Association Football.

Free Lance, Volume IV, Issue 160, 25 July 1903, Page 25

Association Football.

Diamonds' chances for the senior shield have disappeared after Satuiday's result. St. John's is given a lead of two points. It is quite possible that they may find themselves in a final with Rovers. # * * The senior competition has been an interesting one from its commencement, and that is likely to be sustained until its completion. Such prominent teams as Swifts and Queen's Park, who were "tipped" m various places to win the senior competition, have taken a back seat, and now Diamond shares their lot. » * * In anticipation of a close game between St. John's and Diamond, a large concourse of people wended their way to Miramar. St. John's "barraekers" were very much in evidence, and they were a voluble crowd. The game was played under the most favourable auspice®, and was of a standard seldom seen at Miramar. The result of the game in favour of St. John's was wholly unexpected, and this lent considerable interest to the closing stages of the game. A game is never lost until the w histle sounds "no-side." This was clearly exemplified on Saturday. Diamond was successful in securing a goal about midway in the second half, and held its goal intact until within eight minutes of the close of the game. From general appearances, and the excellent defence of the Diamond backs, and especially of Fitzgerald in goal, the Diamond team appeared, to be winning "hands down," but the unexpected sometimes happens, which, in this instance, cost Diamond the game and very probably the shield. A very dangerous rally occurred in Diamonds' goal mouth, in which Fitzgerald figured conspicuously. No sooner did the backs discharge the ball than it was returned by their opponents. The play at this juncture was very exciting, and "Andy" Mowat was within an ace of scoring, when Burbush, for some reason or other, handled the ball, which resulted in a penalty kick for St. John's. Nagle took the kick, and converted it into a goal. Although the second goal was the result of some pretty work, I feel sure the attack would have been repulsed if a player had not "lost his head." Fitzgerald, in goal, played a pretty game. He was taxed probably more than in any previous 1 game thas season. On several occasions his saves were difficult, by reason of the attacking forwards being-upon him. Roberts played a better game than his partner, Swain. His strong kicking was very useful on Saturday, and brought off some very ready saves. The pick of the halves .was ,Burbush. His tricky play was very serviceable, and greatly pleased the spectators. His nimble ~ action literally "brought down the house." All the forwards played well, and made the game one of the fastest on record. It isn't often, one sees beads of perspiration at Miramar. Irons, in goal, had some stiff shots to contend with, and acquitted himself creditably. McNair was a tower of strength to the backs. His timely saves prevented what might have been further goals for Diamonds. Nagle probably played his best game for the season. He was in excellent form. George Williams worked hard from start to finish, and he well deserves his share of the victory. Mowat brothers were not afforded as many chances as they deserved. Somehow, they seemed to be neglected. Was McKeowen's presence on that wing the l eason ?