ASSOCIATION FOOTBALL.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIII, Issue 19307, 21 April 1926, Page 16

ASSOCIATION FOOTBALL.

FIRST GAMES OF SEASON. VERY CREDITABLE DISPLAY. NOTES ON PLAY AND PLAYERS. In the Auckland Football Association's opening senior games last Saturday tho standard of play, taken on the whole, was very creditable indeed. Of course, there was-plenty of room for improvement, but a most pleasing feature was the manner in which all tho teams engaged "stayed tho distance." The three contests were keenly fought out at a rattling pace, and at tho finish there were few signs of distress. It is good to be able to record this, for with the players in good physical condition first-class team work and deft control of the ball will seon follow, making for the sparkling encounters which are so attractive to the onlooker. Those who had looked for big scores with tho introduction of the new off-side rule which gives tho dashing inside forward more scope were sadly disappointed. In all threo games only 13 goals were registered, two of tho contests being drawn and the other won by a single point. Certainly tho new ruling has made teams pay a great deal moro attention than hitherto to the efficiency of their back divisions. It was noticed that when Thistle lost a man through injuries, early in the game, they played a forward short and kept the rearguard at full strength. From tho point of"view cf tho new law preventing a team, under similar circumstances, playing one fullback and spoiling tho gamo, here was a demonstration of its usefulness. A drawn gaino with two grades each was a very plain ending to the North Shore-Thistle contest. Although tho former were two goals up with only 20 minutes to go, Thistle had shown better football except for their finishing, arid had playe.d with only ten men for three parts of tho game. In both teams some of the most prominent players did not show anything like their form of last year, although there were no distinct failures. For North Shore Lipsconibe, in goal, had plenty to do and acquitted himself well throughout. Of the fullbacks Gerrard made one or two glaring misses, but' at times lie was brilliant, overshadowing his more experienced partner Corbett, who appeared to be taking things rather easily. Baxter, at centre, was the star of the half lino, getting through a tremendous amount of effective work. Neither Mitchell nor Jones were at their best at any part of the proceedings, but they were by no means "passengers." In the forwards Dacre was the "life of tho party." He scored both goals by dashing play, and appeared to be always on the ball. Palmer, outside right, com bined well with Dacre, sending across some grand centres that were worthy of a far better fate. The other three North Shore forwards, Han kins, J. Woolley and Bradshaw played well individually, but appeared to lack understanding. Not getting much support from Hankins, Woolley was seen at a considerable disadvantage, but he was all there with the pace and his shooting was well up to standard. Hankins, of course, was new to his inside men and cannot be blamed altogether. Bradshaw put in some dazzling runs down the line. "When they work up combination the Shore forwards should be second to none in the competition.. The Thistle Forwards. On their showing on Saturday the Thistle forwards, although they worked well together, are not nearly as formidable an attack as the five which represented the Scots' club last year. Certainly they were handicapped through Moon having to drop back to the half line, but even after this is taken into consideration they do not compare favourably. There is, of course, the possibility that such an early judgment is unfair, but it is doubtful if Marshall, Christie and Moon will ever be as good as the Dunsmore. Dodds. Humphreys combination. Christie showed some brilliant flashes on Saturday, but was not consistently good. Marshall and Moon were seldom prominent. Tho bulk of the effective work was done by Kay and Hislop, two first-class forwards. A very solid trio are the Thistle halfbacks. Tinkler, the centre, was a host in himself, while Dickson was not far behind in merit. Buchanan was giving a splendid account of himself until the unfortunate accident occurred which put him out of action. In the last line of Thistle's defence Reid was in a class by himself, giving one of the best displays of finished fullback play that Aucklanders have been privileged to witness for some time. Ferguson was responsible for some very good work also, but he lacked the dash and thoroughness of his partner. Jack, the Thistle goalkeeper, was in splendid form. He saved consistently "well from all angles, and had no chance with tho two shots that beat him from close range. Tramways' and Y.M.C.A. In tho opening stages of their game with Y.M.C.A. on Saturday "it looked as though Tramways were going to be defeated. The impression one got was that of niniblc-footed lads opposed to slowmoving giants. But when they got properly warmed to their work the Tramways eleven had a good deal the better of matters and registered a well-deserved win. However, Y.M.C.A. have a very capable f.ide, that should be heard from a good I tl'-al as the season progresses. Lucas, I their goalkeeper, on Saturday's form, is as good as any in that, position playing in tow senior league. The fullbacks, Otter and Cole, appeared to lack confidence a little, but both will undoubtedly improve with experience. In the half line Dick and Clunachan were most "prominent. Humphreys is a pronounced asset to the i .M.C.A. front line. Ho was particularly well marked on Saturday, hut was quick to take advantage of "one opportunity he got and notched a brilliant goal ilis inside men, Kemp and McLure, a.mo next in order of merit. The play of the wings, MeMiken am. Booth, was too orthodox to be successful against such an exKueneed defence; but in taking corner Kicks Mc.Mi ken has nothing to learn. In the. Tramways forwards, Spencer, the new centre, was outstanding They have two good wings in Lewis and Simrri. Dodds and Davis have not yet struck true form. Kissock, at centre half, was a tower of • strength to the middle line, and Watson on the right, gave a splendid account of himself. Spong was not so good. Notwithstanding rumours to tho contrary, Batty, the Tramways goalkeer.-r was out again for his old club. He kept his charge well except for one grave mistake when he left his. goal and lost tontrol of the ball. McEUigott was the better of the fullbacks. Simpson appeared to be out of his usual position.