ASSOCIATION FOOTBALL

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXX, 5 October 1936, Page 8

ASSOCIATION FOOTBALL

NELSON DEFEAT RUNANGA BY 4 GOAL MARGIN A BRIGHT, OPEN GAME In a bright, open Association footoall match at Victory Square on Saturday, the Runanga (West Coast) club team found the Nelson representatives too strong, being defeated by five goals to one. Territorially, the honours were equally divided, though the combination ol" the Nelson side was distinctly superior. Runanga fielded a sturdy young team necessitating Nelson playing a hard defensive game to withstand their frequent raids. The Nelson representatives were an experienced team and they were responsible for some really clever combined play at times. .

Scott was Runanga’s hardest worker, while Speakman, Patterson and Craig also played outstanding games. The Nelson team all played excellently, with Campbell, Hurst, Ferguson and F. Du Feu being the best of an even side. The weather for the game was ideal, there being an absence of wind with an overcast) sky.

THE PLAY DESCRIBED Play in the first spell was very hard and even, J. Du Feu goaling for Nelson a few minutes after the commencement, there being no further score up to half-time. The second portion of the match produced brighter football, Hurst adding another goal to Nelson’s total, Runanga’s sole point being notched soon after, Speakman being the marksman. Before the final whistle F. Du Feu was responsible for two goals for Nelson, A. Du Feu also finding the net. The teams were: — Runanga: R. Aims, G. Aims, Armstrong, Patterson. Craig (capt.), Adamson, White, Shotton, Speakman, Scott. Crowe. Nelson: A. Smith,- Clarke. Coxhill. Bunster, Campbell, Hurst (capt.), Hobern. J Du Feu, F. Du Feu, Ferguson. A. Du Feu. Runanga won the toss, F. Du Feu setting the ball in motion for Nelson. Nelson pierced the Runanga defence, where the ball was given to A. Du Feu,,'who had no difficulty in beating the custodian from close up. Nelson 1, Runanga 0. Nelson’s tackling was very effective, while the forward line was combining splendidly. Smith made a fine save when Speakman attempted to head in from a comer, the same player narrowly missing with a powerful drive when the ball was pitched back into play. Campbell broke away for Nelson with a powerful run, but the Runanga full-backs, G. Aims and Armstrong, defended stoutly. The positional play of both teams was of a high standard, though too many passes were being intercepted. Nelson kept up a prolonged assault on the Runanga citadel, but the custodian did not allow the ball to get past him. Runanga then took up the initiative, Crowe and Speakman being conspicuous in a sortie which nearly culminated in a goal. Patterson gained ground through clever footwork in Nelson’s half, but he found difficulty in getting rid of the ball. Relief came to Nelson from a goal kick, J. Du Feu, F. Du Feu and Hobern attempting an attacking move, but G. Aims sent them back with a long-range kick. Play was confined to Nelson’s 25 for a considerable period, Ferguson being prominent later with a good individual run. There was a tense moment when Campbell eluded a Runanga player, transferring to F. Du Feu, who battled his way to within a few yards of the net, his shot just grazing the foot of the upright. Nelson were again unlucky phen play was carried to Runanga’s 25, where Bunster sent his shot over the bar. Scott and Speakman enlivened proceedings when they

carried play half the length of the field, their tricky combination dazzling the home defence. Coxhill, who was playing a fine defensive game for Nelson, sent the invaders back. Shortly before half-time, Scott narrowly missed with a surprise ground shot. On resuming, Scott sent Crowe away, this player transferring to Craig, whose shot failed to reach its objective. Nelson retaliated determinedly, Aims narrowly foiling a shot by F. Du Feu. Nelson’s second point came at this stage, when Hurst netted when he headed in from a melee round the goal-mouth. Nelson 2, Runanga 0. Hurst and Campbell showed great understanding in a clever combined movement which went there-quarters of the length of the field. Soon afterwards Speakman, v/rro had now replaced White at outside-right, goaled with a shot from a handy position. Nelson 2, Rimanga 1. Campbell made a plucky effort to block this goal.

However, Nelson were not long in adding to their total, when F. Du Feu pounced upon a rolling ball near the net, slamming in a terrific shot which gave the goalie no chance. Nelson 3, Runanga 1. After give and take play in midfield, Scott was responsible for a brilliant solo dash. He fought his way to the goal, where Smith saved by a hair-breadth. Play was now fast and willing, with both teams attacking in turn. Scott was unfortunate not to net when he placed a well aimed shot, which was deflected by Coxhill’s back. Patterson was again in the limelight with one of his tricky runs. He swung the ball out to Speakman, who was unsuccessful with his shot. Crowe was also unlucky when he lifted the ball over the cross-bar from a good position. Campbell essayed a powerful drive from the 25 line, but the goalie effected a splendid save.

Scott rattled the defence with an eel-like run which took him half the length of the ground. He transferred to Speakman, who lifted the ball into the air. This was a poor move, for Coxhill gained possession, sending the attackers back to their own territory with one of his powerful kicks. A movement initiated by Hurst bore fruit, when he sent the ball to F. Du Feu, to A. Du Feu. This player kicked toward the goal, and F. Du Feu dashed up and slammed the ball into the net. Nelson 4, Runanga 1. Shortly before the end of the game, J. Du Feu netted with a good shot, the game ending with the score, Nelson 5, Runanga 1. Mr J. Guy was the referee.

VETERANS WIN HOBNAIL SHIELD The curtain raiser was a match between the Veterans and the Colts for the Hobnail Shield, the Veterans run-, ning out the victors by 4 goals to 3.