ASSOCIATION FOOTBALL.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19761, 12 April 1926, Page 14

ASSOCIATION FOOTBALL.

ROYAL NAVY v. COMBINED DUNEDIN TEAM. Culling Park saw an attendance of close on 400 spectators to witness the first Association match between the above contestants. When the fixture was arranged the cruisers were expected to arrive in the morning, but it was not until 2 p.m. that they were berthed and the sailors arrived at the Park to start at 3.30 p.m. The spectators waited patiently, knowing well that the Navy would not disappoint them. It was very fine of them to take the field only an hour after berthing and the crowd showed its appreciation by hearty apClause as the sailors took the field in their right red jerseys. The Park was in a disgraceful condition, the grass in places being very long and tufty and against good football It might even be said that the shocking conditions were responsible for the defeat of the naval men. It is to be hoped that when the second match takes place next Saturday, the St. Kiida Council will have put the ground in good repair, thus allowing both sides to play scientific football. The teams were as follows: Dunedin (blue).— Caskie, Coates, Scoular. Balchtn. Dryden (captain), Morris, Lattimer, Rucidiman, Balk, Wallace, Faithful. Royal Navy (red).- Newson (Diomede), Watson (Dunedin). Prior (Diomede), Bradley (Diomede), Bird (Dunedin), Hewitt (Dunedin), Hill (Dunedin). Maywell (Diomede) Kernick (Dunedin, captain). Rivers (Diomede), Walker (Dunedin). Dunedin won the toss and played from the harbour end favoured by a slight wind and the sun. A spirited start saw the locals early on the job and the Navy goalie saved splendidly from Faithful. Play quickly changed to the other end but Secular cleared a dangerous position. Two Dunedin attacks ended fruitlessly. Wallace shortly afterwards headed past. The Navy fad not yet gained their shore legs. Walker got away on the left, Coates conceding a corner in his clearance. Kernick sent in a stinger, Caskie dealing with it effectively. For a time Dunedin were hard pressed, and fortunately for them the naval front line had not displayed a good shooting boot. Dutch in let Lattimer away on the right and M’allace bustled the ball into the net from the latter s cross. Dunedin I—o The Navy were not long in retaliating, securing two corners which wore both excellently taken. Their right-half, however, handled in the melee following and a glorious chance was missed. Bulk secured a good centre from Lattimer but drove high over the top The Navy were gradually coming into their own and Hill sent over a good one which Rivers grazed the (lost with wards Walker shot, Caskie conceding a corner which, though well placed, proved resultless. Faithful was prominent in a sprint down touch but the Navy goalie. Newson. was very alert to the numerous onslaughts. Walker, the Navy outside left was crossing beautifully, but his inside forwards were noi keeping up and several chances went a-begging. The Reds’ repeated efforts were shortly afterwards rewarded when Rivers piloted the sphere into the net from a beautifully placed corner I—l.1 —1. The Navy halves. Bird being particularly prominent. were strenously defending M’allace spoilt a good chance by getting offside. Balk drove hotly only to find Newson alert and saving finely. Play went up and down and shortly after the half-time whistle went. The second spell opened with the players showing signs of the previous spell. Lattimer got away on the right but Newson cleared a particularly dangerous situation. An offside decision saved Dunedin when Kernick only had Caskie to heat. After give and take play Balk got a goal with a shot which gave Newson no chance. Dunedin 2—l. Hill dropped over a beauty, Caskie punching clear at the expense of a corner which proved resultless Kennck tricked Secular badly and placed up tc his inside. Rivers, who missed from close range The Navy backs, Watson and Prior, were showing to advantage in their defensive work, the former keeping Faithful much quieter than he had been in the opening half. The “save” of the day was when Newson fielded and cleared a clinking drive from Rudditnan. The game was played in a very excellent spirit, and there were very few infringements. The final scores were : Combined Dunedin 2 coals. The Royal Navy I goal. Mr M T . P. Smith made an efficient referee. SCOTTISH CUP FINAL. (Tress Association—Bv Telegraph—Copyright.) LONDON, April 11. (Received April 11, at 5.5 p.m.) In the Scottish Association Cup final St. Mirren beat Celtic by 2 goals to nil.— Reuter.