ASSOCIATION FOOTBALL

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXXI, 21 June 1937, Page 7

ASSOCIATION FOOTBALL

SENIOR CHAMPIONSHIP SATURDAY’S MATCHES RESULTS AT A GLANCE Y.M.C.A. 4. Celtic 3. Thistle 3, Athletic 1. A cold southerly rendered conditions unpleasant at Victory Square on Saturday, when the third round of the senior Association football championship was advanced a further stage. Both games were quite close, though there were no surprises, Y.M.C.A., the championship leaders, narrowly defeating Celtic while Thistle gained the decision in their match with Athletic. The grounds were in good condition, though rather soggy in the worn patches around the goal-mouths! ONE GOAL MARGIN Y.M.C.A. DEFEAT CELTIC Y.M.C.A. absolutely outclassed Celtic in the first spell of the game, the machine-like combination and the deadly shooting of their forwards resulting in four goals being registered before the change-over. Celtic pulled themselves together in the second half, and the wind, which had obviously been troubling them previously, now enabled them to keep the Y.M.C.A. forwards at bay, at the same time facilitating attacking movements three of which resulted in goals. Though they looked like scoring again in the second spell Y.M.C.A were unable to add to their total, winning by the narrow margin of one goal. The three Du Feu brothers and Banks played well for Y.M.C.A., while Mead also made good use of his opportunities. For Celtic, Hurst, McWhinney and Coxhill were outstanding. The two custodians, Kenning and McKeliar, effected some fine saves. The teams were:— Y.M.C.A.: McKeliar, Ilobern, Guthrie, Banks, 0. Du Feu, Richards, Mead, F. Du Feu, Stevens, J. Du Feu, Eastabrook. Celtic: Kenning, Large, Coveny, Flannahan, Coxhill, Mayers, G. Mackie, Potts, Hurst,,McWhinney, Ward. Soon after the kick-off, J. Du Feu and Mead participated in a pretty combined effort, initiated at the half-way line, by O. Du Feu. Play settled down in Celtic goal area, where Kenning was twice called upon to save. The Y.M.C.A. onslaught was maintained for some minutes, Coxhill being prominent on defence for Celtic, effectually frustrating several potential scoring movements with powerful kicks. Play switched up and down the field, though Y.M.C.A. were not long in' asserting their superiority, combining to better effect than their opponents, whose positional play was not all it might have been. The wind was also of considerable assistance to Y.M.C.A. After a determined Y.M.C.A. offensive, Mead playing at outside-right, lobbed a beautiful centre to his forwards, which F. Du Feu nodded home. Y.M.C.A. 1, Celtic 0. Hurst caused a diversion when he gained possession in Celtic territory an& gained a great deal of ground with a strong run, but his pass went astray, with the result that Y.M.C.A were soon back again for J. Du Feu to beat Kenning with a splendid shot. Y.M.C.A. increased their lead a minute afterwards when Eastabrook ballooned in a shot from' thirty yards out. Y.M.C.A. 3, Celtic 0. Y.M.C.A. were now definitely on top, outclassing their opponents in all de T partments, Celtic conceding four corners in succession. Coveay relieved eventually, letting Ward away on the right. In endeavouring to square across to Hurst, the latter player did not allow for the wind. The Celtic halves were on their guard, however, and Hurst shot immediately on regaining possession, though he skied the ball over the bar. Hurst was the backbone of the Celtic vanguard, but he was far from being sufficiently supported. He was unlucky when a pass intended for Potts fell into the hands of Guthrie, a Y.M.C.A, full-back, who booted heftily to his forwards. The Celtic defence was completely bewildered by the ensuing attack, which culminated in J. Du Feu slamming in a pile-driver which went wide of Kenning. Y.M.C.A. 4, Celtic 0. Y.M.C.A. were the dominant loam up till half-time. McKeliar saved narrowly soon after resumption, when Celtic raided and Ward centred to his forwards. Y.M.C.A. soon showed they did not intend to rest on their laurels, when O. Du Feu, who was playing an excellent game at cen-tre-half, sent the ball ahead to F. Du Feu, whose long-range drive narrowly missed its mark. Celtic rallied quickly, carrying play to their opponents’ territory, where Hurst was rewarded for his unflagging efforts when he drove in from a good position. Y.M.C.A. 4, Celtic 1. With the wind behind them Celtic were making a much better showing, Y.M.C.A. finding it increasingly difficult to come within scoring range. Celtic were missing several good opportunities, Hurst being the only player who was dangerous near the net, though Me* Whinney, who had also been playing a vigorous game, was responsible for Celtic’s next goal when he netted from' a forward tussle. Y.M.C.A. 4, Celtic 2 Both sets of forwards now clapped on the pace, the custodians at both ends having their hands lull. Celtic’s next o was rather unexpected, Potts tapping past Kenning from a movement initiated by Flannahan. The play which ensued till the final whistle was quite exciting at times, with both teams striving desperately to net again, though no further score was registered, Y.M.C.A. running out the winners by 4 goals to 3 Mr J. Thomason was the referee.