ASSOCIATION CODE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIII, Issue 19415, 25 August 1926, Page 16

ASSOCIATION CODE.

FALCON CUP SERIES. FIRST ROUND DECIDED, SATURDAY'S GAMES REVIEWED. No game played this season under the auspices of the Auckland Football Association has aroused more enthusiasm or produced harder football than the Falcon Cup contest at Blandford Park between Thistle and Tramways. It began in a sensational manner with the Scots scoring two goals in a few minutes, and continued at a breathless pace until the final whistle sounded, with Tramways the victors by the odd goal in five. Defeat to either side in such a sterling game meant no disgrace, and, while congratulating the victors, the splendid fight put up by their opponents must not be overlooked. Contrary to all expectations the first game of the day, between Ponsonby and North Shore, resulted in a most decisive win for Ponsonby, who carried all before them, and finished up no .fewer than six goals in the lead of Auckland's representatives in the Dominion cotest for the Chatham Cup. Excuses can bo made for the losers, particularly in regard to the fact that they were playing men who had not properly recovered from serious injuries. But with every man fit and well they would still have found Ponsonby a stiff proposition, for the city team had a real " day oil," and played 'grand football. For the semi-final, Tramways, Ponsonby, Y.M.Q,A- and Northcoto nro left in, and although, at time of writing, the drawhas not been announced, two good games should result. Who the finalists will ha is boyond predicting, for' it has been proved that form in the championship matches is nothing to go on. If Trainways should draw Y.M.C.A. for their next Falcon Cup match interest will be extremely keen, as it was Y.M.C.A. who eliminated the championship winners in the first round of the Chatham Cup. Kay's Brilliant Form. While they all plaved clever and strenuous fotball no member of the Thistle eleven camo near to Kay on Saturday'for outstanding brilliance. Wasting no time in getting " sot," ho was a thorn in the side of the Tramways defence from the time the ball was set rolling until the referee called "no side." His two goals in the opening few minutes were real masterpieces, and would have paved the way to victory against many other teams. It was a remarkable performance, the points being registered in quick succession, and in almost exactly the same manner. It was as though a performer on the stage came back for an encore in acknowledging the 'applause.; In the closing stages of the game, when shifted to centreforward, Kay also did wonderful work, and it was no fault of his that an equaliser was not forthcoming. Hislop, who was indisposed, was sadly missed in the Thistle front line, although ■ Dunsmore, who filled the inner left position, was anything but weak. J. Christie, inner right, showed some very clever touches, but sepmed to lack that extra measure of keenness which such an occasion demanded. Ahem, on the right \ving, did all that was asked of him in capable stylo. Kernick played very soundly without being exactly brilliant. ETe lacked the weight to meet such hefty opposition. Of the Thistle halfbacks, Tinkler was perhaps the best of a solid trio, but A. Christie, at centre, ;was also a tower of strength, and Dickson served his sido well. Reid played his usual sterling game in the back line, and was ably supported by his. partner, Ferguson, who gava one of his best displays. Morris, the goalkeeper, came through a trying timo with honours. His best effort was a shot ho saved from Spencer in the first half. ' Triumphant Tramways.

Tramways found themselves in a pretty tight corner when the game had been in progress five minutes. The manner in Which, they rallied and ultimately triumphed was a groat testimony to their stout hearts and their ability as footballers. Too much praise cannot be givep. to the captain of the side and right back, McElligott. His display was an excellent one throughout the game, and there was not a better defender on the field, Simpson, the left back, also acquitted himself well, "while Batty, in goal, played a very sound game. Kissock, as usual, was the life and soul of the middle line, doing a tremendous amount of work both in attack and defence. When play became strenuous he was much in the limelight, but it must be recorded, in justice to the stalwart centrehalf, that on Saturday he was more often less to blame for the infringements than some of the others. Porteous was easily the better of the wing halves on the day, although Watson gave a better, account of himself in the second half. In the Tramways forwards, Doads and Spencer wore the outstanding performers. Dodds was the cleverer of the two, and his heady play started most of the successful moves, while he opened the scoring account with" a dandy goal. Spencer was not at his best in the opening stages, but struck true form later and finished up going great guns. Simm deserves praise for his excellent centres from the wing, ■which went to.the goal-mouth with deadly accuracy, He is still suffering from knea trouble and did well • considering this. Davis, inner left, was not up to his best form although he played a useful game. The same can be said of Lewis, on the wing. . ' ■ • Ponsonby's Great Day, The two outstanding players in Ponsonby's forwards on Saturday were Innes and L. Knott. Innes was right at the top of his form, being soon at his best from start to finish. "L. Knott scored four of the seven goals by dashing play. W. Knott and Hunter, the inside men, alse served their side capably, while Watterson, a promoted junior, at ccntreforward, fully justified his inclusion. At right half, Morrison was outstanding in Ponsonby's middle line, while Kane made an admirable centre, and Kennedy performed well' on tho left. On the day, aJJ throe wore superior to the North Shore half line. Williams and Pickett played soundly as fullbacks. Jack kept his goal well, although he was not unduly pressed. Four men only showed anything like their true form. They were Dacre, Woolley, Baxter and Gerrard. Dacre and Woolley got little or no support- from the rest of the front line. In fact they were hindered by their colleagues on several occasions. Gerrard had to carry his partner " on his back " most of tho time. Whowell had a glaring " day off. Y.M.G.A. v. Northcote. Tho Devonport Domain was in splendid order on Saturday when the Y.M.C.A.Northcote match provided the spectators with a first-class exhibition of spa r kli r >* soccer, and both teams played up to their best form this season. At the end of an exciting game 'the Y.M.G.A- combination secured tnem the winning championship points by three goals to 2, but Northcote struggled gamely to equalise at the end. For the winners, Thomas in goal proved a capable eleventh-hour substitute for Lucas, although he was handicapped by playing in mufti. At the outset Northcote had all the. advantage of the attack, Bell and Burford being most conspicuous, but the fatal mistake of passing too far forward spoilt several openings, Clanacan, Lewis and Dick defending well In the Y.M.C.A. forward line Humphrevs. Milne and Otter combined well together, tho left wing keeping Woode.il busy, while Humphreys, at centre, is back to his old form in pouncing on openings near goal. Both, teams should give a good account of themselves in the final stages of the Falcon Cup, and either is quite Capable of bringing off a mild surprise although they have none of the brilliant individual players who figure m the r*nks of the other clubs.