Association Football

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XIV, Issue 235, 11 September 1924, Page 2

Association Football

SOUTHLAND (5) V. CHINA (1). INTERESTING GAME. (Per Press Association.) Invercargill, Sept. 10. A crowd of between 3000 and 4000 this afternoon witnessed the defeat of the Chinese University footballers by the Southland team, the score being five goals to one. The game, while not marked by any great display of good Soccer, yet afforded an interesting spectacle of a game not seen much in Invercargill, and the spectators’ interest was maintained throughout. The footwork of the visitors was good, but Southland had the advantage of weight and seemed to take more advantage of opportunities offered. The game was marked by a pleasing spirit of sportsmanship and good fellowship throughout. In the first spell play was fairly even till about half-way, when from a scramble Rudolph goaled luckily. Five minutes late, E. Cook, who had been playing well, cleverly beat the goalie, lhe score was unchanged at half-time. In the first spell China had the advantage of the sun and a moderate wind, and it was expected that with the change over the home side would do even better, but the visitors livened up considerably, and on frequent occasions gave the Southland defenders a hard time, and before the spell was ten minutes old Ting scored amid enthusiasm, and two other attempts shortly after narrowly failed. Half-way through the spell, after Southland had been pressing hard round the goal mouth, a free kick was awarded right in front, and Cook made no mistake. Southland kept up the bombardment for some time, but there was no result, and China eventually cleared to half-way, where play remained till a Southland rush to the corner saw a good centring kick go to Dickson, who netted a stinger. After a determined Chinese attack a hot shot was sent in, but the Southland goalie (Gwilliam) sent the ball over the top of the net. Play went to the Chinese goal mouth, where after an exchange of kicks Dickson goaled. Southland 5 China 1