ASSOCIATION FOOTBALL

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXIV, 30 March 1931, Page 6

ASSOCIATION FOOTBALL

H.M.S. DIOMEDE DEFEAT NELSON IN SEASON’S FIRST MATCH At Victory Square in summerlike weather and before a good crowd a team from H.M.S. Diomede defeated the Nelson representatives in an Association Football match by 5 goals to 2. ’The learns were: H.M.S. Diomede — Ellmead, Burnett. Woodward, Aimer, Connor, May, Hooper, Haines, Boston, Leonard, Ellwell.

Nelson—Smith, Shaw, Friend, Hurst, Bourne. George, De Fue, Stevens, Camp, bell, Gould, Dore. The Navy winning the toss Gould kicked off for Nelson, passing to De Fue who put out to Campbell who raced down the wing beating two men and centred into the goal mouth, but Woodward made a good clearance. He passed Lo Cotton to Leonard who shot, but Smith made a good save, kicking to Bourne who passed to Stevens who set Dore going. The latter'beat Connor and Burnett and shot hard for goal but Ellwell brought off a one handed save for a corner which was cleaned, by May. Ho passed to Haines and then to Hooper, but was pulled up by Friend who passed to George to Hurst to Campbell who made a good run and forced a corner oft’ Woodward but put the ball behind. Shaw and Friend were being hard pressed but were playing a stunning game. In a good forward movement by all the Navy forwards Leonard beat George and Slmw and shot for goal. Smith made a good save but coming again Hooper beat the defence and beat Smith with a rising shot for the first goal for the Navy. H.M.S. Diomede 1, Nelson 0. Kicking off again Gould wont down beating Connor and passing to De Fue who passed to Campbell and beating Woodward centred to Gould. The latter with a first time' drive beat Ellmead for Nelson’s first goal. Nelson 1, H.M.S. Diomede 1.

Dore was playing a very fast and tricky game on the left. He received the ball from Bourne and heating Connor and Burnett centred to De Fue who was fouled as he was shooting. From the free kick Hurst placed to Campbell who ran in and heat Ellmead giving him no chance to *ave. Nelson 2. Diomede 1. After another run up Leonard spread eagled the Nelson defence and ran in and scored for the Navy. Shortly after this half time was called. Diomede 2, Nelson 2.

Leonard kicking off again the ball was soon swinging from end to end in some fast play. Then Boston broke away beating George and Friend and passing to Hooper who beat three men and scored for the Navy. Ellwell was playing a good game but was short in his centres. Stevens and Dore were playing a grand game making many fine runs and centres but had no luck with their shooting. Ellwell made another break away ancl passed right in front of goal to Boston who missed an open goal. Hooper and Boston broke through again and Hooper shot and hit the crossbar. Smith caught the ball and made a good clearance as he was rushed by Leonard. From a breakaway by Boston who beat George and Friend and centred. May rushed in and crashed the ball past Smith. Diomede 4, Nelson 2.

The Navy hoys were going great just now. Their training was standing them in good stead as Nelson were tiring. All the Navy forwards were fast and tricky and keeping Nelson’s defence busy. The forwards kept sweeping down the field, and Ellwell broke away again. He passed to Hooper, to Boston who beat two men and passed to Leonard who shot hard. The ball cannoned off Friend and deceived Smith who was ready to save the shot. Diomede 5, Nelson 2.

The match ended with the score unaltered. Mr Gilchrist was the referee.