ASSOCIATION FOOTBALL

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23883, 10 August 1939, Page 4

ASSOCIATION FOOTBALL

By Corner-kick

FIXTURES August 19.—Chatham Cup South Island final, Mosgiel v. Western, at Christchurch. FLETCHER CUP COMPETITION The most important matches as affecting the local Fletcher Cup Competition played last Saturday resulted in Mosgiel, the present leaders, winning by an overwhelming majority against Technical, whilst Northern, which is a point behind the leaders, just managed to escape sharing the points with High School Old Boys by scoring the winning goal in the final stages of the game. A week or two previously Mosgiel defeated the same team by six goals to nil, and on these results Northern will require to show a vast improvement on present form to upset Mosgiel's chances for the premiership. The Logan Park match for Saturday is Mosgiel v. Seacliff, whilst Northern meet Maori Hill at Prospect Park. MOSGIEL v. TECHNICAL The setback which Mosgiel received at the hands of Roslyn-Wakari when it was held to a draw in the previous week's game at Ellis Park had a beneficial effect on the play of Mosgiel when opposed to Technical Old Boys at the Oval on Saturday. Taking nothing for granted, the country team put all its energies into the play, with the result that brilliant teamwork, sound passing, and positional play was in evidence for the full 90 minutes. Their' attacking play was irresistible, and the result 14—1 is, as far as my memory serves me, a record in Fletcher Cup matches, and had it not been'for the good work of Fleming, in goal for Technical, the tally must have been greater. Technical, against the heavy odds, stuck gamely to the play and well deserved its only goal, the result of good combined play emanating from the right-wing. J.. Skinner was given a spell on Mosgiel's left-wing, where he performed with his old brilliance. Well fed by Davidson and Paull, he relished the extra room the position afforded him, and he was equally at home in making play down the line or working in to the centre before shooting. On the opposite wing both Rogers and Nicholson played fine games, but it was from Skinner's work that the majority of Mosgiel's goals resulted, and Technical failed in tactics in not making provision to counteract Mosgiel's change in attack. W. Steven adapted himself well in the centreforward position, where his footwork ability gave him a decided advantage, the backs finding it difficult to rob him of possession. The halves, Stenhouse, C. Skinner, and Paull, gave a sound display and were responsible in subduing the play of the speedy Witchall, from whom so much was expected. The full-backs had a fine understanding with the halves, Johnston, particularly, showing splendid in taking up position. Originally a centre-half, he has made rapid progress since being tried out as a full-back. It was due to the fine defensive play of the rearguard that Hall was seldom troubled in goal, and in. view of the club's Chatham Cup fixture on Saturday week at Christchurch. Mosgiel's return to form is timely, and its opponents, Western, should find. Mosgiel worthy opponents. Although outclassed in all departments of the game. Technical stuck gamely to their task, and made the game more bright and interesting than the huge score would indicate. Well led by Patton at centre-half, they made every effort to work up combined attacks. The timing and placing of the passes, however, was made to look weak through the positional play of the opposing halves, who seldom failed to cut off a pass and nip the movement before it had gone too far. Roberts and Smith, on the right-wing, were the more likely than Witchall and Watt on the left. 'The left-winger lacked dash in his line play on Saturday, consequently his powerful drive from the line was rarely in evidence. The full-backs had a strenuous day, Henderson, at left-back, showing to better advantage than Duerdon. The former was supported in front by Breese, who tackled more solidly than Groves, who was opposed to J. Skinner. The outstanding player was Fleming, in goal, who, although bombarded from all angles, had many fine saves to his credit. , NORTHERN v. OLD BOYS The Northern-Old Boys game at Logan Park was surprising 'in many ways. Both teams were short of usual jjlavers. Northern (two)—J. Anderson and T. Anderson—and Old Boys (three) —Duncan. Paul, and Kidd. For the greater part of the first spell Northern penned Old Boys in their own half, and it meant resolute defence to keep them'out. Had Northern had any real good shootists they should have had goals in; this period. Then came a sudden combined movement by the School forwards, which' ended in Shirley scoring the first goal of. the match and livening things up a bit. Dick Gordon was the steadying force for Northern., his anticipation and judicious distribution of the ball being of great service. His wing halves might.with profit copy him in keeping the ,ball on the carpet Hard tackling and wild kicking are not good football. The forwards were good and patchy by turns, and found the School halves hard to pass. McFarlane was the most enterprising, and more , goals should have come .from his well-directed crosses. School missed Duncan very much. Had he been playing and Romeril at full-back they would have been a different team even with Shirley and Ramsay on the right wing. These' juniors filled their positions very well for a first attempt. Thomson miskicked once or twice to let Northern's forwards through for goals. The halves were dour, but had a lot of

work to do—Romeril being, however, inclined to wander Prominent in Old Boys' defence were Nelson at fullback and McNarey at left-half, both of whom showed good understanding in covering up one another as well as setting up a very stout defence. The forwards, when they kept the ball swinging, were always dangerous as witness the goals scored in quick succession by Shirley and Foote in the second spell. Foote's " header " was a fine effort. This player will spoil his play if he keeps chasing the ball all over the paddock. Romeril was unlucky in having a fine " header." which was well over the goal line, treated as a goal kick, and Northern were lucky in thus escaping a draw. The game was by no means an inspiring exhibition of the code, though both teams gave glimpses of concerted action and eood combination. MAORI HILL v. CAVERSHAM This game, played on Tonga Park, gave spectators a very fair exhibition of football, more especially in the second half after Caversham opened the scoring about 20 minutes after the resumption - Both sets of forwards were playing with plenty of dash, but Romeril. the Hill centre-forward, was inclined to play too far up and consequently placing himself off-side. F. Morris, playat right full-back for Hill, proved that he is still a fprce to be reckoned with. His anticipation was particularly good. Wills, in goal was unfortunate enough to receive a bad knock on, the iaw, but despite this handicap his handling and clearing was sound For Caversham. Robb, full-back was instrumental in breaking up many forward movements. His Dlay is improving with every game. McDougall was a tower of strength in goal, and his presence must give the team .a feeling of security. Altogether it was a verv interesting game and played in the best of spirit. The scorer-2—l in favour of Maori Hill—was a very fair indication of the merits of the teams. THE ENGLISH TROPITE CANTERBURY AND WELLINGTON The question of a suitable date uoon which to play Canterbury in its challenge for the English Trophy was again the subject of considerable discussion by the control boar.d of the Auckland Football Association at last week's meeting (states the New Zealand Herald). Following Canterbury's previous intimation, that August 19 as suggested by the board was unsuitable owing to the South Island final of the Chatham Cup being played in Christchurch that day, the .board had suggested to the New Zealand Council that the cup game should be put forward. The council and the Canterbury Association replied that this was unsuitable on account of strong counter attractions. A letter received from Canterbury suggested that Auckland should accept, the. challenge in September. It was agreed that this would be impossible, owing to. the need for finalising the heavv local programme. There would also be a shortage of grounds. It was found that the only date would be early in October. The secretary. Mr W. Harrison, stated that the Wellington Association had issued another challenge. It was therefore decided to suggest to the New Zealand Council that Wellington's challenge should be accepted for August 19 and Canterbury could play the winner later in the season REFEREES' CLUB NOTES POINTS FOR PLAYERS; CLUB OFFICIALS, AND SPECTATORS All followers of the game should make a study of the laws that govern the game. If players would act as gentlemen and treat their opponents as such, many incidents that are so often witnessed at football matches would not occur. Persistent infringement of any of the laws of the game is ungentlemanly conduct within the meaning of the laws, and referees have power to order ■to the pavilion any player offending in this respect. Players should never stop playing until the referee's whistle has been sounded, as this has often been the cause of games being lost. . : It is an offence and, an ungentlemanly action for a player to charge an opponent in such a manner as may be the cause of inflicting upon the player a serious injury. No true spo'rtsman would stoop to such foul methods. . Players cannot leave the field of play without first receiving the referee's consent unless through injury Players should avoid using foul language towards a referee, for the law defines it as violent conduct for which a player can be ordered to leave the field of play without a previous caution. Players, club officials, and the public should remember that it is not playing the game to molest or shout improper remarks towards the referee during the course of a game, as the difficult nature of the referee's duties requires all the attention, that he can possibly give in order to adminster the law with fairness to all concerned. •: It is impossible for a referee to nlegse everybody—remember his difficult position and do not make it more so.

In the event of a supposed infringement of "the laws,, the ball shall be in play until a decision has been given. ,;■•:• \ ■• Striking an opponent is, an offence for which a player can be ordered to leave the field, and any player who has any respect for the game would never do it. as such conduct has a tendency to lower the standing and sportsmanship of the game. Should the ball strike the referee during the course of the game and go into goal or out of play, the award would be given against the player who played the ball last—just as if it had not touched the referee.

A player who retaliates when fouled is equally liable to punishment. Don't stop playing till the whistle sounds, and the decision once given, don't importune the referee to reverse it or annoy him by remarks. A player may inquire from a referee as to his decision, but is not entitled by word or action to show dissent from any such decision. The ball may roll along the touch line or goal line and still be in play. The whole of the ball must have passed over the line before it is out of play. TO THE REFEREE Don't keep the teams waiting your arrival. Don't be afraid, but be bold and fear not. Don't blow that whistle too much, but only when absolutely necessary Don't cease study and practice. Don't expect promotions in a hurry —be worthy of it when it comes. Don't be officious. Players know a gentleman when they meet him. Don't argue with players—be firm and prompt with your decisions. Don't try to iustify vour decision afterwards. Don't get excited, because you ought to keep cool whoever else loses his head.