LEFT SPURT TOO LATE

Evening Post, Volume CXX, Issue 7, 8 July 1935, Page 13

LEFT SPURT TOO LATE

Although Swifts lacked the cohesion and- penetrative power of Institute on the No. 2 ground at Basin Reserve, less delay in their finishing burst and greater realisation of the capabilities of their right flank would at least have yielded a draw; but Institute were justified in their win for the consistency of their clean, crisp football. Institute shone in the close, short-pass-ing work, the only tactics to be adopted when a small front line is faced with bulky, hard-tackling halves. While several speculators from the Swifts lorwards and half-backs were dangerous, they were perhaps too frequent, tor in a fast-moving game the opportunity given by a misjudged long-range shot will often change attack into counterattack. Institute's lead of five goals to two was cut down' to 5-4 in the last ten minutes of play.

The teams were:— •■ ■ Institute.—King; Watson, A. McLean, Bilby, R. McLean, Hicks; Marshall. R. Sutherland, Ward, G. Sutherland, TanSwifts.—Turner; Dickson, Long; C. MacGregor, White, Reid; Healy, P. MacGregor, Shankie, Bedford, Hamill. Swifts launched an immediate offensive from the kick-off. Healy, .receiving from the pivot, carved his way towards the flag, and snapped infield to P. MacGregor, who.left the centre to top off the surprise movement, ohankie slammed low for the corner, but King went full-length to turn the ball round the upright. Play veered abruptly from the clearance, the Institute left flank throwing the defence oft' guard with the speed of the counter. WaFd and G. Sutherland cleared a midfield passage, and Sutherland sent Tanner down the line He bored in, but was travelling too fast to put sting into his shot. Ward was showing fine control in the tight play, and Tannei had another chance a moment later, but he again overran himseit. in what appeared an innocuous bwiits rally C. MacGregor tried a lofty speculator from the wing, and Shankie, following up fast, bundled the 'keeper/ A fine shot and good anticipation. Swifts 1, Institute 0. The lead was short-lived. G. Sutherland, tenacious and tricky, made ground and crossed to the right wing, and Marshall squared beautifully; but when Turner cleared with difficulty, thero was no one

ready with the second barrel. Again Marshall centred, and this time Ward gave Turner no chance with a pointblank drive. Swifts 1, Institute 1. There was no respite. Ward tore through the rut and tested the net with a great shot. Institute 2, Swifs 1. Marshall found the net a moment later but was ruled offside. Turner hurt himself in trying to save, and Long acted as temporary goalie. Swifts equalled before the spell with a bright movement. Healy dropped over a tricky corner and Reid rose to a fine header. The half ended: Institute 2, Swifts 2.

The second half was young when Ward collected his third from a brisk forward melee. Institute 3. Swifts 2. Swifts had their chance to pull up from the kick-oflv but Shankie was a little slow and his shot just fanned the post. Swifts played more determined football after. Institute's next — a rising shot from Tanner—but despite good play by Healy and P. MacGregor Institute found the mark again, R. Sutherland finishing off a warm armful from Ward. Institute 5, Swifts' 2. Swifts came within cheering distance with bewildering speed. Bedford scored in runaway style, and scarcely had the ball been put into play again than Healy sprinted down the wing, cut in, and beat King all the way. Time was short, though, and the game ■ ended:— Institute 5, Swifts 4. Mr. A. E. Caisley was the releree.