ASSOCIATION FOOTBALL.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXII, Issue 154, 1 July 1901, Page 3

ASSOCIATION FOOTBALL.

GRAFTON V. NORTH SHORE,

This match was played at the North Shore Domain, and resulted in a win for Grafton by one goal to nil, after a very evenly contested game, as shown by the score. North Shore won the toss, and decided to defend the northern goal, having- the advantage of a strong- wind. Bradstock kicked off for Grafton, and, passingout to the left wing, Goldie sped down, and, sending1 across, Harris sent behind. Play was centred for some time about midfield, neither side getting1 in much combination, and the ball going repeatedly out of bounds, the result of the wind and the strong- kicking1. Fifteen minutes had gone when Bradstock securing set off, and passing to McDougall when tacMed, the latter passed back to Bradstock, who beat Best at fullback, and sent through, scoring the first and only goal. The Shore forwards, who had been showing- plenty of dash, now set to work harder, but continued in individual rushes, which were easily stopped by Wright and Harding. Prom some loose play near Graf ton's goal Garrett sent in a shot, and Grafton had to concede a corner by Knott punching behind. F. Goldie cleared the corner kick, and play centred about midfield. A lack of combination on both sides among the forwards was conspicuous, and about the only other combined display now took place. Bradstock securing, dribbled, passed the halves, and passed on to McDougall, who sent across to H. Goldie, who was close up, and sent through just under the bar. From the position the referee had been in he had thought that the ball went past the post, and the matter being

under dispute,' North Shore were awarded the benefit of the doubt. Shortly after this Shore had again to concede a corner, but the kick was cleared from goal by Best. Halftime, was called with the score 1 goal to nil. On resuming play Burgess, who had been keeping goal for Shore, went up forward, and with his assistance the other forwards set to work to make, matters interesting, and watch their chance to equalise matters, but on the other hand Grafton seemed determined to add to their score. Both teams played with dash. Several shots were made at goal by the Shore forwards, but went wide of the mark. A short run by Grafton resulted in a shot being placed at the goal-keeper's feet, who fell on the ball, and just cleared in the nick- of time. During the rest of the. second spell Grafton seemed to have, the best of the game, and were pressing round Shore goal when time was called, the game thus ending with no further score. NOTES. For the winners Knott had very little to do in goal. Wright and Harding were, safe, while F. floldie was the pick of the halves. Bradstock, MeOougall and (Joldie played well together, but Grafton have been unfortunate in having to change the forward division every Saturday, (hus causing a lack of the usual combination of the team.

For the North Shore Burgess, while in goal, did some, good work in clearing. Best played well at full. Richards worked hard forward, but was not well supported by the other forwards. Mr. Smythoiuan acted as referee.