SOCCER CODE

Wanganui Chronicle, 27 May 1948, Page 7

SOCCER CODE

WANGANUI NOTES AND COMMENTARY (By “Waverley.”) Playing fast, attractive football. Athletic thoroughly deserved their win against Tech. Old Boys two Saturdays ago. This was the past student’s first defeat of the season, and as a result, Athletic and Tech. Old Boys are now level with eight points each. Athletic’s victory has added extra interest to the competition, and when the two teams next meet a needle match is assured. ATHLETIC SUPERIOR. From goal out Athletic were superior in every department and aldays looked the more dangerous side. Thomas, deputising for Stewart in goal, had some splendid saves and acquitted himself well. Phillips proved himself a bustling full-back, and by quick tackling, held the Tech. Old Boys’ left wing in check. Upchurch gave his usual sound display at left back and gave further proof of his versatility oy playing at left half and later at inside left, being quite at home in all these positions. Hansen gave his best display of the season at right half and his defence could not be faulted. A little more attention on attack would make this player a near certainty for the representative team. At present he is inclined to get rid of the ball too quickly and invariably sends it into the middle. Wing halves should, whenever possible, get their inside men or winger on the attack. This ensures the whole attack moving forward .and in Mutimer, Hansen has an inside man who is quick moving and always well positioned to take a pass.

Jackson had’the middle of the field well held and found time to set his forwards on the attack. This player is playing much better at centre half. S. Nimmo started at left half and was the best attacking half-back on the field. His first goal was a well-taken header and it was unfortunate that he was ruled offside. Later, he took over the outside left berth and sent over some dangerous crosses. Ander did some good work on the right wing, but it was not until late in the day that he gained some accuracy with his crosses. Mutimer did not see much of the ball as Athletic made more use of their left wing. However, he was always dangerous, and by his speed, can quickly put his team on the move. TENDENCY TO LIE BACK. Weilwood led the line well and distributed play freely. His head work was ideal; in fact this player is most dangerous when the ball is head high. If any fault can be found with his play it is a tendency to lie back and do the carrying and fetching for his inside men. As centre forward he should be fed by his inside men, leaving him free to finish off their efforts by a snap shot, or if the opportunity presents itself, a solo run on his own. If Mutimer and A. Kidd will fall back this will enable Wellwood to "camp” in the opposing goalmouth.

A. Kidd was the most constructive player on the field and showed good ball control at all times. His passes were well judged, and with S. Nimmo and Upchurch, made a dangerous left flank attack. For Tech. Christiansen, in goal, was kept busy and could not be blamed for the goals scored against him. He is inclined to leave his goal at times and this can be dangerous, especially if the ball is not punched clear. However, if a goalkeeper can get his hands to the ball a clean catch is safer than any punch. Duncan, playing his first game of the season, put up a good show and nevei- gave up against a wing that was always on the attack. Hicks took a long time to settle down, but when he did, gave his usual sound display. The Tech, halves were so busy on defence that they found little time to get their forwards going. Crabbe tried hard to hold Kidd and Nimmo, but on the day they carried too many guns. Williams gave his best display this year. His defence was very solid and time and again he jumped in to clear his lines. Playing at centre half, Williams is the most improved player in Wanganui. Breed had the Athletic right wing in check for most of the game and tried hard to get his own flank moving towards Athletic’s goal. That they failed was not his fault.