THE SOCCER CODE

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LXIV, Issue 19374, 12 July 1937, Page 14

THE SOCCER CODE

MERCANTILE WIN AGAIN WANDERERS BEATEN 5-4 KEEN FORWARD PLAY' Mercantile 5 goals Wanderers 4 goals Playing in bright sunshine, and before a good attendance of spectators, Mercantile scored another win in the League competition on Saturday under the supervision of file Poverty Bay Football Association, this team defeating Scottish Wanderers by five goals to four. The match was a sound exhibition of the code, and roused much enthusiasm among the spectators, the forward play being particularly keen, and many fine efforts missing their goal by the smallest of margins. Mercantile kicked off in tiiis game, and it was not long before those on the line realised that the teams were well matched. The forwards in both sides worked hard, and there were many quick reverses of fortune, first blood going to Mercantile after a sustained attack. The Wanderers’ forwards, led by Jarvie and Watt, had been pressing round the Mercantile goal, but the corner kick let the beJl away to Hall, who sent it through McTavish to B. McKay, who got a good chance in the Wanderers' circle and made no mistake with the shot.

Wanderers’ Sccond-llalf Rally

Mercantile kept up the pressure after the first goal, and Waugh and McTavish were always prominent, the latter’s speed serving his side well, though he was frequently beaten by Wilson’s tackle, the Wanderers’ left fullback playing a good .solid game. A pass from Waugh to Hepburn at last gave Murcantile their second goal, and though Wanderers made a strong bid for a while, with Quinn. Watt and Jarvie penetrating and combining well, the half-time score was 3-nil in favour of Mercantile, a third goal having been added to their score in the last minute through an error on the part of the Wanderers' goalie.

In the second half, no fewer than six goals were scored, and Wanderers more than held their own during this period, scoring four goals to their opponents' two, but just failing to even up over the whole match.

The Wanderers were still on the receiving end for the first few minutes after the change-over, and Waugh and McTavish each added a goal to the Mercantile tally. Then came the Wanderers’ rally, and during the last quarter they were all over their opponents. Watt scored four goals in succession for Wan derers. the first from a good followup when Wilson came through with the ball in a solo rush and sent it hard against the bar. Watt being there to meet the rebound and drive the ball into the net. Later he received three more good chances, and made the most of them, the game finishing with Mercantile the winners by five goals to four.

UNITED BEAT THISTLE MARLIN OF TWO GOALS United .... 2 goals Thistle nil The match between the old rivals. United and Thistle, provided interest ing and entertaining football fare on Saturday. Mistakes made by both sides were offset by the fast, virile football displayed, in which speed was the dominant tactor. The Mulrooney brothers were outstanding for Thistle; the goalkeeper particularly, playing a very fine game, while McLean was the live wire ol the forwards. For United, Burns and Samson combined smartly, and were the best wings on the field, while H. McCallum showed distinct promise as a back.

The game started briskly, Thistle making progress on the left, which ended when Mclvor shot over. United then set out for Thistle's end, Callaghan letting Burns away for the latter to centre. Callaghan met the ball and drove for goal, but a defender handled, and a penalty was awarded to United. Hill took tire kick, shooting into the goalkeepers hands, and Mulroofley clearing.

Thistle signalised this escape with an assault on United’s goal, their whole forward line participating in a pretty move, and Lowe ultimately sending past when in a good scoring position. Good footwork by Samson enableo United to get within range again, and a good shot by Barbour hit the bai Catching the rebound, Callaghan again hit the bar witli a header, mis time the ball came, to Samson, who netted after an exciting few minutes, in which Thistle defended desperately before their citadel eventually fell. United again attacked, Callaghan missing narrowly, and McLean then led his forwards in a raid on United's goal, but nothing eventuated, A spate of corners fell to United, and Burns’ perfectly-taken kicks proved extremely troublesome to the Thistle defence; Mulrooney being repeatedly called on to make clever saves. A long kick downfield relieved the pressure, and A. Easton and Mclvor took play upheld, where Bridge was called on to save a high ball from Mclvor. Mulrooney then saved a dangerous shot from Barbour, but the next minute he had to admit defeat when a strong effort from Burns glanced off the upright, and was met by Callaghan, who put United further ahead.

Thistle attacked spiritedly to the interval, but without result, the halftime score being:—United 2. Thistle nil. For a time after the resumption, give-and-take play was the order, the first incident being a confident save by C. Mulrooney from a stiff shot by Barbour. Thistle thereafter came more into the game, and United had to work hard to keep their lead, W. Mulrooney nearly connecting with a ball that Bridge saved with nothing to spa re.

In a breakaway, Samson kicked over, when a few yards from the goal, and Thistle returned, fighting hard to reduce the leeway. First A. Easton was near the mark with a shot that flashed across the goalmouth, and this was followed by a creditable effort by Douglas. United eventually cleared their lines, and with attack and counter-attack, play proceeded at a fast pace. From a cross-shot from the left, Burns drove in hard to C. Mulrooney, but the goalie made a splendid save. Callaghan, working his way in a little later, again forced the keeper to give of his best.

Towards the end Thistle made strenuous efforts to score, Bridge saving from IT. Easton and McLean, but . the whistle sounded with the honours in United’s favour, after a whole-hearted ding-dong battle.--United 2, Thistle nil. The referee was Mr. R. Waugh.