ASSOCIATION FOOTBALL

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXXIII, 10 May 1939, Page 9

ASSOCIATION FOOTBALL

NOTES ON SATURDAY’S PLAY | —— BRIGHT PLAY IN Y.M.C.A.-ATH-LETIC MATCH J | VICTORY SQUARE IN GOOD ORDER j ! The one Association Football fixture played on Saturday, the match between Hhletic and Y'.M.C.A., provided some bright football in spite of the greasy ground conditions. Victory Square is in far better trim than ever before, and the forwards have been quick to take advantage of the improved surface, dribbling and short passing movements being exploited with much greater confidence than in the past. A notable absentee from the Y.M.C.A. (earn this year is F. Kirby, who is resting an injured knee and is not likely tc turn out until the season is well advanced. His place in goal was taken on Saturday by Mansell who. although Athletic had their share of attacking, was saved from much work by the steadiness of his backs, Eastabrook and Richards, who were assisted by O. Du Feu. who frequently dropped back v hen trouble threatened. O. Du Feu, who seems able to fill any position, is a very strong link in joining Y.M.C.A’s. defence and attack and stems always where he is wanted most. Banks at right-half was steady and his' goal from wide out was a good effort. The Y.M.C.A. forwards again combined well, their short passing movements often having the defence in difficulties. Their new centre-forward, Wilson, has proved a find, and he and J Du Feu form a strong attacking force. On the left. Palil is a promising ycung player and with Smith in the inside position, he often started good movements.

The Da Vanso brothers are valuable additions to the Athletic side, lives at left back and Alfred on the left wing, were two of the steadiest players on the field. Twort was seen in a new position as goal-keeper, but will be out in the field again when he recovers from a slight injui*y. Meacherrl is a greatly improved player and did good work in bi*eaking up Y.M.C.A. attacks down the left flank. Strange and Lowans were as usual conspicuous, Lomans’ goal from near the side-line being a notable effort. The Athletic forwards were a much stronger combination than last season, and only dogged defensive play kept them out on a number of occasions. M. Smith at inside left is a promising young player, and with a little more experience should prove very valuable to the side. FIXTURES FOR SATURDAY Association Football fixtures for Saturday are as follows: — Senior Y.M.C.A. v. Thistle, Tahunanui, 2.45 p.m., referee Mr W. Richards. Celtic v. Athletic, Victory Square. 2.45 p.m., referee Mr F. Du Feu. Schools Central v. Tahunanui, at Tahunanui. Hampden street v. Auckland Point, at Victory Square.