ASSOCIATION FOOTBALL

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXXI, 28 April 1937, Page 2

ASSOCIATION FOOTBALL

SATURDAY’S CHAMPIONSHIP GAMES THISTLE’S SENSATIONAL WIN GOOD STANDARD OF FLAY Bright football marked Lhe eotiiitieneenicnt of ’ tlo local association football fixtures for the 1937 season. Ideal conditions prevailed, though the grounds were hv no means in their best playing order. The standard of play was surprisingly good for the beginning of season games. The ('eltic-Atlileic match was very evenly contested, the latter winning by the odd goal in five. Thistle caused a sensation by defeating last years championship winners by a large margin of four goals to one. Y.M.C.A. showed a slight superiority in the first spell and at the interval the score was 1-1. Y.M.C.A. were then outplayed. THISTLE V. Y.M.C.A. The Thistle defence performed exceedingly well to ‘keep the strong Y.M.C.A forward line from netting more goals. \V Sexton, the goal-keeper made some very good saves, while Clark, at right, back, cleverly intercepted many passes. Watson, the left back, defended stubbornly. The wing halves. Meachen and Smith ably supported the forwards, while Cuthbert at centre was more conspicuous when defending. Eergusson and Campbell repeatedly out-manoeuvred the Y.M.C.A. defence. In the wing positions. Knight and

■ics both crossed the ball well and with effective results. Twort will prove a big asset to the team as centre forward when lie acquires a greater understanding with the inside forwards. The Y.M.C.A. team greatly missed the services of their last season's full backs, Clark and Smalley In their places Guthrie and Eastftrbrook performed creditably though lack of experience was noticeable. 11l goal, Kirby was safe, but had no chance with the goals scored against him. The half-line of Banks, Hoiiern and Richards were far below last year’s form, and another two or three games will make a big improvement. The forwards lacked the support from the half-backs, .T. and A. Du Feu initiating many attacks with good combination. The wing forwards, McLaren and Mead, showed promise in .their shortpassing tactics with the inside forward. 0 Du Feu, at centre, was always dangerous in the first half, but bad few opportunles n the second. ATHLETIC V. CELTIC Both teams fielded several new players, and in this fast an dexciting game a draw would have been a good verdict of the play. Smith, the Athletic goalie, practicaly won the game for his side with many wonderful saves.

Devreaux, at left full-back, was safe though lie was inclined to dribble the ball upheld a little too much. At right back, Laurie intercepted passes with good judgment and cleared strongly.

i niff-backs, McKay and O’Flannalian played comparatively well while limster at centre was in good form in both defence and attack.

On the left wing Edridge, with plenty of speed, was very promising. Ross knows the advantage of accuiate combination, and wili undoubtedly be a big asset to the forward line. Mansel, >t centre forward, played a useful game, but is a much better player at full-back. Strange missed some good opportunities, but will soon be into his stride again. Willis filled the right wing position satisfactorily.

In the Celtic goal, Sannazarro was up to expectations. He should always ■andle the ball before clearing. Of the full-backs, Coxhill played safely, but at times kicked the ball too hard. Kirby defended stubbornly. The halves, G. Mackie, Large and Ward, promise to be a strong combination with a little more experience.

McWhinney and J. Mackie combined well at times, the latter having some very good shots at goal. In the centre Hurst worked hard, but the centre half position is more suited to him. McKenzie and Potts played with good understanding, ihough youth 1 a.d an advantage over them.

ENGLISH AMATEUR TEAM’S TOUR

The English Amateur team which left England last week for the Australian arid New Zealand tour will spend four weeks in Australia, playing eight games, and five weeks in New Zealand, during which period it will play nine games. The final itinerary for the tour- of this country was approved by a meeting of the Council of the New Zealand Eoot ball Association as follows Twenty-third May, arrive at Auckland on the Tamaroa; 27th May c. Hawkes Bay and Poverty Bay at Napier; 29th May v. Wellington. Wairarapa and Manawatu at Wellington ; 2nd June v. Otago and Southland at Inv;rcargill; sth June v. New Zealand, fir»r test, at Dunedin :9th -June v. Canterbury. Westland and Buller at Christchurch, 12th June v. Auckland and South Auck. land at Auckland; 16th June v. Wanga uui; 19th June v. New Zealand, second lest, at Auckland; 21st June trip to Rotorua; 26th .June v. New Zealand, third test, at Wellington; 26th June leave for Sydney on the. Maunganui. ENGLISH CUP KIN A L This year’s Cup final at Wembley hetween Sunderland (Ist division) and Millwall (Third Division) will take place on Saturday, Ist May, and will be broadcast by Daventry (England). SPORT BEFORE WAR At least up to the last few weeks the Spanish Association Football League con. tinued its matches Even in Madrid the great clubs were training and playing. The greatest difliculty was travelling I’he hist journey of the Madrid Football C lub to met the Barcelona Football Club was rather complicated. The Madrid team had to go to Valencia by car, which took seven hours, the journey not being without risks From Valencia to Barcelona ihe team was about 12 Hours in the train. In Barcelona football is played almost every evening. Several of the best.and most attractive players serve with the troops, nevertheless, crowds of . over 10,900 attend the matches Barcelona's football club has the best chance of becoming the league champions ; it is leading by three, points, with Madrid second. CHARGING THE GOALKEEPER Law 8 of the Association game has an addition which is in force in England and is lo he enforced in New Zealand. It says that although a player is entitled to charge the goalkeeper when the Ist tei is in possession of the ball, i.e.. hold iiig the hall, it is not permissible for him to kick or attempt to kick the hall m such eircumst.mces. The use of the foot amounts to ungentlenianly conduct, and

should be dealt with by the referee accordingly. •SOCCER JOBS WANTED IN NEW ZEALAND New Zealand is steadily becoming more piomiuent on the world soccer map if recent overseas applications for players and trainers jobs here are any indication. Any New Zealand club which can find work for an English professional, J. Dickenson, can have him, according to an offer made by Dickenson in a letlei to the 'New Zealand Football Association. He is sft llins in height, weights !2st 101 bs. is 29 years of age, and single. Hf claims considerable experience in professional football, having played for Blackpool, Oldham, Athletic. Torquay, United, and Hartlepools United (2nd division, 3rd division southern, 3rd division northern respectively).

Another who has offered his services to the New Zealand Football Association as a trainer is Franz Von Woggeiihuber, who also presented an imposing list of references.

ENGLISH LEAGUE TABLE The positions of the leading teams and the last three teams in the Ist division arc as follows : Manchester City, 56 points; Charlton Athletic 52; Arseiini, 51; Derby County. 19 Last three teams:—Leeds United, 32. Manchester United, 32; Sheffield Wednesday, 30. Manchester City must now win the championship.