SOCGER TROPHY.

Auckland Star, Volume LXX, Issue 191, 15 August 1939, Page 15

SOCGER TROPHY.

WELLINGTON AGAIN.

ALTERATIONS IN VISITING TEAM FOR SATURDAY.

Wellington appears anxious to get their name engraved on the F.A. Trophy for the first time, and eagerly accepted Auckland's offer of Saturday next for a return challenge when Canterbury turned it down. Wellington has won the trophy from Auckland before in 1931, but failed to retain it till the end of the season. For Saturday's return match the three Wellington selectors have made several changes in the challenging side. Yeoman, who travelled up as emergency last time, now partners Haines (who again captains) at full-back. Gates is still righthalf, but Boyes, who did well at centrehalf, is now moved out to left-half to make way for the redoubtable veteran. E. .Jeffery (of Hospital) at centre-half. The change is interpreted to indicate a determination on the part of the Wellington selectors to break up Auckland's lively young forward line. In the Wellington van only the v-eteran Andy Leslie reappears, and he was always dangerous in the first game. The younger players ihave been dropped, and R. Quirke will now play outside right, with another seasoned player in Craig, of Petone, on the opposite wing. The inside berths will bo filled by the two Watorsidcrs, Walker and Longbottom. who shone out in the Chatham Cup final against Ponsonby, Walker getting two quick goals while deal was off. while the fine all-round player Longbottom was the brains of the Waterside attack throughout. Jeffery Needs Watching. .TefTeiy's return to the Wellington side will be watched with close interest. He was the most conspicuous figure in the visitors' ranks when Wellington inflicted its only defeat on Auckland in trophy games. Auckland's Hard Task. With Wellington fielding such a strong side of seasoned and experienced players, who have shown they still retain their best form, tho young Auckland players are up against a tough proposition, both in attacking and defending. Unfortunately (■leal is still a doubtful starter after his injury against Waterside. Although the knee is quite sound, and has recovered, a nerve below the joint is still affected and causing anxiety, but is hoped will yield to treatment before the day. There are not many players of the "tough" type in Wellington now. They are frowned on by chili and other officials. Tf the Auckland team, with youth in its favour, will play their natural carefrpp game, and pass the ball about freely with no fears of reputations and no inferiority complex, there is no reason why they should not come through the ordeal again with honours.