ASSOCIATION FOOTBALL.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume VI, Issue 1641, 19 May 1919, Page 2

ASSOCIATION FOOTBALL.

PLAY AND PLAYERS. United was unfortunate in having to meet Linwood in the Canterbury Footjball Association's first-grade competition, on Saturday, with several players absent.. Consequently, Linwood did not have to display any great exertion to win the game by seven goals to two. Bissett, one of the old representative players, showed that he has retained the form which characterised his play in the past, and his clever footwork was a feature of the contest, his last goal being a particularly smart one. E. J. Norman, who is regarded as a most tricky player, also played a sound game. United played with one back, Graham, who put in some exceptionally good work, but the odds were against him, and the hard task which he had to undertake had its effect towards the close of the match. The shortage in the team did not deteT United, who made a strenuous attempt in the opening stages of the game to secure the advantage, and pressed Linwood very hard. Afterwards, however, Linwood j had the game pretty well to itself.. I The contest at English Park, when I Nomads defeated Y.M.C.A. by two goals |to one, was rather interesting, and .each side displayed good combination I play. j Bangers and St. Albans met at Richmond. Park, when a fast and cleanlyfought game was witnessed. The St. Albans players won the toss and elected to play with the sun behind them. It was somewhat dull when the game commenced, and Rangers were fortunate in having it behind them when it shone | out .brightly in the second half, Rangers pressed strongly from the I start, and although they had only four forwards for the first few minutes of the game their half-back line supported them so strongly that St. Albans was on the defensive for the major portion of the first half. The opening goai was a good effort on the part of Powell, who snapped up a pass from well out and, shooting strongly, placed the ball beyond Audibert's reach. During, the first half, Gray, one of the St. Albans players, had the misfortune to twist his ankle, and had to leave the field. The second goal was obtained by Pilling, but, owing to obtaining a hard knock early in the game, he was not able to steady his shooting, one or two of his efforts being in the right direction, but sailing well over the bar. Rangers transferred Lilburn to the position of outside right, where he was a great success, making ground in .fine style and centreing accurately. Moir, although out of his position on the left wing, played nicely, and with a little more experience and dash he should do his team credit.

I The second half did not produce such ' good football as the first, and although Bangers 'still pressed, there was too much haphazard kicking. Perhaps some of the players were feeling the effects of their earlier exertions. Lillburn, too, was neglected during the second : half, and did not get the support he ; should have received from his partner. The third goal was obtained by East, a comparatively simple shot along the ground, which Audibert should have f saved. In Lee, Newell, and Beauvais, the Rangers have a very strong half-back line, and. with Baker, Lnsk, anil Perry, a very strong defence is niade up. Newell, whose first match it was this season, played his usual clean and force ful game. He has a tendency at times to endeavour to do a little too much, when a judicious pass to his wing would be of more benefit to his side. Baker, who lias just leturned from the front, showed he still knew how to play, and he and Lusk soon came to understand one another's play. Perry, although he was not seriously tested, is shaping in fine style, and the Bangers are fortunate in obtaining his services in goal. St. Albans has a fast young team, which would be benefited by having one or two older members, such as Gray, who had to leave the field; he was holding the line together in fine style. It is not very easy for light forwards to keep going all the game when meeting such a robust half-back line as they did on Saturday. They also penalised themselves through their half-backs not knowing properly how to throw in the ball, a free kick being given against them in consequence. However, they are a very keen lot of players, and it may not be long before their enthusiasm enables them "to turn the tables on their doughty opponents.