SOCCER

Evening Star, Issue 23374, 18 September 1939, Page 4

SOCCER

MDSGIEL BEATEN CHINESE CUP TO NORTHERN Seldom rising above tho heights of ordinary club games, and not to bo compared with the deciding Fletcher Cup meet, tho Chinese Cup game between Mosgiel and Northern was won by the latter bv the odd goal in three. Except for" a short period after the interval Northern made all play. Poor finishing before goal added considerably to the cliscomforture of the country eleven, while even Northern left much to be desired as attacking players. Their solid defence, allied to Mosgiel’s uncertain shooting, proved the deciding factor. The teams: — Mosgiel.—Hall; Johnstone, R- Steven: Stenhouse. O. Skinner. Pauli; Nicholson, Rogers, W, Steven, Davidson, Martin. Northern.—Gibson; Wallace, Anderson; Sutherland, Gordon, Buchanan; M'Farlane, Bertenshaw, M‘Lean, King, Reynolds. Fast exchanges with the light ballwere oarlv in favour of Northern, but it was a" short-lived advantage they held. Mosgiel staged a determined offensive that lacked only a calculating shootist to open the account. Reynolds forced Hall to make a brilliant Mosgiel save, but a dangerous Kccl-and-Black breakaway was spoiled by a poor cross by Nicholson. The Northern went away with a rush on the left, and M'Lean beat a man before feeding Reynolds in front, giving an easy goal. Northern 1, Mosgiel 0. . M'Lean retired through injury, but Northern did not seem to Teel his loss Reynolds crossing finely to M rarlaiie who narrowly failed with a carpet shot. R. Steven miskickecl. and the winder hit the far post. M'Lean returned Mosgiel did not resemble Fletcher Cup winners ; their backs were uncertain. and tho forwards lacked cohesion and aggression near goal. M'Lean made a fine run,' but his shot was neatlv tipped over hy Hall, and Bertenshaw’s attempt from the corner went past. Northern’s short passing, combined game kept Mosgiel on the run, and beat them at their own game. Gibson brought off an exceptional save as Davidson had a short-range attempt, and both winger and inside got in each other’s road. Northern cleared, but Mosgiel came back, Nicholson transferred to Rogers, to Davidson, who placed an easy shot home. Northern 1. Mosgiel 1. . So far there had been none of the thrilling incident of the deciding Fletcher Cup game. Though fast, the game lacked the fire of the other. Davidson missed a clear goal from Nicholson’s pass, and Northern had had some long shots, easily gathered in by Hall, just before the interval.

Dominating play, Mosgiel yet could not shoot dangerously, and Reynolds went close for Northern in a breakaway. Then Davidson missed the goal entirely again, demonstrating the lack of finish of the Bed-and-Rlncks. Play dragged for a long spell, neither side showing any particular enterprise and emnloying massed defensive tactics that did not make for bright football. Finally, after things seemed to have reached a stalemate, Reynolds crossed neatly to goal, and after a period of hectic work by both sides M'Lean took the initiative and netted from easy range. Northern 2, Mosgiel 1. Nicholson brought to light the strongest shot of the day, but it hit the post, and Martin shot over. An appeal for a penalty was disallowed, amt Mosgiel were attacking hotly but ineffectively at the whistle. Final; Northern 2 Mosgiel ] Mr P. George controlled the game. IN OTHER CENTRES AUCKLAND. Grey Lynn 4. Y.M.C.A. 3; Ponsonby 2. Comrades 1; North Shore 10, Mount Albert 3; Onehnngm 3, Suburbs 3. WELLINGTON. In the play-off to decide the first grade A division championship Water-

nidfl. last year’s nlinmtMcms and holders of the Chatham Cup, drew with Petone, :( eoals all. At half-time Pctono led hv°3 goals to 2. They were awarded three penalties in the first half, from two of which goals were scored.