ASSOCIATION FOOTBALL.

Observer, Volume XXIX, Issue 41, 26 June 1909, Page 9

ASSOCIATION FOOTBALL.

THE match at Kingsland between Corinthians and Ponsonby drew a large and interested crowd of spectators. This was undoubtedly the finest match played this season, both teams being " all out" from the start. Barracking was keen, the onlookers being very enthusiastic, especially towards the end. The Corinthians won, after a most brilliant finish, by three goals to two. At the commencement of play, both teams set to work in willing style. Ponsonby scored the first goal. J. "Webster, taking a pass from his wing, put in a fine kick which was nicely saved by Bennett ; but before the latter could get the ball clear of the goal, H. Webster got it away from him and scored. On the resumption of play, .Ponsonby still had the best of the game, keeping the. Corinthian backs very busy defending their goal. Nothing further of note, however, happened during the first half. In the second spell, Sale came up forward, Archer being put half-back, and Paget back, the change proving decidedly for the better. The game became very fast, the champions trying hard to draw level with their opponents. After a fine display of footwork by the Ponsonby forwards, Forshaw headed the ball to Sale, who passed to Harvey, who ran down the line with it and scored a goal, thus equalising matters. On resuming play, Mikkleson got the ball. Running along the line, he transferred the leather to Forshaw, who had a shot at goal. The goal-keeper caved, but sent the ball out to Rose, who headed it out to Harvey, and the latter put it between the posts, placing Corinthians in the lead. Then followed a strenuous time, Ponsonby making desperate efforts to retrieve lost ground. The two Webster brothers in particular played a fast and willing game. The ball went down the field towards the Corinthians' goal in fine style, but Haresnape relieved. Mikkleson secured the ball and came away with one of his fast rushes, but was stopped by Neilson, who with, a timely kick put the ball in the Corinthians' ground again. Here it was annexed by J. Webster, who, after a smart run, passed to Haddock. Paget failing to intercept, Haddock shot a splendid goal from the outside left, thus bringing the two teams level again. The remainder of the game was more fast and furious than ever. Finally, Forshaw, getting the ball out of a scramble, made off down the field with it. Being hard pressed by his pursuers, he transferred the leather to Sale, who, just on the call of time, scored a fine goal from a difficult angle. The game thus ended — Corinthians 3, Ponsonby^. The only two of the Corinthians who showed anything like their usual form were Davies and Haresnape. The latter is as safe in his position as a stone wall, the ball very seldom passing him. Craddock would do much better if he kept his position instead of wandering about the field so much. Paget has improved a great deal this season, and, by employing a little more judgment, should shine as a half-back. Of the forwards there is no need to say much. Sale deserves credit for the way he beat Neilson (the finest back on the field) and soored a very fine goal. At Devonport, Caledonians had an easy win over the home te.am, by 3 goals to nil. Very little interest was attached to the mateh — it was mostly a kicking competition between the backs of both sides. The forwards were prominent a-t missing chances. Shore are feeling the loss of Lockwood and Kane in their forward rank. The match between Hwntly and Gordons was too onensided to be interesting. The team from the country was certainly not bo poor as the one that drew with Ponsonby for the Cup last season. The seniors will have to look well to their laurels, or they will be meeting their Waterloo when they play their final match with them.