HUDDERSFIELD’S FALL

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 20183, 27 June 1928, Page 5

HUDDERSFIELD’S FALL

AN INTERESTING SITUATION. THE CODE IN BRITAIN. [ Special “Chronicle" Service. ] LONDON May J. Less than a month ago Huddersfield were proclaimed, not only the best football team of the year, but one of the best of all time. They were the strongest favourites for the Cup, and they were at the, top of ihe League, having displaced Everton, and i* seemed probable that they would equal the record of Aston Villa and Preston North End in carrying off both events in the same season. I have been told how they were robbed of the Cup by Blackburn Rovers, writes the “Chronicle’s” correspondent, and now they must abandon hope of gaining the honours of the League. The task they have attempted has been too great, and it has broken them. The competition is not yet definitely settled, but the onlv way in which

Everton can lose the leadership is by failing against the Arsenal in their final game. As this match is at Ever-

i < on. such a result is not to be anticipated. Even more exciting is the situation at the bottom of the tabic. Indeed, it has no parellel in the history of the League. Five clubs are in the danger zone, and Tottenham Hotspur are in dire peril. A month ago they appeared to be safe. They required’ only one point, but they have lost four games off the reel, and now, having completed their programme, they are powerless to improve their position. They must wait, knowing that their fate will be settled by how other clubs perform on the closing day. I This amazing situation has been largely brought about by a wonderful recovery on the part of Sheffield Wednesday. All the season they have Jagged behind, near the bottom of the table, and there seemed no possible means of escape for them. But, during the past six weeks, they have suddenly fould greatly improved form, and have won match after match. Indeed, from seven games they have gained twelve points. The result is that, with two games to play, they require only one more win to place them above the Hotspur.

The other clubs concerned in the struggle are Manchester United, Middlesbrough, and Sunderland. They are all on the same mark, one point behind the London Club. It so happens that Middlesbrough and Sunderland are paired for the final game, and in all probability the losers will go down to the Second Division with ilm Hotspur. The question of relegation from the Second Division also remains tn be settled and this is a similarly exciting affair. Fulham, Clapton Orient, and Southampton are one point worse off. Strangely enough, the last-named club have to play Fulham, and, unless they win, they will lose their place together with South Shields, who have been doomed for some time.