MATCH AT DEVONPORT

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22469, 13 July 1936, Page 14

MATCH AT DEVONPORT

■7 POINTS TO NORTH SHORE Although there were occasional bright periods of play, tho game at Devonport between North Shore and Thistle produced a ragged type of football for the greater part of the time. The ground was in a firm condition, but the surface was bumpy, which caused the ball to behave erratically. Both teams were haphazard in their work during the first 20 minutes and, although the exchanges were faster and more interesting in the second spoil, the combination and methods employed wero not what one would expect from senior elevens. The players nf both teams were indiscriminate in their passing, while they sacrificed a great deal of ground on a number of occasions by their lack of judgment in parting with the ball. Thistle endeavoured to play tho better football, under the guidance of a fairly competent half division, but, peculiarly enough, the bustling tactics of the opposition proved more successful. The North Shore forwards were singularly ineffective in midfield, but they revealed a higher standard of finishing than usual, and allowed few opportunities to pass. Faced by a solid defence the Thistle vanguard swung tho ball about freely, but the North Shore backs covered up nicely, and nullified most of tho opposition's moves. Showing courage in diving to meet the, opposing forwards, Cameron gave a much improml display in tho North Shore goal. He handled cleanly and showed judgment with his clearing kicks. The backs, Gcrrard and West, offered excellent support. Their tackling was determined and the.v did their best to connect up with the forwards when clearing the ball. Although a trifle slow, Corbett balanced tho half lino cleverly, and he was a central figure both on defence and attack. Sale commenced in an erratic manner, but he showed marked improvement as tho game progressed. He tackled solidly and, disdaining the orthodox type of play, swung the ball into the centre and across to Ihe opposite flank with considerable effect. The two wingmen, Sime and Blaekie. were the only forwards who showed good ball control and initiative. Tho other members of the front lino were inclined to stand off and allow tho opposition to make the plav. The Thistle goalkeeper, Watson, was rnirly safe, although he was inclined to become bustled under pressure. Williims and Stone were a solid pair of backs, but both were inclined to wander overmuch. A swift reversal often caught them out of position. Wright was the outstanding half, but little advantage was taken of his constructive efforts. Kay did pot make the most of his chances on the leit. while faulty finishing nullified several brilliant runs down the right, bv Wood. Goals wore scored for North Shore by Ekman (2), Blackio and Stevenson, while Wiseman and Angus netted for Thistle arid a North Shore defender kicked the ball into his own goal. Mr. W. A. Austin was reforeo.