ASSOCIATION FOOTBALL.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XXVI, Issue XXI, 25 May 1901, Page 972

ASSOCIATION FOOTBALL.

The opening of the season was greatly affected by the weather, the prevailing high wind making accurate kicking a matter of great difficulty. In ; he Domain Grafton tried conclusion* with I’nited, and. after a close and hard-fought game, the former proved victorious by a goal to nil. With the wind in t heir favour. Grafton held the upper hand throughout the first spell, but there was nol a great deal to choose between the two teams. There was no score until nearly halftime. when Hunter, by a splendid shot, heat Southall and obtained the only goal scored in the match. Grafton continued to have the best of matters in the early part of the second spell, hut were unable to again break Through the United defence. During 1 h,e last half bom United reversed the position and kept up a hot attack on their opponents’ goal, but without result. On 1 wo occasions C. Heather had exceedingly hard luck in not scoring. putting in a couple of tremendously hot shots, but Knott proved ecpial to the occasion and averted a score. For the winners all the backs played sound games. F. Goldie, at half, being especially good, whilst Knott, in goal, fairly excelled himself. Weight played his usual sound game at full, kicking with good effect. It was to the forwards, however, is due the principal credit for Grafton’s win, and in this <l<*partment the winners showed distinct superiority, both in combination and individual play. IL Goldie played xi great game, as also did Dugmore, hut the latter would do well to play more to his field and go less “on his own.” For United Southall was in good form in goal, and Sawbridge was very good at full, being espccialiy

strong in dvft-nc**. C. Ilestth.r, at half, gate- a tine exhibition; in fact, all the l'nite<l backs did well, and had they received proper support from the forwards the result might tune been different.

Though Englund won the annual (Association) contest with Wales by six goals to nil. the game did not (says the •"Eieht”) reveal anything like so great u superiority on the part of the Englishmen as the score would suggest. During the whole of the first part the Welshmen had their fair share of the play, and it was not till very late in the game that the Welsh defence broke dow n. The game was throughout “bright and interesting.*’