1895/96 Division 1 - Week 24
West Bromwich Albion vs. Preston North End
Unfortunately, West Brom have recently found a way to win points and so while it would be great to see them have to face the relegation playoffs, this match looks like it will likely be between two sides in the middle of the table, with both having fairly disappointing seasons. West Brom looked terrible at this match, leading to goals for Preston in the 25th, 59th and 83rd minutes and a resounding win for the former champions.
Aston Villa vs. Walsall Town Swifts
Aston Villa's recent form has seen them be able to move right in the title fight, sitting just a single point behind Bootle while having a superior goal difference. Their opponents this week however are the famed Robin Hoods of the Football League in Walsall, who have made a habitat of beating good teams and losing to weak teams, presenting themselves as a tough challenge for a side like Aston Villa. Aston Villa got two quick goals in the 5th and 16th minutes putting up a tough hurdle for Walsall to overcome. Walsall however weren't going down without a fight and held the majority of possession for the rest of the match, eventually getting a goal in the 67th minute. Villa scored again in the 75th however and took the win in a match where Walsall arguably looked the better side.
The Wednesday vs. Newton Heath
Two of the better sides in the league as 3rd (Newton Heath) and 4th (Wednesday) face off. Newton Heath have been a surprise package this season, but a recent run of bad form has seen them dip of from being a title contender and they have steadily been left behind the leading pack. Wednesday meanwhile have been a solid side all season, continuing their usual trend of being top of the chasing pack. The poor form would continue for Newton Heath as a goal for a 52nd minute winning the match for The Wednesday handing Newton Heath their 3rd consecutive loss.
Derby County vs. Middlesbrough Ironopolis
Two sides fighting to avoid the relegation playoffs as despite being in 10th place, Derby are still only 2 points clear. Ironopolis meanwhile are currently in 15th and need to get some points if they want to avoid matches against (presumably) Bury and Crewe at the end of the season. Derby County looked the better side throughout this match, continuously finding shot after shot and chance after chance. Ironopolis had a brief spell of possession that saw them score in the 38th minute but that only seemed to driver on Derby County more. Eventually in the 78th minute Derby would get a chance go in, only to have it ruled off-side. Ironopolis would walk away with a vital and lucky 2 points.
Birmingham St George's vs. Woolwich Arsenal
If Arsenal don't win this match they will likely finish this week in the relegation places with their match this week taking them out to Cape Hill Brewery. Their opponents, Birmingham St George's have been on a good run recently and are now pushing to move into the top half of the table. The first goal of the match would be scored in the 11th minute as the Dragons took the lead over Arsenal. Both sides would be equally matched throughout the course of this match and it looked like it could go either way until a 71st minute goal by BSG put them another goal ahead. Arsenal would get one back in the 82nd but would be unable to get any points. This also means The Wednesday and Newton Heath have secured spots in the 1896-97 Division 1.
Blackburn Rovers vs. Liverpool
Two sides who have both been a little disappointing so far this season as Blackburn the reigning champions have never been anywhere near the title fight while Liverpool have found themselves getting slowly pulled closer and closer to the relegation battle which could see them at risk of returning to the 2nd Division only a couple of years after the season in Division One. A bad 10 minutes for Liverpool early on in this match saw Blackburn go 2 ahead with 22nd and 29th minute goals. Blackburn were the better side throughout the rest of the match too and walked about with a deserved 2 points.
Sunderland Albion vs. Darwen
The kings of the draw Sunderland Albion will be looking to get any points out of this match against a decent Darwen side as they risk falling into the relegation places following a season where they seem unable to win any matches. Sunderland would not be equaling the drawing record in this match however as they conceded in the 25th minute. A reply in the 32nd minute was followed by 2 more in the 70th and 77th minutes, allowing Albion to walk away 3-1 winners.
Sheffield United vs. Bootle
In what must surely be the most exciting match of the week, last placed Sheffield United welcome league leaders Bootle to Bramall Lane. One of these sides only has 3 wins, the other has only lost twice. It seems pretty obvious how this turns out. Which is Sheffield United scoring first in the 73rd minute, Bootle finding a late equaliser but being unable to win, dropping into second place as Aston Villa take top of the table for the first time all season.
- DinoKea
