THE SOCCER GAME

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVIII, Issue 23928, 31 March 1941, Page 5

THE SOCCER GAME

ARMY DEFEATS AUCKLAND FORMER RUGBY HALF EXCELS Physical fitness told its tale in the opening match of the Auckland Football Association's season at Blandford .Park on Saturday afternoon between an Army team and an Auckland representative eleven. A fast pace was set and surprisingly well maintained, and it was only in the last six minutes that Army, In scoring: three good goals, fully asserted its superiority. The Army team included six international players, and the Auckland side put up a good exhibition in holding the opposition to a one-goal lead for most of the game. A. Sutherland, an Of ago skipper, was In goal for the Army, and, heu. gave a sound display. B. Mead and S. .Lynda, two exAuckland backs, were very safe, but the driving force ot the Army side was the Auckland and international centre-half, 0. Cleal, who dominated the play with forceful and constructive passing. He received good support, from tne two North Shore halves. James and Chambers. T. Farrian, Auckland and New Zealand inside-left, led the attack and distributed the play nicely, with good work being done by the Aucklander J. Jepson, at inside-right, and J. Morrison, Ofago, inside-left, who, with Hickmott, of Wellington. comprised a dangerous wing. On the right M. Corner, of All Black fame, showed that he has lost little of the dash which earned him junior representative honours in the Soccer code. With such an array of talent it was little wonder that the Auckland defence.had a lot of work to do and the display of Cocker, in the Auckland goal, repeatedly earned applause. Auckland's weakness lay in the forwards. where the selectors had difficulty in obtaining men to fill their correct positions. The goal scorers were:—Army: Jepson (2), Farnan f2), Corner (2)., Hickmott. Auckland: A. Francis (2) and F. Blackie. Mr. J. C. Sibbin was referee.