SOCCER

Southland Times, Issue 22009, 8 May 1933, Page 9

SOCCER

McDonald cup competition. WIN FOR CORINTHIANS. Some very interesting soccer was witnessed at the Showgrounds on Saturday afternoon when the second series of matches in the two-round competition for the McDonald Cup was played. A strong wind was a disturbing factor, but nevertheless a good standard was shown in both games, the play being bright and exciting. Southern and Corinthians are now level in points for the cup. The experienced and redoubtable Corinthians team proved too much for Central B, winning by a margin of three goals. Central were by no means out of the picture, however, and showed that there is some good material in the team. The match which resulted in a draw between Southern and Central A was a good indication of the merits of the sides and also of the evenness of the game. It was a keenly fought contest, each side scoring one goal. The following table shows the positions of the teams in the cup contest:— Corinthians 3 Southern 3 Central A 2 Central B 0 SOUTHERN (1) v. CENTRAL A (1). The strong wind during the second half gave Central A a certain advantage, which, however, did not serve to give them victory. A good many pleasing and well-planned movements were seen in this match, which proved a decidedly keen contest. The teams lined out as follows:— Southern: H. Pay, Cathcart, W. Adam, Matheson, Adamson, Churchill, E. Wilson, D. Kerr, C. Pay, A. Wilson, A. Adam. Central A: Sharr, Moorcroft, Ferguson, Rowlands, Batcheler, Adamson, Boyd, Dale, Johnston, F. Bishop, Stevens. The opening stages were evenly contested until Matheson put Southern ahead with a fine shot from near the half-way line. The wind carried the ball well and it sailed in just over the goalie’s hands. Southern 1, Central A 0. The position was evened when Johnston carried through a Central move by a brilliant dribble past three defenders. The ball was cleared by Pay, but Johnston carried on, kicked it on the rebound, and found the net to even the scores. Southern 1, Central A 1. Central put up some good defensive work, Sharr was safe and a clean handler in goal. Moorcroft stopped several likely moves and Ferguson was always handy, while Batcheler was useful on defence and in keeping a good supply of the ball to the forwards. The game was slower after the resumption for the second half. C. Pay, at centre forward, put in an occasional bright move, but did not score. Southern showed better combination than Central, although their forwards were sometimes a shade slow to take an opening. The Central defence remained impenetrable, as their goalie was equal to anything sent in. E. Wilson was always there when a chance presented. A fine dash from half-way by C. Pay raised Southern hopes, but Sharr saved faultlessly. ' Ferguson got away for Central and went right through only to miss goaling by inches. Southern’s attack was persistently maintained, but still the Central defenders were too good. When Batcheler broke away and shot well, Pay was there and cleared in the nick of time. Stevens, who had been working hard, came near to scoring with a strong centring kick which, however, just sailed across the goal-mouth. Cathcart was a steady and reliable back. Central took a turn at attacking towards the end, but the whistle sounded with the game still a draw. Mr J. Mclntyre was the referee. CORINTHIANS (5) v. CENTRAL B (2). Although Corinthians scored a decisive victory over Central B, it was an interesting enough match, with the losers struggling hard until the final whistle. Their two goals came as the result of deserving movements. Corinthians opened with a series of attacking moves which Central were not quick enough to defeat. Devon, receiving a pass from Hales, beat McMurdo and potted low to pass the goalie. Corinthians 1, Central B nil. Devon ran through from half-way and scored the second goal with a springing shot. Corinthians 2, Central B nil. A pass from Maxwell to McMurdo and on to Devon gave the latter a chance for a solo run, which ended in a well-judged and successful shot at goal. Corinthians 3, Central B nil. Central opened their account before half-time when Moylan, receiving a good centre from Collins, ran through and shot from 25 yards out. Corinthians 3, Central B 1. Corinthians’ fourth was scored by J. Morrison with a long kick which sent the ball from half-way. The wind carried it well and when the goalie fended, the ball rebounded from the cross-bar into the net. Corinthians 4, Central B 1. Central B attacked effectively. Donald, a new recruit, distinguished himself and Dennis, Moylan and Paterson were reliable, while Moorcroft was a safe full-back. A centre from Paterson to Collins who passed across to Moylan gave the latter an opportunity which he took and goaled well from an angle. Corinthians 4, Central B 2. Devon carried the ball through at the head of the Corinthians and passed to Maxwell, who shot, but the goalie cleared. Devon ran in and returned the ball into the net. Corinthians 5, Central B 2. Mr A. Creighton was the referee.