GREAT SOCCER

Evening Star, Issue 22069, 1 July 1935, Page 5

GREAT SOCCER

TROPHY MATCH IN QUAGMIRE AUCKLAND WIN ON SUPERIOR COMBINATION [Special to the • Stab,’] AUCKLAND, June 29. Brief periods of sunshine, alternating with slashing showers of rain, provided the most unpleasant conditions for many years for the Soccer challenge match between Otago and Auckland for the F. Trophy. The ground was almost a quagmire when the teams trooped out. In spite of the conditions, however, Otago again proved a strong attraction, and the team was accorded a rousing reception from nearly 2,000 spectators when the sides lined up thus;— Otago: M'Dougall, Taylor, Anderson, G. Southerland, Warnock, A. Sutherland, Smith, Chapman, Hooper, Dalziel, Skinner. Auckland: A. Watson, Gerrard, Speed, W. Watson, Wright, Walters, Robinson, Dunsmore, Riggans, Farrum, Kay. Otago from the kick off attacked furiously, and Dalziel had a possible chance right in front of goal, but could be pardoned for missing in the mud. Within five minutes, however, Auckland had retaliated strongly, and M'Dougall was the first tohandle, clearing a long shot from Walters. A minute later Smith careered down the right and centred beautifully, but the left wing was missing. The game was fast and very willing, swinging from goal to goal with real Cup Tie fervour. The visitors were playing real forcing Soccer, Auckland showing more combined work, which accounted for a left wing run by Kay, which yielded a fruitless corner. It was really wonderful football under the conditions, and_. the crowd roe on tip-toe when Skinner cut in and tested Watson with a hot shot, he could not hold, but he blocked the shot of Chapman. At the other end M'Dougall was troubled by a great shot _ from Dunsmore, which he saved brilliantly. FIRST BLOOD. The first goal came after 15 minutes. Watson let Dunsmore away, and Robinson took a nice ' pass to centre to Farnan, who was unmarked, and he beat M'Dougall with an unsaveable shot. Auckland, 1-0. Otago replied with great vigour, and, following a faulty save by Watson, Chapman missed an open goal; the ball again sticking firm in the mud. Heavy rain was now falling, but the pace was unslackened. Auckland was making more of the ground than Otago, who nevertheless were showing up to advantage in altogether trying conditions. Warnock was outstanding in defence, at this stage, as were Taylor and 'Anderson. Hooper got his first chance to show, but the mud beat him. The best shot of the game so far came from Smith, after Hooper had sent out a clever pass. The winger drove with lightning force, but Walton fielded and saved.

As the spell drew to a close, Otago rallied strongly. Andrew and Sutherland made a nice opening for Hooper, who let Smith away. Again be tested Walton with another piledriver that the goalie saved brilliantly, and again kept out a second drive from Chapman. Otago fully deserved to be at least on equal terms this spell, but the interval found them defending after a great first half. Otago started the second spell by lashing the ball ahead, and twice penetrated the opposing defence, but without testing Watson. Then an Auckland attack faded out harmlessly. A short halt allowed Warnock to scoop a pile of mud out of his eyes. Kay profited by a miskick on the part of George Sutherland, and broke right through, but foundered when within a few yards of a score. Auckland attacked briefly. and M'Dougall had to save twice. The pace was slower for a short time, Auckland showing better teamwork here, _ and only luck saved Otago. In an exciting melee in front of M'Dougall, following a great shot by Watson, the home side looked like scoring at any moment, till a goal kick brought relief. BREATHLESS MOMENTS. Skinner was playing splendidly on the left, and there were breathless moments right on the Auckland goal-line, as the forwards tried to force through the ball, surrounded by five but Chapman ultimately sent it over the bar. With 20 minutes gone it was still anybody’s game, with Otago putting up a great game. ANOTHER MULLED CHANCE. Hooper and Skinner brought off a brilliant combined movement, which Skinner rounded off with a lovely centre. Chapman got the ball with an open goal about 10yds out, but he failed to trap successfully, and Otago’s third golden opportunity was lost. Nevertheless, the visitors continued to play a great game, rousing the admiration of the spectators, who gave obvious voice to their approval. The game continued to be a remarkable > display undpr almost impossible conditions, with not a whit of difference between the teams. t Otago’s fatal fault was In leaving too great a gap between half-backs and forwards. M'Dougall was cheered for a miraculous save from Farnan in a hot Auckland attack. There were only 10 minutes to go when (name missing), who had been the best player on the field, made a brilliant dribbling run to let King a way. The latter centred to Riggans, who was unmarked, and he lifted the ball over the head of M'Dougall into the net. The remaining minutes told a tale on the physical strain on Otago, who heroically tried to rally, but had taken too much out of themselves. However, Smith forced a corner, but sent the ball out; but till the final tho challengers never let off trying, but retired beaten, though not without their laurels, by 2 goals to 0. Auckland 2 Otago : 0 SECOND GRADE. Maori Hill 4, Roslyn-Wakari 3. Caversham 5, Tramways 2, THIRD GRADE. Northern 4, Boys’'Brigade 1. Caversham 1, Technical Old Boys 1. Mornington 2, Fairfield 2. FOURTH GRADE. 'Northern 4, Technical 0. High School 4, Cavcrsam 0. FIFTH GRADE. High School 2, Mornington 2, SOUTHLAND v. OTAGO. The following will represent Southland in the match against Otago at Invercargill next Saturday:—Pay. Batchelor, Adamson, Kerr, Hobbs. M'Murdo, Dymock, Reddington, Mor risen, Heenan, Gorrie. IH OTHER CENTRES CHRISTCHURCH. Western A 4, Thistle 3. Western B 5, Linwood 0. Nomads 3, Rangers 2. WELLINGTON. Petone 1, Diamonds 1. Hospital 7, Institute 1. Marist 9, Hutt 1. Waterside 4, Swifts nil.