SOCCER

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XVIII, Issue 139, 26 May 1928, Page 8

SOCCER

(By

"Centre Half”)

GENERAL NOTES. Rangers dropped their first point last Saturday to Whakatu. Whakatu with ten men put up a most creditable game, and despite difficulties in fielding a full complement of players must, nevertheless, be considered seriously in the season’s competitions.

Rangers were an exceptionally lucky team the previous week against United.

The Hastings team appear to be sent, and their team selectors still have a difficult task before them in an uncertain quantity just at prearranging a good forward line. » * *

Their display against the local Y.M.C.A. last week was to say the least, most disappointing. Y.M. have acquired a really good outside left in Brehaunt. He nut in quite a lot of good runs, and has a practise that a lot of the United — and not only the United, hut other players—might copy with advantage, and that is, no tyi— the ball to his boot and dallying He parted quickly and always with advantage, and his centreing was equally good. With good inside men and support, he would Worry quite a few defences.

Newdick played a good game, especially in the first spell but booted away several shots in the second half. Sid Atkins. McAleese, and Gibb put in some good work.

Andy Bell was a surprised man when the ball screwed off his boot into his own goal, but the ball had a lot of spin on.

Stenson played a good game, and should improve a lot if he would listen to advice and steady his game more.

None of the forwards were outstanding, and the whole team lacked cohesion, understanding, and combination, There was too much individualism. The practice of trying to beat three or four of the opposition and returning to repeat the performance is foolish, and the sooner United settle down to a thorough understanding and just learn to draw the defence and immediately part with the ball to the best advantage. the sooner better results will accrue and better football be displayed.

Dribbling is, without doubt, a fine art—indeed, a very fine art—with which very few players are gifted, but it can be carried to the extreme. Team work, combination, thorough understanding between each and every member of the eleven, with skilful footwork and headwork, makes Soccer well worth watching. * * * The Canadians set an example of team work and positional play, but how many of our local players have taken the lesson to heart? * * * Soccer is only one of many games, and even sport and pastime, to be of any benefit to the player, must ne taken seriously. There appears to be too much of a lackadaisical spirit among players now. Apparently anything will do. It will not. Every sport depends largely upon public support, anfi the public want the goods when they pay, and the best only should be provided. * * * Soccer —similar to many another pastime—ig a scientific game, and should be studied and played as such. » » » The positions of the teams in the Sachs-Johnston competition up to last Saturday (inclusive) are:— Games. Goals

220.000 AT FOUR GAMES. 'No fewer than 220.000 spectators paid to witness the four matches at Maine Road (Manchester City's ground) prior to and including March 17th. The official returns of the attendances are:— v. Stoke City (F.A. Cup) 73,000 v Preston North End ... 60.000 v. Blackpool 40 000 v. Grimsby Town 47,722 Many clubs have received from the City as their share of the gate, under the percentage system, more than they have actually received from a home game. Possibly the average Manchester City gate for the season i s 40,000. placing it modestly. AMATEUR CUP. There was a time this season when Cockfield could not afford the price of a new football, and it is the club which figured in the final tie of the F.A. Amateur Cup Competition on April 14th against Leyton. Owing to unemployment in the Durham mining village. Cockfield have been battling with adversity for at least two years. But they have pluckily carried on. hoping for success this year in either sphere of operations—the Northern League or the Amateur Cup.

p. W Ia D for ag. Pt. Ranger s .. 3 2 0 14 2 5 Whakatu . 3 2 0 \1 11 6 5 United .. 2 1 1 0 7 7 2 Hast Y.M. 2 0 2 0 3 11 0 Npr. Y.M. 2 0 2 * 0 3 • 12 0