Referee: Mr I. H. Wright (Derby).
Match Report: Derbyshire Times: 7th May 1937: Courtesy Neil Roche
CHESTERFIELD'S THIRD TROPHY
Win Local Hospital Cup at Saltergate
Chesterfield, who defeated Leeds United 4-2 in the game for the Chesterfield Royal Hospital Senior Cup at Saltergate on Monday evening, have now won three trophies. They defeated Derby County 3-2 on the same ground in the Derbyshire Senior Cup, and at Mansfield last week returned with the Mansfield Hospital Cup, having beaten Mansfield Town by 3-2. Although the attendance numbered, further receipts have yet to come in.
The game against Leeds produced much skilful play, especially in the second half, when Chesterfield maintained a ceaseless attack. Savage made some admirable saves in the visitors' goal, though frequently was favoured with luck as fast shots by Ponting, Clifton, Hughes and Bonass all but added to the lead. At the outset Chesterfield kept on to the ball a little too long, but later improved in this respect, going in for more first-time work. This caused Leeds considerable anxiety, the defenders in particular, and Sproston, the right back, appeared shaken after getting in the way of a powerful drive by Ponting. Ponting showed cleverness in the way in which he made his efforts at goal. Every one of his shots possessed power, his understanding with Clifton being a feature of the second half. Watson (A.) played a clever game at right back, and it was a pity when he had to be assisted from the field ten minutes from time owing to an injured right leg. Another young Chesterfield player to catch the eye was Sutherland, whose frequent skill at left-half made him a dangerous opponent. Read, who played at right-half, was a real live-wire throughout, never once hesitating in the movements.
EXCELLENT PASSING
Leeds worked the ball wonderfully well for a big part of the game. Some of their passing was excellently executed, while a feature that was commented upon at the close was the "real sporting game" between the two teams. It was announced that Willis Edwards, the former Chesterfield half-back transferred to Leeds in 1925, would appear in the side, but an injury to the knee prevented him playing. However, he accompanied the team and must have been agreeably surprised at the vast improvements made in the accomodation at Saltergate. Hydes was a clever centr-forward for Leeds. It was he who opened the scoring. With the game five minutes old, the leader came through the defence and though Moody stopped the ball with one hand, he failed to hold it and as the goalkeeper was down on one knee, Hydes' shot rolled into the net. Five minutes later Chesterfield drew level. Woodward made headway with one of his swerving runs only to be momentarily checked by Milburn (J.). Then Sproston, the other back, in trying to clear, miskicked and saw the ball drop behind his own goalkeeper. The next goal was credited to Ponting, who profitted by excellent work by Hughes and Clifton. Ponting was put in possession and with an admirable shot drove the ball into the net. The Chesterfield goal had an escape when Sliman, in endeavouring to clear a shot from Francis, nearly put the ball in his own net. This was at a time when Leeds were pressing strongly, yet Sliman played a great game. Ten minutes after the resumption Leeds drew level; Watson failed to properly check Francis, who got over a splendid centre from which Armes netted.
CHESTERFIELD REGAIN LEAD
Clifton's goal, which restored Chesterfield's the lead a minute later, was a remarkable achievement. The ball struck a piece of the ground, Savage went down to save, but the ball bounced high and went over his head into the net. The last goal went to Ponting, who seized a glorious centre from Clifton and drove the ball well into the net with a left-foot shot. The Hospital Cup was presented to Sliman, the Chesterfield captain, by Ald. W. Wicks, who referred to the fact that the Chesterfield directors and players were always good friends to the Chesterfield Royal Hospital. He thanked Leeds United for playing Chesterfield adding his congratulations on the club keeping in the First Division. They all had in mind now the prospective meeting of Sheffield Wednesday next season, and with Sheffield United too there should be big crowds at Saltergate. Ald. Wicks added that Willis Edwards was greatly disappointed that in consequence of an injured knee he had been unable to play. He had said that nothing would have pleased him better than to play before a Chesterfield crowd. Ald. Wicks then presented the Chesterfield Hospital Senior Cup to Sliman, and there were also cigarette cases for the respective players. Mr Blenkinsop, on behalf of Leeds United, thanked the Chesterfield players for the wonderful game adding that the play had been a credit to the soccer game of football. He concluded by shaking hands with Sliman. Amongst the spectators were several actively associated with the work of the Chesterfield Royal Hospital, including Mr G.J. Edmunds (vice-chairman of the Board of Management) and Mr G. Sunnuck (superintendant and secretary).
Chesterfield:- Moody; Watson (A.), Kidd; Read, Sliman, Sutherland; Hughes, Clifton, Pontin, Woodward, Bonass.
Leeds United:- Savage; Sproston, Milburn (J.); Mills, Kelly (D.), Brown; Arnes, Ainsley, Hydes, Thompson, Francis.
Referee: I.H. Wright (Derby).
Attendance: 2,185
