ASSOCIATION FOOTBALL

Press, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22136, 5 July 1937, Page 17

ASSOCIATION FOOTBALL

CANTERBURY'S EASY WIN

FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION TROPHY MATCH

WELLINGTON BEATEN BY EIGHT GOALS TO THREE

The Canterbury Association representatives had little difficulty in retaining the English Football Association trophy at English Park on Saturday afternoon, winning by the clear-cut margin of 8 goals to 3. There was one change in the Canterbury side, G. Roberts being absent through illness. McMillan took Roberts's place, and G. Browne, an emergency, played at right half. On its showing, it is unlikely that the present team will be changed. The ground was in a heavy state for the provincial match, an earlier game having churned it up.

Canterbury nas now successfully defended the trophy twice. It won last season against Otago by 6 goals to 0. Canterbury's most ardent supporters would hardly have dared to forecast a win bv 8 goals to 3 against such an undoubtedly strong combination as Wellington. Such a decisive conquest would almost suggest an abnormal run of luck for Canterbury, or the definite inferiority of Wellington; but luck played a very minor part in the fortunes of either team, and Wellington was not so totally eclipsed as the score would suggest. When the teams settled down, it appeared that the Wellington defence was somewhat bewildered at the tactics adopted by the Canterbury attackers. The full-backs entirely failed to find a counter for the fast-mov-ing Canterbury forwards, who exploited the short, snappy passing game in a converging movement on goal. It was this phase of attack which so often had the Wellington defence in difficulties. There were very few long, dropping centres by the Canterbury wingers. Rather, they held the ball, and became the flank of a wedge that drove remorselessly on to its objective. Thus repeatedly the entire Canterbury forward line surged almost up to the Wellington goal and simply overwhelmed the defence. In direct contrast, the Wellington approach in attack was open, with the service concentrated on Leslie at centre. In spite of the undoubted ability of the New Zealand representative centre-forward —and on this occasion Leslie was decidedly overworked —the Canterbury defenders quickly found a counter to his effectiveness. Thus he was repeatedly checked until the fast-moving halfbacks covered up to form a further barrier in defence. Had Leslie been accorded the same support by his inside men as was the Canterbury centre-forward, Wellington undoubtedly would have scored more goals. Never before has Canterbury demonstrated so decisively the effectiveness of unity in attack, more particularly between half-back and forwards. Only twice (once in each spell) did Wellington really show its ability :• this respect. Its first goal was secured with a combined advance which was a gem of its kind. On the second occasion an identical movement just failed to materialise. The Canterbury half-backs were more consistent in their service to the forwards, and it was their persistency and accuracy that paved the way to Canterbury's success. Given the ball, the forwards advanced with the precision of a machine, and seldom was a pass wasted. Further, the shooting showed a decided improvement on anything recently produced. It was also pleasing to note that none of Canterbury's many corner-kicks was placed behind. Every unit in the Canterbury forward line played excellently. It is probably the youngest forward line ever to represent the province. D. Souter, G. Smith, and R. Smith were particularly effective inside; but it was the wingers, A. Almond and M. Burnand, who usually made the openings. G. Browne was the surprise of the half-backs. Me played wonderfully well, both in attack and defence. M. Gordon, at centre, was impressive throughout. Nevertheless, he showed bad taste when he passed censure'on the referee (who had awarded a perfectly legitimate penalty) by deliberately kicking the ball yards wide of the goal. A. K. Gordon linked up well on the left. S. Cawtheray played well up to form at right full-back, and A. McMillan, when he became used to his unusual position, provided some highlights In effective defence. D. M. Mcßae in goal was not at all consistent. Had Canterbury been extended, his indecisiveness may have been expensive. Many of his clearances were spectacular to a degree. Of the Wellington forwards, A. Leslie and the wing men, M. James and E. Craig, took the eye most. J. Kershaw and J. Shankie gave the impression that the heavy ground was troublesome. N. Gates an the left was the best of the half-backs. He has a tricky foot and passes well. F. HaKel, at centre, found the pace too solid towards the end, but showed good form early. T. Hindle (right) was opposed to a clever and fast wing, but worked hard throughout. Of the full-backs, G. Haines was superior to J. Laracy. The latter appeared to be none too sure of himself and his kicking was erratic. J. Wyatt, in goal, had little chance with any of the shots which got past him. He collected many terrific drives with good judgment. The teams were:—

Canterbury—Goal. D. N. Mcßae: backs, S. Cawtheray, A. McMillan: halves, G. Browne. M. Gordon. A. K. Gordon: forwards, A. Almond. R. Smith, G. Smith, D. Souter. M. Burnand.

Wellington—Goal, J. Wyatt; backs, J. Laracy, G. Haines; halves. T. Hindle, F. Hazel. N. Gates; forwards. M. Janes, J. Kershaw A. Leslie, J. Shankle, E. Craig. The Play Through fine work by Browne. Almond, and G. Smith, Canterbury attacked earlv; but a fast counter by Wellington found Janes well placed, the winger spoiling the opportunity with a poor effort. G. Browne next sent the Canterbury forwards away, and after pretty play by Almond and R. Smith Burnand took a pass and scored close in. Canterbury 1, Wellington 0.

Wellington evened the scores, Leslie finding the net after a brilliant forward movement.

Canterbury 1, Wellington I

Slack play by the Wellington forwards made easy the Canterbury backs' work on defence in the next raid, and play swung to midfield, where G. Smith headed to Souter, who passed to Burnand. The wing man made a nice run and centred, for G. Smith to drive past Wyatt at close range. Canterbury 2, Wellington 1.

Wellington, displaying a little more cohesion, attacked; and It was soon evident that the right flank was the more dangerous. Nice passing by Hazel, Janes, and Leslie had Canterbury in trouble: but a free kick for hands relieved the goal. Wellington kept the advantage and with fewer spectators in a goal-mouth melee a great chance was missed. The Canterbury halves, with well-chosen placements, put the forwards on attack; but Burnand ruined a great chance by shooting wide. A midfield duel left Browne in charge, and a pass to R. Smith was pushed out to Almond. After making ground the wing man centred, the ball beating all those in the goal-mouth and going out. A Wellington raid was repulsed by the full-backs, and Browne again led the Canterbury van on attack, A terrific drive by M. Gordon had Wyatt clearing under pressure, and a goal-mouth melee was cleared bv Haines. Clever passing by Hazel and Gates gained ground for Wellington; but the forwards showed little combination and Canterbury cleared. There was a series of headers in the Canterbury goal-mouth following a corner, but Mcßae cleared in time off Shankie. A bright Canterbury raid was well finished off by Souter, who slipped round two men to net in the corner. Canterbury 3, Wellington I.

Canterbury, showing more initiative, attacked again and G. Smith was unlucky with a goal ruled offside. The Wellington players apepared at last to have found their feet, and a clever combined raid by the halves and forwards let Leslie get clear: but Mcßae bundled the ball clear. Wellington held the advantage, and a poor clearing kick by Mcßae was charged down by Shankie. Who scored easily. Canterbury 3, Wellington 2.

M. Gordon originated Canterbury's next scoring movement, the ball going to Souter, to Burnand, and across to Almond, who goaled easily. A minute later halftime -was called. Scores: — Canterbury 4, Wellington 2.

Both sides attacked in the opening stages, but the finish was poor. Canterbury was first to recover, and handv play by G. Smith and M. Burnand left Souter in possession, the inside man making no mistake. Canterbury 5, Wellington 2.

Wellington attacked and was unlucky in not Sewing when Mcßae ,«*«?«. "J the cross-bar, coming down just in time to clear Kershaw's header c ™* e ™??Z began to dominate the play, and after perfect passing G Smith made a wild guess at the goal. In the next few minutes Several more Canterbury attempt? V'nt e just outride the upright. Continuous pressure at last brought re-