Fleming back in United’s team

Press, Volume CXI, Issue 32702, 3 September 1971, Page 30

Fleming back in United’s team

(By

D. P. MANSBRIDGE)

The New Zealand squad goal-keeper, A. Fleming, who lost his place in the Christchurch United side and the national team which toured New Caledonia because of injury, returns to the United team for the vital Rothmans National Soccer League match against Mount Wellington at English Park tomorrow.

Fleming, who tore the ligaments in his right shoulder playing for Canterbury against Wales in June, was in the side named by the United coach (Mr T. C. Conley) yesterday. It was the only change made from the side which drew with Blockhouse Bay, 1-1, in Auckland a fortnight ago.

Fleming replaces P. Straw, who has been in the United goal for the last four matches.

Explaining the switch, Mr

Conley said: “I had to give the matter considerable thought because Straw has done everything asked of him, and has improved in every match after a long period when he was substitute to Fleming. "However, Tony has shown in practice over the last fortnight that he has recovered from his injury.” As the man in possession before his irijury, Fleming has deserved his recall, although Straw had begun to settle into the defensive setup.

It will also give Fleming a belated chance to regain his place as the No. 1 goal-keeper in the national squad before New Zealand competes in the Oceania tournament in New Caledonia next month. There will be an addition to the United squad if the registration of the 17-year-old striker, D. Lamb, is completed in time. The Scottish-born Lamb arrived in Christchurch from Canada a fortnight ago. He played in the feeder competition to the Canadian national league in London, Ontario. Lamb played for United in its friendly match with Rangiora last Saturday and scored twice. ATTRIDGE OUT

However, United will be without the services of its regular full-back, C. Attridge, whose injured knee has not responded to treatment. There are fears that Attridge may need a cartilage operation.

The United team is: Fleming; G. Davis, G. Griffiths, K. France (captain), T. Blake; B. Hardman, T. Randles, V. Pollard; K. Doornenbal, G. Dacombe, A. Caine. Substitutes: Straw, D. Finnie. Commenting on the match with Mount Wellington, which will have a great bearing on the outcome of this season’s national league prize money, Mr Conley said: "This is a match we must go all out to win, right from the start.

“In United’s favour is that the team has always risen to the occasion against the top teams. Mount Wellington is the only Auckland club to have beaten United this season (the Mount won 2-0 in May) and even then United could have won if it had taken its chances. Instead, the Mount got two goals in the first half and then held on to its lead.”