Post by dinokea on Aug 31, 2024 7:46:30 GMT 1
1896/97 Division 1 - Week 12
Middlesbrough Ironopolis vs. Newton Heath
Our first match of the week features two sides who have very much struggled this season. Sitting bottom of the table Ironopolis will be hoping for a win as they welcome Newton Heath to Paradise. After a good return last season, Newton Heath have struggled to find that same form this season and are now only a few points above the playoff places. They will surely be looking towards this match as an opportunity to get some points and increase the distance between them and the bottom 2. Ironopolis quickly hit Newton Heath with a goal in the 5th minute in what would be their only chance of the match. Newton Heath would have a few good tries at trying to find the equaliser they are unable to, handing Ironopolis their second win of the season.
West Bromwich Albion vs. Sunderland Albion
Sadly West Brom have managed to find a way to build a bit of a gap between themselves and teams in the relegation battle such as Sunderland Albion. A close and even contested match saw multiple attempts at goal, but not a single one go in as the two sides were forced to split the points, handing Sunderland Albion their first draw of the season.
Bootle vs. Walsall
Following recent slip-ups by Villa, Bootle now sit at the top of the League against a side that have not been having the great season in Walsall. A fairly predictable game as Bootle score in the 38th and 55th minutes after being the clear better side, walking away with their 10th win of the season so far.
Darwen vs. Sheffield United
Two sides who have been having strong seasons so far, as both Darwen and the Blades sit well within the top half, although neither are within striking distance of the title. Darwen got the better of this match to start off with as Darwen score in the 8th minute and continue to put pressure on Sheffield United. The Blades however snatch a goal back in the 43rd minute to go into half time all tied up. The second half saw things swing in favour of a much better looking Sheffield United side who score in the 52nd and 59th minutes to move themselves into the lead, a lead that they would hold onto for the rest of the match.
The Wednesday vs. Aston Villa
Things have turned bad for Villa recently as an undefeated run in the first 10 games has turned into 2 straight losses, with this week's match is against a Wednesday side that have been on a variable form so far, having some good wins, but also a near 50/50 record. Villa did not look good in this match, definitely not looking like a side that was challenging for the title as Wednesday constantly have their number, with a goal in the 38th minute sealing victory for the home side.
Crewe Alexandra vs. Preston North End
Two sides you who are having very different seasons to what we would normally expect. Crewe have spent all of their history before this season in either Division 2 or the preceding Football Alliance, now find themselves in the top half of Division One after earning promotion last season. Preston meanwhile have gone from the best team in England to facing the risk of being put in the relegation playoffs. The better side won on the day as Crewe's defense completely shut down Preston, scoring in the 79th minute to take the win and send Preston into last place.
Derby County vs. Woolwich Arsenal
Derby County will be looking for a win here to remaining within striking distance of the title should Bootle slip up, with their opponents this week being the only London side in the Football League Arsenal, who will surely be looking to gain some points and help move themselves away from the relegation playoff spots. A 19th minute goal puts Derby in the lead as they dominate the match, walking away with another victory for the Rams.
Blackburn Rovers vs. Birmingham St George's
Our final match of the week see the former champions Blackburn take on the favourites to go down in BSG. Blackburn are the obvious favourites of this match as while the Dragons have thus far avoid falling into the bottom 2, they have struggled to make any form of a push towards the top half. The Dragons did not show up for this match, while Blackburn did, with goals in the 8th, 55th and 71st minutes handing Blackburn the win.
- DinoKea
