Season 1949-50 - a change of direction

Posted by Tony Hutton

The summer of 1949 - I remember it well. As a twelve year old having completed my first year at grammar school, all seemed well with the world. We spent the first few days of our summer holiday visiting my mother's friend in Hull, where I watched two days of Yorkshire v Hampshire at The Circle. Then we were off to Whitby for a week.

While there my father set off on the train for a job interview in Birmingham, of all places. To his delight, and my displeasure, he got the job, which was quite a big step up in the world of local government.

So I was only to see another half dozen or so games of football in Yorkshire before departing to live in Walsall, near Birmingham. It took me eighteen years to return north, but the chief plus point for me was the number of football clubs within easy reach of my new home. I did the rounds of them all, shared in their triumphs and disasters, as well as playing football myself first in the Walsall Minor League, against such luminaries as the Wolves 'D' side and then in the Birmingham Amateur Football League.

On holiday in Hull, I had the opportunity of watching a pre-season friendly at Boothferry Park which was made up of two teams of Hull City players.

SATURDAY 13TH AUGUST 1949

FRIENDLY  MATCH AT BOOTHFERRY PARK, HULL

HULL CITY A  v HULL CITY B                                                 Attendance 15,596

Bly; Lee, Berry; Greenhalgh, Meens, Mellor;

Bloxham, Carter, Harrison (F), Sowden, Shepherd;

Robinson; Taylor, Parker; Tarrant, Seddon, Durham;

Harrison (R), Jensen, Moore, Buchan, Burbanks;

However, back to business. Huddersfield Town, after their narrow escape from relegation started the new season with renewed optimism. They got off to a poor start with a 4-1 defeat at Blackpool, but I decided to break new ground and spent the first Saturday of the season at the Shay, Halifax.

SATURDAY 20TH AUGUST, 1949
FOOTBALL LEAGUE THIRD DIVISION NORTH AT THE SHAY, HALIFAX   Attendance 10,000
HALIFAX TOWN 1 (Mycock pen) HARTLEPOOL UTD 2 (Burnett, Mycock o.g.)

Rayner; Drake, Breaks; Gilmour, Hinsley, Mycock; 
Whittingham, Murphy, Crossley, Hodgkinson, Massey;

Rimmington; Hooper, Thompson; Donaldson, Hughes, Newton;

Barnett, Dunn, Owens, McCready, Harden;

All that I can remember about this game was the remarks of a neighbouring spectator, with a broad Yorkshire accent, who spent the whole game disparaging not only the players of both sides, but the referee and linesmen too. He was a bit like the well known comedian of the time, Al Read. He kept shouting at the linesman 'Off side, off side'. To which his straight man replied 'He's put his flag up'. Then the classic retort 'Yes, but not till I shouted'. The programme featured a note of encouragement by stating that the last time Hartlepool won at the Shay was in season 1846-47! Not sure whether this was a misprint or not.

Halifax were unlucky to lose to an own goal by the unfortunately named Mycock, who also scored for his own side, and having two goals disallowed to the intense annoyance of our complaining spectator. Two of their players, Massey and Hinsley, were injured and may miss the next match.

Match report retrieved from the Halifax Courier.

The report confirmed that Hartlepool last won at the Shay in 1946-47 not one hundred years earlier.

The visitors were better in their approach play and faster on the ball during the first half whereas Halifax fought back strongly in the second half and were largely thwarted by the excellent performance of former Barnsley goalkeeper Rimmington.

Hartlepool went two goals up during the first half, Burnett scoring the first and then Mycock accidently deflected a free kick into his own goal. He made some amends by scoring a penalty on the stroke of half time. There were no further goals in the second half although Massey had two efforts disallowed by the referee. One for off side and the other for an alleged foul, which brought hoots of derision from the crowd. Despite a good performance from the two wingers Whittingham and Massey the Town were unable to get the equaliser.

WEDNESDAY 24TH AUGUST 1949                      Attendance 21,805
LEAGUE DIVISION ONE
HUDDERSFIELD TOWN 2 (Nightingale, Hassall) FULHAM 2 (Rowley, Thomas)

Mills; Boot, Stewart (H); Hunter, Hepplewhite, Whittaker;
McKenna, Hassall, Burke, Nightingale, Metcalfe;

Flack; Freeman, Bacuzzi; Quested, Taylor, Beasley (capt);
Stevans, Thomas (R), Rowley, Jezzard, McDonald;

Referee:- Mr S.E. Law, West Bromwich

Town's new look side included recent signing from Manchester United, Ronnie Burke, who was unable to get a regular place  at Old Trafford. Harold Hassall was promoted from the reserves and veteran Eddie Boot was in the unaccustomed position of right back.

After a poor first half, the game was transformed three minutes after the interval with a splendid self made goal by Nightingale, who pounced on a long ball from Boot. Arthur Rowley, who often troubled Hepplewhite, returned the compliment within two minutes. The burly, dashing and enterprising centre forward outwitted two or more defenders  and finished with a powerful drive which left Mills well beaten.

After 65 minutes Thomas put Fulham ahead to rouse Town who hammered away at the Fulham defence for the rest of the game. Finally just six minutes before the final whistle, Hassall scored a brilliant equaliser. When a high ball came over from Burke, he jumped to volley it home, a goal reminiscent of Peter Doherty (now with Doncaster) at his best.

Town's methods and general workmanship up to those thrilling closing twenty minutes tended to disappoint. Burke appeared unsupported and while Boot took the defensive honours he was far from being perfectly sound, and must accept much of the blame for Fulham's second goal.

Newly promoted Fulham looked a good team and were full value for a point in an entertaining match, watched by many who had spent the day watching county cricket between Yorkshire and Gloucestershire at Fartown, before walking down to Leeds Road at the close of play.

SATURDAY 27TH AUGUST 1949                              Attendance 22,711
LEAGUE DIVISION ONE
HUDDERSFIELD TOWN 2 (Hassall, Burke) MIDDLESBOROUGH 2 (McCrea, McKennan)

Mills; Boot, Stewart (H); Hunter, Hepplewhite, Whittaker;
McKenna, Hassall, Burke, Nightingale, Metcalfe;

Ugolini; Robinson, Hepple; Bell, Blenkinsopp, Gordon;
Dicks, McKennan, MCCrea, Mannion, Walker;

Referee:- Mr H.W. Moore, York

Town ended a busy first week of the season, unchanged from Wednesday night and continued their encouraging start with another 2-2 draw. Hassall again impressed with another brilliant individual goal. Town were 2-0 up within half an hour when Burke scored his first goal for the club. Mannion had a hard time during the first half with young wing half David Hunter having a good game. In the second half Mannion came into his own and it became a different story. He was able to lay on goals for the two Scotsmen McCrea and the powerful McKennan.

SATURDAY 3RD SEPTEMBER, 1949                  Attendance 13,000

LEAGUE DIVISION THREE SOUTH AT FELLOWS PARK, WALSALL

WALSALL 1 (Devlin) NORTHAMPTON TOWN 3 (Murphy, King, Mitchell)

Steel; Jones, Methley; Walters, Foulkes (capt), Russon;
Medd, Whitehouse, Chapman, Devlin, Betts;

Ansell; Smalley, Southam; Candlin (capt), McCoy, Coley;
King, Smith, McCulloch, Murphy, Mitchell;
Referee:- C.J. Williams, Nottingham

My first visit to Walsall, as my parents were on a house hunting week, from which I was either excused or escaped. However the Saddlers looked a poor team who will struggle on their strange three sided ground, bounded by a laundry wall and chimney behind one goal and behind the laundry was a railway line. Very different from Leeds Road and it may be that my affections may be transferred elsewhere before very long.

Report retrieved from Birmingham Gazette.

Walsall found that the methods employed in their recent 7-1 victory over Torquay were not got enough to overcome a lively Northampton side. The suffered an early setback when Whitehouse was injured and little more than a passenger for the rest of the game. Even so they were no match for the visitors throughout. Full backs Jones and Methley were unable to cope with Northampton's two speedy wingers King and Mitchell who caused them problems all afternoon.

Reg Foulkes was the king pin of the Walsall defence at centre half but goalkeeper Steel, in his first game of the season, did not look comfortable. Goals from Murphy, King and Mitchell sealed victory for the visitors at ten minute intervals after half time and Devlin scored a consolation goal just before the end.

WEDNESDAY 7TH SEPTEMBER 1949               Attendance 43,663

LEAGUE DIVISION ONE AT THE HAWTHORNS WEST BROMWICH

W.B.A. 1 (Elliott) ARSENAL 2 (Barnes pen, Lewis)

Sanders; Pemberton, Millard; Ryan, Vernon (capt), Hood;
Elliott, Williams, Walsh, Haines, Smith (A);

Swindin; Barnes, Smith (L); Mercer (capt.), Compton (L), Shaw;
McPherson, Logie, Goring, Lewis, Roper;
Referee: E.S. Vickery, Bristol

It took me longer than expected to make the relatively short journey between Walsall and West Bromwich by a combination of buses, so that I only arrived a few minutes before kick off. The ground was already crammed full, particularly the terrace behind the goal at the Birmingham Road end, where I had great difficulty in finding any sort of vantage point. The newly promoted home side put up a good performance and have some very useful players, notably the two Irishmen Vernon in defence and Walsh in attack, as well as the tricky right winger Billy Elliott who scored their only goal.

Match report retrieved from the Birmingham Gazette.

Albion with two reserve wing halves and a reserve left winger were further handicapped when Dave Walsh, the Irish international centre forward, was injured with a pulled muscle after 15 minutes and could only hobble on the wing for the rest of the game. Before he was injured Walsh, Elliott and Haines all had good chances to score but none were taken.

Arsenal had only four possible chances in the first half and scored from two of them. Barnes converting a penalty after 29 minutes when Hood was alleged to have handled and then Lewis heading in from a McPherson cross six minutes later. In the second half it was all Albion with goalkeeper Sanders virtually unemployed except when Roper hit the crossbar. Billy Elliott was Albion's outstanding player and scored an important goal with only 22 minutes left.

Vernon's clearance sent Haines away from the centre circle and he played Elliott through the middle in a race with full back Lionel Smith as Swindon advanced from the Arsenal goal. Elliott just won the race and stabbed the ball underneath the advancing keeper. Albion in with a chance of a draw now but could not pierce the resolute Arsenal defence.

Arsenal have a very strong side, particularly in defence with big Leslie Compton a commanding figure at centre half. I had hoped that his brother Dennis might appear on the left wing, but apparently he was still playing cricket. Arsenal's next match was at Huddersfield the following Saturday, a game which I missed, presumably as we were travelling back from the Midlands.

It turned out to be yet another 2-2 draw with Burke and Glazzard scoring the goals, as they had done a few days earlier in the midweek win at home to Charlton 2-1.

SATURDAY 17TH SEPTEMBER 1949                        Attendance 26,222
LEAGUE DIVISION ONE AT LEEDS ROAD, HUDDERSFIELD
HUDDERSFIELD TOWN 0 PORTSMOUTH 1 (Clarke)

Hesford; Howe (G), Stewart (H); Hunter, Percival, Boot (capt);
McKenna, Glazzard, Rodgers, Nightingale, Metcalfe;

Butler; Hindmarsh, Ferrier; Scoular, Flewin, Dickinson;
Harris, Reid, Clarke, Phillips, Froggatt;
Referee:- H. Pearce, Luton

Town, with a much changed side due to injuries did well to hold the League Champions to just one goal. Hesford, after a long absence, re-appeared in goal, George Howe was tried in the problem right back position and Percival made a rare appearance at centre half as deputy for George Hepplewhite. Burke and Hassall were also missing from the forward line. Portsmouth's strength lay in their powerful half back line which dominated proceedings. 'Ike' Clarke, the former W.B.A. player, scored the only goal.

Match report retrieved from the Yorkshire Post.

League champions Portsmouth, playing in red shirts to avoid a colour clash, made hard work of their single goal victory at Leeds Road. Vic Metcalfe's 25 yard shot in the closing minutes nearly saved the game for Town, but went inches wide to hit the side netting. Portsmouth's attacking style with all five forwards well up in attack tested the Town defence, not normally their strongest point.

Portsmouth had to wait until the 60th minute for their goal which was created by right winger Peter Harris, who has recently replaced Stanley Matthews in the England team. He beat Stewart on the right and raced away almost to the corner flag before sending across a perfect centre for Ike Clarke to steer the ball wide of Hesford in the Town goal.

In Town's defence it could be said that they were missing Burke, Whittaker, Hepplewhite and Hassall and that Glazzard was slowed down by an early knock, but still did remarkably well. They are still missing the craft of the departed Peter Doherty up front and need a dominating central defender. However there are encouraging reports of new signing Jeffrey Taylor, a young forward who has just completed his National Service.

End of season heroics - 1948-49

Posted by Tony Hutton

SATURDAY 12TH MARCH, 1949                  Attendance 23,136
LEAGUE DIVISION ONE
HUDDERSFIELD TOWN 1 (McKenna) BURNLEY 0

Burnley - Strong; Loughran, Mather; Atwell, Cummings, Bray (capt);
Chew, Morris, Billingham, Potts, Hays;

This was a poor display by both sides. Town were not helped by an ankle injury to Doherty, which made him move to the left wing, where Metcalfe had seemed to have the measure of the defence with his speed. Fortunately, wing halves Whittaker and Boot stood firm and looked more impressive than Burnley's Attwell, who has been selected to play for the the Football League XI. Two vital points for Town.

SATURDAY 26TH MARCH, 1949               Attendance 25,745
LEAGUE DIVISION ONE
HUDDERSFIELD TOWN 0 NEWCASTLE UNITED 2 (Hepplewhite og, Stewart og)

Newcastle - Fairbrother; Cowell, Batty; Harvey (capt), Brennan, Dodgin;
Walker, Taylor, Milburn, Stobbart, Hair;

A Town defence which so often this season has threatened to beat its own goalkeeper did so twice today. This presented Newcastle with two points the donors can ill afford to spare. Under pressure centre half George Hepplewhite and then left back Harry Stewart  tapped the ball past the astonished Wheeler. Which is more than Newcastle's star studded attack could do ! For fifteen minutes it was anybody's game but then came Hepplewhite's blunder. Newcastle provided the arts and graces of the game, so tangling Town's defence that Stewart passed back without looking to see where Wheeler was. Sadly Harry Stewart was to add to the own goal tally the following week at Chelsea.

WEDNESDAY 6TH APRIL, 1949                           Attendance 17,256
LEAGUE DIVISION ONE
HUDDERSFIELD TOWN 2 (Doherty pen, Metcalfe) MANCHESTER UNITED 1
(Rowley)

Man. Utd. - Crompton; Carey (capt), Aston; McGlen, Chilton, Cockburn;
Delaney, Downie, Rowley, Pearson, Mitten;

A famous victory for Town against their illustrious rivals. Downie, the big money signing from Bradford Park Avenue replaced Johnny Morris, who has gone to Derby. This was Huddersfield Town in one of their inspired moods. Rarely have they played such purposeful football. Had the forwards shown more care in front of goal the result would have been more decisive.
It was a tale of two penalties, in the 32nd minute Ball brought down McKenna and Doherty scored

for Town, but  late in the game the usually reliable Charlie Mitten had his kick saved by Harry Mills in the Town goal. This was Mills  third penalty save from the four he has faced this season.

United fought back with speed, skill and guile in the second half, but another blow befell them when Carey, making his only mistake of the match, let in Metcalfe who after a grand run beat Crompton. United replied with a goal from Rowley who scored direct with a 25 yard free kick. The man of the second half was goalkeeper Mills. He saved a rain of shots from every angle and one of his best was his headlong dive to push round the post Mitten's penalty kick.

Rodgers made the Town attack more forceful than Glazzard usually does and gave to the entire line a suggestion of more punch and strength. (Match report from Yorkshire Post).

SATURDAY 9TH APRIL, 1949                    Attendance 18,856
LEAGUE DIVISION ONE
HUDDERSFIELD TOWN 0 BIRMINGHAM CITY 0

Mills; Hayes, Stewart (H); Whittaker, Hepplewhite, Boot;
McKenna, K.A. Hansen, Rodgers, Nightingale, Metcalfe;

Robertson; Green, Jennings; Badham, Duckhouse, Ferris;
Stewart, Jordan, Daily, Harris (capt), Laing;

Huddersfield included Danish international Karl Hansen, who is to play for them as an amateur. Birmingham were without goalkeeper Gilbert Merrick and included Johnny Jordan, the former Spurs player who recently returned from Italy where he assisted Juventus.

It was a hard, scrambling game and without the injured Doherty, despite a bright start Town's attack was rarely in the picture. Once Ferris had got the measure of Hansen, Town's efforts came to nothing.
Even without Merrick, the Birmingham defence proved their ability which won promotion last season with the record of only 24 goals against. Town's best chance appeared to be an appeal for a penalty for handball against centre half Ted Duckhouse, but the referee was apparently unsighted. Robertson had an easy debut in the Birmingham goal.

MONDAY 18TH APRIL, 1949                                     Attendance 22,158
LEAGUE DIVISION ONE
HUDERSFIELD TOWN 0 LIVERPOOL 4 (Balmer 2, Baron, Liddell)

Liverpool - Sidlow; Lambert, Shepherd; Williams (R.R.), Jones, Paisley;
Payne, Baron, Stubbins, Balmer, Liddell;

Town's relegation problems increased with this crushing defeat. Town could make little progress against the very tough Liverpool defence, but the highlight of the game was a brilliant goal by the Scottish international winger, Billy Liddell. It was made possible by a delightful piece of foot jugglery by centre forward Albert Stubbins to prevent the ball going out of play just inside his own half. This put Liddell away down the left wing, running through the Town defence like a steam engine and hitting an unstoppable shot from the edge of the area into the net.
Huddersfield's haphazard defence and pointless attack was the worst seen this season. Apart from Peter Doherty's first minute shot, which went just over the bar, and a close range effort from Glazzard that went close, they never looked like scoring. Town got what they deserved - a hiding, against a very good team.

Back row - Taylor, Spicer, Hughes, Sidlow, Lambert, Paisley, Kay (Manager)

Front row - Payne, Baron, Stubbins, Fagan, Liddell

TUESDAY 19TH APRIL, 1949                Attendance 18,000
FRIENDLY MATCH
LEEDS UNITED 0 QUEEN OF THE SOUTH 0

Searson; Dunn, Milburn; McCabe, Charles, Burden;
Cochrane, McMorran, Browning, Igglesden, Rudd;

Henderson; McColl, James; McBain, Aird, Sharpe;
McCulloch, Brown (C), Houliston, Brown (J), Johnston;

Referee:- Mr R.A. Mortimore, Huddersfield

Leeds gave 17 year old Welshman John Charles his first senior game and in direct opposition to the youngster was Billy Houliston, currently first choice centre forward for Scotland, who played in the winning team at Wembley ten days ago and scored twice against Ireland. However, young Charles was not overawed by his opponent's reputation and despite the centre forward's robust style, shut him out of the game completelym showing great promise for one so young.
The referee, Mr Mortimore of Huddersfield, is to take control of the FA cup final between Wolves and Leicester on April 30th.
Lacking the bite of a league fixture, the pace was not as fast as usual for many of the players. Charles was not one of those, because of his opponent. Houliston's refreshing vigour is welcomed by all but opposing goalkeepers and centre halves. Charles came through the ordeal no worse than the England players at Wembley and from his cool assurance, tactical skill and sturdy build it seems certain that Major Buckley has found a player with a great future.
                                                                             

   

                   John Charles                    

 












                                                                                  

                                                                                                    
SATURDAY 23RD APRIL, 1949                        Attendance 19,051
LEAGUE DIVISION ONE
HUDDERSFIELD TOWN 1 (McKenna) EVERTON 1 (Powell)

Mills; Hayes, Stewart (H); Whittaker, Hepplewhite, Boot;
McKenna, Nightingale, K.A. Hansen, Doherty, Metcalfe;

Sager; Saunders, Dugdale; Farrell, Jones (T.G.), Lello;
Powell, Wainwright, McIntosh, Fielding, Eglington;

Referee:- Mr. H. Holt, Rochdale

The end of season prospect for Town is grim, but perhaps not quite as bad as it looks. Their away record is only inferior to seven other clubs and if they have the will to win they could yet escape the drop and pull off one of the surprises of the season. Slack defence turned what should have been a 3-0 win into a 1-1 draw. Hansen's leadership of an attack, in which Doherty will not conceivably play again as badly, was as good as anything despite his inability to score.

Until Whittaker was injured the half back line looked strong, but once again the defence became flustered and the equalising goal was on its way long before it was scored. McKenna gave Town the lead but it was the little Welshman, Aubrey Powell, signed from Leeds United, who scored the equaliser when Mills dropped the ball, to rob Town of yet another point. 

Veteran goalkeeper Ted Sagar was in fine form for Everton, who were also well served by the two Irishmen Farrell and Eglington.

Leading Article from the Hull Daily Mail on Monday 2nd May 1949.

Well Done, City!

The results of the two material matches on Saturday firmly established Hull City as leaders of Division Three Northern - for only freak happenings, off too fantastic a nature to even to merit consideration, in the remaining games could alter the position - and so after a lapse of thirteen years, the Tigers will return to Division Two. It is a happy outcome of a strenuous season, of high endeavour in which every member of the team has made the fullest possible contribution to a series of successes which have thrilled the public of Hull and the East Riding and indeed football followers over a much wider area.

In the process they have achieved a standard of play which calls for the warmest commendation and which has been reflected in the capacity attendances on almost every ground which they have visited this season. For that reason only, the departure from Division Three Northern of it's biggest attraction will tinge with regret the feelings of the clubs who must bid them farewell; apart from that very understandable consideration, however, their success is genuinely popular, as evidenced by the messages of hearty goodwill which they are now receiving from all quarters.

The Hull Daily Mail offers it's sincere congratulations to all who have helped in bringing this distinction to the city - to the directors whose long and patient work is now so amply rewarded; to the players who have given their best in match after strenuous match; to Raich Carter who has set the seal on their efforts by combining the roles of inspiring leader and able manager with such signal success, and to all those who have worked untiringly behind the scenes.

Well done, Hull City - and now, on to the Second Division.

SATURDAY 30TH APRIL, 1949                    Attendance 42,000

LEAGUE DIVISION THREE (NORTH)
HULL CITY 6 (Moore 3, Carter 2, Jensen) STOCKPORT COUNTY 1 (Herd)

Bly; Taylor, Berry; Greenhalgh, Meens, Durham;
Harrison, Jensen, Moore, Carter, Shepherd;

Bowles; Kenny, Monks; Walker, McCulloch, Paterson;
Barker, Herd, Cocker, Brown, Glaister;

By happy coincidence my mother was visiting her friend in Hull this weekend, which gave me the opportunity to share in a great footballing occasion at Boothferry Park, Hull. A huge crowd turned up to see Hull City crowned champions of the Third Division North and ensure promotion to the Second Division.

After creating a new record by winning the first nine matches of the season, Hull, well led by player-manager Raich Carter, have played consistently throughout. They won this game with ease and were unlucky to concede a goal, when Billy Bly brilliantly saved Herd's penalty kick, only for the former Manchester City veteran to score from the rebound. Even without two of their regulars, left half Mellor and left winger Eddie Burbanks, who played with Carter in the Sunderland cup winning team before the war, it was still very easy for the 'Tigers' who have made Hull a football crazy city.

Report from Hull Daily Mail.

Stockport started out well enough, and to half time their play never suggested the fate in store for them. To the interval they played just as well as City - better at times - and it was a rare event for City to have to wait until six minutes before the interval for their first corner kick. It was evident from a very early point that two that two master-strategists would have a major part to play in the fortunes of the match.

They were the two rival captains Raich Carter and Alex Herd, both of whom dominated the game in many a battle of wits.

Both opened up play admirably, never sparing themselves, but I noticed that Carter usually got the better of any tackles. First half play gave plenty of scope to Glaister and Barker, Stockport's two speedy wingers and after the early tension had worn off a greater precision came into their play. To an extent Cocker impressed as County's leader, though he was not so effective at close quarters. Stockport certainly commanded respect for their first half showing, but Moore who was to have a devastating part to play in later work had already had his say with the first goal in twenty minutes. 

A transformation came over play in the second half, a penalty goal by Carter in the 65th minute being the beginning of the end for County. A few minutes before this second score there had been a suggestion of unsteadiness amongst the Stockport defence under pressure - a suspicion which was confirmed in the later play. Backs tended to panic and failed to give Bowles, in the Stockport goal, the cover that Bly was enjoying. 

Then came a scoring feast as Moore went on to complete his three goals and Jensen and  Carter made further scoring contributions. Only consolation Stockport could derive was a penalty goal from Alex Herd awarded after Greenhalgh handled the ball. Berry was on top form for City with Meens as reliable as ever in the centre of defence. Shepherd got through his limited work quite well, shining quite well in the second half and having the hardest of luck when his shot hit the post. Jensen too figured more in the second half his goal coming following a clever feint. Though less conspicuous than at Oldham Harrison was always a power and a pacemaker, with Carter and Moore always in the thick of the fray. 

Carter himself scored twice, but the hero of the day was centre forward Norman Moore, who scored a  hat trick with goals in the 20th, 73rd and 83rd minutes. However, it was a great team performance with the Danish International Vigo Jensen also prominent. Jimmy Greenhalgh at right half looks a great prospect and Billy Bly, the goalkeeper, has become a folk hero in Hull. With such a good team, good reserves and tremendous support and facilities Hull can look forward to second division football with confidence.                            

     

A win for the Tigers had of course been taken for granted, but the possibility of Rotherham slipping a point to Carlisle United appeared less likely. But Carlisle did the unexpected and pleased everyone, bar Rotherham. The elation they gave to Hull City supporters became evident when a moment or two after City had beaten Stockport County 6-1, news came over the Boothferry Park loudspeakers that Rotherham and Carlisle had drawn 1-1.                   

THURSDAY 5TH MAY, 1949                              Attendance 21,445
LEAGUE DIVISION ONE
HUDDERSFIELD TOWN 4 (McKenna, Rodgers 2, Hansen) WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS 0

Mills; Hayes, Stewart (H); Whittaker, Hepplewhite, Boot;
McKenna, K.A. Hansen, Rodgers, Doherty, Metcalfe;

Williams; Kelly, Springthorpe; Russell, Shorthouse, Chatham;
Smith, Cook, Wilshaw, Smyth, Hancocks;

Referee:- Mr J.H. Parker, Macclesfield

Great excitement before kick-off in this vital penultimate game of the season for Town. Billy Wright captain of England and cup winners Wolves appeared off the team coach with a battered wooden box containing the FA cup. He was mobbed by all the schoolboy autograph hunters, myself included, and was keen for everyone to actually touch the cup.

Wright in fact did not play as this was already Wolves' third game since the cup final last Saturday. They had played Preston on Monday and Everton at Goodison Park last night. So a much changed Wolves side faced Town, who with two home games left were bottom of the league with 30 points. Preston with one match to play have 31, Sheffield Utd with two matches to play have 32 and Middlesborough with one match remaining 33. It could not be closer.

The fact that Wolves had played three games, including the cup final, in the last five days, worked in Town's favour. Five members of the cup final side, Pritchard, Wright, Dunn, Pye and Mullen were all missing and Crook and Hancocks were in different positions. One of the reserves included was Dennis Wilshaw who since scoring a hat-trick on debut from outside left on March 12th ,has scored consistently from centre foward. He very nearly kept Jesse Pye out of the cup final.
Fortunately for Town they turned in one of the best displays of the season thanks mainly to the Dane, Hansen, who laid on goals for others as well as scoring himself.

For the first 37 minutes of the game, the much changed Wolves side looked capable of gaining a draw, with some brilliant goalkeeping by Williams. He cut out centres despite the glaring sun, dived at forwards fee and brilliantly celebrated his inclusion in the England party to tour the Continent. But in the 37th minute Town's fortunes changes when the ball struck the referee and gave Boot the chance to whip out a pass to Metcalfe and Town produced the fighting spirit their desperate position demanded and McKenna headed home a fine goal.

Then in the second and third minutes of the second half Hansen and Rodgers put Town three up, both from centres by Metcalfe. The final goal also went to Rodgers, following some brilliant co-operation with Hansen, who beat Chatham, Shorthouse and Russell and as Rodgers, well positioned, called for the ball, he slipped a perfect pass to the centre forward's feet. Not all Town's passing was so well conceived, but there was a welcome bite about their second half display. Whittaker and Boot were again outstanding, but the most welcome feature was the leadership of Rodgers - a great improvement. It would be unfair to criticise Wolves reserves, but their positional play let them down. Williams, brave to the end, saved a penalty from Bill Hayes in the last minute. Smyth who missed an open goal and Wilshaw trying to glide the ball in should have hit it hard, had Wolves best chances.

So it would all go down to the last match of the season in two days time when Town would be at home to Manchester City.

SATURDAY 7TH MAY, 1949                    Attendance 27,507
LEAGUE DIVISION ONE
HUDDERSFIELD TOWN 1 (Rodgers) MANCHESTER CITY 0

Mills; Hayes, Stewart (H); Whittaker, Hepplewhite, Boot;
McKenna, K.A. Hansen, Rodgers, Doherty, Metcalfe;

Swift; Sproston, Westwood; Walsh, Fagan, Emptage;
Linacre, Black, Oakes, Smith, Clarke;

Not only the last match, but the last goal of the season, kept Town in the first division by the skin of their teeth. They finished with 34 points, Preston who won today and Sheffield United who drew, both go down with 33 points each. Again it was centre forward Arnold Rodgers, playing only his fifth game of the season, who scored the vital goal. In the last two games Rodgers has scored more goals than the other centre forwards, Glazzard and Whittingham, have scored between them all season. They each scored one goal and Whittingham's was in the first match of the season, when he was playing at right half!

This was England goalkeeper Frank Swift's last match before retirement and a large crowd of supporters had journeyed from Manchester to give him a good send off. The crowd surged onto the field at the end of the game and chaired him off the field. Later on he left in the Manchester City supporters' coach, decorated with flags and a banner which read 'Great Britain, England and Manchester City thanks you'.

Frank Swift has kept goal for Manchester City since 1933 and for the first 76 minutes f this match he alone stood between Town and the threat of relegation. Metcalfe was able to beat the slowing Sproston at will and the Dane, Hansen, passed immaculately and dribbled with delightful precision. Town in fact forced 13 corners in the first half, but Swift and Fagan, who once kicked off the line, kept them out. Hansen headed, Nightingale worried and Rodgers shot, but they could not beat 'Big Swifty'.

Then with Town's glorious twenty years in the First Division looking to have only 13 minutes left, Swift conceeded the 18th Town corner. The little Irishman, McKenna, took it and the vital goal came amid a hubbub unusual from the frequently indifferent Town supporters. Rodgers, the scorer, described the goal as follows:-
'I saw the ball coming and I thought there was room for me to dive to it before Swifty got there. I was scared stiff for there were boots flying all around and I thought my head was going to be kicked off, but the ball spun like an off break away from Westwood and the goalkeeper and I dived to the ground, ramming it home with my head'. Hansen also had a share in the goal, his header glancing it from McKenna's kick in Rodgers direction.


HUDDERSFIELD TOWN 1948-49 - THE GREAT ESCAPE

So ended a season in which I had seen every home game played by Huddersfield Town. A season in which for the second year running they had just escaped relegation by a thrilling late rally. For most of the season the football was of a very poor standard. Seven home defeats, including the cup game with Newport, bear witness to that.
The main weakness, until the arrival of Rodgers, was at centre forward where neither Glazzard or Whittingham could find a scoring touch.

Doherty, although perhaps past his best, worked tirelessly throughout the season and played a great part in the final effort. He was here, there and everywhere, bobbing up to take free-kicks, corner-kicks and throws-in all over the field. As he has now taken up the position of player manager with Doncaster Rovers he will be greatly missed, but let us hope he will have similar success to that of his former Derby County colleague, Raich Carter,with Hull City this season.

The two wingers were both competent, with Metcalfe improving considerably as the season progressed, under Doherty's watchful eye. Nightingale had an annoying tendency to hold onto the ball too long, which is a pity for he has the ability to beat a man cleverly. Whittaker settle down to play some useful games after the misfortune of his first match and George Hepplewhite was a strong man in the middle of defence. Even if he was prone to concede penalties, Mills could be relied upon to save them!

Eddie Boot was a very reliable left half and only missed one game throughout the season. Full back was, with centre forward, the position which gave most concern. Irish international Bill Hayes, who came back out of retirement was well into the veteran stage. He joined Town back in 1932 and was often too slow to match some of the speedy wingers he came up against. The brightest full back prospect must be Harry Stewart, who although still prone to the odd wild clearance, has improved a lot since he first came into the team. In goal there was little to choose between Mills and Wheeler, although probably the former's penalty saving exploits give him the edge.

RECORD OF HOME GAMES - LEAGUE

Played - 21,  Won - 6,  Drawn - 7,  Lost - 8, Goals for 19, Goals against 24, Points 19

Scorers:- Doherty 3, McKenna 3, Rodgers 3, Nightingale 2, Smith 2, Whittingham, Hassall, Boot, Metcalfe and Hansen one each.

Huddersfield Town 1948-49 (Part three)

Posted by Tony Hutton

The next two home games for Town were both rather boring goal less draws, against fellow relegation candidates Middlesborough and the team challenging for the Championship in Portsmouth. Town had slipped to 20th place after a 1-0 defeat away at Birmingham City, the only score being an own goal by George Hepplewhite. Only Everton, on goal average, and Sheffield United by one point, were below them.

SATURDAY 20TH NOVEMBER, 1948

LEAGUE DIVISION ONE AT LEEDS ROAD, HUDDERSFIELD

HUDDERSFIELD TOWN 0 MIDDLESBOROUGH 0 

Mills; Hayes, Briggs; Whittaker, Hepplewhite, Boot;
Whittingham, Nightingale, Glazzard, Doherty (capt), McKenna;

Ugolini; Robinson, Hardwick (capt); Bell, Whitaker, Gordon;
Spuhler, Blenkinsopp, Fenton, McCrea, Walker;

Referee:- J. W. Topliss, Grimsby

Middlesborough were also in trouble partly due to the ongoing Wilf Mannion saga. The England inside forward refused to re-sign at the start of the season and the dispute lingers on with Middlesborough refusing to grant a transfer and Mannion adamant that he will not play for them again. Alex McCrea, until recently a team mate of Town's Whittaker at Charlton, has taken Mannion's place. However, another poor game was served up for the loyal 16,000 fans. The only interest being a few acrobatics from Italian goalkeeper Rolando Ugolini and some polished full back play from the England captain George Hardwick.

Match report from Yorkshire Sports.


Two weeks later, on 4th December, 1948 Town faced Portsmouth, following an unlikely 4-2 away win at Newcastle. All the goals,including a Peter Doherty hat trick,
came in the first half.

SATURDAY 4TH DECEMBER, 1948

LEAGUE DIVISION ONE AT LEEDS ROAD HUDDERSFIELD

HUDDERSFIELD TOWN 0 PORTSMOUTH 0

Mills; Hayes, Briggs; Whittaker, Hepplewhite, Boot;

Smith, Nightingale, Glazzard, Doherty, McKenna;

Butler; Rooks, Ferrier; Scoular, Flewin, Dickinson;

Harris, Barlow, Clarke, Phillips, Froggatt;

Referee:- G.L. Illife, Leicester

Although 5,000 more than the last home crowd turned up it was yet another goal less draw. On this occasion it was a good performance by Town to hold a very powerful looking forward line with two good wingers in Harris and Froggatt. The visitors were also well served by a tremendous half back line of Scoular, Flewin and Dickinson. Town never really looked like scoring but even one point was valuable in their present predicament.

Match report from Yorkshire Sports
About 18,000 people saw the start. McKenna and Doherty were dangerous and Doherty would have been through but for brilliant anticipation by Flewin. Another attack by Town's right wing met with no more success. Ferrier stopped Glazzard after Smith had made headway. Raids by Portsmouth were easily repelled.

Once more McKenna shone on the wing and got over a perfect centre which Butler gathered confidently. Mills injured himself slightly when he ran out and lifted the ball from Barlow's feet. Town were soon back on the offensive and another McKenna pass went out of play before Smith could reach the ball. Town were playing with skill and method. Conway Smith then missed from less than a yard out.

After McKenna had raced away he crossed the ball and Doherty headed narrowly over. So far Poartsmouth had been mainly on the defensive. There were exciting moments in front of the Portsmouth goal after Town had been given a free kick. First Rooks headed out a shot from Smith and the next moment he stopped another McKenna header.

When Doherty, McKenna and Boot got going again, Rooks stoped the movement by handling. McKenna, who took the free-kick, sent it past the post. A moment later Doherty forced Portsmouth to concede a corner. Next Town were awarded another free-kick and Doherty forced Butler to tip the ball over the bar. Town continued to harass the visitors' defence. Doherty fired in a great shot, which Butler just managed to hold. McKenna followed with another shot which the goalkeeper caught.

Then a fine run by Harris nearly succeeded, Hepplewhite just managing to stop him in the penalty area. Apart from this raid, Town had seldom been troubled. Huddersfield had never played so well before at home this season and were unfortunate not to be ahead. Half time 0-0.

Portsmouth raids were repulsed when the game was restarted. Town then stormed the Portsmouth goal and a brilliant movement in which Whittaker, Boot and Nightingale all participated left Glazzard with only the goalkeeper to beat, but he shot wide from twelve yards.  Portsmouth were packing their goal to keep Town out, and they were having the utmost difficulty in doing so. Doherty headed wide after a free-kick from Boot and Portsmouth managed to hold out for a point. Full time 0-0.

MONDAY 27TH DECEMBER, 1948
LEAGUE DIVISION ONE
HUDDERSFIELD TOWN 1 (Boot) BLACKPOOL 0            Attendance 41,322

Mills; Hayes, Briggs; Whittaker, Heppelwhite, Boot;
McKenna, Nightingale, Glazzard, Smith, Metcalfe;

Farm; Shimwell, Suart; Johnston (capt), Hayward, Kelly;
Matthews, Munro, Garrett, McCall, Ricketts;

Referee:- E. Plinston, Warrington

After two successive away defeats, Town managed another goal less draw with Blackpool at Bloomfield Road, on Christmas Day morning, but they approached their last match of the year in bottom place in the first division. Only one win in ten home games speaks for itself. Blackpool, also in the bottom half of the table, have been hit by injuries  and were again without international Stan Mortenson and centre forward McIntosh. Munro continued to deputise for Mortenson and reserve full back Tommy Garrett was a surprise selection as deputy centre forward. Town were without Peter Doherty, but a rare goal by left half Eddie Boot gave them a hard fought victory in front of a large Christmas crowd.
It was Boot's first goal for the club since the war and he also continually foraged for his forwards. As well as that he helped Briggs to play the great Stanley Matthews out of the game. Briggs did not commit himself to the tackle and stood off from his noted opponent. As a result Matthews was confined to midfield, with a consequent slow down of the Blackpool attack.
Unlike Blackpool the Town forwards kept the ball down on the frozen turf and inside forwards Nightingale and Smith (deputising for Doherty who was injured on Christmas Day) worked the ball well and kept the wingers moving into open spaces. Blackpool's defence had a gruelling time against a nippy forward line, in which Metcalfe was perhaps the only weak link. Blackpool only attacked in the last few minutes in which time they spared neither themselves or their opponents. In fact some of them were lucky to get away without a caution.
More determined displays like this could see Town move out of danger.

SATURDAY 1ST JANUARY, 1949
LEAGUE DIVISION ONE
HUDDERSFIELD TOWN 1 (Smith) CHARLTON ATHLETIC 2 (Fenton, Vaughan)
Attendance 20,937

Mills; Hayes, Briggs; Whittaker, Hepplewhite, Boot;
McKenna, Nightingale, Glazzard, Smith, Metcalfe;

Bartram; Campbell, Lock; Johnson, Phipps, Revell;
Hurst, Fenton, Vaughan, O'Linn, Duffy;

Another goal from the improving Conway Smith saw the Town ahead at half time, but in the second half Fenton brought the visitors level, before Vaughan scored the winner to mean that two more vital points were lost. Sam Batram was his usual flamboyant self in goal, with a sound defence in front of him. The two wingers, Gordon Hurst and Chris Duffy, hero of the 1947 cup final, were always dangerous against the struggling Town defence.


SATURDAY 15TH JANUARY 1949
FA CUP THIRD ROUND REPLAY
HUDDERSFIELD TOWN 5 (Glazzard 2, Nightingale, McKenna, Bateman)
QUEENS PARK RANGERS 0                                          Attendance 31,076

Wheeler; Hayes, Briggs; Whittaker, Hepplewhite, Boot;
Bateman, Nightingale, Glazzard, Smith, McKenna;

Allen; Powell (G), Jefferson; Parkinson, Smith, Farrow;
Campbell, Stewart, Durrant, Mills, Pattison;

Referee:- Mr H Pearce (Luton)

After drawing 0-0 after extra time in London last week, Town had no difficulty in beating their second division opponents to progress to the fourth round of the cup. There was never any chance of last year's loss to Colchester being repeated.
Both teams changed colours in view of the clash between Town's blue and white stripes and Rangers' blue and white hoops. Town played in white and the visitors in red.
Even without the left wing pair of Doherty and Metcalfe, Town played some of their best football of the season and delighted their supporters, who could not remember when they last scored five goals in a match. It will certainly be a confidence booster for young centre forward, Jimmy Glazzard, who scored two goals. Reg Allen was outstanding in goal for QPR and prevented a much heavier defeat with many fine saves.

Albert Bateman tackled by Jefferson

Jefferson and Glazzard go head to head

SATURDAY 27TH JANUARY, 1949
LEAGUE DIVISION TWO                                           Attendance 42,000
LEEDS UNITED 1 (Cochrane) SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY 1 (Quigley pen)
Searson; Dunn, Milburn; McCabe, Holley (capt), McAdam;
Cochrane, Burden, McMorran, Chisholm, Rudd;
McIntosh; Westlake, Swift (capt); Locerty, Turton, Whitcomb;
Kilshaw, Quigley, Dailey, Froggatt, Woodhead;

Leeds included their new goalkeeper from Mansfield Town, Harold Searson. His only mistake seemed to be his approach to Eddie Quigley's penalty kick. As the kick was about to be taken, he crouched down low and Quigley slammed it easily over his head into the roof of the net. Little Eddie Kilshaw, the recent expensive signing from Bury, was outstanding for Wednesday.

Yorkshire Sport report.



                                                                                                                             
SATURDAY 5TH FEBRUARY 1949                       Attendance 34,183
FA CUP FOURTH ROUND (REPLAY)
HUDDERSFIELD TOWN 1 (Metcalfe) NEWPORT COUNTY 3 (Carr 2, Parker)  

Wheeler; Hayes, Briggs; Whittaker, Hepplewhite, Boot;
McKenna, Nightingale, Glazzard, Doherty, Metcalfe;

Grant; Bradford, Hayward; Roffi, Wilcox, Newall;
Williams, Comley, Parker, Carr, Harper;

Referee:- J.G. Williams, Nottingham

After a 3-3 draw at Newport last week the Third Division South team Newport, who had already beaten Leeds United at Leeds in the third round, showed that they are worthy of the title 'giant-killers' by beating Huddersfield convincingly. They were accompanied by hordes of excited Welsh followers who distributed leeks and good luck charms all over the field and the goal nets. The visitors were never in trouble and inflicted a defeat almost as humiliating as that at Colchester last season.
Outstanding players for Newport were outside right Harold Williams (later to join Leeds United) and inside left Eddie Carr, a former Huddersfield player.

A week later Town slumped to another home defeat 1-0 to Aston Villa, Welsh centre forward Trevor Ford scoring the only goal. The sparse attendance of only 15,401 reflected Town's plight, not only out of the FA Cup but very likely to be relegated.
However, there were to be a few more twists to the story before the end of the season.

Huddersfield Town 1948-49 (Part two)

Posted by Tony Hutton

SATURDAY 25TH SEPTEMBER, 1948
HUDDERSFIELD TOWN 2 (Nightingale, Smith) SUNDERLAND 0      23,035

Wheeler; Hayes, Stewart (H); Hunter, Hepplewhite, Boot;
McKenna, Nightingale, Whittingham, Smith (C), Metcalfe;

Mapson; Stelling, Hudgell; Watson, Hall, Wright (A);
Duns, Robinson, Turnbull, Shackleton, Reynolds;

Huddersfield, following a good draw at Villa Park last week, did very well to inflict on Sunderland only their second defeat of the season. Without skipper Peter Doherty, the two inside forwards both did well, scoring a goal each in the first half. Nightingale's goal was a beauty and young Conway Smith improves with every game. McKenna also impressed at outside right, but there is room for improvement from left back Harry Stewart.

 

Albert Nightingale scores for Town

For Sunderland Yorkshire cricketer Willie Watson had a good game, but last season's record £20,000 signing, Len Shackleton from Newcastle, had little to offer. This was Watson's first game after a long running dispute with the club. He was the only Sunderland man to play consistently throughout the game.

The next game was my first visit to Elland Road for two years, since moving from Leeds to Huddersfield and it was good to have a change of scene for once.

SATURDAY 2ND OCTOBER, 1948

LEAGUE DIVISION TWO AT ELLAND ROAD, LEEDS

LEEDS UNITED 1 (Marsh) WEST BROMWICH ALBION 3 (Williams 2, Walsh)        38, 500

Lomas; Dunn, Milburn; McCabe, Holley (capt), McAdam;
Cochrane, Marsh, Burden, Chisholm, Heaton;

Sanders; Cox, Kinsell; Millard, Vernon (capt), Hood;
Elliot, Williams, Walsh, Haines, Barker;

Referee:- W.H.E. Evans, Liverpool

Leeds were without their goalscoring centre forward, Albert Wakefield, and tried their recent signing from Chester, Tommy Burden - normally a wing half, in that position.
They also gave young goalkeeper Lomas, who is on trial, his first league appearance. Albion also made an experiment , trying Kinsell, normally a full back, on the left wing. This move was hardly a success, but even so the visitors with their two Irish internationals Vernon and Walsh outstanding, won confortably with two goals from inside right Cyril Williams and one from Walsh.
Marsh, normally an outside left signed from Winsford United in the Cheshire League last week, cleverly scored United's goal. Lomas was not at fault with any of the Albion goals which all resulted from bad covering in defence. Jim Sanders was outstanding making good saves from the powerful Chisholm, Cochrane and Burden, who also hit the bar, as well as saving a penalty from Milburn. Young McAdam gave a plucky display playing on with a badly cut forehead for much of the game.

Yorkshire Sports report.
Although Leeds had more of the play in the opening stages there was more neatness than thrust about their work, and they tended to concentrate too much on the left flank. When they did attack on the right Marsh came into the picture by forcing a corner and then shooting slightly too high in the melee that followed. It was not until McAdam was off the field with a head injury that Albion had much to show in attack.

It was while McAdam was absent that the Albion went ahead in their first real attack. A free kick by Millard found Williams unmarked and the inside right headed across Lomas into the corner of the net for a totally unexpected goal. Leeds began to improve when McAdam returned heavily bandaged, but their passes lacked accuracy and only Burden, with a clever volley, caused Sanders much trouble.

When West Bromwich added a second goal after 23 minutes poor defence let them through. Walsh being unmarked when he scored. Although United played with plenty of effort their attempts at goal were feeble. Both Cochrane and Chisholm were well wide of the mark and none of the other forwards could force an opening. Williams scored a third goal for West Bromwich after 41 minutes. H.T. 0-3.

After Holley had nearly put through his own goal on the resumption, United began to hit back, mainly through aggresive work by Chisholm and Heaton on the left. The best effort was made by Heaton who shot narrowly over after a Chisholm/McCabe move thrust, but generally there was too little cohesion about the home attack.

In defence Leeds found Cox and Vernon awkward customers who refused to be rattled. Marsh scorned a consolation goal for Leeds and Milburn missed a penalty. Attendance 33,000.




SATURDAY 9TH OCTOBER, 1948                                  Attendance 19,383
HUDDERSFIELD TOWN 1 (Hassall) STOKE CITY 3 (Bowyer, Mountford (G), Baker)

Wheeler; Hayes, Stewart (H); Hunter, Hepplewhite, Boot;
McKenna, Glazzard, Whittingham, Hassall, Metcalfe;

Herod; Mould, McCue; Mountford (F), Jones, Sellars;
Mountford (G), Bowyer, Steele, Caton, Baker;

After a 7-1 hammering at Wolves last week, Town were looking desperately for some improvement. However, without both Nightingale and Doherty, they found it difficult against a very solid Stoke side. Even though centre half Neil Franklin was away playing for England. Centre forward Freddie Steele led the line well, laying on chances for his other forwards.
With only a few minutes left young inside forward Harold Hassall scored to put Town level, but two very late goals saw Stoke take the points.

SATURDAY 23RD OCTOBER, 1948               Attendance 20,819

LEAGUE DIVISION ONE AT LEEDS ROAD, HUDDERSFIELD

HUDDERSFIELD TOWN 0 PRESTON NORTH END 2 (Beattie, McLaren)     ATTENDANCE 20,819

Mills; Hayes, Stewart (H); Hunter, Heppelwhite, Boot;
McKenna, Nightingale, Whittingham, Smith, Metcalfe;

Newlands; Brown, Scott; Shankly, Corbett, Horton;
Bogan, McLaren, McIntosh, Beattie, Langton;

Referee:- G. Gibson, Urmston.

Town, encouraged by a 2-1 win at Burnley last week, thanks to two second half goals from Vic Metcalfe, were hopeful of picking up two more points against fellow relegation strugglers Preston. In fact, the visitors brought off their first win of the season and scored their first goal at Huddersfield since 1938. The absence of Tom Finney (injured) added to the number of Scots in the Preston side, making a total of eight. Mills returned after injury for Town, but the lack of a goalscoring centre forward is still the main weakness. Skipper Peter Doherty was also absent with an injury.
According to the Yorkshire Post Town were a well beaten side everywhere except in the League Table, where both teams now have ten points from fourteen games. There was a world of difference between the cool method of North End's experienced Shankly and the two goalscorers, Beattie and McLaren, and the scrambling get rid of it at any price tactics of Town. It must be noted however that both Preston goals were flukes.

Yorkshire Sports match report.
A foul enabled North End to gain a foothold in the Town penalty area. Langton dribbled cleverly, and looked dangerous until Hunter stopped him with a masterly tackle. Playing forceful football, Hunter set Town's attack moving, but McKenna's inside pass was intercepted. North End broke away and McLaren got the ball into the net, but the whistle had gone for offside. Scott was forces to concede a corner when Town put in a hot attack. Play was hard but lacking in constructive movements.

A quick inter passing movement between Nightingale and McKenna ended in the latter testing Newlands. Clever movements by North End tested the Town's defence. Hunter, who was in his best form, twice held up Beattie and Langton. On Preston's other wing Bogan ended a fine run with a shot which tested Mills, who fumbled the ball but recovered quickly.

Preston took the lead when Beattie skilfully eluded three opponents, selling the dummy to Hepplewhite and the shot between Hayes legs, beating Mills with a magnificent drive from twenty five yards. Mills ran out and saved an awkward situation by conceding a corner to prevent Langton going through. He then fisted out a fine header by McLaren.

In a Town raid McKenna made a god opening for Whittingham who headed over when unmarked. Borwn was in good form for Preston and keeping a close watch on Metcalfe, who was getting few opportunities. Half time 0-1.

Smith made a fine individual effort for Town, beating several men and then forcing Newlands to dive full length. North End rushed away and from twenty five yards McLaren beat Mills, who let the ball slip out of his hands into the net. Whittingham twice tried to reduce the arrears, but Newlands saved by diving and then by fisting awy. The goalkeeper also made a good save when Hayes took a free kick. Final score Huddersfield 0 Preston North End 2.

SATURDAY 6TH NOVEMBER, 1948

LEAGUE DIVISION ONE AT LEEDS ROAD, HUDDERSFIELD

HUDDERSFIELD TOWN 3 (Doherty 2, Nightingale) CHELSEA 4 (Bentley, Williams, McInnes, Whittaker o.g.)                       Attendance 18,963

Mills; Hayes, Stewart (H); Hunter, Boot, Whittaker;
McKenna, Nightingale, Glazzard, Doherty, Metcalfe;

Pickering; Bathgate, Hughes; Goulden, Harris (capt), Macauley;
Campbell, Williams, Bentley, Bowie, McInnes;

Referee:- F.S. Milner, Blackburn.

This exciting game marked the debut of wing half Bill Whittaker, signed for £10,000 from Charlton to bring some experience to the Town half-backs in place of the very promising David Hunter. Whittaker was extremely unfortunate to be credited with an own goal which won the match for Chelsea. In fact he simply touched a ball already on it's way into the net and would not have gone into the record books but for a statement by the referee.

The goal which should have been prevented was an earlier one, when the goalkeeper lost the ball from a right wing centre and allowed an easy tap in goal. The return of Peter Doherty made a big difference in attack, but Town's problems in defence continue. However, it was a thrilling match and a shame such a poor crowd witnessed the rare feat of three goals from the home side. A draw would perhaps have been a fairer result.

Yorkshire Sports match report.
Both teams wore black armbands as a mark of respect for Mr. J.C. Battye, a Huddersfield Town director who died on Wednesday. In the first minute, Metcalfe forced Bathgate to concede a corner. After Pickering had kicked over a fine header by Doherty, the goalkeeper cleared the next corner.
Chelsea started an attack on the left but Boot stopped Williams. A mistake by Stewart gave McInnes a chance but he was in too much of a hurry and shot wide.

McKenna on the attack for Town, while Harris watches Pickering clear the ball.

A great run by McKenna thrilled the crowd. As he neared the penalty area he passed to Glazzard but Harris nipped in and cleared. Enterprising play by McKenna led to a determined Town assault, and Chelsea cleared with difficulty. Williams and McInnes transferred play, by beautiful footwork, and Mills brought off a good save from Williams. Campbell got the ball into the net after a goalmouth scramble but the referee, after consulting a linesman, disallowed the point and gave Town a free kick.

A few minutes later Bentley put Chelsea ahead with a hard, rising shot. After McKenna had led Town back to the attack, shots by Glazzard, Doherty and Metcalfe were blocked. In the thirty fifth minute Doherty equalised from a penalty. Metcalfe had carried play to the Chelsea end, and Hughes handled his centre which would have gone to Nightingale. Chelsea were soon besieging the Town goal again. Mills had much more to do than Pickering . He saved finely from Bowie as the interval drew near.
Half time 1-1.

Harris watches while Glazzard tries to get inbetween Hughes and Pickering.

Town attacked with vigour on the resumption and Metcalfe twice shot hard and true, Pickering saving brilliantly each time. At the other end Mills dived low and stopped a good drive from Bowie. Doherty had a chance but shot weakly. Glazzard also had an opportunity but shot wide as Pickering ran out.

In a Chelsea raid Mills lost the ball and Williams pushed it into the net to put Chelsea ahead after sixty minutes. McInnes then scored a third goal for Chelsea but Town fought back to equalise with goals from Nightingale and Doherty. Four minutes from time Bentley shot and the ball went into the net off the unfortunate Whittaker. Huddersfield Town 3 Chelsea 4.




SATURDAY 13TH NOVEMBER, 1948
                
LEAGUE DIVISION TWO AT ELLAND ROAD, LEEDS

LEEDS UNITED 1 (Browning) FULHAM 1 (Thomas R)         Attendance 26,500

Fearnley; Dunn, Milburn; McCabe, Holley (capt), McAdam;
Cochrane, Burden, Browning, Chisholm, Heaton;

Flack; Freeman, Bacuzzi; Quested, Taylor, Beasley (capt);
Thomas (S), Thomas (R), Stevans, Jezzard, McDonald;

Referee:- G. Salmon, Stoke on Trent.

The young Leeds centre forward, Len Browning, who is keeping Albert Wakefield in the reserves, was the star of the Leeds forward line. He scored their only goal and went close on several other occasions. After four wins in a row Fulham looked a very useful side and after a goal less first half, they more than held their own in the second half and fully deserved a point. Fulham's captain Pat Beasley had played for Huddersfield Town before the war and his wing half partner, Len Quested, was also to join Town a few years later.
Two of the Leeds team have selected to play for Ireland against Scotland on Wednesday. They are wing half McCabe, who gets his first cap, and outside right Davy Cochrane.

Caption for this picture from the Yorkshire Evening News reads as follows:-

Leeds United nearly took Fulham by surprise with a whirlwind start at Elland Road this afternoon. Chisholm, United's dashing Scot, is harassing Flack, the visiting goal keeper, after Burden had fired in a good shot. The effect of the heavy rain can been seen in the muddy state of the Fulham goalmouth.

Yorkshire Sports match report.
Heavy rain effected the attendance at Elland Road where visitors Fulham had four successive victories to their credit opposed a Leeds United team unchanged in the last four games. Both teams adopted the right tactics of swinging the ball about freely. Fulham were soon defending after a quick thrust by Leeds on the right. A movement started by McAdam gave Burden the chance of a long shot. Flack could only parry the ball and Chisholm made a brave attempt to force the ball through on the rebound.

When Fulham hit back Bob Thomas was just foiled by a Milburn clearance. His namesake also came into the picture with a forceful run. Bob Thomas shot low and hard, but Fearnley saved cleanly. Leeds began to dominate the game, but it was not often that Flack was in serious difficulty. Borwning made the best effort to beat him, finishing a speedy run on the left with a powerful angled drive which the goalkeeper did well to save.

Towards the interval Leeds did everything but score. Flack saved brilliant from McCabe and Chisholm. Heaton should have beaten him, but dallied. Half time 0-0.

The game continued to be fought at high speed during the second half, with each goal under pressure. After Cochrane had missed a good chance by slicing his shot, Browning scored for Leeds after fifty six minutes. However Thomas (R) equalised for Fulham soon afterwards. Final score 1-1.