ASSOCIATION FOOTBALL.

Auckland Star, Volume LVII, Issue 136, 10 June 1926, Page 12

ASSOCIATION FOOTBALL.

SATURDAY'S CUP GAMES. SECOND GRADE CLUB'S ENTRY. There "ill he something novel in the first round of the Chatham (.'up competition in Auckland on Saturday, in that two second grade teams will compete with "i a seniors. fhehunga .in.l Ch-dsPi are the ciuhs concerned, and they have been drawn against Thistle at home and North s hore at Devonport respectively. Both Onehunga and Chelsea nave promising teams, and they will no doubt live their opponents a har'l run for their passage into the second rout:-!. There is never any certainty in etip-t:e football —usually it is the unexpected that happens. Both Chelsea and Onehunza are striving for senior grading, and the games on Saturday will he s*ime indication of their fitness for promotion. The draw h.-is thrown Ponsonby and Northoote together. Tramways and V.M.C.A. will !*> the other fivt'ire. both of which are down for decision n:i Rlandford Park. Though popular fancy "-ill turn to Tramwac- a- the unbeaten team nf the season, followers of the ;a;;ie are not likely to forget the meeting of the teams a fortnight hack at Onehunga. oV.M.'s struggle with North -hore l.i-t week. Tiiere is -ure to hi- a keenly contested game, and while the experienced players of Tramways an i the studied understanding between the players wit! imkc them n difficult side to hold. the youth and vigour possci-sed hy the players of Y.M. is likely to prove an upsetting factor. Tramways have ti.eir eyes and hearts on the national trophy this season, and will no doubt be out to show that in their last two games they have been rather lenient. At all events., they will require to take nothing for granted will V.M.C.A. Ponsonby and Northcote are old-time rivals, and there is sure to he a rousing ;ame as the re-ult of their meeting, though the standard of footl>all may not be high. Ponsonby have done a trifle better than their opponents this season, but competition form is no indication as to thpse clubs when it come to cup-tie football. It will be no surprise if the game requires to bo replayed to find the second rounders. Thistle and Shore will cause a sensation should cither not participate in tbe next round draw. The margin of the sr-ores. however, may not :>e large in either case.