SOCCER Technical Wins Chatham Cup Zone Final At Nelson

Press, Volume XCIX, Issue 29265, 25 July 1960, Page 6

SOCCER Technical Wins Chatham Cup Zone Final At Nelson

(From Our Own Reporter)

NELSON, July 24.

In the South Island (northern zone) final of the Chatham Cup played at Nelson on Saturday, Technical Old Boys, of Christchurch, beat Nelson Athletic by five goals to three after 30 minutes' extra time.

Conditions for the match were atrocious, and Technical took much longer to adapt itself than did the home side. Athletic led by one goal at half time, and increased this to three before Technical replied. E. Charlton opened the scoring for the visitors with a penalty when only 20 minutes’ play remained. He repeated this effort again 10 minutes later, and J. Campbell pushed home the third and vital goal, forcing the extra 15 minutes’ play each way.

Technical dominated most of the play during this period and fully deserved the two goals victory that takes it through to the South Island final.

Technical’s chances of beating Nelson Athletic appeared slim when it was three goals down with only 20 minutes* play remaining. The visiting forwards received little ball from the half-backs during the first half. Improved service and better combination during the second spell enhanced its scoring chances, but except for one merited goal and the two penalties, the defence held. The Athletic defence saved the

goalkeeper, E. Adams, a good deal of effort, although he proved himself reliable when under pressure. I. Grant and B. Weeks were sound full-backs, but were overshadowed by the brilliance of the half-back line of G. Newell, A. Smith and S. Findlay. Smith, as pivot, led his wing halves cleverly, and proved a worthy mark to the visitors’ centre-for-ward, E. Charlton. The right wing attack of J. Taylor and E. Soanes was adequate, but lacked the thrust shown by the left wing combination of R. Stewart and D. Morris.

Stewart Plays Well Stewart was the star of the forward line. His ball control and distribution were seldom faulted. J. Besant showed touchos of a clever centre-forward, although he was well marked by R. Van Dalsum. Technical goalkeeper. K. Flintham was outstanding and saved his side on many occasions with clever anticipation. K. Rasmussen and I. Graham were reliable full-backs. The goal against his own team spoilt an otherwise sound game by Graham. The three half-backs—K. Hendy, R. Van Dalsum and A. Verdallan—all played sound games, although Bendy’s performance was the most impressive. A goal scored by the left wing, J. Campbell, was deserved, after many centring kicks and other shots at goal had failed. W. Shannon and E. Charlton combined well and initiated many formidable moves. M. Jones played sterling game on the ring wing, and scored two excellent goals.

The inside-right, T. Munroe, also adapted himself well to the conditions and was a useful link in an excellent ■ goal.

Athletic’s First Score Athletic opened the scoring when Stewart gathered in the ball wide out on the right wing, and shot for goal. The shot rebounded to Besant, who pushed it home into an open net. Technical had a grand chance to equalise soon after, but Campbell sent his shot wide. Played moved from one end of the pitch to the other with both defences clearing repeatedly. It was Athletic who produced the next determined onslaught that brought reward. When attempting to clear from the third corner in succession a Technical defender fouled inside the penalty area. Smith took the kick but sent it wen wide. Athletic maintained its one-goal lead until halftime. In the early stages of the second spell Athletic again forced three corners, but this time the defence celared. Half-way through the second spell Athletic scored a beautiful goal. Stewart raced downfield and passed to Besant. Besant returned the pass and Stewart drew the goalkeeper and shot the ball past him. Athletic’s third goal was scored after Flintham cleared a good shot from the left-winger Marris. Graham, running In to add cover defence to the movement, was rapped on the legs by the ball and it bounced into his own net. From this stage on. Technical began to gain a firmer control of the match. Two penalty goals by Charlton Inspired the team to greater endeavour. Technical scored the equaliser When Shannon sent home a fine crow-kick from the right wing. Jones.

With the scores level at full-time, another 15 minutes play each way was required with corners to count for the final result. Additional goals by Charlton and Shannon gave Technical its right to enter the South Island final by winning five goals to three. The referee was Mr J. Nicol.