Y.M.C.A. BEAT-DIAMOND.

Evening Post, Volume CV, Issue 136, 11 June 1928, Page 14

V.M.C.A. BEAT-DIAMOND.

After a closely-fought game, in which extra time was necessary in order to reach a decision, V.M.C.A. eliminated Diamond from the 192S Chatham Cup competition on 2Sfo. 1 ground at the Basin Reserve. When full-time was called each team had two goals to its credit, and it was necessary to play for an extra half-hour. Early in the first quarter of this V.M.C.A. gained a goal, and this gave them the victory. The concluding stages of the game were fought out in a heavy fog, and it was practically impossible to see the players from the grandstand. As an exhibition of Soccer the game was not outstanding. Both teams were inclined to play for safety, and there was little spectacular play. On the run of the game there was very little between the teams, Y.M.C.A.'s success being largely due to their solid defence. The left back, L. M'Girr, was an outstanding figure, and Lucas, the goalkeeper, also took a prominent part. The teams were: — V.M.C.A.—Lucas; Trott, M'Girr; Pearson, Keyling, Ballard; Worth, Rigby, Dempster, Lack, and Stocks. Diamond—Swing; G. Wetherspoon, Guest; Findlay, T. Wetherspoon, M'Cormack; M'Lcod, Daniells, Smith, Anton, and Stark. Referee: Mr. C. P. Ward. V.M.C.A. were not long in opening the scoring. Ballard sent the forwards away, and Dempster took the ball through. In endeavouring to save, Ewing fell on the ball. Dempster followed up, and, getting the ball away from the goalkeeper, sent it into the net. V.M.C.A. 1, Diamond 0. Diamond retaliated, and a strong attack ended in Smith finding the net, but the referee ruled him offside. Following this V.M.C.A. penned Diamond in their own territory for a while, and Lack and Worth narrowly missed scoring, Diamond attacked again, and Anton shot hard for the corner of the goal. Lucas flung himself at Ihe ball, however, and managed

to deflect it. Then Diamond assorted themselves, and for the remainder of the spell V.M.C.A. were keptbusy defending. Anton missed a great chance of scoring with an open goal in front of him. During a hot attack M'Girf handled, and Diamond were awarded a penalty. The kick was taken by Stark, and he made no mistake. V.M.C.A. ], Diamond 1. This was the score at half-time. V.M.C.A. were tlic first away in the second spell, but they were not allowed to hold the advantage very long, and Lucas was called upon to save several times. V M.C.A. came again, and this time they were" successful, Worth sending across a fine centre for Dempster to shoot through. V M.C.A. 2, Diamond 1. Diamond attacked strongly again, and T. Wetherspoon kicked high in front of the goal. Stark took possession, and. beat Lucas with a fine shot. V.M.C.A. 2, Diamond 2. Just before full-timo was called V.M.C.A. were awarded a penalty kick, but Reyling missed with his shot. Full time was sounded with the scores level. An extra half-hour's play was ordered, and early in the first quarter Lack scored for YM. 0 A This was the only score, and Y.M. C.A*. left the field victors by the odd goal in five.