LUCK IN THE ENGLISH CUP

Taranaki Daily News, 14 April 1932, Page 10

LUCK IN THE ENGLISH CUP

DRAW FOR BIG SOCCER CONTEST.

VARYING FORTUNE'S OF TEAMS.

(From Our Own Correspondent.)

London, February 25.

It has often been urged that something should be done to reduce the clement of luck which enters into the English Cup competition. At the same time, it has very rarely happened that tlife winners have not merited their prize. Complaints are not about the luck of the play. Even if it were desirable, no plan could be devised to eliminate this. The trouble occurs through the system of the draw which is made for each of the rounds. Then tho big question for the clu'bs is not, “Who are our opponents?” but, “Where do wo play?” At once the team drawn at home arc given a telling advantage. It may, in fact, be equivalent to a start of a goal. There is no adequate explanation why this should be so when all grounds today are first-class, and present no playing difficulties to tho visiting side. If there is a reason I think it is in the influence which spectators have o; er the match. The draw is undoubtedly a big factor of success. For instance, of the eight survivors now, Bury have been a'ble to play every match on their own ground. In less favourable circumstances it cannot be thought that as representatives of tho Second League they would have done as well. Again, since the third round Huddersfield have not been drawn away, and in their case it has also been notable that all their opponents have been from a lower grade of football than that in which they compote. At last, however, they are to be. highly tested, but, in being paired with the Arsenal, they will again be at home. Huddersfield have struck brilliant form. From the start of the season their defence has been superb, but m comparison the attack was poor. Since the New Year, however, the forwards have scored freely, and now they are a finely balanced side. No club can approach Huddersfield’s record since the war. During this time they have, set up a League record in capturing the championship three, years- in succession, and they have also figured in three