ASSOCIATION FOOTBALL.

Auckland Star, Volume LVII, Issue 142, 17 June 1926, Page 12

ASSOCIATION FOOTBALL.

VITAL PERIOD APPROACHING. TEST OF STAYING POWER. With only the first round of the senior competition over and the opening round of the Chatham Cup decided, it cannot be said that there is anything definite to go upon in arriving at any forecast as to the ultimate trophy winners. This is a season more than' any other when, especially as the weeks advance, physical fitness will more and more come to the front as one of the most important deciding factors. Never before had players a busier 90 minutes. Everything has been done to trim off the "breathing spaces" possible from stoppages. The upsets of Tramways and Ponsonby last week were eye-openers, and in each case staying power played a greater part than was probably generally noticed. When the personnel of the winning teams on Blandford Park is analysed, it will be seen that they were each younger, more vigorous, and man for man in better condition than were their opponents. Y.M. have always had a comparatively youthful team, while Xorthcote this season are probably below the average in age and experience, but what is wanting in this regard is more than compensated for in vigour and lasting power. So that it is a very difficult matter to make any prediction as to what might happen in the next four months of the season. Tramways have started off with a big lead, but can they maintain it? Many consider Saturday's reverses a "flash in the pan," a momentary weakness encouraged by the conditions and one or two team changes. But there was a little more than that. The pace told its own tale. But the principal query is: What team can best stand up to the extra stress caused by the rapid end to end rush play consequent on the new off-side rule? The team that is trained consistently, that is in best heart, and is able to relieve players for a Saturday on the first sijrns of staleness, is the team that stands the best chance of coming through the wear and teir of a gruelling season with flying colours.

Few clubs, however, are in the happy position of having reserves waiting for a game, and consequently they have to depend on Fortune and the first eleven. In such cases, if the first eleven has the vim and vigour of youth it will be able to stand the strain. If not, a footsore side soon sacrifices points. While players have hardly yet settled down to the new order of things, they are doing much superflous running about. There appears to be an impression that there is no such thing as off-side now, or if there is, it must be accidental. "Time and time again it has happened that a whole defence has retreated in line in front of an advancing attack on top of their own goal, when a little study and prompt action would have held lip the raiding forco and averted danger. Defenders by advancing carefully to meet an attack can still exploit the off-side game to their advantage. What is required is careful observation by backs and immediate action in order to obtain relief with the minimum of physical stress. Tgams like Shore and Thistle are welf equipped in man-power and have Rmjple resources in lower grades to draw from should they require. Ponsonby have had a lean year so far, though they might have made better use of the material at their command. V.M.C.A. have struck a winning vein which appears to be no temporary or passing phase, so that there appears to be the promise of a levelling up of ability and strength amongst the six senior teams, which is likely to make for close finishes and strenuous football in the future. But above and beyond all is the physical Standard, which with many teams is completely overlooked.