THISTLE CUP MATCH.

Auckland Star, Volume LX, Issue 225, 23 September 1929, Page 14

THISTLE CUP MATCH.

WEAKENED CELTIC BEATEN BY MANUREWA. Thero was i a ' dietinctly end-of-the-season atmosphere about the Thistle Cup match between Celtic and Manurevva on the Domain. " For a long time it appeared by no means certain that there would be a match at all, fur the referee who had been appointed to control the game failed to turn up, and threequarters of an hour went by before anything definite could be decided upon. The problem was eventually solved by the good oiliccs of Mr. A. E. Parkinson, who had come as a spectator, but undertook control of the game when the necessary kit had been obtained, and play began nearly an lour after the advertieed time. The cause of the delay may well be the subject of inquiry, for it was very disappointing for both teams to arrive well to tiine and then to be held in doubt as to what would happen.

Celtic had -a weakened team, being minus Simms, J. Grant, A. Gavan and Mooney; and Manurewa were etill without the service* of their regular centre forward, but they were able to put a strong and well-balanced combination in the field. There was never any doubt as to tho result, the disorganised Celtic defences being unable to cope with Marmrcwa's speedy wing forwards, who made raid after raid, and were only held at bay by the plucky defensive work of Rimmcr, Hall and the full-backs. The first-named left his usiiiil position at inside left to play in defence, and he worked like a trojan, but it needed more than ono to penetrate the visiting defence, and the Celtic team was far below its normal well-balanced self.

Prominent on the Manurewa sido were Ross and Lees in defence, and the wing forwards already referred to, namely, Anderson, Williamson, Hart and H. Donaldson. The veteran Hawkcs led the lino with excellent judgment, and his jr Oa l—the fourth of the quartet which the visitors scored —was a beauty. Celtic's only point came from Rimmcr, who converted a penalty.

FALCON CUP REPLAY

It would Ijavo been a drab and dismal afternoon at, headquarters had the standard of play of the Shore-Bon Accord match been general. As it was tho curtain-raiser was readily forgotten in the first five minutes of the rep. game. Shore made their second appearance for the season on Blandford Park. It must bo said that the team's showing was a complete explanation of the position it finds itself in—relegation to senior B. Many people felt a tinge of regret, because it was impossible to watch the game and suppress recollections of the North Shore of days gone by..How .have the mighty fallen! The game played by the black and golds was crude, disjointed, haphazard; never a any time revealing team work or position play. Dan Jones could be hean doing his best to bring order out of chaos, but his task was a heavy one. It is a hopeful feature that the players are mostly young, and inexperienced, and most of'them are not without some ability, but it is also evident that the team requires careful coaching, and consistent practice. Wise in goal showed a tendency to take risks in running out. Gemini'was easily ahead of Colebourne, who seems to have made no progress as a back, and was very uncertain on Saturday. Jones bore the brunt of the opposing attack, and also tried to press homo offensive moves. The result was that he was frequently out of'his place, and filled the role of rover. Haycock has a menacing way of tackling an opponent, and on one occasion was positively dangerous, but lie is certainly willing. while- Hart, at centre-half, is a young player who might easily be moulded into a resourceful defender. Huttor carries a strong shot in his right foot, but has no ball control, and little Soccer skill. Mac Donald is a serviceable player ill attack or defence. Dow has any amount of bustle and vigour in his play. With discretion and judgment he would make a useful pivot. Whiteley has a long way to go, and Jay. is the easygoing, spasmodic player he has always been. Ho has footbali when ho likes. Bon Accord arc blessed with a strong defence, in which the "old heads" of Alan Reid and Corbett often get the side out of difficulties. Morris is safe, and Nimino is a steady back, with a strong kick. Reid never varies, always displaying Soccer of a high standard. McLaclilan at right-half has a style of play that is decidedly provocative, but ho gets through a deal of work in an awkward way. Liddlo at left-half was inclined to be slow, though sound in tackling. Bon Accord were lop-sided in tho "forwards. Dunsmorc and Tremain played well together. The left wing was upset through the display of Hall, which was decidedly discreditable to himself and most unfair to his clubmates. Nicholson deputised nt" centre-forward with fair success, and Jerrin as an "inside-outside" left, had a hopeless task. The game never reached a high standard, and was at times quite devoid of interest.