100th anniversary of Barnsley's FA Cup win

Later this afternoon i will be joining some Tykes fans on the Bramall Lane pitch to celebrate

the finest day in the club's history. 

24.04.1912

FA Cup Final Replay

Barnsley 1  Tufnell

WBA 0

Match report from Independent

THE FINAL AT THE LANE

Many missed chances in moderate game.

TUFNELL’S GOAL

By ‘Centre-Forward”

The fight is over. Barnsley have won the English Cup. So well matched were the heroes of Oakwell and the Albion of West Bromwich, both at the Crystal Palace on Saturday and again at Bramall Lane yesterday that not until they had struggled strenuously against each other for 90 minutes at Sydenham and 118 minutes at Sheffield was either team able to score a goal. Then, when we were all becoming resigned to a third meeting at Everton, next Tuesday, suddenly came the one thing being desired - a goal.

Tufnell, Barnsley’s inside right, was the hero. Getting the ball in midfield, he made for the Albion citadel with promptitude and alacrity by the nearest route. Distancing Pennington and Cook, the Albion backs, who made a vain effort to check his career, Tufnell kept complete control of the ball, and when Pearson advanced to lessen his space for shooting, he directed it deftly, skilfully, and accurately into the far corner of the net. By that goal, scored two minutes from time, Barnsley won the cup and great was the rejoicing thereafter.

A Great Achievement

Apart from the fact that they scored a goal, the winners played no better than did the losers. But that goal was a very fine one, and goals are what football teams play for. Therefore did Barnsley deserve their victory. For their triumph they have had to work very hard, taking part in no fewer than twelve games in their progress through the six rounds and last evening they received the most coveted of all football trophies from the hands of Mr J C Clegg. By dour, defence indomitable pluck, dashing attack, and a fair share of that good luck without which the English Cup was never yet won the Barnsley team have kept the Cup, which Bradford City won a year ago, in Yorkshire.

For a Second Division league club to remove from their path such powerful foes as Barnsley have done, and won the blue ribbon of football is indeed a great achievement. The heroic Oakwell brigade deserve all the congratulations and commendations that will be showered upon them.

Coincidence

Although Sheffield football enthusiasts suffered for the usual early eclipse of their own clubs, Wednesday and United, they have seen plenty of good sport this season provided by other clubs. And what a remarkable coincidence it has been that in the three great games played in the cutlery city the issue should have been left for the closing movements of the game to decide, and in each case in extra time. It was with absolutely the last kick of the match that Lillycrop beat and dismissed Bradford City from the fourth round at Bramall lane. Two minutes from time Pailor, the West Bromwich centre forward scored the goal which removed Blackburn Rovers from the semi-final at Owlerton, and the same brief space remained for play when Tufnell yesterday made that brilliant individual effort which sent the clever West Bromwich lads home beaten, and gave the cup to Barnsley. No goalless draws have been seen in Sheffield, but three dramatic finishes to well-contested games.

Narrow escapes

Brilliant weather, a brisk breeze blowing from goal to goal, and a fast, hard ground on which the lively ball was not easy to keep under complete control, were the conditions under which the battle commenced. That the “Throstles” should have done the more pressing with the wind behind them is not surprising. But they also played the smarter and more scientific football, faulty shooting and inability to seize chances being however a serious fault.

Barnsley, though making fewer attacks, the attacks were usually dangerous. It was a Barnsley man, Moore to wit, who sent in the only real good shot before half time, and this was admirably saved by Pearson, who is a cool and skilful custodian. Twice, however, before the change of ends would the Albion’s able custodian have been beaten but for the happy inspiration first of Baddeley and then of Cook, to be almost under the bar just in the right place to hook the ball away.

Well matched teams

After much even play in the second half, some of it rather tame, there was an equally exciting scene and an equally narrow escape of the Barnsley citadel when Cooper stopped a stinging shot from Pailor without being able to clear, and Glendenning swept into the goalmouth to save a desperate situation. There was little to choose between the teams during this half. The Albion attacks had more sting now against the wind than there had been with it, and near the end of the ninety minutes Cooper twice distinguished himself in first stopping a low fast drive where with young Jephcott finished a sparkling sprint and a moment afterwards tipping over the bar a superbly high shot from Bowser. The crowd were eager for goals, but none came to please them, and when time arrived the palpable explanation of the state of the game was clear superiority of the defence over the attack.

Final Efforts

In the early parts of the extra half hour West Bromwich played brighter smart football, and Shearman with a wonderful centre gave the other forwards a glorious opening but three men missed it. Another centre by their left-winger was utilised by Pailor to shoot splendidly, but a brilliant save by Cooper amid seething excitement saved the situation. The Albion earnestly claimed a penalty for Wright being fetched down but the referee was prompt in his refusal.

The last quarter of an hour was Barnsley’s. West Bromwich were fortunate when with Pearson out of his goal two quickly succeeding shots rebounded from other defenders who swamped in front of the unprotected net. Still the Midlanders were not done with, and Cooper had again to bestir himself to save a header by Pailor. Both sides fought on gallantly with the pace and vigour of their efforts telling upon them, and when Tufnell darted ahead and scored the one goal of the match Cook and Pennington had neither of them the speed to overtake him. So Barnsley won, and South Yorkshire is the proudest part of England today.

About the players

Both Cooper and Pearson are exceptionally good goalkeepers. Cooper had the more difficult shots to deal with yesterday.

The whole defence of Barnsley was very fine, Downs and Taylor both playing in great style, while there was not a weak spot in the half-back line where no man played better than Bratley. Though Cook and Pennington both played a good sound game for the Albion at the back, the famous English international was not in the great form he showed on Saturday at the Palace.

The middle line of the Midlanders were clever and strong to a man. Forward, the Albion were the more skilful combination, being artful and accurate in their advances, Jephcott and Shearman, the extreme wingers perhaps being the most prominent. On the chances they had the “Throstles” ought to have won but they finished weak. Barnsley’s sudden dangerous dashes were the cause of much anxiety to the opposing defence. Early in the game Bartrop was a prominent figure. Lillycrop made good passes out to the wings, but was not particularly dangerous near goal. Tufnell, with his glorious goal was, of course, the hero of the day.

Cooper, Taylor, Downs, Glendenning, Bratley, Utley, Bartrop, Tufnell, Lillycrop, Travers, Moore

Pearson, Cook, Pennington, Baddeley, Buck, McNeal, Jephcott, Wright, Pailor, Bowser, Dhearman

Referee - Mr J R Schnmacher [London]

Linesmen: Messrs M Bilison [Leicester] and W F Hiscock [Kent]

24.04.1912

PRESENTATION CEREMONY

A great crowd surged round the directors’ box in the stand almost where the English cup stood shining on its plinth for all to see. Taylor led his worthy war-spent men into the box.

Mr J.C. Clegg, presenting the Cup said: “I am quite sure that we are all exceedingly thankful that the strenuous games that we have seen are at last ended, and I am certain that you will agree with me in congratulating both winners and losers on going through some most strenuous and trying matches. We have been looking anxiously, but not half as anxiously as the players for a goal. I am thankful to say that it came at last [laughter] - and I am certain the players are more so, even those who have not succeeded today.

True Sportsmen

“But both sides have shown what true sportsmen can do, and our congratulations may be given to those who have lost equally as to those who have won, and so long as the spirit that has been shown today is always shown on the football fileld I venture to predict that the game will still remain as it is now, the most popular game of sport [Cheers]

“It would be invidious to mention names yet I feel that there is one I must refer - I mean Pennington. [Enthusiastic cheers] he is a representative man of what is best in sport and one of our most prominent players and he has shown today and on every other occasion how the game should be played. His example has been followed by all the players of both sides.”

Players’ Speeches

Taylor, perspiring, got a great ovation. In reply he said: “I am sure you will agree with me that Barnsley deserve what they have got today. We have played very hard, so have West Bromwich. I thank you on behalf of this gift [laughter] - which we have won on behalf of the town of Barnsley.

West Bromwich captain Pennington said: “I congratulate Barnsley on their victory. I am very disappointed, as I know they are waiting for the cup at West Bromwich. There is one thing I should like to compliment Barnsley upon, as did Mr Clegg - that is the spirit they have shown in the match, which is a great example to footballers, and also to the spectators who followed it.” [Loud cheers]

Sir Joseph Walton, MP for Barnsley, who was on Mr Clegg’s right hand, was bubbling over with pride and enthusiasm at the accomplishment of the men of Barnsley. In composing a vote of thanks to Mr J C Clegg for his attendance, he said after many years representation of Barnsley he was prouder of the town today than he had ever been in his life.

Sir Joseph’s praise

“Barnsley have stuck to it and at last they have achieved the greatest victory in the football field and we take home to Barnsley a magnificent trophy. At the same time we can join in saying though Barnsley have deserved it they had in West Bromwich Albion foemen worthy of their steel. They have shown that they are made of British pluck, self-reliance and skill that are the greatest sporting instincts of old England. We sympathise with West Bromwich in their defeat, and only hope that they, like Barnsley, will stick to their task and once again take home the Cup.” [Cheers]

Viscount Lewisham, MP for West Bromwich, seconded the vote and confessed that he shared Pennington’s disappointment, but he hoped he was sufficient of a sportsman to be able on behalf of West Bromwich to offer sincere congratulations to Barnsley on their victory. He was bit of a Yorkshireman himself, and if it was not West Bromwich to win he would as soon see a Yorkshire team win as any. He hoped that the same teams would meet in the final next year - and that the result would be reversed. [Laughter and cheers]

HOW BARNSLEY WELCOMED THE ENGLISH CUP

A tremendous reception awaited the homecoming of the Cup winners last night. The news of the match was awaited with feverish interest, and when the result became known there were scenes of the wildest enthusiasm in the main streets. The team, with the officials, as arranged, motored home, and long before their arrival about nine o’clock the Sheffield road and main thoroughfare was almost packed solid with the enthusiastic thousands. In fact it seemed as though every living sole in the town had come outside to receive the heroes.

At the Boundary

The Territorial Band awaited the arrival of the successful motor party at the borough boundary and played lively airs, heading the procession playing “See the conquering hero comes” which with difficulty made their way along Sheffield road.  A tour of the town had been arranged, but the crowd around the Clarence hotel, the club’s headquarter, was so dense that a halt had to be called. The players were received with a storm of applause, and the Cup proudly held aloft was the cause for prolonged demonstration.

Cheering Thousands

The players and officials entered the hotel, and from the balcony the Mayor [Councillor J H Cotterill], Alderman J S Rose JP [chairman of the club] and several players made congratulatory speeches. The intense enthusiasm prevailed during the night, and probably the town has never before seen such enthusiasm.

THE GATE

The attendance was not a record for Bramall Lane. The number of people paying for admission, including those who had purchased tickets at the office was 38,555. The receipts amounted to £2,615 9s.

The collection in aid of the Titanic Fund amounted to £49 1s 6d of which amount £37 was in coppers. The boxes were taken round by the Sheffield United players, assisted by some of the Wednesday players.