19-04-50: Wolverhampton Wanderers (h) 1-1 (HT 0-0) Crowd (19,000)

Programme:

Ticket: Courtesy Mark Ledgard

Match Report

The benefit match for long-serving Leeds backroom boys, Secretary, Arthur Crowther, former England International Captain and later Manager and Coach, Willis Edwards and Coach Bob Roxburgh came to fruition because of the Leeds Manager of the day, Major Frank Buckley having maintained his links with his former club. His charges were known as the "Buckley Boys" and the Leeds Captain, Tom Burden, would have been proud to be numbered amongst them. Wolverhampton Wanderers would forever thank the Major for establishing them as a football powerhouse by starting a dynasty, which endured until the late fifties and which was always in contention for honours while their players formed the backbone of the England team during that time. They had just finished runners-up in the First Division on goal average and were only eliminated in a Fifth Round replay by Blackpool and in the F.A. Cup. In Bert Williams, Billy Wright, wingers Johnny Hancocks and Jimmy Mullen and striker Jesse Pye they had the backbone of the England team, while Sammy Smyth was one of Ireland's leading lights. Williams and Hancocks were not in the Wolves team but otherwise it was at full-strength. World reknowned Halifax referee Arthur Ellis was the in charge of the game in front of a crowd estimated at 20,000, who ensured the coffers were swelled to the tune of £1,493. In a game that was scoreless at half-time Frank Dudley got the Leeds goal in a 1-1 draw.