ASSOCIATION FOOTBALL

Press, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22492, 29 August 1938, Page 15

ASSOCIATION FOOTBALL

CANTERBURY BEATEN

BY OTAGO

TWO GOALS TO ONE

ENGLISH TROPHY AND

JONES CUP MATCH

Saturday at English Park marked Canterbury’s sixth challenge for the English Football Association trophy. Otago, after being unsuccessful in 1936 by 7 goals to 0 and last year by 4 goals to 1, won by the odd goal in three. The Jones Cup was also at stake, Otago being the defender of this trophy: and as Otago High School Old Boys were also successful here in a third grade match, Saturday at English Park was a field day for the southern city.

In spite of a heavy drizzle, both teams put up a great showing. A hard, fast game, that held the crowd’s close attention throughout, was the result. Canterbury was without the services of D. Mcßae, one of the finest goalkeepers ever produced In the province. His place was taken by T. Harker, of the Thistle Club. A notable absentee in the Otago side was G. Sutherland, who was unable to travel because of University examinations. Holders of the English Football Association trophy have been: — 1926-30 —Auckland. 1931-32—Otago. 1933-35 —Auckland. 1936-38 —Canterbury. 1938—Otago.

Had the English Football Association trophy remained in Christchurch, none would have shown their appreciation more than the Otago players themselves. Territorially, the visitors had to take second place by a slight margin; but whereas the Canterbury attack appeared to be apathetic in its quest for goals, the visitors shrewdly made the most of every breach in the defence. As a spectacle the game offered limitless possibilities—indeed, it provoked the keenest enthusiasm—but as a satisfying scientific exposition of the code it seldom reached Interprovincial standard. Of course, the ground and the ball were greasy: but experienced players should have shown more adaptiveness. In attack, individualism was the predominating feature in both sets of forwards, and thus the opportunist had his day. Perhaps hard-tackling, tenacious defenders were responsible for the stilted craftsmanship of the forwards: <but here, by the same reasoning, was tire opportunity for the footwork specialist and the team worker. The two combined make the only efficient answer to a rugged defence such as was In evidence on Saturday. It would appear—and this is a common fault, particularly in Canterbury football —that the one duty of a winger is speed down the wing. Speed Is certainly an asset; 'but without efficient footwork It Is one of the easiest forms of attack for an experienced defence to counter. With no variation of attack except a dash down the wing, the Canterbury men. F. Craggs and E. Hall, could not claim to be a success. With touch a few feet away the Otago defence found "o difficulty in either clearing or putting the ball out of play. Though they ware by no means accorded the same bv th°lr Inside men as were ih 0 /--nterbury oair. Hi" Otaeo wingers. G Nicholson and W. SteVen. were much more effective. They gave themselves more room to work in. and being more versatile they often had the Canterbury defence In difficulties. Particularly In the second spell was Steven aggressive, and bad he been an accomplished marksman Otago’s winning margin would have been grpater. His partner. L. Groves, at inside left, nlayed much below his wonderful display of last year. He appears to have lost much of his clever ball control. and he failed tb link up. In this respect W. Rogers. at inside right, was his superior. The centre forward, J. Skinner, played at outside left when he was last seen at English Park. The monotonous regularity with which he scored goals In the recent Chatham Cup match against Nomads made him a marked man on this occasion, and given few opportunities to dlsnlay his marksmonßhlp. Although he has penetrative ability and a clever foot, he missed two glorious opportunities to add to Otago s score Again the Canterbury inside trio, R. Smith. G. Smith, and D. Souter. were an efficient spearhead in attack. Goaling opportunities were certainly neglected by indecision, but almost . always Otago was compelled to pack its goal to thwart on attack. There was little to choose between the opposing half-back lines: but if anvthing the Otago halves more consistently got their man. Seldom has A. Sutherland, the former Canterbury centrehalf. played a better game. Both fn attack and defence he was constantly In the picture. He nlayed opposite to M. A. Gordon, who appeared for the last time for Canterbury before his transfer to Wellington. In his duels with J. Skinner, Gordon usually came out on ton and to his tenacity could be attributed the Otago man’s suhiectlon. A. Stenhouse. the Otago right half, was consistent in defence and progressive in attack: but it was I. McNarev. at left half, who took the eve ag the master tactician. At no time did he leave anything to chance, and his positional play repeatedly prepared the way for spectacular Otago raids. The Canterbury outside half-backs. A. Wilson

right and A. K. Gordon left, gave a uniform display. Wilson gave the opposing winger too much latitude in the second spell; but in his service to the forwards none was his superior. . +h _ After Otago took the lead early in the second spell, it concentrated on defence. Indeed, there were occasions when tne Inside forwards were hopelessly out ot position to take part in attack. G. Taylm on the right, and S. Ruddiman, had • little difficulty in keeping the Canterbury wingers in check, and their covering in goal was excellent. The Canterbury pair, s. Cawtheray and A. McMillan, gave then usual finished display, with McMillan the more dependable in an emergency. It was a pity Mcßae, Canterbury’s usual goalkeeper, was indisposed. Although T. Barker will no doubt improve with experience, his risky ventures on this occasion undoubtedly cost Canterbury the match. His turning out of a dropping shot was an Indication of his real ability. The Otago goalkeeper, A. Hall, left nothing to chance, and he had the added advantage of never being crowded by hif> full-backs. The game was played in the best possible spirit, and the excellent work of the referee. Mr E. B. Harris, is deserving of commendation. The teams were: — Otago Goal—A. Hall. Pull-backs—G. Taylor, S. Ruddiman. Halves—A. Stenhouse, A. Sutherland (captain), and I. McNarey. Forwards —G. Nicholson, W. Rogers, J. Skinner, L. Groves, and W. Steven. Canterbury Goal—T. Harker. Full-backs—S. Cawtheray (captain) and A. McMillan. Halves—A. Wilson, M. A. Gordon, and A. K. P. Gordon. Forwards —F. Craggs, R. Smith, G. Smith, D. Souter, and E. Hall.

THE PLAY

Otago won the toss and from the kickoff Canterbury pressed. Two corners to Canterbury ended in R. Smith just missing with a nice header off Craggs. After a brief sally by the Otago forwards, Canterbury returned, two more corners failing to find a gap in the Otago defence. Ultimately a mis-klck by the Otago fullback let Hall and Souter through. The wing man steadied and centred m to H. Smith, to Craggs. who sent in a great shot. Canterbury 1, Otago 0. . , With the inside forwards working in unison, the Otago forwards attacked hotly. J. Skinner being responsible for a tricky piece of solo work which nearly resulted in a goal. The same player and Groves next went through, but fine stopping work by A. Wilson saved an almost certain goal. Through a concerted effort by R. Smith and G. Smith, Canterbury countered, but an effective tackle by Taylor threw back the movement. Three corners to Otago first found A. Gordon, then Cawtheray, and then McMillan filling the breach. The Otago forwards came again, the übiquitous Stenhouse placing to Nicholson, who centred nicely, but the whole string of inside forwards missed a great chance. After a mls-kick by M. Gordon, Stenhouse swept the ball to Skinner, to Steven, and oft a return pass, the centre was steadying for an easy shot when A. Gordon came up fast to kick out. Stenhouse, Nicholson, and Skinner again figured prominently for Otago, the movement ending in a goalmouth melee from which Gordon finally cleared. Canterbury countered, but the forwards lacked cohesion, and Sutherland sent his forwards back to Canterbury territory. From Sutherland the ball passed to Steven, to Skinner, who swerved round McMillan to rip a great shot into the net. Canterbury X, Otago X. If Otago had the better of the last 10 minutes, Canterbury made the pace a welter over the remainder of the spell. R. Smith passed to Wilson, who momentarily took Craggs's place, received a return pass, and placed to Souter, to Hall, but Hall shot poorly. After a forward rush by Otago Steven centred to Skinner, but the centre ballooned the ball over the top. A grand effort by Wilson let R. Smith away. His pass went to G. Smith, to Craggs, but from the centre Smith was well smothered by the Otago full-backs. Sutherland generalled the next Otago movement, the line of attack coining through Groves, Steven, and Skinner, but Harker made a brilliant save off Skinner.

A nice shot by Wilson from a free kick caused Hall, the Otago goalkeeper, to make a length of the goal-mouth save under pressure from Souter and E. Hall. A fine run by R. Smith prefaced Canterbury's next effort, G. Smith getting the pass and placing to Souter. The defence covered up magnificently, and at half-time • the scores were still: Canterbury 1, Otago 1.

Canterbury opened the second spell with a strong attack, but the shooting was so poor that the Otago goal-keeper, Hall, had very little work to do. A well-placed centring kick by A. Gordon found R. Smith following up fast, but Hall saved splendidly. A sortie by Otago, on the hand, resulted in a goal. Skinner beat two men and slipped the ball to Rogers, who pushed it into an empty goal. Otago 2, Canterbury 1. With Canterbury straining to equalise, Otago played a three back game, keeping only the wings and centre up field. A dashing run and centre by Graggs looked dlkely. but Souter with an open goal, headed the ball over the bar. The indomitable Skinner was next away for Otago, the Canterbury backs luckily clearing from a ruck in the goal-mouth. A fast counter saw E. Hall gather in from A. Gordon, and transfer to G. Smith, to Souter, but the Otago goalkeeper swept the ball clear. Two speculators by Souter and vJVT. Gordon Just missed, and back came, Otago. Steven cleverly placing to Skinner, who missed the easiest of shots. Canterbury returned, attacks coming through both flanks, bu the solid Otago defence, coupled with Inaccurate shooting, nullified any. scoring chance. With only a few minutes to go, Skinner and Steven broke away, but McMillan broke up the movement, and led a countering rush. Nearly all the Canterbury team bunched for two corners at the Otago end, but Craggs headed just outside the upright. Canterbury’s last shot at goal by D. Souter went just above the cross-bar, and a great game ended: Otago 2, Canterbury 1. Referee; Mr E. B. Harris. THISTLE (2), TAYLORVILLE (2) In- an early game at English Park, Thistle dre wwith Taylorvllle (West Coast), both sides scoring two goals. The teams were;— Thistle —G. Ives; J. Anderson, C. Milne; J. Paton, D. Gowans, A. Renwlck; J. McLennan, W. Sutherland, G. Walker. A. McGrath, and B. O’Rawe. Taylorvllle—J. White; R. Lee, A. Bernard; J. Tennant, J. Rutherford, J. Cowan; D. Cowan, D. Erskine, R. Jordan, W. Thomas, and A, Coutts. •Both sides played good, even football over the opening stages, Gowans putting Thistle ahead by getting a neat header past White. After the interval, Coutts snapped up a cross and passed Ives with a great shot. A left-flank movement a little later enabled Coutts to pass to Jordan, for the centre to' find the net. Thistle now took the offensive, being rewarded just before time by a goal from a corner kjek. The final score was: Taylorvllle 2, Thistle 2. OTAGO HIGH SCHOOL OLD BOYS (4) v. CHRISTCHURCH TECHNICAL OLD BOYS (0). As a curtain-raiser to the trophy game. Otago High School Old Boys, champion team of the Dunedin third grade, easily accounted for Christchurch Technical Old Boys, winners of the local grade. The Otago team played brilliant combined football, and with their individual trldkiness they were much too good for the local .team. The . teams were:— Otago High School pld Boys—R. Miller; •W. Buckland, G. Turner: B. Young, A. Shirley, H. Foote, R. N. Smith (sub.), and R., Ramsay. Christchurch Technical College Old Boys —A. Laing; J. Sleeman, J. Granger; G. Gibson, J. Shankland, J. Brookes; S. Williams, H. Talbot, C. Bailey, K. Miles, and T. Hadley. With some of their best players in Australia and others indisposed, Technical were on- the defensive from the kick-off. Dual passing by , Smith and Foote carried play past the Technical backs, allowing Smith to score. A little later, Mutlmer placed to Smith, to Foote, who passed Laing with a great shot Old Boys 2, Technical 0. ■ ~ Bustling play by the Technical forwards had Otago on the defensive early in the

second spell, but nice play by Mutimer, Sharley, and Foote let the latter In for Otago’s third goal. Just before time Foote went through to score.

Otago High School Old Boys 4, Christ* church Technical Old Boys 0. Referee: Mr W. Kelly.

IN OTHER CENTRES

(PRESS ASSOCIATION TEX-EdBAMS.)

AUCKLAND. August 28. Mount Albert I, Ponsonby 0; North Shore 3, Thistle 1; Abels 3, Suburbs 2; Y.M.C.A. 6. Metro College 2; Comrades 4, Onehunga X. DUNEDIN, August 28. Fletcher Cup—Maori Hill 4, Technical Old Boys 1; Northern 3, Mornington 2. WELLINGTON, August 28., Petone 27, Western Suburbs (New Plymouth) 27: Central 27, Newtown 3. The match St. George v. Randwick was post-, poned.

. BRITISH FOOTBALL MATCHES

RESULTS OF GAMES PLAYED ON SATURDAY

(UNITED PRESS ASSOCIATION—COPYRIGHT.) (Received August 28, 9 p.m.) LONDON, August 27. Results of football matches played in Britain to-day are as follows; ASSOCIATION First Division Arsenal 2, Portsmouth 0. Birmingham 1, Sunderland 2. Blackpool 0, Everton 2. Bolton 2, Charlton 1. Brentford 2, Huddersfield 1. Derby 2, Wolverhampton 2. Grimsby 1, Aston Villa 2. Leeds 2. Preston 1. Leicester 2. Stoke 2. Liverpool 2, Chelsea 1. Middlesbrough 3, Manchester United X.

Second Division Blackburn 3, Tranmere 2. Fulham 3, West Ham 2. Coventry X, Burnley X. Manchester City 5, Swansea 0. Mlllwall 3, Chesterfield 1. Newcastle 2. Plymouth 1. Norwich 1. Bradford 3. Notts Forest 0, Sheffield United 2. Sheffield Wednesday 2, Bury 0. Southampton X. Tottenham 2. West Bromwich 3, Luton 0. / Third Division Northern Section Barrow 2, Lincoln 2. Chester X, Hull X. Crewe 3, Gateshead 2. Doncaster X, York 0. Halifax 2, Accrington 0. New Brighton 0, Stockport 0. Oldham 4, Barnsley 2. Rotherham 7, Rochdale X. Southport 3, Wrexham X.

Southern Section Bournemouth 1, Crystal Palace 1. Bristol Rovers 3, Mansfield 0. Cardiff City 1, Exeter City 2. Clapton Orient 1, Newport County 3. Ipswich Town 4, Southend United 2. Port Vale 1, Aldershot 3. Reading 2, Queen’s Park Rangers 4. Swindon Town 4, Notts County 1. Torquay United 1. Northampton Town 2. Watford 2, Bristol City 2. Brighton 3, Walsall 1.

SCOTTISH LEAGUE First Division Arbroath 4, Hamilton X. Ayr 1, Albion X. Celtic X, Aberdeen 2. Falkirk 0. Clyde 2. Hibernian 2, Queen of South 3. Motherwell 5, Kilmarnock 2. Partlck 3, Hearts X. St. Johnstone 4, Queen’s Park X. St. Mirren 1, Rangers 5. Third Lanark 5, Raith 0. Second Division Airdrieonians X, Dundee United 0. .. Alloa 5, Edinburgh X. Cowdenbeath 5, Leith X. Dumbarton X, Morton 3. Dundee 3, Stenhousemuir X. A East Fife 7, East Stirling 5. King’s Park X, Dunfermline 2. Montrose 7, Forfar 3. St. Bernard’s 7, Brechin X.

RUGBY LEAGUE Bramley 14, Batley 6. Castleford 12, Swinton 9. Dewsbury 5, Bradford 14. Huddersfield 9, Leeds 31. Hull Kingston 10, Halifax 12 Hunslet 10, Barrow 10. Liverpool 12, Broughton 10. Rochdale 4, Warrington 37. Salford 14, Oldham 4. St. Helens Rees. 2, Leigh 4. Widnes 29, St. Helens 0. Wigan 15, Wakefield 11. York 12. Featherstone 4.