SOCCER GAME

New Zealand Herald, Volume 78, Issue 24070, 15 September 1941, Page 3

SOCCER GAME

INTERESTING PLAY

COMRADES PLAYS A DRAW FALCON CUP COMPETITION The Auckland Football Association matches provided plenty of interest on Saturday, the eliminating: round of the Falcon Cup knock-out competition providing a surprise when Thistle defeated Mount Albert Grammar Old Boys in the main attraction at Blandford Park by three clear goals. Abels had little trouble in entering the first round by a four-goal margin over Onehunga in the cur-tain-raiser. At Devonport, the championship game between North Shore and Comrades attracted a lot of attention, a division of points being a sound criterion of the merits of the teams on the day. With Ponsonby taking the full points from Air Force at Victoria Park, Comrades, which has yet two games to play against Abels and Thistle, will have to obtain at least a win and a draw to win the championship. Following were the scores:—Championship: Comrades, 3, North Shore, 3; Ponsonby, 4, Air Force, 1. Falcon Cup: Thistle, I, Mount Albert Grammar Old Boys, 1; Abels, 8, Onehunga, 4. Comrades v. North Shore.—A sensational opening saw North Shore score from a penalty and Comrades even matters from the kickoff. North Shore had a goal advantage at the interval. McCamish was uncertain in Comrades goal, but improved toward the finish and made some brilliant saves. McKenna was the outstanding back on the field, although Riggans provided a solid defence. Fincham, Ilealey and Curley were always dangerous, but A. Francis was seldom in position and crowded his backs, with the result that Evans, on the right, was not effective. Masters and Walters, who each had a turn at centreforward, were Comrades' attacking force. North Shore, thanks to Craxton the veteran Koalie, Booth and Haycock provided a sound defence. The middle line, Valentine. Dacre and Kendall, was strong, and Agate, Richards and Sirno were the most prominent- of the attack. Masters (3) scored for Comrades, while Richards (2) and a defender netted for North Shore. Mr. F. Green was referee.

Thistle v. Mount Albert Grammar Old Boys.—This Falcon Cup game at headquarters saw Thistle holding the balance of play with Norman in goal and Constable at back outstanding in judicious placing. Orr as pivot, repelled attacks arid placed the ball for Morris, Marin McLaughlin and Belcher to combine dangerously. Thorn gave a sound exhibition in Old Boys' goal, but was crowded by his hacks and had little chance with the shots which beat him. Ward and Hutchinson counter-attacked with good placing, and although Tweedalc, Irvine, Patterson, McDonald and Clark had several opportunities, there was a tendency to crowd in the centre when well placed. Morris (2), Mann and Belcher scorer; for Thistle, while Ward netted for Mount Albert Grammar Old Boys. Mr. V. Olney was referee. Abels v, Onehunga.—Except for spasmodic raids by Onehunga, the curtain-raiser at Blandford Park saw Abels maintain an attack which was not productive of good football. Robinson (3), Meek (2), Blake, Ekman and Birchall scored for Abels, while Lindsay (2), Sefont and Douglas netted for Onehunga. Mr. C. G. Edwards was referee.

Ponsonby v. Air Force. —Air Force had the advantage of the wind in the first spell and the half-time score was one-all. In the second half. Ponsonby used the wind to advantage, but the final score was not a pood criterion of the play. Air Force losing many advantageous positions by poor shooting. Callaghan (?) and Chapman (2), scored for Ponsonby, while Waters netted for Air Force. Mr R. C. Brighton was referee.