SOCCER TEST

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22475, 20 July 1936, Page 7

SOCCER TEST

WIN FOE AUSTKALIA MARGIN OF THREE GOALS VISITING TEAM EXTENDED FINE NEW ZEALAND DEFENCE Australia secured another victory in the final Soccer test, played at Blandford Park on Saturday, the visitors winning fairly comfortably by four goals to one. The ground resembled a quagmire, the result of previous heavy rain, while showers fell throughout the play. The weather conditions greatly affected the attendance, which was about 2000. In spite of the muddy state of the ground the match produced a fast and exciting struggle, the Australians meeting with the strongest opposition yet encountered. Although essentially sounder and more accurate in its combination and methods, the Australian team was forced to move from start to finish. In the first spell New Zealand claimed a fair share of the exchanges, and the spectators felt confident of a close result when the teams changed over with the score level. However the superior stamina and combination of the Australian team imposed too big a strain on the New Zealand players during the second half and it was apparent that the visitors had a firm grip on the exchanges. Excellent Defensive Work Although the slower conditions were to a large extent responsible for New Zealand's ability to hold the visitors to a reasonable margin, the more vigorous methods adopted by New Zealand were also an important factor in offsetting the brilliance of the Australians. Credit must go to the New Zealand defence for an excellent all-round display, particularly in the first spell. The outstanding back on the field was Haggett, who showed great pluck and determination in frustrating many of Australia's offensive moves. He showed fine anticipation in breaking up attacks and he was exceptionally quick on recovery. Speed and Wright were also responsible for very solid work. The halves moved nicely in the first spell, but they fell too far back when. Australia applied the pressure in the second half. They often lost possession through faulty passing. Smith, the New Zealand goalkeeper, gave an outstanding display, being frequently applauded for courageous saves. He handled the greasy ball with precision and he was not frightened to leave his keep and take the ball from the toes of the opposing forwards. Several of the New Zealand forwards showed up in bright individual play, but the front line was not impressive as a combination. Kay -was always dangerous on the left flank. Poor Shooting

The greasy surface did . not prevent the Australians from revealing their usual combination, and they -were seen in some very pretty movements which often shifted play from one end of the field to the other. Around the goal, however, the Australians failed to maintain their high midfield standard, the forwards missing a number of good opportunities. Fine constructive work was performed by Price and Cameron, who appeared to revel in the conditions. Harden and Osborne proved excellent halves, while the visitors had a strong back line in Evans and Forrest, both of whom kicked with judgment. McNabb gave a very convincing display in goal. New Zealand's only goal - was the result of a remarkable effort by Haggett. Picking up a clearance at the halfwav line, he connected with a firsttime shot that beat the goalkeeper The -ball, moving at a great pace, passed just under the cross-bar. The teams were as follows: —

Australia —McNabb, Evans, Forrest, Bryant, Harden, Osborne, Wilkinson, Cameron, Smith, Price, Donaldson. New Zealand.—Smith, Haggett, Speed, Todd, Wright, Chapman, Wood, Jepson, Bridge, Ives, Kay.

A Smart Recovery Australia showed up in a dangerous movement soon after the start, Haggett getting back smartly to save after the New Zealand custodian had made a mistake in kicking the ball across his goalmouth. The visitors swung the ball about nicely, Wilkinson making good progress on two occasions, but the New Zealand defence covered up. Smart following up by Cameron gave the visitors their first goal, when Smith pushed out a high centre. The ball rolled to Cameron, who quickly snapped it into the net. In quick retaliation, Wright sent the New Zealand vanguard away, the opposing defence being off its balance temporarily. Kay appeared to have a fine chance until he was pulled up for off side. Then Bridge and Ives missed chances, both failing to time their shots properly. Weak finishing cost the Australians two goals in subsequent raids, and Kay then showed pace on the left to trouble McNabb with a fine drive. The ball rebounded to Wood, who missed a great chance by skying it over the bar. New Zealand continued to press and the visitors were fully occupied in defending. Haggett then secured a great goal with a drive from halfway. The closing stages of the first half were fiercely contested, with both teams failing to take advantage of good chances. The score at the interval was: —Australia, 1; New Zealand, 1. Fine Goalkeeping

Splendid goalkeeping by Smith was a feature at the commencement of the second spell. The Australians' teamwork now began to tell and New Zealand was forced into a defensive role. Excellent combination produced an opening on the left, where Donaldson steadied nicely and squared across the goal. Price was ready and netted, the ball hitting a defender prior to entering the goal New Zealand made the mistake of concentrating on defence, a tendency of the halves to fall back giving the Australians every opportunity to reveal their science. Smith and Haggett recovered brilliantly on a number of occasions. but from a melee in tho goalmouth Cameron secured possession and scored. With the end in sight, New Zealand adopted more aggressive tactics, Bridge and Kay both being unfortunate with good shots that the goalkeeper handled safely. Accepting a cross from the left; Prico secured Australia's next goal The final scoro was:—Australia, 4: 'New Zealand, 1. Mr. A. Firth was referee.