1896/97 Division 2 - Week 24
Sunderland AFC vs. Everton
Our first Div. 2 match of the week sees a Sunderland side locked in a tight re-election battle. Everton meanwhile are stuck in a frustrating position of being clearly better than most teams in the division, but not at the same insane level of Wolves, Liverpool and Bury. As an interesting extra bit, if Everton win here Sunderland will be unable to catch them on points. Sunderland put up a good fight in this one, but a goal in the 37th minute put them behind and they were never able to find an equaliser, taking another loss to a good side.
Bolton Wanderers vs. Burton Wanderers
Our next match is a battle of the Wanderers. For Bolton, it is a continuation of the fall the team has been suffering for many seasons now. For Burton meanwhile after a rocky start, their rookie season has turned good with the side now sitting within the top 5 and looking set to confirm their spot in the division in the coming weeks. A goal in the 8th minute put Burton ahead and a second in the 22nd allowed them to cruise through the rest of the match. A third goal in the 58th just secured their position and while Bolton would score in the 71st, it was a mere consolation.
Liverpool vs. Fairfield
It has been a great season for Liverpool as they sit at the top and are currently top, with 3 points clear of missing out on the playoffs. Despite this however they are currently being hounded by a Wolves side sitting right behind on the same number of points who they will play on the final day of the season. Fairfield meanwhile have had a rough season and have really struggled to settle into the division. Rumour has it if they fail to gain safety the side will be unable to afford seeking re-election, so for both sides a win here is massively important. Unsurprisingly Liverpool were the better side and would dominate the match, scoring in the 16th and 41st minutes to go ahead and although they would concede in the 79th, it was a convincing win to keep them top of the table.
Wolverhampton Wanderers vs. Accrington
The other side currently occupying the top 2 spots, Wolves have only lost a single match all season, which was against Liverpool and have only conceded twice all season. Their opponents this week are a solid Accrington side, who look to be in little danger of leaving the division this season. This was a classic Wolves match. Defensively solid, completely shutting their opponents out. Score once in the 70th minute and walk away with the win.
Leicester Fosse vs. Loughborough
Loughborough's season started off with so much promise however as time has gone on the side have really seen their fortunes turn, with the side now looking at risk of potentially having to face a vote for re-election. Leicester meanwhile are sitting pretty in the upper half of the table, looking unlikely to go down but unable to go up. Leicester did not turn up for this match, Loughborough did. So after a poor display my the home side, Loughborough were able to score twice (32nd & 58th minutes) to take two points and help them build a cushion away from the re-election zone.
Nottingham Forest vs. Grimsby Town
A match between two founding sides of the Football Alliance, neither of which sit in the safest position. The winner of this match will move at least 3 points clear of re-electon however and with only a few weeks remaining that could be enough to confirm safety. If you had asked me at the start of the week for the closest match, this would have been my pick. I would have been wrong however as Forest had complete control and scored once in the 65th to take the win.
Newcastle United vs. Bury
Newcastle started this season so well and initially looked like a potential promotion contender, which would not be surprising given they have never finished outside the top 5. That all faded however as they sit just 1 point clear of re-election and face off against a Bury side that cannot afford to drop any more points. It was a strong defensive display for both sides in this one as Bury looked the better side. Neither ever found the back of the net however and had Newcastle's 10th draw of the season.
Burnley vs. Blackpool
Our final match of the week is between a forgettable Burnley side and the kings of re-election in Blackpool. Burnley looked the better side, scored in the 20th, again in the 79th, job done, Burnley win 2-0.
- DinoKea
