Sheffield Daily Telegraph – Friday 29 October 1920

Houghton deserved victory

Mexboro’ Knocked Out.

Houghton Main  2  Mexborough  1

After half-an-hour’s extra time had been played, Houghton Main, a Sheffield Association League club, defeated .Mexboro’ Town, of the Midland League, in the re-played tie in the English Cup, on the George Hotel ground at Low Valley, yesterday.

In the previous round they knocked out another Midland League club, Denaby United, at Denaby. Yesterday’s game was simply charged with thrills from beginning to end.

Mexboro’ fielded a team considerably weaker than that at Mexboro’ last Saturday, several players being unable to take the field through injury, whereas Houghton Main were at full strength. The greatest enthusiasm prevailed in the Darfield and Wombwell district, and there was a record gate, the attendance approaching 8,000.

In the opening stages the Mexboro’ backs were surprisingly weak, Machin apparently still suffering from the injuries he received on Saturday. The Houghton forwards, however gave anything but an impressive display, though Marsh drove a ball just wide of the upright. Then Mexboro’ recuperated, and had a fair share of the play up to the interval. In the second half Mexboro’ further improved, and there was some good play by Waite and Reid.

Westwood opened Mexboro’s account with a fine header, the ball being nicely centred from the right wing Houghton Main strived hard to equalise, but fate seemed against them. However, just on the point of time Turton equalised.

In the second 15 minutes of extra time Turton gave Houghton the victory. During this period Houghton Main were much the better side, tieir forwards having complete mastery over the Mexboro’ defence, which had greatly weakened.

In the next round Houghton Main are drawn away against Worksop Town, which club they knocked out of the competition last season. Then the Colliery were at home, and were known as Darfield St. George’s.