SOCCER

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 72, Issue 106, 6 May 1929, Page 8

SOCCER

WANGANUI ASSOCIATION SHIELD COMPETITION. SATURDAY’S PLAY. (By “Abbotsford.”) The Wanganui Association continued their shield competition on Saturday and Thistle, with a weakened team, gained the verdict over Eastbrooke in a game that never reached a very high standard. After their previous w'cek’s display Atheltie were expected to run K.P.’s close, but the reds won fairly easily. Fairclough signalised his return to the side by scoring three goals. In the junior competition Afills were surprised by Athletic and suffered their first defeat. EASTBROOKE AND THISTLE. Eastbrooke attacked from the kickoff, Walker having to handle in the first minute. The goalie next had to hold a hot one from Killeen. ’Brooke were having the better of matters but good defensive play by A. Walker kept them out. Thistle raided occasionally but were never dangerous. All against the run of the play, Thistle scored first, Falconer netting. From a well-placed corner Jones came near scoring, the ball just passing outside the H ost. Thistle were two up as a insult of a fumble by the ’Brooke goalie, Heath getting the credit of the score. ’Brooke’s left wing were putting in a lot of good work in the outfield but their shooting was well off the mark. A good shot from Stent was held finely by Stokes and then Heath missed from right in front. Good play by Jones gave L. Clapham a chance, the centre hitting the foot of the posts —a certain score lost. A dangerous run by Upton was finely stopped by A. Walker, and then J. Walker brought off a good save when hard pressed. A period of quiet play was opened up when Upton broke away und shot, Walker saving. Thistle increased their lead shortly after, Falconer netting after good combined play. The Thistle left got away, Stokes saving the parting shot. A tussle between V. Clapham and A. Walker ended in favour of Clapham, the winger getting his cross in. L. Clapham connected only to sec J. Walker bring off a good save.

Play ran along on even lines for the remainder of the first spell, without further score, giving Thistle an advantage which, on play, they did not deserve.—Thistle 3; Eastbrooke 0. The second spell opened quietly until Heath got in a shot, Stokes saving at the secund attempt. ’Brooke kept at it and ultimately Jones got an opening and knocked one goal off Thistle’s list. Walker was penalised for carrying but nothing came from the kick. Play was very quiet for a period with ’Brooke always having the Territorial advantage. A good shot from V. Clapham went right for the mark but Walker saved finejy. AlcWilliams let h ; s forwards away but the. opportunity was allowed to pass. Thistle had a spell on the offensive Heath missing with his parting shot. A goal looked like coming to 'Brooke but three players missed completely and L. Clapham finished by shooting high over. With the result of the match settled play slackened a lot and the final whistle found Thistle lucky winners in a game which was never brilliant:— Thistle 3; Eastbrooke 1. K.P. AND ATHLETIC. Athletic had the better of the opening exchanges but failed to score, ReiJly missing an easy opening. At the other end Fairclough broke through and beat Scott to put the reds one up. Atheltie returned to the attack after this reverse but poor shooting and a resolute defence kept them from scoring. Play was running in favour of Athletic and Martin was called on to /top a few shots. K.P.’s had a turn on attack, forcing in. corner which cott cleared. After Meikle had missed a chance to score K.P.’s went further ahead, Fairclough netting from a cross by Dick. Halftime arrived with K.P.’s holding to their lead.—K.P.’s 2; Athletic 0. K.P.’s attacked right from the start of the second spell and a period of pressule ended in Fairclough scoring his third goal from a cross by Uings. Shortly after the reds increased their lead from .. free-kick, Proudfoot being the scorer. With a difference of four goals between the two teams play quietened <lown a lot, most of the exchanges taking place near the centre. Athletic pressed for a time. Holland nearly scoring with a good effort. A breakaway by K.P.’s brought another goal, Hope being the marksman. Although five goals down Athletic kept going and ultimately Holland got one past Martin. The goal gave them confidence and until the final whistle went they swarmed round the reds’ goal but could not reduce the leeway, and the end came:—■ K.P.’s 5; Athletic 1. JUNIOR GAMES. On Victoria Park Athletic beat Mills by three goals o one. On Cook’s Gardens Eastbrooke and Thistle played a drawn game, scoring one goal each.