Clear leader in goal scoring

Press, 9 May 1979, Page 20

Clear leader in goal scoring

Johann Verweij -stands alone as the leading goalscorer in the Rothmans Soccer League with seven . goals from Trans Tours United’s seven games. What makes this achievement remarkable is that Verweij is being used as a midfield player. It is fortunate for United that he is in such fine form. Without his contribution, it would be in a very poor position on the points table. . Verweij, who must be rated as unlucky to miss selection for the New Zealand team to meet Norwich og Friday, has scored in all matches except one — United’s 2-i ■ loss to Wellington Diamond United in Wellington two weeks ago.’ Close on Verweij’s heels are two recognised strikers, Keith Nelson and Derek Gibson-Smith, both on six. Nelson has played an important part in Mount Wellington’s outstanding start to the season but Gibson-Smith, with the 19-year-old Shane Rufer, has dominated Stop Out’s goal-scoring. *

Between them, the two have scored 11 of Stop Out’s 12 league goals. Several of Rufer’s goals have come from strong longrange shots. Clive Campbell scored in all of the Mount’s first five matches, but has not added to that record in recent games. Along with Nelson (against Courier Rangers), Brian McKeown is the only player to have scored three times in one game. His goals for Hanimex United against Eastern Suburbs enabled his team to thrash the 1971 league winner, 4-0. Leading scorers.— Seven: Johann Verweij. Six: Keith Nelson, Derek Gibson-Smith. Five: Clive Campbell, Shane Rufer. Four: Brian McKeown, Jack Schuurman (Courier), Brian Turner (Mount Wellington), Alf Stamp (Eastern Suburbs). ’ Three: Mike Farac (Blockhouse Bay), Bruce Polyansky (W.D.U.), Joe O’Malley (Courier), Jack McGilivray (Dunedin City), Bill de Graaf (Mount Wellington).