ASSOCIATION FOOTBALL.

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

ASSOCIATION FOOTBALL.

AUCKLAND DEFEAT THE FLEET. AN ODD GOAL VICTORY. 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 (captain), 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 bad a nice run. cleverly beating Bralthwaite, and his cpntre was headed over by Mills. Knne nnd Corbett 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 rouchlino. and Cox headed into the net, equalising tbe scores. Roberts gave the Fleet the lend 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 had much the best of matters, and Corbett drew the scores level with a clever shot. Tho pallors seldom crossed mldfield, nnd Ncpsham and Kane had good shots which Mullet saved. Again taking up the running. Glynn had a great attempt which Craxton saved. Tbe same nlayer centred wonderfully to Mills and Cox, who were practically under the bar, but both unaccountably mirsed a golden opportunity. Great excitement marked tbe closing stages, nnd Humphreys scored tbe winning goal from a pass by Knott. Tn the last minute Roberts hit the cross-bar with a beantiful effort, hut no further scoring resulted, and the game ended : /• nekland ........... -» Fleet 3 Much enthusiasm prevailed after the game, when bis "Rxcellency the Governor, who. with his Worship tbe Mayor, had keenly watched the plnv throughout, presented the banner to " Jock " Corbett, tbe skinner of the winninsr team. He also cordlal'v shook hands with the Fleet eleven, especially congratulating Roberts and Glynn on their fine play. Both teams were entertained to dinner at tho Alhert Hotel after the game, and eacb N.tt nlayer wns presented with a gold-mounted greenstone pendant ns a memento of the occasion. Tbe -nrespntaHon was made by Mr. F. H. W. Kimr. late M.ror of Devonport. who complimented the visitors on their fine play and sportsmanship.