THE ASSOCIATION GAME

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXX, Issue 21493, 17 May 1933, Page 16

THE ASSOCIATION GAME

UNEXPECTED RESULTS FOUR GAMES END IN DRAW GOOD STANDARD OF PLAY Unexpected results characterised the second series of matches in the first round of the Auckland Football Association's senior championship on Saturday, n peculiar feature being that in four cases out of five the games ended in a draw. In spite of slippery conditions good iootball was witnessed in practically every instance, tho teams swinging the ball about in a irec manner which made play open and interesting. Tho interest was maintained throughout the two contests at Blandford Park, where fast and even games resulted. Glen Innes was to bo complimented on staging a fine recovery against Thistle in the early game, while, after dominating the encounter for twothirds of the time, Ponsonby failed to hold Tramways when it made a strong bid at tho end and drew level. The Ponsonby side gave a greatly improved showing on the first match it played this season, there being a better understanding between tho various units, while the forwards showed little hesitation in making for goal. They outplayed their opponents in the early stages and hold a marked territorial advantage. With the end of tho game closo at hand, Ponsonby, holding a two-goals lead, relaxed momentarily, and Train ways probed the defences with success. While Tramways deserved commendation for its lightning retaliation at a time when all seemed lost, it could bo considered fortunate to save one point on the run of the play. Diamond Impresses The- Ponsonby backs, Stewart and Haggett, wero responsible for some fine defensive work, tho first-named, especially, saving his side repeatedly by quick covering up and brilliant anticipation. Haggett makes tho mistake when tackling of turning his back to an opponent at the crucial moment of contact, and but for his speedy recovery this habit -would havo proved costly to his side on Saturday. Makfiig his debut in tho halves, Diamond gave an impressive exhibition, boing constantly 011 the ball and breaking up many threatening moves by fino bustling. He would appear to be more useful to his side in the halves than in who position of inside-right. Outstanding in tho forwards for his heady and accurate work, Innes gave a display in keeping with his best of former years. With deft touches and fine positional play, ho niado opportunities for his fellow-attackers on numerous occasions. The remaining forwards wero good and bad in patches. Jepson did his best to distribute the ball in a useful manner, and he was singularly successful on two or three occasions.

The Tramways defence acquitted itself creditably considering the amount of work it was forced to do, Tinkler and Spong being most prominent. Batty was also in good form between the posts, and by quick anticipation nipped in the bud many dangerous raids.

The forwards did not receive the opportunities they might have against a more uncertain back line, but Donaldson on the left was seen in several speedy dashes and was unlucky not to score on two occasions. Spencer, well marked, did not come into his own until the closing stages, while Williams and McMillan were pretty with their feet but not as progressive as usual. A Studied Game Thistle played a studied game in contrast to the open methods of Glen Innes in the curtain-raiser, and it appeared that had the former exploited tho long passing game, suited to the greasy conditions, it would have come out on top of its more youthful rivals. Thistle showed better bpll control, but its short-passing moves often broke down when a player slipped. The forward lino also showed weaknesses, which will have to be remedied before tho team begins to win consistently. Woods was always a dangerous factor on the left, moving into position smartly when an opening presented itself. Hislop distributed the ball well in initiating many promising attacks. Wright and Williams were strong in the defence.

A solid back display was provided by H. Stone who, cool and collected against tho fiercest attack, was invariably "accurate in his tackling and careful with his placements. Tho halves covered far too much ground, but Gay in the centre shows possibilities for he was always on tho ball and tackled strongly on all occasions. A little coaching in how to part with' the ball to the most effect will turn him into a very useful player. Hitchen gave good passes but did not receive much room in which to work, while Glaister also showed rare dash on the right flank. Better penetrative measures and an ability to make the most of opportunities proved the determining factors in North Shore's victory at the expense of New Lynn. New Lynn, favoured by a two-goals lead, secured in the opening stages of the game, could not hold out the eager North Shore van when it had settled down to proper working order. New Lynn fought back determinedly when it'felt its grip on the game loosening, but the tactics and speed of tho home sido were advantages which tho sturdy tackling of tho New Lynn sido failed to offset. / Sound Defence fn a bunch of hard workers, Hamilton, Mar low and Clark showed up consistently for New Lynn. The first-named pair combined well, but invariably broke down in front of goal. A sound defence was offered for North Shore by A. and H. Smith and Hart, but it was in the forwards that North Shoro's superiority lay. McCluskey and Walteis wore a pair of fast-moving and cleverfooted forwards, who received good assistance from T. Smith and Jernm. The last-named still continues to display that penchant for goal-scoring and his' ability to bo on tho spot when the finishing touch is needed was outstandAlthough carrying on all-round superiority Comrades could only divide tho points with Abel's, due mostly to a fino exhibition of goalkeoping by Cameron, who repeatedly saved Abel s when a goal seemed imminent. The clever passing and intricate constructive play of the Comrades sido made it outstanding, the shooting, v/hilo fair, being the weakest feature of the team's play. It was difficult to differentiate in such a team of willing workers, but the performances of Francis and Skinner were especially attraclAbel's attacked spasmodically throughout, but did not seem to receive tho assistance they should have from the two newcomers to the side, Gill and McLeay, who have both given better displays. Tho best was seen of Abel's in tho closing stages. Ansteed was prominent in initiative work. The game at Onehunga between Y.M.C.A. and Onehunga was marred to a great extent by the fact that the former was two players short. As a result Y.M.C.A. wag forced to resort to individual play for the most park It was anybody's game right to the finish. Blockley, Davis and Wilson wero prominent for Onehunga, while Cowie, Mowat and Murano wore the best of tho opposition.