Soccer's summit match to decide title

Press, Volume CVIII, Issue 31772, 31 August 1968, Page 11

Soccer's summit match to decide title

'J'HE scene ts set today for the soccer match of the year Rangers v. Christchurch City, to decide the first southern league championship. This confrontation at the summit has been pending since the two clubs drew their first round encounter. 1-1, and have alternatively shared the leadership. There was a period of misgiving when Rangers lost to Roslyn-Wakari last week and surrendered their unbeaten record. But like a thoroughbred, Rangers came back on Wednesday to beat Western, 1-0, and level the points. Now, City and Rangers meet almost on level terms. The one advantage remaining is held by City—its goal average is such that Rangers must win today to carry off the title. A draw would allow City to stay on top and take the S5OO first prize on goal average, as New Brighton did in the second division over Caversham. The two clubs have reached the final hurdle along diverse routes. City has lost twice—to Western and St 'Kilda; Rangers have been beaten once —by Ros-

lyn. City has drawn once—with Rangers: Rangers have had three draws—against City, Northern and Roslyn. City began the season with all of last year’s promise, went through a scratchy period, and then moved into top gear for its last seven matches, scoring 54 goals and conceding one. Rangers, on the other hand, have played patchily during matches rather than over a period. There are times during a game when they are all-powerful, surging through with tremendous spirit and confidence: other times when they seem to drift along, a little casually. The two clubs have met twice this season and each match was desperately close. City led 2-0 in their Chatham Cup tie and lost 2-3 in extra time; Rangers led 1-0 in their league game until City scored in injury time. Their styles of play have differed considerably. Rangers, to a great extent, rely on the power that T. Haydon, their player-coach, and V. Pollard generate in midfield. The ball is either pushed through the -middle for the centre-forward, B. Hammond, to chase and worry defenders, or swung quickly to either wing, for D. Torkington or W. Robinson to make play. Lurking on the edge of the penalty area are Haydon, Pollard and G. Adam to take pot shots at goal whenever the opportunity arises. City’s style is more complex, built on quick possession and close passing, until the way is opened for F. Madrussan, on the left-wing, to carry play forward, or for

the rest of the forwards to chip away gaps for a closerange shot.

Both are strong in midfield; Haydon, Pollard, M. Blight and D. Simmonds, for Rangers; G. Evans, the Gowans brothers and J. Logue for City. If neither manages to gain a hold over

the other, victory will go to the side able to snatch up the few chances that will be offered. It is the long-awaited match of the season. It will be hard, fast and skilful.

once the two teams settle down. On their performances this season, either Rangers or City would make a worthy South Island soccer champion. But it has to be one or the other. And the choice is wide open.