ASSOCIATION GAME

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22726, 12 May 1937, Page 18

ASSOCIATION GAME

IMPROVED FORWARD PLAY

COMRADES' GOOD SHOWING

FIRST-TIME SHOOTING NEEDED

A salient feature of matches played this season in the senior Soccer championship is the distinct improvement in forward play—an improvement which is probably reflected by the large scores registered by many of the teams. There seems to be a better general idea of attacking play than has been witnessed for several seasons, while it is apparent that more care is being taken in ensuring that offensive moves are carried through to the finish and not allowed to fail owing to faulty passing or poor positional play. The improved standard is more noticeable among some teams than others, but it is obvious that the upward trend is general. A team whose combination has been particularly impressive is Comrades, which gave an excellent display in defeating Mount Albert Grammar Old Boys on Saturday. The Comrades forwards are particularly nippy and possess splendid ball control, while they reveal skill and precision in the execution of attacks. M. Francis and Marvin are two hard-working inside men, equally valuable on defence and attack, while A. Francis shows dash and ability in the centre-forward position. However, the real strength of the team s attack comes from the close co-opera-tion between halves and forwards, lhe halves show considerable skill in Positional play, with Hooten as a driving force in the centre. However, much of the side's excellent constructive play will be lost unless more attention is paid to the allimportant shooting methods. Most of the senior players in Auckland, especially the vounger ones, seem to require the ball to be steadied and lying straight in front of them in order to secure any accuracy with their shots. Whenever a first-time shot is attempted, the players show a lamentable lack of judgment in timing and many fail to observe the fundamental law of getting over the top of the ball. There is only one thing that will bring an improvement in this direction and that is persistent and systematic practice in taking the ball from all angles and on the first bounce. FORCEFUL CENTRE-FORWARD ANGUS" SHINES FOR THISTLE One of the outstanding displays given in the matches at Blandford Park on Saturday was the forceful exhibition by Angus, the Thistle centre-forward, whose energetic work and opportunism were greatly responsible for Ponsonbv's defeat. Angus lias, shown consistent form in this position for several seasons, but he has not managed to rise to any great heights when chosen in representative teams. When surrounded by strong and skilful supports —a time when one would expect him to shine —Angus seems to allow himself to be dominated.

His display on Saturday was characterised by speed, skilful footwork and powerful shooting. A small, but stockily-built, player, he manages to overcome the handicap of his height by his agility and aggressiveness, and lie is one of"the few players in Auckland who can score consistently with either foot and without waiting for the ball to bounce conveniently. The selector has chosen Angus for the curtainraiser match against South Auckland at Bland ford Park to-day, and it would not he surprising to see him in the Auckland A side for the more important fixtures to be played later in the season. It is forceful players of his type who will be needed for the matches against the English side. ABELS STRENGTHENED SURPRISE FOR NORTH SHORE North Shore was unlucky to lose Corbett during the second half of its game against Abels at Devonport, and although the rest of the team put up a. great fight, it could not withstand the onslaughts of its strengthened opponents. West is showing evidence of the tuition he is receiving from Gerrard and should be a force to be reckoned with in future representative fixtures. Cronin revelled in the hard work at centre-half. C. Blackie, the junior representative of last year, gave an outstanding exhibition on the right wing, and, with J. Woollev, also showed a sound knowledge of combined play. Archer, at centre-forward, was unable to appreciate the good passes he received, and many certain goals were missed through him having to trap the ball and then turn with it. Ross made a big difference to Abels' defence, and. with G. Wright playing a steady game at centre-half, and Chalmers, although roaming a lot, always on the attack, the side showed a vast improvement. Robinson and McCallum were always dangerous, but McLeay did not seem to realise this and repeatedly swung the play to Kay, who was too well marked. Hamilton was outstanding with elusive runs, but these often perplexed his own side. Not enough use was made of Robinson, while McLeav was slow in anticipation.