CANADIAN VICTORY.

Auckland Star, Volume LVIII, Issue 122, 26 May 1927, Page 12

CANADIAN VICTORY.

TARANAKI WELL BEATEN.

VISITORS GET TEN GOALS.

CLEVER SOCCER DISPLAY. (By Telegraph.—Press Association.) NEW PLYMOUTH, Wednesday. The Canadian Association football team opened its Dominion tour by defeating Taranaki by 10 goals to "l after a brilliant exhibition of the code. The game was played in fine weather and before an attendance of about 4000 spectators. Frftm the outset the Canadians set a rattling pace that kept Taranaki defending strenuously, and within a quarter of an hour had run up a formidable

score. The public were treated to an exposition of skill that was an education in itself. By half-time the score was 9 goals to 0 in favour of the visitors, and in the second spell they obviously eased up, being content to give Taranaki a chance and at the same time afford their own team good practice. Most impressive features of the game were the accuracy of the Canadians' head work and dribbling, both made doubly effective by the remarkable manner in

which each player was always in position to receive a pass. The visitors specialised in short dribbling kicks, by means of which they were able to beat their opponents repeatedly. To see them manoeuvre into position, and then follow up a quick, cross kick from the side line with a sharp driving shot to the net, was as much a lesson to the public as it was to the opposing side. Of the ten goals scored by Canada Archibald had four to his credit. Turner scored three, Francis two, and Davidson one. Probably the best exhibition by any individual player was that of Turner, the versatile inside left, whose clever footwork and excellent foot control were of high class. Of the others the most

impressive were the goalkeeper, S. Tait, who captained the team, and Edmunds, the left full-back. Unfortunately Edmunds was injured and had to leave the field. Generally speaking the Canadians were best seen in the working of the "double triangle" strategy, by which an accurate system of connection between two separate system of players, one on each side of the field, was maintained. It was in this respect that Taranaki suffered most in comparison, the home players beig frequently caught out of position. In spite of the big score against them the Taranaki players battled gamely, and at times inspired the spectators to great enthusiasm by their attacking work. The honour of shooting the only goal against the Canadians was gained by Bremner. He and Hill were the best of the home forwards. Davis was outstanding among the backs.