ASSOCIATION

Dominion, Volume 21, Issue 292, 10 September 1928, Page 17

ASSOCIATION

AUCKLAND AND WELLINGTON DRAW AN EVEN AND FAST GAME By Telegraph.—Press Assoeiation. Auckland. September 8. The match tor the English Football 'Association Trophy between Wellington and: Auckland ended in a drawn game after a fast and thrilling contest. There was a large attendance, and with the playing area in good condition both teams gave a brilliant exhibition of crisp and clever football. After 25 minutes of strenuous end to end play Wellington took the lead, following some brilliant play by McLeod. Before the interval, however,’ a combined assault by Auckland saw Innes even the scores. The second spell produced even inore strenuous football, each side making determined efforts to obtain the lead. Leslie eventually put Wellington ahead with a brilliant effort, and for a time it seemed as if the trophy was to return south. Auckland stormed Wellington goal ip a series •of hot attacks, and from a well-placed corner Ilumphrcya equalised, Both sidfs tired in the closing minutes of the game, but the excitement was maintained to the end. At the conclusion of the game the Mayor of Auckland (Mr. G; Baildon) complimented both sides on their fine display, and presepted the trophy to the Auckland team, who wore the successful defenders. Auckland, won the toss, and Wellington rushed-to the attack from the kickoff. A clever interception by Simpson sent play to the other end, where Innes rind Humphries combined in a clever run. Steele robbed Davis, aud a line solo effort by McLeod had the Auckland goal in daugot' i until ..Longbottom sent narrowly past. Christie put Auckland on attack, but there was no one to take adi vantage of the perfect cross by Humphries. Clever combination by Davis, Jones and,Chalmers ended when Spencer sent hard over. Farquhar sent Leslie away, but Longbottom was neatly robbed by Christie, Wellington pressed hotly, and McLeod sent iu a fine shot, which Batty cleared at, the expense of a corner. Auckland retaliated strongly, and Spencer had a great drive which Lucas cleared in a convincing manner. Stark, Smith, and Longbottom were associated in a bright interchange of passes which carried play dangerously near the Auckland goal, but Jones cleared smartly. Wellington maintained the pressure, and a great effort by Leslie was well saved by Batty; Jones and Christie were forcing the game for Auckland, and Wellington forwards* got little opportunity to develop any concerted movements. A fine burst of speed saw Spencer almost through the Wellington defence. Haines effected a partial clearance, but Humphries got possession, and sent in a powerful drive. Lucas dived on"' the ball to bring off a spectacular save. The Wellington forwards opened up a determined assault. McLeod got the better of Simpson, and sent over a perfect cross. Smith headed goalwards, and Gerrard, 'in attempting a desperate clearance, sent the ball into his' own goal, well out of Batty's reach. Wellington I, Auckland 0. z ■Wellington maintained the advantage,, hud pressed hard for some time, but a clever interception by Tinkler sent Humphries away. Innes got possession, and, evading McCormick cleverly, he ran in strongly, and gave Lucas'no chance to save a high shot, which found the poof of the net. Auckland .1, Wellington I, Auckland forwards forced the game. ' Chalmers was outstanding, and had Wei-, lington defence sorely pressed. Haines cleared with Spencer and Innes in close attendance, and half-time was called with the scores: Auckland 1, Wellington 1, The Second Spell, Leslie and Longbottom had changed places in the Wellington team when play reopened at a brisk pace. Clever combination by Humphries, Tinkler, and Spencer put Auckland on attack, but Campbell broke pp the movement, and sent play to the other end, where Leslie sent a Weak pass. Auckland' stormed Wellington goal, aiid Spencer sent in an express drive, which struck the crossbar. From 1 lie rebound, Davis headed narrowly past. Wellington pressed, and hesitation by Auckland defence almost let Leslie . through, but a brilliant gave by Butty enabled the dcfniico to clear. Wellington maintained the advantage, and A. Campbell opened " up p|ay with a clever pass to Leslie, The Auckland defence was caught out of position, and with a fine burst of speed, Leslie beat Gerrard and Simpson, and gave Batty no chance to save a great drive. Wellington 2, Auckland 1. Auckland replied with a hurricane attack, Jones sending on to Chalmers, who got the better of McGirl - , but Haines cleared at the expense of a corner. Chalmers placed the kick perfectly, and Humphries headed into the net. Auckland 2, Wellington 2.' '[’he pace began to tell, and both sides tired in the closing minutes. NELSON AND JOHNSON-. VILLE Dominion Special Service. •Nelson, September IS. In a Soccer Match between Nelson and Johnsonville, after a very good game,' Ndsoil won by four goals to nil, goals being scored by Bothwell, two, Smith, and Baxter. CHRISTCHURCH MATCHES By Telegraph.—Press Assoeiation. Christchurch, September 8. • Nomads 0, drew with Western, 0; New Brighton, 5, beat St. Albans, 1 ; Thistle, 51,. boat Villa, 0; Technical Old Boys, 5, beat Sumner, 1,