THISTLE FLATTER AND FADE.

Auckland Star, Volume LX, Issue 142, 18 June 1929, Page 15

THISTLE FLATTER AND FADE.

C'lub football was at high level mark ou Saturday in the meeting of Thistle and Tramways at headquarters and the result was one of the best matches seen this season. The tide of fortune ebbed and flowed in a manner that kept the result gloriously uncertain till nearing the close, when Thistle collapsed and Trams sustained a great offensive to run out winners by three goals. Thistle led in alternate scoring for three parts of the game, but it was the vital last quarter that told its tale and the fitness of the Trams gained them the day. Tactically the game provided an interesting study. With a somewhat weakened defence Thistle played a pronounced W formation, Hislop and Chalmers playing semi-half-back-forward and taking the role of rover excellently. This brought Kay infield a good deal, and while this method strengthened the defence of the Soots it also made the task of the opposing defence easier and allowed the half

line to take a greater part in attack. In the circumstances Thistle's action was justified from the point of view of the defence, but the effect of this course of action is highly debatable. For instance, the fullest use was not made of Kay, •who usually had to contend with two opponents when he gained possession, whereas the front line was often three strong when pressing forward an attack, which certainly was a handicap. The fact that Thistle held their own—and for most of the first half more than held their own—was due to the fact that Chalmers and Hislop were absolutely - • -- indefatigable, and each played the part of two men. Chalmers has not been seen to better advantage for many a day and Hislop was -~ver far from the ball, besides finding time to make openings for his partner. But, as already stated, it was condition that told. Gerrard had a hopeless task when the eager, relentless attacks of Trams repeatedly broke through towards the close of the game. McC'osh appeared at full-back and gave a very soimd display, while Hibbert, too, played a remarkably good game. Carter made his first appearance for the season, and in a black and white jersey. He took up the pivotal position, and while he was always a factor in the game the heavy going and the fleet-footed Tramway attack appeared to be too much for the" veteran. Eowat, at right-half, seemed to lose confidence and was not nearly so effective a3 on the previous week. Certainly a youngster cannot be expected to face opposition of the experience and skill of the green and blacks lightly, but young Eowat is capable of better things. Hamilton, for a forward, plaved a very sound game at lefthalf. The Thistle forwards all played with determination and great ability. During the game there were many passages in which skilful play predominated, but. the trainer is what is required most amongst the Scots. All the attackers were prominent, but none did nearly so well as Hislop and Chalmers. _ _ Tramways' team work and condition pulled them through. At the outset Thistle had the better of them in most departments, but steady plodding solid combination withstood the test and gained a well-merited victory. Batty seemed to misjudge one of the goais • • . * „ -ainst h : m. which is unusual for him. McElligott and Simpson were se£n to advantage, while the half-back line extricated the team out of many difßctil- | ties by their understanding and combination. Tinkler was always reliable and Christie played well up to standard. Objections must be taken to some of the tactics of Fyvie, however, and the disapproval of the referee was warranted. Much of the left half s tack*in* was of the doubtful order, but there was no mistaking the accuracy of his placing. In the forwards Spencer stood out. He bore the burden of the thrust in attack, and his finishing was_ deadly. Bell and Williams unwavering support, and harassed the opposing defence sorely. Spong was permanently dangerous "while Stretton kept an opponert alwavs busily engaged. Undue vigour was "infused by Bell and Stretton, and

again exception must be taken to the dangerous method by which they lunge at an opponent. This tackle ought not to be allowed. It is extremely dangerous, and one day unless something is done serious injury will be the result. It is not intended that it should be inferred that Tram players are alone in this exaggerated splits tackle; there are many otlier players who are guilty, and there is ample justificaticn for the Referees' Association taking definite steps to eliminate it from oar Soccer.