In his book on the origins and history of Huddersfield District Association Football, F.H. Beaumont records the detailed preparations that the association made for the tie.

“In 1904-5 there was a play off at the end of the season to decide the division II championship between Meltham and Shelley.

This took place at Fartown on April 8th after some very detailed organisation.

The expenses of each team of eleven players and one trainer would be paid to the headquarters of each club.

Posters would be printed, the league would purchase a new ball, gate keepers be appointed and paid 1/- each, this was later amended to 1/6d.

The gate keepers were then appointed from the list of Vice-Presidents!!

“Complimentary tickets were to be printed and distributed at the Secretaries discretion.

Three constables were to be appointed to maintain order, and finally 12 medals would be purchased for the winners at 10/6d each including engraving and the presentation case.

Last but by no means least, David Dickinson was appointed to referee at a fee of 5/- plus expenses.

Dr. Coward was to be asked to present the medals after the match.

Admission could be gained for the princely sum of 1d or upmarket at 3d.”

Championship Play Off Match Report

Huddersfield Weekly Examiner, April 15th 1905

The leaders in the A and B Group, namely Shelley and Meltham, met on Saturday, April 8th, on the ground of the Huddersfield C. and A.C., at Fartown, before over
1,700 spectators.

Meltham played uphill and against wind and sun.

Shelley were the first to attack, Singleton, the right forward, doing a lot of work, but Meltham cleared their lines and Mortimer on the right wing nullified Singleton’s efforts.

But in a very short time afterwards Shelley got down on the left, and had a free kick awarded, from which Mosley got possession and sent the ball into the net, giving Hirst, the goalkeeper no chance.

This delighted the Shelley spectators.

Mortimer was again prominent after the restart.

Meltham had a free kick, but the ball was soon back again, and another hot shot sent in - it was thought by Mosley, but it went wide. Meltham relieved, and some very fast play ensued.

Two free kicks to Meltham availed little, as a corner had to be conceded to Shelley, but fortunately nothing came of it.

Shelley kept up the pressure, and forced another corner, after which following a free kick to Meltham, Mortimer got away on the right wing twice, but his efforts came to nought.

The referee, Mr. D. Dickinson, had to caution two of the players.

Then Tomlinson, the left full back, began to show up with some fine footwork, but once more Shelley moved down towards the Meltham goal, but the defence kept them out.

Then the ball was taken to the other end, and a Meltham forward shot the ball into the Shelley net, but unfortunately he happened to be off-side, and so the claimed goal was not allowed.

At the kick-out Meltham, who were now warming to their work, went back, Mortimer putting in some good runs and crossing to the centres, but the forwards made a poor show.

Shelley again got down the field, but in a minute or two it was back again, and this time Mortimer, with a remarkably fine shot equalised the score, to the delight of the Meltham spectators.

A lot of uninteresting play followed, and when half-time came each side had scored a goal.

At the re-start Meltham put in a poor attack, but Shelley had to concede a corner, from which nothing resulted.

Singleton got away again on the terrace side, and Shelley looked like scoring, but Meltham got back again into Shelley quarters, and looked to have the goal at their mercy, but the forward play was shockingly slow, and they were robbed of a splendid chance.

After some frustrating play Shelley got up to within shooting distance of the Meltham goal, and a penalty kick was awarded for “hands”.

The kick was taken, by Simpson but the ball glanced off Hirst’s knee, and Meltham breathed more freely again.

Two corners were conceded to Shelley, who were playing the finer game, but Tomlinson was playing very cleverly on the other side, and he repeatedly saved his side.

Some exciting play followed, and free kicks were frequent.

Meltham went off down the terrace side, where Mellor passed to G. Hirst and he to Moorhouse, who sent the ball into the net with a low grounder shot, which Blacker could not stop.

Nothing further was done, and the game ended in a win for Meltham by 2 goals to 1.

At the conclusion of the match, Dr. E.Coward, at the request of Mr. W.Hardcastle the president of the association, presented to the members of the winning team eleven medals and congratulated the men on their victory.

Teams:-

Meltham

C H. Hirst, goal; H. L. Hirst and A. E. Tomlinson, back;
T Wrathall, J. M. Kilburn and H. Cockhill, half-back;
A Mortimer, J. Quarmby, W. Moorhouse, G. Hirst, and C. Mellor, forward.

Shelley

A Blacker, goal; G. H. Buckley and S. Robinson, back;
P Berry, J. Simpson, and W. Blacker, half-back;
F Singleton, W. Mosley. A. B. Rose, H. Peace, and A. Adamson, forward.

Referee, Mr. D. Dickinson.