ASSOCIATION FOOTBALL

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23895, 24 August 1939, Page 4

ASSOCIATION FOOTBALL

By Corner-kick

SOUTH ISLAND FINAL CHATHAM CUP WESTERN BEAT MOSGIEL By the narrowest possible margin, Western defeated Mosgiel in the Chatham Cup tie at English Park . Saturday. The game was ont of the best seen in Christchurch for a long time. Both teams played typical cuptie football, and play was at times vigorous, the game being repeatedly held up through injuries to players on both sides. Nevertheless, although strenuous, the play was contested in an excellent sporting spirit, and both teams deserve high commendation for the splendid display of football, which kept the large crowd of spectators on edge from start to finish. In the first half Mosgiel was undoubtedly playing like a winning side, in spite of an early reverse, Almond scoring brilliantly from a beautiful pass by G. Smith, the outside-right's shot leaving Hall standing. This goal, after ten minutes' play, was a serious setback for Mosgiel, but the manner in which the forwards set to work to reduce the deficit brought an early reward, and the equalising goal was well deserved. Brilliant play by Davidson and W. Steven led up to Mosgiel's second goal—a fine cross by G. Nicholson being converted by W. Steven. At half time Mosgiel led by two goals to one, and up to this stage was playing more effectively than the more fancied Western. An injury to Galbraith affected the combination of the Western front line, the outside-left being unable to display the form of the other forwards. Before the finish both sides were beginning to feel the effects of a hard game on a very heavy ground, the players appearing tired and unable to keep up the pace of the first spell. Mosgiel was unfortunate in having what looked to be a perfectly fair goal disallowed by the referee. Skinner, had gone to centre-forward, received possession in mid-field—rounding the full-back, he found himself in front of the goal with only the goal-keeper to beat. To make certain of a score, Skinner quietly placed the ball past the keeper to the left-hand corner of the net. The ball apparently went through a hole in the net and went outside. The referee, after signalling a goal, examined the net, and after consulting the goal-keeper awarded a goal-kick to Western. This unfortunate decision, coming as it did when Mosgiel was leading by three goals to two, had a disheartening effect on the Taieri players, who never rallied again and were unable to prevent two further goals by Western. [This decision, I understand/is the subject of a protest by the Mosgiel Club.—Corner-kick.] On the run of. the game, Mosgiel might be said to have been distinctly unfortunate in losing the match, although Western finished more strongly and was perhaps a ■ shade the better team. In shooting, the Western•• forwards were superior to Mosgiel. Hall, in goal, had much more to do than Brooke, and made many fine saves during the course of the game.. The Mosgiel defence was outstanding, R. Steven and Johnstone being a good pair of backs. Both kicked well and showed anticipation and keen tackling. The Mosgiel half-back line as a trio, was not a patch on the Western halves, Anderson, M. Gordon, and Roberts, who were the mainstay of the Western team. Paull, at left-half, was the best of the Mosgiel line, neither C. Skinner nor Stenhouse playing up to their best form. Paull battled hard and successfully from start to finish, and was always full of running. J. Skinner was not a success at outside-left, and did little

after going into centre. Rogers was not suited by the heavy ground, although he showed some nice football. Nicholson was responsible for some tricky wing play, and sent over some beautiful crosses. A. Davidson was the best of Mosgiel forwards, closely followed by W. Steven, who played well throughout. The line as a whole was deficient in shooting ability, and was unable to make the best of its chances. , , The Western team played below expectations, and was hard pushed to win. The Smith brothers passed and repassed with delightful accuracy and shot with power and precision, as Hall, in goal, can testify. Almond was always dangerous on the right-wing, and shoots well on the run. The Western halves dominated throughout, and were mainly responsible for their team's success. Western, unless Mosgiel's protest is upheld, will now meet Waterside (Wellington) in the final on September 2, and its Christchurch supporters believe the team has an excellent chance of bringing the cup back to the South Island.

FLETCHER CUP COMPETITION In the local Fletcher Cup. competition, four matches remain to be played to complete the second round, and with only two clubs in a position to contest the honours for the season, interest in the majority of games is on the wane. Between the leaders and the remaining teams in the competition, the margin of points is very noticeable, but a keen competition is likely for third place between Maori Hill, High School Old Boys, and Seacliff. the first two clubs having 14 points each and Seacliff 13. Maori Hill has. however, played one more game. , The only town games for Saturday are Technical v. Northern at the Oval and Roslyn-Wakari v. Old Boys at Logan Park.

NORTHERN v. CAVERSHAM

At the Gardens. Northern and Caversham provided spectators with a fast and interesting game, notwithstanding the heavy state of the ground. Northern was vithout the services of Buchanan, who is suffering from a knee injury, whilst T. Anderson, of the forwards, was also an absentee. The Black and Whites fully deserved their win by five goals to one. They had excellent co-ordination between the halves and forwards, the latter line also displaying better combination than in recent games. Caversham, on the other hand, whilst showing speed and dash, nullified its attacking play by poor passing. The improved showing by Northern at this stage of the competition is welcome, and should make for a more interesting final when it plays Mosgiel. Gibson, the youthful goalie, did good work for Northern, making several fine saves. He was unlucky not to save the penalty after getting his hands to the ball. Anderson, at left-back, gave an outstanding display, tackling and clearing well The half line, Wallace, Gordon, and Sutherland, proved a solid trio, Gordon's clever ball control and opening up play being a feature. McFarlane, on the rightwing, was the best of the forwards.

and he was well supported by Bertenshaw, who displayed improved play with his winger. McLean, at centre, up to the time of his injury, was a source of trouble to the defenders. Reynolds, on the left-wing, showed up well with the few chances given him. King, who replaced Anderson at inside-left, played too deep, and through a tendency to roam out of position, lost touch with his partner.

McDougall gave a splendid display in goal for Caversham. In fielding or tipping over the bar a high shot his timing was perfect, whilst his work in deflecting several excellently taken corner kicks was an object lesson for aspiring goal-keepers. The full-backs, Robb and W. Williams, were unsteady They played too square, and in their clearances caused McDougall some anxious moments. The half line, comprising Bennett, O'Neill, and Duncan, the latter replacing N. Williams, found the fast-moving Northern van .difficult to hold. Their poor passing, the result of a tendency to get rid of the ball too hurriedly, nr.de the forwards' play more difficult. McSkimming and Todd, the two wing-forwards, showed to advantage in the line play, whilst the Gilchrist brothers were prominent in opening up movements, but as a line they displayed poor finish in front of goal.

ROSLYN-WAKARI v. MORNINGTON The game between these teams was fought out keenly. There were plenty of goals, and yet from the chances that were missed, easy ones at that, the tally for each side should have been larger. The first spell was fairly even, and the half time score. 2—l in Roslyn's favour, was a good sum up of the merits of both teams. Early in the secdhd spell Roslyn overwhelmed its opponents to bring its score to six, but Mornington followed with three goals in quick succession. In this spell the game was marred by the frequency with which Roslyn's righthalf was penalised by the home line umpire, whose decisions as to foul throw-ins were difficult for many of the spectators to follow. For the winners Hughson lost two goals through weak clearances. Ramage again deputised for Simpson at full-back, and along with Ness made a more reliable pair than Mornington's. In the mid-line Wilson played his usual good game, and was ably assisted by the brothers Smyth in keeping the home side in check. In the front rank, McCallion and Rutherford were the best pair afield. Their combination was pleasing to see, and goals .came as a result Welham was better than in his previous games, arid Chisholm .and Ramsay were always up with the play. The former bagged three goals, whilst the latter benefited .by closing in when the play warranted. ,

For Mornington Martin got plenty to do, but one or % two easy ones got past him. Simpson and Schofleld set up a rugged defence, the first-named being the better of the two. In the half-line the big surprise was L. Agnew. Formerly an inside forward, he put up a good exhibition at centrehalf. His was a fine effort, and kept the defence well balanced. The winghalves; though not brilliant, put up a good showing. Murphy, however, was not on his game. The front rank was best served by Sainsbury, whose crosses were accurate, and goals came from three, of them. Schofleld and Cope were triers all the game, each getting goals, whilst .T. Agriew and Webster forced play for a spell, then fell away. MAORI HDLL v. TECHNICAL A feature of this game, which resulted in a win for Hill by 5—3, was the fine sporting spirit in which it was played. Fleming, in goal for Technical, showed sound judgment, and saved a number of really good shots. Duerdort and Henderson were fairly sound on defence, with the former showing to better advantage. Groves, Patton, and Breese proved a solid half line. Patton at centre-half showed that he has lost none of his constructive ability, and Groves is as consistent as ever. The forwards were good in, patches, but i their dash and energy often? caused them to over-run the ball when in a favourable position. Witchall, however, was the exception, his trapping and ball control being a treat to watch. Taken all round Technical is to be congratulated for its display. In goal for Maori Hill , Thompson (second grade) deputised for Wills, and came out with credit He is particularly agile and has good anticipation. Cuthbert and Bayne, at full-back, provided only a fair defence. Cuthbert. however, should develop further in this position. Bayne had a day off and could do nothing right. The wing-halves, McQuarrie and Little, came out with credit, both feeding their forwards well. Mills as usual played an honest game throughout, and is a tower of strength to Hill. Of the forwards it would be hard to single out anyone, as all did their fair share. Wadsworth and Balk, on the wings, were always dangerous—Balk's goal being a gem. Romeril, at centre, showed both dash and cunning, and deserved his two goals. Haldahe as usual was consistent and constructive, his shrewd play giving the defence some anxious moments. Morris has some fine touches, and with the season's experience should prove a definite asset to Maori Hill. On its display Hill is still a power to be reckoned with. /

H.S. OLD BOYS v. SEACLIFF

The few spectators were kept interested in this game at Logan Park on Saturday. The football, although not of a high standard, was quite bright, due to the close scoring and both teams swinging the ball about; the ex-School eleven being faster on the ball, but both sides failed badly at the business end. Both defences were sound: Nixon, in goal for School, giving a very confident display. Shaw also dealt safely with some awkward shots. Duncan was easily the best half on view, opening up play and holding the juniors together. Sharp, at righthalf, shaped promisingly; Dudman, who played a fine game at outside-right, kept McNarey busy. The School forwards were disappointing—glorious opportunities Deing spoilt by faulty placements. The same remarks apply to the Seacliff front line. Ives, at left-half for Seacliff, with a little proper coaching, has the makings of a good half-back. Henderson, at out-side-left, with one or two beautiful hard drives was unlucky that they were not counters. The score 2—l in favour of School was a fair indication of the run of the play. MATCHES AT HOME At the Football Association Council meeting at Torquay recently the application by the Football League to play the following inter-League matches in season 1939-40 was sanctioned: v. Scottish League, in Scotland, September 20, 1939; v. Irish League, in England. October 11, 1939. The International Selection Committee decided to invite the Rumanian F.A. to send a team to play a representative match in London on Wednesday. December 6, 1939. The F.A. Amateur XI will play the following matches in season 1939-40: v R.A.F., November 1; v. The Army, November 13; v. Oxford University, November 22; v. R.N. and R.M., DecemNovembef 28; v. Cambridge University, November 30. It was decided that Portsmouth, the F.A. Cup winners, and Everton, League champions, be invited to compete for the F.A. Charity Shield, the date and venue to be agraed by the clubs. Following the invitation to Rumania, the Dutch Football Association has accepted an invitation from the Football Association (London) to play England in an official international match at Sheffield on November 8 next. WILD SCENES Excited crowds of Yugoslav spectators rained stones and brickbats on the Italian team in wild scenes which followed an international Association football match at Belgrade between Italy and Yugoslavia. Italy won by two goals to one after a very rough game. The trouble started late in the second half, when the teams were almost fighting, and the Belgian referee, M.,

Langenus, appeared to lose control over the players, Tension reached fever pitch when a penalty was "given against Yugoslavia for a foul on Piola. the Italian centreforward. Amid hisses and boos, Meazza, who took the kick, deliberately shot the ball out of play in a conciliatory gesture. As soon as the match was over a hostile mob besieged the Italians' dressing room, while thousands more surrounded the exits from the ground, shouting threats and throwing stones and bottles. They were not dispersed till police reinforcements were rushed up and charged with their truncheons. Even then the demonstrations were not ended. As the Italians returned to their hotel, their bus was bombarded with stones, many of which shattered the windows. VANBRO. the Faultless Hair Cream.*