Athletic News Column (27/10/88)

On Saturday last the Central encountered Stanley on the sports ground before a good number of spectators. It will be remembered by football enthusiasts that the Central met the same club in their opening match and the result was decidedly in favour of Stanley. On Saturday last, however, the local team, who have made great strides since the first match, were not long in asserting their authority, as immediately after the commencement Horton got one past the stanley custodian. After this the visiting team had slightly the best of the play, and upon one occasion called upon Tyldesley to use his hands. Till the remainder of the first half the Central men worked assiduously, and through they only secured another point before the whistle blew, it was entirely owing to the brilliant defence of the Stanley goalkeeper, who saved shot after shot in a most masterly manner.

During the latter portion of the game the home team were continuously hovering around the visiters citidel, but Ross again acquitted himself most creditably, and only allowed one shot to go past him. Thus the game ended in favour of the Central by three goals to one – a marked contrast to four goals to one in favour of Stanley, which was the state of the poll at the conclusion of the first match. Although the visiting team were not quite fully represented, the same remarks apply to the Central, which made the victory one to be proud of. For the fit time this season Ackroyd missed a couple of kicks, but directly after he pulled himself together, and played with his usual smartness.

Frank Horton is a greatly improved player and the same may be said of Lea-Jones, both of whom were frequently applauded on Saturday last for their capital opposition.