19-08-39: Huddersfield Town (h) 0-5 (HT 0-2) Crowd (4,630)

Programme and Teamsheet:

Match Report: Yorkshire Post 21st August 1939

Shock for Leeds United

The Huddersfield Town and Leeds United match was played at Leeds Road, but theevening game aroused little interest, with an attendance of only 4,630. Neither side revealed any new faces, but "Town" brought in Mahon at left wing for Watson (W.), who was on cricket duty with Yorkshire, and Ainsley deputised for Powell at inside right for United. Displaying excellent form, "Town" proved worthy victors, outplaying "United" to the extent of five clear goals scored in this sequence: Hayes (penalty) (30 minutes), Price (32 minutes), Price (53 minutes), Isaac (80 minutes), Isaac (83 minutes). For the first half-hour it was an interesting game, and if there was slightly better team artistry from Huddersfield, the exchanges gave no indication of the deterioration that was to follow in the Leeds attack. The standard of play was high, and its competitive character keen and even. Gadsby and Holley repeatedly frustrated the Town advances, and there was brilliant individualism and distribution by Stephenson in counter-attacks. The latter frequently carried the ball boldly up to Willingham to trick him or draw him out of position. From Edwards' pass, Dunderdale hit Hesford with a tremendous snap shot. There was a chance for Ainsley when Buckley beat Hayes and centred shrewdly across the goalmouth. Ainsley failed to reach the ball. After thirty minutes came the turning point of the game, from which Leeds never recovered. Price went pell-mell for a high ball punted into the Leeds penalty area by Hayes. Holley, in attendance, was penalised for an obstructional offence in elbowing, and Hayes' spot kick left Twomey helpless. Two minutes later Price raced clean through the middle to add a second goal, despite a plucky tackle by Goldberg, who was temporarily hurt. Immediately after the resumption. Hesford saved well from Copping, who shot hard and true from Cochrane's corner kick. Town's supremacy then became emphatic. There was a fluency of combined attack, produced by exceptional quickness and skilful technique, and defensive measures were very sound. In "Town's" clever display Price, Isaac and Boot looked greatly improved players, with Beasley an irrepressible right winger. Stephenson was United's best forward, and, following a great run. tested Hesford with a powerful drive. Dunderdale showed shooting ability, but efficient leadership will not be forthcoming from him till his ball control is quicker. He fell too easily under the mastery of Young. Ainsley worked hard, but was frequently at fault in his passing and finishing. The Leeds defence was over-worked, and, despite the goals, Twomey made several smart clearances. The game revealed United's limitations in attack, with Huddersfield looking a vastly improved side. Referee: H. Rayner (Huddersfield).