neither were ever able to find a winner and were forced to split points, leaving Bolton winless, while Burnley get their first draw of the season.
Accrington trying to push for promotion playoffs with 2 wins is really weird but if it works it works. 1/3 of the way to drawingest team too. Sucks to see a gap between Wolves and the promotion playoffs too.
- DinoKea
