Association Football.

Free Lance, Volume II, Issue 53, 6 July 1901, Page 21

Association Football.

[BT GOALKMPIR.]

A well-contested game was fought out between Rovers and Diamond at Miramar on Saturday. It was full of dash, with never a spell, so fast was the game. The players did not seem at home in their new positions, as was evinced by mistakes and style of play indulged in, which would not occur in their recognised places on the field. Kerr, a half-back, was found among the forward ranks. Godbcr, a full-back, was doing service in the half division, Sim, an old-timed Queen's Park player, did the engineering in the centre, and, I must say, very creditably after such a lapse of time in footing the ball. All these changes were necessitated through the Committee's decision to leave PvcSmith out of the team. Smith, who is a young player, has, up to last Saturday, helped Fraser on the right wing, and for his first season in senior ranks he was doing splendidly. However, with the changes mentioned, they managed to win, and have now a chance for the championship. RusE.cl, who did duty between thei uprights, did hi& share of responsible work, but he ' lias his faults which are bad ones, for a goalkeeper, and which I would adviso

lmn to lose, viz., clumsiness of catch and the> too frequent habit of running out of goal to take a kick which property should be taken by a full-back. A goalkeeper should run no risks, as so much may depend upon his mis-kicks or dropping of the ball caused through uncertainty of catch. Auld played one of his finest games. I believe he did not miss a, kick, but had a fault of kicking to the touch-line on nearly all occasions. Howie, a new man to Rovers and to Association football locally, was the gem full-back on the field. Rovers can pat him on the back tor the defence he was called upon to do. He actually went out of his way to defend his brother player, and then resumed, his own position on the field. He got in some difficult kicks at a critical point of the game. Clark was the shining star of the halves. He played one of his best games, extricating his side from dangerous positions, and effectually .stopping some daring rushes. He should try to overcome his disposition to jump, w luch ih a breach of rules and a dangerous, one. Paton seems to be "off-colour" for some tune past. Last season he was the team's best half-back player, but he hasi deteriorated in energy, and should tiy to overcome "that tired feeling." Godber worked hard, and well deserved a win. His play as a, full-back is recognised, but I cannot say he feels at home in the half division, judging from appearances. He indulged in the play a full-back is wont to, viz., hard kicking. Sim, who worked the centre ol the \anguard, did well under difficult circumstances. He is not a successful centre-forward judging by Saturday's play. He keeps his forwards going, but to his credit he did his share by sheer hard w ork Kerr was the wrong man with PVasn He is misplaced as a forward. His pla> is dangerous to his own side, and it is questionable if it is beneficial. In his

usual place, at half-back, his play is scarcely advantageous, as he indulges in too much useless kicking, and gains little ground. Fraser towards the end of the game was unfortunately "winded" by a kick, which caused play to be suspended until he recovered. His play was creditable, his centreing was good, and his shots from his wing dangerous, though unsuccessful. Moore wandered too near the centre, and left Williams too much "on his own." Williams played the better game of the two. His head was used to considerable advantage, and his shots when he did send them in were "deadly." Burns' play at goal, for Diamonds, was brilliant, and stood the test well. He cleared at times splendidly, and once he was seen to fall to save a shot, which, to his credit, he cleared splendidly. Roberts has played better games than he did on Saturday. If he had indulged in his usual style matters might have been a little brighter for his side. He appeared to take his time on Saturday, and afforded Rovers too many chances. O'Connor played a fine game. He managed to keep Williams, a dangerous man, at bay. He was determined, but his luck was out. Taylor, the once bright star of the Diamond halves, shines no more. His play has been of a very loose nature lately, and, like his vis-a-vis Paton, he will have to improve. Barclay, who indulged in his initial game this season, was hardly scientific, but was responsible for several encounters near the goal mouth, to which he had contributed the cause, by placing the ball in such a dangerous position by high kicks in the goal mouth. Sinnctt was not* particularly prominent. However, he works hard. If Diamond could find a good man for centre, who is a stiff shot, success would be theirs. Martin is improving. He was penalised for breach of rules in being offside. One excellent chance he spoilt by his off-side play. Wells played a hard game. He is fast and furious, and it takes a lot to rob him of the ball. If my suggestion was acted upon, viz., trying a new centre forward, Wells would find reliance in placing his shots in the centre. For the present, I would advise Weils to always take a shot whenever he gets within reach of the goal. Collins was useful in assisting Wells. His play, though not brilliant, was characterised by quietness, and might well be copied by less cool players. Mouatt, who is a tower of strength to his side, proved up to reputation on Saturday, and did a lot of useful, hard work, and for his efforts better results should have followed. As the result of the contest has awakened considerable interest, the following is the respective positions up to the present of the senior elevens . — Rovers 10 points, Swifts 9, Diamond 8, Red Cross 4, Petone 1. From the above, it will be seen the cups virtually belong to any one of the three first teams. All have a chance, and I would say the final rests between Swifts and Diamonds. Although Rovers lead at present in points, Swifts and Diamonds have two matches to go to Rovers one.