SOCCER CODE

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20028, 29 August 1939, Page 7

SOCCER CODE

KIRK GUP VICTORY EASTERN UNION’S FINAL THISTLE BEATEN 5—2 Maintaining their unbeaten record in this year’s Kirk Cup series, Eastern Unicin secured the trophy *n their match on Saturday, when they defeated Thistle by five • goals to two. The winners and losers alike played excellent football, and Eastprn had to earn their victory hard, though as the score indicates they yver e definitely superior.

The old combination of the Thistle forwards was apparent in the opening stages, but as the game progressed they became ragged and individual in their efforts. On the other hand, the backs all played inspired games, and the spoiling tactics that they adopted were responsible for the failure' of many an Eastern gttapk.

Thistle attacked from the start and their opponents’ goal was in constant danger. The whites put up a Stupborn defence, but, increasing thefir efforts, the Thistle forwards were rewarded when L. Branson netted from Close range.—Thistle 1 ]Eastern nil. The blues resumed the offensive, following the kick off, and the Eastern goal was again under pressure Until J. Wilson relieved the tension With a good kick up th e left. Succeed* jngLa\.nice run down the wing by p; - .BdirbOur, play took a turn and Thistle assumed the defensive as {.he Eastern forwards _ launched successive attacks on their goal.

The Thistle backs defended well, however, and- the ball was returned to mid-field, where their forwards Snapped it up. An opportunity to add to their score was then presented to them, but, after their good start, they adopted an individual style Which spoilt the movement. Eastern returned to the attack just prior to half-time and E. Bridge was successful in securing the equaliser with a hard drive. The secqnd half found Eastern JJnion continually on the attack, and the aggressive play of J. Burns and E. Bridge brought the score to:— Eastern four goals, Thistle one goal. Before the final whistle R- Johnson gave' Eastern another point, while S. Slade scoped further for Thistle, the final' result being: Eastern five, Thistle two. Mr: J. Eaton was the referee.

NAPIER UNITED WIN

MATCH WITH MERCANTILE

The winners cf the Poverty Bay phariipiohship, Mercantile, played a friendly fixture with Napier United pp Saturday, on !Nq. 1 ground at the pfiilders Road Reserve. The visitors wop‘ after a good keen pjatch, the final score (being two goals fij'ohe in ffi.elr'favour.