ASSOCIATION FOOTBALL

Auckland Star, Volume LV, Issue 116, 17 May 1924, Page 11

ASSOCIATION FOOTBALL

» AUCKLAND DEFEAT THE FLEET. AN ODD GOAL VICTOR-. Six thousand spectators braved the elements at Victoria Park yesterday afternoon, when representatives of Auckland met the Fleet team, to decide possession of the Le Roy banner. The teams were as follows: — The Fleet.—Mullet, • Cope; Burke, Andrews, Wilson, Thomas. Glynn, Mills, Roberts (captain), Cox, Wilcox. Auckland. —Craxton, Ferguson, Braithwaite, Kane, Corbett (captaih), Neesham, Innes, Dacre, Humphreys, Knott, Slmm.

Referee: Mr. S. Masters. Linesmen: . Messrs. G. T. Lee and A. Riddolls. Winning the toss, the sailors took advantage of the strong wind, and maintained a continual pressure on the Auckland goal during the early stages. Glynn had a nice run, cleverly beating Bralthwaite, and his centre was headed over by Mills. Kane and Corbctt gave a vastly improved display, and held the clever Navy, forwards in check. Dacre passed cleverly to Humphreys, who eluded both backs and scored the opening goal. Glynn centred magnificently from the touchline, and Cox headed into the net, equalising the scores. Roberts gave the Fleet the lead with a shot from 40 yards, but Knott again made matters even. A penalty against Ferguson was. converted by Andrews, and half-time was called with the scores:— Fleet 3 Auckland 2 On resuming. Auckland nad mnch the best of matters, and Corbett drew the scores level . with a clever shot. Tho pallors seldom crossed mid-eld, and Neesham and Kane had good.shots which Mullet saved. Again taking up the running, Glynn had n great attempt which Craxton saved. The same nlayer centred wonderfully to Mills and Cox, who were practically under the bar, hut both unaccountably mifsed a golden opportunity. Great excitement marked the closing stages, nnd Humphreys scored the winning goal from a pass by Knott. In the last minute Roberts hit the cross-bar with a beautiful effort, hut no further scoring resulted, and the game ended.: Auckland .......... 4 Fleet 3 Much enthusiasm prevailed after the game, when his Fxeellency the Governor, who. with bis Worship the Mayor, had keenly watched the play throughout, presented the banner to " Jock " Corbett, tbe skinner of tbe winnincr team. He also cordi.il'v shook hands with the Fleet eleven, especially congratulating Roberts and Glynn on their fine play. .'•___. Both teams were entertained to dinner at the Albert Hotel after the game, and each Naw tilayer was presented with a gold-mounted greenstone pendant as a memento of the occasion. The -resenta+ion was ™ado by Mr. F. H. W. King, late M->vor of Devonnort. who complimented the visitors on their fine play and sportsman.ship.