centre-forward ashton gave the amateurs the lead after five minutes, with a hard shot into the corner off walter bellamy's cross. in the next quarter of an hour, the professionals hit the frame of the goal three times. on the first occasion, benjamin howard baker rushed out of goal but failed to collect ernie simms' shot; the ball struck the foot of the post, and gates was able to clear before it spun back into the net. then a shot from jimmy walsh and a volley by jack elkes each struck a post, rebounded into play, and were cleared by the defence. soon afterwards, simms suffered a leg strain. he played on, limping on the wing, until half-time, but took no part in the second half. after 35 minutes, ashton scored his second goal, in similar fashion to the first; he trapped bellamy's cross and shot hard into the corner. in what remained of the first half, frank macey had two close-range shots, "but both were saved most brilliantly" by harry hardy.