SOCCER FINAL

Auckland Star, Volume LVIII, Issue 246, 18 October 1927, Page 14

SOCCER FINAL

FALCON CUP CONTEST.

ONEHUNGA AND THISTLE QUALIFY.

PROTEST LODGED AGAINST THE SCOTS. On Saturday next the 1927 soccer season will bo brought to a close with tho final tie of the Falcon Cup. Last week Onehunga and Thistle qualified as contestants for the last bout, but -uhnther these will fight out the final «>r not depends on the decision of the Management Committee this evening, as Tramways, who were vanquished by Thistle on Saturday, have lodged a protest on the grounds that the Scots played Lucas, erstwhile Y.M.C.A. and l-'rankton Railways player, who was not registered. Tt appears that Thistle made application for the transfer to the A.F.A. on Friday, explaining that their regular goalkeeper Zuill had left the country and that their emergency player having unexpectedly obtained work for the day they were in a fix for a last line of defence. They asked permission to play Lucas, and that was given by the Emergency Committee of the A.F.A. through tho chairman, Mr. Menzies. It later came tn the knowledge of the powers that be iliat Lucas had played a game for the Irankton team, which put a different complexion on the matter as he would require a clearance from his club. At Ilio match last Saturday, however, was ]Wr. G. Cox, secretary for the South Auckland F.A., and he gave an assur-' ance that Lucas was clear so far aa his Association was concerned. On the strength of this it appears Thistle played Lucas, although a meeting on the ground on Saturday of several members of the A.F.A. would not take the responsibility of officially giving Thistle permission.

There are several angles from which Iho matter can be viewed and discussed, but till it comes before the Management Committee expression of opinion should >>e reserved. Tramways have no doubt a right to protest, and to their credit he it said that they never do so without good cause.

Ponsonby Feeble. The eleven that trotted out, wearing the colours of the champion club team in New Zealand on Saturday and made a somewhat inglorious exit from the Falcon Cup competition to Onehunga, and the Ponsonby eleven who brought the Chatham Cup to Auckland were certainly two very different propisitions. The city side was a very weak, enfeebled combination, and Onehunga fully deserved their victory. With several juniors called on to fill vacancies the "Ponies" found the bustling Onehunga men too enterprising and too nimble for them, and the lack of understanding in the city side told its unerring tale. There was also an unmistakable element of leg-weariness amongst tome of the players, and altogether the dash and thrill associated with the usual cup tie semi-final was missing. Onehunga's defence was very effective, and McPhee came to the front with many smart saves, though he took risks which at times must have caused the

Onehunga people breathless moments. Whowell and Mays were very sound, while Bentley was always prominent, but missed badly with his placing. The wing halfbacks were triers, if nol conspicuous stars. Waterson was most prominent in the forwards, and proved an opportunist. He co-ordinated the play of his wings, but erred in not giving Mellor more of the ball. The team, however, is willing and plucky, and can be relied upon to put up a great fight for the cup as a fitting, wind up to the first season in senior football.

Ponsonby missed Williams, Morrison, O'Brien and Mooney badly. While the regular members of the team strove hard to make up for the absence of their clubmates, there was no mistaking the lack of balance in the team. Pickett was sound, but Watt did not impress with his picking up when under pressure. Wright was the best of a mediocre halfback line, and Innes and Tomilty were most in evidence in the vanguard. Addfchead did not get too much of the ball, and when he did Whowell was on his heels instantly, but Hunter, without being outstanding, made several likely openings for the other forwards. Onehunga's victory was well received, and they will have a solid backing in the final.

A Brisk Encounter. The Tramways-Thistle tie was a briak affair with both sides showing determination to get into the last two. From the outset the corporation men had the upper hand, and their opening goal seemed to foretell the story of victory. Thistle, however, pulled up, and though' in the first spell they could not claim any lead, in the second they had their opponents very severely pressed for a long time. They appeared to be able to do everything but score, till at last success did ♦£ m *v their Wa s r - As often happens at the back end of the season, there were signs of irritability among the players, and there appeared to be a good deal of unnecessary "chin wag," „hich resulted m Fyfte, of Tramways, receiving his marching orders before the close of the game.

The play was exciting most of the, w *y» and the pace fast. Thistle were wore systematic in their methods than t ** w opponents, but ran up against a defence in Razzle, Porteous and Sim P»°n played an almost Km Ml. 1 !!?"' Md I'orteous stuck to JSL mm «*• proverbial leech. Watson.

at right half, also made the Thistle left winger the particular object of his attention, and between them the dashing Scot had a lively afternoon. Tinkler spoiled many of the Thistle attacks, and Batty also did a deal of spoiling work. The Trams forwards took a lot of holding. It was a pleasure to Bee Gordon Dodds "resurrected," and he gave a characteristic display of the inside game, making many openings for his colleagues. Spencer was always dangerous, and appeared to be paid a left-hand compliment by Christie in being given many facilities. Spong pulled his weight at outside-right, as also did Fyfie as partner to Simm, who sent over several handy crosses. It can be said of Tramways that they certainly to a man gave a good account of themselves. But they met a superior and fitter team.

A feature of Thistle's play was the deadly corner kicking of Kay and Cummings. The like of it has not been seen locally this season. Thistle's defence was not too sound at the outset, and even Reid missed clearances at times and dallied with the ball. Lucas made one or two smart saves, but for the shot that beat him made only a spectacular attempt. Carter was steadier than Christie or Dickson. The centre-half and lefthalf at the same time were not failures. Webb did not seem to be able to get

away from the opposing defenders, and he showed discretion by swinging the ball about as he did. Dunsmore gave Cummings every support, which the latter turned to very good account, while Pislop trapped and placed nicely and used discretion in his passing. Kay only occasionally got in one of his characterise runs. Thistle, however, on play, deserved their victorv.