GILLETTE CHATHAM CUP ‘Full-strength’ cup clash

Press, Volume CXI, Issue 32661, 17 July 1971, Page 42

GILLETTE CHATHAM CUP ‘Full-strength’ cup clash

(By

D. P. MANSBRIDGE)

Except in one position, both Christchurch United and New Brighton will be at full strength for their local “derby” clash in the second round proper of the Gillette Chatham Cup at English Park this afternoon.

With its first-string goalkeeper, A. Fleming, injured, and the first reserve, P. Straw, cup-tied, United will Mve the 18-year-old G. Crabbe in goal for this vital fixture. Crabte, a former South Island under 12, under 14, and under 16 representative, Ms teen the regular ’keeper for the United reserve side this season. His unexpected promotion to the first team will prove an ordeal for the relatively inexperienced Crabbe, but he proved as a youngster that he has the temperament and ability to rise to the occasion. Crabte has teen training this season with Fleming and Straw under the guidance of the former regional coach, Mr R. C. Carter, himself a former goalkeeper, who has been helping the United coach, Mr T. C. Conley. NJE. PLAYERS United will have its four national representatives who leave tomorrow for the two matches in New Caledonia— K. France, G. Griffiths, V. Pollard and B. Hardman—and will have last year’s New Zealand international, G. Davis, at left back, although Davis will still Mve his left arm in plaster. Brighton—“with everything to win, nothing to lose,” as its coach, Mr M. P. Bennie, said yesterday—has no player i problems. Ironically, its goalkeeper will be the former I United player and New Zealand representative, D. Phillips, who returned to the seasides before the start of the present season. Brighton’s strength will be lon attack, United’s in midI field and defence, and the

result should well depend on the outcome of this clash. The two clubs have not met before—either in competition or friendlies—and the reward for the winner will be entry into the national quar-ter-finals and an open draw. The other major clashes of the round are those in Auckland between Eastern Suburbs and Blockhouse Bay, and Mount Wellington and Mount Albert-Ponsonby. Eastern and Blockhouse also met last year, and Blockhouse won on comers after extra time, going on to take the cup and the national league championship. One non-national league side is certain to go into the open draw—Takapuna City ' or Papakura, who both play in the northern league and meet at North Shore.

Wellington has two central league sides in opposition with national league clubs— Miramar Rangers v. Gisborne City, and Seatoun v. Wellington City—while last year’s beaten finalist, Western Suburbs, travels to Nelson to meet the City team. The one clear cut favourite to go through to the last eight is Dunedin Suburbs, which has been drawn against the southern league second division side, Dunedin City. The United-Brighton match will start at 2.30 p.m. Christchurch schoolboys meet in a North v. South fixture as the curtain-raiser.