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	"Just one vote secured Barnsley's entry into the English League"


	In 1898 Barnsley F.C. along with seven other clubs (Glossop North End, New Brighton, Chesterfield, Kettering, Burton Wanderers, Nelson and Stockport County) sought entry into the English League. The club committee took some convincing that this was the way ahead and at a special meeting votes were cast, and by virtue of 24 votes to 23 Barnsley F.C. were to turn professional. Barnsley F.C. were represented in London by Mr F. G. Senior and Mr P. Muschamp to seek election to the English League second division, which along with the First Division was being extended by two teams to eighteen. Having put forward their case on Barnsley's exploits in the Midland League, together with comments that a guarantee fund would be set up to meet the club's expenses, they secured a place. Barnsley's Second division league season started in September, but they were beaten 1-0 at Lincoln and 2-0 at Burslem Port Vale. However, on Saturday 10 September 1898 they registered their first


	win over Luton at Oakwell. Brook put Luton ahead just after half-time but ex Luton player John McCartney levelled for Barnsley from the penalty spot and before the end Harry Davis scored the winner. On September 17 Barnsley suffered their third successive away defeat when they were beaten 3-1 at Small Heath (now Birmingham City) with Davis scoring Barnsley's only goal. Worse was to follow on the following Saturday at Oakwell when the team lost 4-3 in front of 2500 fans against Leicester Fosse. Forwards Hepworth, Lees and Davis were amongst the goals for Barnsley with a result which placed them fourteenth in division two. Barnsley responded in October by thrashing Darwen 6-0 at Oakwell with a brace of goals from both Hepworth and McCullough. Howard and the impressive Davis notched a goal each. By this stage of the season Barnsley had now climbed to a respectable 12th place in the table.