Match Report: Yorkshire Evening Post: 25th March 1905: Courtesy Steve Bell
LEEDS CITY v. DERBY COUNTY.
This afternoon, at Holbeck, the Leeds City Executive gave further earnest of their desire to present to the followers of football in Leeds and neighbourhood the Association game in an attractive form. Having gradually strengthened their own team, nine clubs of repute have appeared on the newly-acquired ground of the clib, the latest being Derby County, one of the original members of the First Division of the League.
Formed in the Spring of 1884, Derby are thus on the point of attaining their majority, and Bloomer, by operating against Wales for England on Monday next, will equal G.O. Smith's record in International matches, he already having represented his country on nineteen occasions. The County's first opponents were Great Lever, the result being a six to none defeat. They have fought in the English Cup tournament and League with varying success but have never reached the acme of their ambition. Much to the disappointment of the crowd Bloomer was unable to play owing to an injured leg, and in view of his engagement on Monday.
The conditions were all in favour of a fast and accurate game, and the Derby men quickly settled down to play their usual game. Their method quickly told its tale. Davies got down on the left and middled when near the goal line for Hunt to put through in simple style. The play of the County men was much admired, and was far in advance of anything seen on the ground before. The passing of the forwards was very accurate, and allowed the home middle and back lines no rest. A fast long shot by Hounsfield hit the upright, and immediately after Hall crashed the ball into the net with a straight drive from the half back line.
The Leeds forwards were unable to make headway against the sterling defence of the Derby team, and play had been in operation some time before Humberstone got the first shot for the City beyond the backs. In repelling a shot Mallinson, the Leeds goalkeeper, collided with Richards, and received an injury to his head, which necessitated his retirement. Clay took his place and City played the one back game. At length Humberstone compelled Methven to concede a corner, after good work by Austin. The kick, although well placed, did not produce a goal, and at this point Mallinson resumed his place between the Leeds posts. Play again settled near the home goal, several ineffectual shots being sent in by the Derby front line men.. Spiksley initiated many movements on the Leeds right, but although they were well conceived he invariably failed to beat his more youthful opponents. Towards the interval the home forwards established themselves in the Derby half, and F. Howard shot over the bar when well placed and Austin severely tested Maskrey with an oblique shot, and when the whistle blew the score stood:-
Derby County 2 goals Leeds City Nil
About 2,000 people were present when the second half commenced, and rain was falling. Even exchanges characterised the opening play, the Leeds forwards holding their own well, and they were ably assisted by the middle line.
Match Report: Yorkshire Post: 27th March 1905: Courtesy Steve Bell
LEEDS CITY v. DERBY COUNTY.
Played at Holbeck, before 2,000 spectators. There was much disappointment at the absence of Bloomer, the famous International. The Derby men soon found their feet, Hunt scoring from an accurate pass from Davies on the left wing. The exchanges were in favour of County for some time, and Hall scored Derby's second goal with a hard straight drive. Humberstone was the first Leeds player to get a shot beyond the Derby backs, but near half-time the Derby citadel was strongly attacked, and Maskrey did well to prevent a score, the teams crossing over with Derby County leading by two goals to none.
Play in the second half was evenly distributed. Both goalkeepers repelled good shots, and the defence of both teams was always the master of the attack, no goals being scored in this half.
Teams:-
Derby County: Maskrey, goal; Methven and Morris, backs; Berrington, Hall and Ratcliffe, half-backs; Hounsfield, Gilchrist, Hunt, Richards and Davies, forwards.
Leeds City: Mallinson, goal; F.H. Milnes and Clay, backs; Bintcliffe, Hunt and MacKay, half-backs; Spiksley, G. Howard, Humberstone, F. Howard and R.L. Austin, forwards.
Referee: Mr C.H. Green, Sheffield.
