ASSOCIATION FOOTBALL

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23907, 7 September 1939, Page 4

ASSOCIATION FOOTBALL

By Corner-kick

FLETCHER CUP COMPETITION The final games in the Fletcher Cup competition take place next Saturday, and from present indications Mosgiel should be successful in securing the trophy. L has established a one-point lead from Northern, and in its next engagement meets.. Mornington, which it defeated in the first round by 9—l. Mornington’s second round lisplay generally has been of an inconsistent nature, but in view of its deserving win 'agairlst High School Old Boys last week, it has the ability to bring about a last-minute upset in the competition. Northern will ue opposed to Seacliff, which it previously defeated by tne narrow margin of one goal. NORTHERN V. MOSGIEL The eagerly looked for encounter tietween the two top teams drew the largest number of spectators to Logan Park this season. Conditions were ideal. What was virtually, the cup final failed to produce anything to compare with cup finals in. the past, from a purely football viewpoint. Northern, with the exception of a period of about ten minutes during the first spell, were content t 0 bang the; ball anyhow and anywhere, and Mosgiel were definitely knocked off their usual combined play, but during the second spell with ten men and a goal down Mosgiel fought back gamely, and after a period of hectic attacks on ’"’orthern’s goal. Rogers scored the equaliser by scoring with a truly remarkable and clew goal. Northern had themselves to blame by adopting the wrong tactics by going on defence when they obtained the lead.

On the run of play, Northern should have won, as their forwards failed badly to goal, after strong support and locking up play by their half line, which, ably lead by Gordon* was'ahead of Mosgiel’s. Gordon’s play in this game was easily his best this season, his only blemish was his missing the jienalty which might have been the means of having his team’s name on the Fletcher Cup for 1939. Gibson was sound md shows much improvement. Anderson played soundly, but has a tendency to play too square. Wallace was apparently nursing an injury. The halves played with plenty of dash, and were responsible for holding the fast-moving Mosgiel forwards, from settling. The forwards failed to combine, but had some wonderful chances which they failed to accept. McFarlane’s goal was well- taken, and McLean’s header from the former’s cross was neatly turned past Ha 11.,, Hall, in this case, should have stayed in his goal, as he had no hope of meeting thfe ball, which, a goal-keeper should determine before he' leaves his charge. The Mosgiel backs have > played better, R. Steven being the surer. Stenhouse was the pick of the halves; his understanding with Rogers and Nicholson makes him the best rightwing seen locally for some time. ' To Nicholson goes the credit for his side’s goals, as .after being closely harassed by Buchanan and Anderson, he crossed some beautiful /balls 'from the line, which Steven ' cleverly . turned .to. account. j. Skinner was closely guarded, and the incident which was responsible for his marching orders was unfortunate. Davidson’s, play Was sound, but his play suffered through his temper becoming frayed. On the whole the play, although of hot a high standard, kept the spectators fully interested. MORNINGTON v. H.S. OLD BOYS Meeting .Old Boys :- 6n’ its home ground, Mornington turned ■; on some excellent'football to win by six goals to nil, showing it could be a thorn in '■the side of some of the better placed teams in the competition, provided the players gave more attention to practice. A lack of training and enthusiasm both on and off the ;field will hold the best of teams back, and a§ Mornington has several promising juniors, the club should take ; up the matter seriously before next'season;' ■ 'iv , In goal for. 1 the winners, , Martin played his, .usual sound game,-proving hard to pass and keeping the goal intact by several really good saves. He Whs well supported by Simpson and Webster at full-back, both of. whom gave an improved display and recovered position quickly after being beaten, Agnew; at centre-half, was the guiding hand in attack and defence. With Murphy showing his old form and Harrison doing good work the line gave the . forwards a. feast of the ball Sainsbury stood out

as the best forward afield. ■ His determined play and accurate crossing paved the way for four of the goals. Cope, at inside-left, - , also played a fine game, while S. Agnew, at centre, kept up with the play and annexed three good goals. Schofield was another of the forwards to attract attention, but his play would be of more value to his side if he passed before being tackled. Nj.xon, Old Boys’ goalie, got through a hard day 'with credit, having little chance with the goals scored against him, but his habit of leaving the ground to lake a hard chest-high drive cost him at least' one goal. Nelson and Thompson were steady, and cleared well. The half line, with the exception of Duncan, was inclined to kick too far ahead of the forwards. Duncan was sound on attack and. defence, showing, his old ability in all departments. He repeatedly sent his wingers well-placed passes, but they failed to get the ball across to goal. Foote was easily the best of the van, L. Groves playing much below his usual form. KOSLYN-WAKARI v. CAVERSHAM This game, played at. Tonga Park, was keenly contested, play being very fast, though, not brilliant. There was too much hard kicking by the backs of both sides, which was detrimental to the play of the, forwards. A draw —one. all—was a fair indication of the game, but many ■ easy chances were missed. If anything, the Roslyn side was a shade better in the first spell, when their constructive play:, showed more cohesion. . It was in this spell that McDougall’s .value to the Caversham team was exemplified. He dealt with many hard-driven shots which a less experienced goalie would not have saved. Caversham improved in the second half period, and fully deserved the equalising goal. In goal for. Caversham, McDougall was a host in himself, and was well supported by Bennett ■ and Robb at full-back, both of whom put up. a very stubborn defence. Robb-was the better, of the two. In the mid-line O’Neill, at centre, gave a good display, as also did Green and Williams in the wing positions. James Gilchrist was the pest of the forwards. He was always a source of danger, and his goal was a very fine effort. J. .Gilchrist, his brother, played better at inside than in the extreme position. Todd, proved a weak link in the line, whilst McSkimming, though playing well in the‘outfield, failed in his parting with thp ball. ■ ■ For Roslyn Hughson,; in goal,' deserves credit for one really, good isave, hut should get rid of the ball more smartly. '. Simpsoh and Ness, full-backs, were kept busy. 1 The former was shaky at times, but his partner- was the best back afield. In. the halves Wilson, at centre, was in his usual form. T. , Smythe played a very forceful game at right-half, whilst Ramage was seen in a new position for him at left-half. The front rank combined better than the opposing line. McCallion was the best, playing a really fine game. Chisholm also showed to advantage, whilst Welham, though not up to his form of previous games, scored the only goal for his side. The wingers, Rutherford and Ramsay,: sent over some fine crosses, which should have brought better results,' CHATHAM CUP FINAL By defeating Western, of Christchurch, by 4 goals to 2 in the national Chatham Cup final on Saturday afternoon, Waterside; of Wellington, became the champion Soccer team of the Dominion, for the present season, arid created a new record in the competition by winning the for the second year in succession. About voui) people attended the game at the Basin Reserve, And; after it his Excellency the Governor-General (Viscount Galway) presented the cup and the medals to ‘the winners. •. „ .•. . . Waterside led 2-1 at the interval. They played their usual type of game, showing neither brilliance nor weakness, but,, being ever ready,to snatch the scoring .opportunities that came 'their way. Western played a prettier game, but were always a goal or two behind the winners-a difference represented by Western s inability to fire in their final shots quickly enough. Nearly always the Western vanguard, after carving a comfortable way to the Waterside back line, would hesitate and endeavour to .manoeuvre for position, giving the resolute ,and speedy Wellington defenders easy opportunities for, tackling and clearing. Watersides forwards, on the other hand, had not the smooth-working precision.of attack but they attained their objectives more frequently because 'of their snap and Vi Sn at .dd^ a rLr?Sg‘r ip W*ersjde> s and their goal-keeper, whereas Waterside’s trio played almost faultlessly Previous Holders ; ' Results of Chatham Cup finals are as follows: — ~ - _ . 1923 Seacliff, Otago, beat Y.M.C.A.. Wellington, 3—o. 1924 Harbour Board. Auckland, beat Seacliff, Otago, 3—l. 1925 Y.M.C.A., Wellington, beat Seacliff, Otago. 3—2, ••-. ! 1926 Sunnyside, Canterbury, beat North Shore. Auckland, 4-2. . 1927 Ponsonby, Auckland. beat Northern. Otago, 3—2 • 1928 Petone, Wellington, beat Northern, Otago,.l—o. '• . _ 1929 Tramways. Auckland, beat Sea- > cliff, Otago, 4—o. , 1930 — Petone, Wellington, beat Western. Canterbury, 2—l. ; 1931 Tramurewa, Auckland, beat Nomads, Canterbury. 5-^2, 1932 Marist. Wellington, beat Millerlon All Blacks, Buller, s—o. 1933 Ponsonby, Auckland, beat Millerton All Blacks, 2—l. ■ 1934 Thistle, Auckland, beat Thistle. Canterbury. 2—l.' x . 1935 Hospital. Wellington, beat Western A, Canterbury, 3—l, 1936 Western A, Canterbury, beat Thistle, Auckland. 3—2. 1937 — No contest. 1038—Waterside. Wellington, beat Mosgiel. Otago, 4—o. 1939—Waterside, Wellington, beat Western. Christchurch. 4—2. VANBRO, the Faultless Hair Cream'.*