SOCCER FINAL

Evening Star, Issue 18925, 27 April 1925, Page 11

SOCCER FINAL

A CLOSE FINISH SHEFFIELD UNITED WIN 'Press Association—By. Telegraph— Copyright, LONDON, April 25. _ At the Wombloy Stadium the Association football cup final was played before 90,000 people. The Duke and Duchess of York were present. Sheffield United beat Uardilr City by 1 goal to nil. The Duke and Duchess of York arrived shortly before the start of the game. The Duke walked across the 'ground, amidst 'dcatenmg cheers, and the teams were presented to their Royal Highnesses. Sheffield was the first to attack, and continud to have the better of matters, tho kicking of the Welsh backs being hurried. Tunstall netted for Sheffield after thirty-one minutes’ play, rushing in and putting the ball through at close quarters. Gillespie (Sheffield) was prominent for his skilful work, though tho combination of tho halves and of the forwards of both sides left much to bo desired. On resuming play in tho second spell Nicholson (Cardiff), at centre, had a chance for a clear shot, but he passed. Then, amidst excitement, the Cardiff goalie had to punch away to the centre. There was little combined play owing to the effective breuking-up tactics of both sets of halves and forwards. In tho end Cardiff made a desperate effort, and might have equalised, but failed owing to tho wretched shooting of their inside forwards. Sheffield recovered their grip, and held out to the finish, whereupon'tho crowd broite on to the ground, and shouldered Tunstall and Gillespie to tho stand, where the Duke of York presented the cup and medals. Mr Ramsay 'MacDonald occupied a scat immediately ‘next to the Royal box, and had to rise repeatedly In acknowledgment of cheers. The Duke and Duchess of York, at half-time, invited him into the. Royal box, but Mr MacDonald declined on tho ground that ho was accompanied by friends. The invitation was then extended to his friends, and repealed with such insistence that Mr MacDonald and party accepted and entered the Royal box, where Mr MacDonald was bidden to sit on the right, hand of the Duchess, with whom he was in close conversation uiAil the end of the game.—Reuter.