Ushaw Moor Football Team - September 1950

There were some mixed fortunes in this month. The Moor put in a good performance against Crook in a midweek fixture that attracted a gate of 1,700. In the first half, despite a stiff breeze and the sun, they had the better of the exchanges and at half-time they found themselves leading 2-1. It was McAdam of Ushaw Moor that had scored the first goal of the game and although Wake equalised for Crook,  Nicholson replied for the Moor only a couple of minutes later with a goal from a penalty. Wood scored another for the Moor after 60 minutes to make in 3-1. Crook, who afterall were a Northern League team,  turned up the heat in an exciting period of the game but could only add one further goal [from Weston]. Final score Ushaw Moor 3 Crook 2. Tommy Sharpe was described as outstanding at full back for Ushaw Moor and keeper Smith made some outstanding saves in the Moor goal. Waterson and Hailes played well in the Moor middle line but the Moor forward Finlay was their only forward of note on the day.

Ushaw Moor were described as inept in their league game against Trimdon Grange and deservedly suffered their first home defeat to a better organised team. The non appearance of the referee delayed the match by 20 minutes and in the end Tom Freeman [ex Middlesborough and Durham City full back] took over the whistle. Half-time Ushaw Moor 0 Trimdon Grange 1. Full-time   Ushaw Moor 2 Trimdon Grange 3. It was Wood and Wilson that netted for Ushaw Moor. Coulston made his debut in goal for the Moor and pulled of some fine saves. Hailes did ok at right half. This defeat was only the Moor's second in ten games - not so bad!

Ushaw Moor's team selection for the next game - against North Eastern League team Blackhall was as follows:

Smith, Lockey, Sharp, Hailes, Waterson, Richardson, Gleghorn, Wood, Finley [or Nicholson if Finlay fails a fitness test], James, McAdam. New Brancepeth Colliery Band would be playing during the interval.

Broompark's team to play Belmont on the same day was selected as follows:

J Ronson, J Hanson, J Gilbert, R Richardson, J Easter, N Kelly, D Kemp, G Pearson, F Shevels, S Kelly, J Tolley, Reserves - R Lee and A Ross.

WB