Canterbury never outclassed in loss

Press, 1 June 1977, Page 34

Canterbury never outclassed in loss

By

BARNEY ZWARTZ

Canterbury was never outclassed in losing 1-3 to Luton Town at English Park last night, and to that extent achieved its stated aim.

In the end, as its coach (Doug Moore) said, the only lesson taught the locals by the top English second division soccer side was in converting half-chanc-s into goals. Luton was a faster, better team, but Canterbury made a valiant effort to disguise the fact and, with an ounce of luck, could even have come out on top Though Luton dominated long stretches (missing its own chances on occasions), a: Moore had expectec it to. Canterbury fought bad each time. Luton was extended almost to its limit, in a highly entertaining game. Several players, Moore said, could compete at Luton’s class. Outstanding were Bobby Almond, the man of the match, Mike Glubb. Mark McNaughton, and others. Canterbury started strongly, looking crisp and assertive, with play proceeding at a fast and furious pace. The first 15min saw an astonishing amount of goalmouth action, which the large crowd loved. McNaughton was wide for Canterbury after three minutes. and three minutes later Brian Chambers gave evidence of Luton’s lethal long shooting when he was centimetres wide from outside the area Gary Heale. who impressed strongly as an oldfashioned centre-forward with the added ability of insinuating himself behind the defence, came close after 10 minutes. He threaded his way on an excellent run through a crowded defence head powerfully, and Richard Wilson saved superbly, tipping the ball over the bar. One minute later Johan Verwij beat Milija Aleksic,

i Luton’s keeper, com-i prehensiveiy, but his shot' was inches wide. A minute ' a:.er that Bill Arney’s curdling cross did the same and) • trickled just past the post. ‘ 0 Next McNaughton intercepted a pass, and it took an r j athletic dive from Aleksic to e deflect the ball just outside B th' goal. e Pasquale Fuccillo, Luton’sei explosive midfield player,! then broke through, but in j trying to get the ball on to | s i his left foot his shot was i , cut out. ,’[ One minute later Glubb a vigorous shot desperately parried by Aleksic, , [falling over as he got his ' body between f he ball and „ goal. t [ Luton now began to assert , its coo] professionalism. ’[Looking highly skilled and dangerous, it was purposeful, poised, and accurate in ’(setting up fast attacks and .j'switching them. I It maintained its policy of Ish -oting from anywhere, and, 5 won most of the rebounds} 'when the shots were} Canterbury now be-} , came hesitant, and its lack} of confidence made it hangi r back a little from challeng- . ing for the ball. ’ After 22 minutes Jimmy Husband played a nice one- • two with Chambers, re- ’ leasing his pass perfectly, j Wilson could only muffle his "[shot, which was cleared off ‘the line by the magnificent ‘‘Almond. ji Luton’s first goal was} 3 1 almost inevitable. It came '! after 26 minutes when a - free-kick volley was blocked ■J.and came to Husband, clear 5 on the right, who neatly slid ’[it past the post from 10 e metres. ■; The game quietened tem- ■ Iporarily after the goal, but • | Canterbury was unlucky five minutes before half-time •,iwhen Glubb’s shot was

(cleared off the line by the 'Luton captain, John Faulkner. McNaughton again opened | the half with a fierce volley ithat was not far wide, but it was a long time before Canterbury could again get : excited. Its attack lacked penetration as it tired, and after 16 minutes a Husband shot [was goalbound with Wilson stranded. The ball was i brilliantly fisted over the bar, but unfortunately the deputy goalkeeper, Laurie I Blyth, was not entitled to do ' so and Fuccillo hit the resulting penalty home off the underside of the crossbar. Canterbury could not susl tain the pace or cope with Luton's speed or direction and after 21 minutes Husband broke down his wing and crossed low. Wilson came out and tried to cut the cross off, but failed, and Fuccillo shot into an empty net from 20 metres for his second goal. Canterbury had three [ chances in close succession aftei 30 minutes. In the first 'Glubb was deprived by a frantic tackle, and Arney [emulated Luton by fiercely volleying the ensuing corner (from 22m. It was well } saved. A minute later Glubb had only Aleksic to beat, but seemed to panic at the prospect of an easy goal and put his shot wide. Then he broke through and pulled down just before he shot, but Canterbury was not awarded a penalty. Three minutes from time Glubb got Canterbury’s deserved consolation goal when he was fed by McNaughton. He collided with the goal-keeper, but was first up to roll the ball ■ into the net. Ricky Hill, Fuccillo, Husi band, and Heale most exemplified why Luton was a class above Canterbury.