Association Football.

Free Lance, Volume IV, Issue 165, 29 August 1903, Page 23

Association Football.

It must have been disappointing to those Mho journeyed to Miramar on Saturday to witness the semi-final (St. John's-Diamo-nd) for the Chanty Cup. The disappointment nas occasioned through the miserable exposition of the game by the Diamond team. When they met St. John's in the second round for the championship, the game was one of the best yet played at Miramax. It was then natuiaJly expected that in the Charity Cup competition, when they would meet again, a game equally as good, if not hotter, would result. St. John's were in tip-top form, but their opponents weie sadly lacking m the condition necessary to play a hard game of footbaJl. Favoured with the wind in the first half, the Diamonds failed to make use of their openings. Repeatedly the forwards had excellent opportunities of banging the ball in the direction of the uprights, but either Amies or McNair generally smothered their attempts to shoot. The half-backs also erred in this direction. In the open field they failed to realise their chances of long shots, but persisted in passing the ball, and then not to one of their own side, but oftentimes to a St. John's back. The prevailing wind apparently had no effect on the St. John's team. They forced the play into dangerous ground as often as Diamond did likewise. For breaches of the rules, St. John's were awarded two penalties. Nagje was favoured With the kick on both occasions, and succeeded. Later, a stiff, low shot by the samei player made the score St. John's 3, Diamond 1. On resuming, at half-time, St. John's missed no chances m endeavouring to increase that score. Mowat brothers were constantly dashing down the field. They excelled themselves. Brodie kept his place, and passed the ball better than he has done previously Smellie and Dixon were instrumental m the centres which Mowat brothers unsuccessfully attempted to notch goals from. "Dick" Nagle had a day out. He was in the pink of condition, and surpnsed many who had lamented his falling of. George Williams played strong defensive games both with and against the wind. He placed the ball capitally, and is fast acquiring some happy half-back knacks. McWhannel was placing the ball well up the field, and took no half measures in stopping a player w ith the ball. Amies and McNair were given a free hand most times. The dilatory method of the Diamonds' vanguard' effected this. Amies came out of the ordeal with flying colours, whilst McNair can honestly claim a fair share of the credit for the day's win. Irons, in goal, brought off some clever saves. At times, he kept out what looked like "certainties." In another season he should play startling games. To select the brilliant play among the Diamond team, I am afraid, would require a miciosoope. Only on© player seemed to get to the right place, secure the ball, and dribble up the field, and that one was Burbush. Hathaway at times got ahead of lumself, but no startling play resulted. Fitzgerald, who has hitherto alw ays had nothing but eulogium passed upon his play, was decidedly off-colour, and, being the fiist time for a season or two, it is worth recording. In the second half, §ft. John's were awarded another penalty kick, for Roberts handling the ball m the penalty area. Na^le failed to increase the score. Latterly, however, two goals were quickly added to the score, and

the game ended St. John's 5, Diamond 1. Rovers met and defeated Queen's Park by three goals to two, after a fairly fast game. For the winners, Machin, in goal, saved well, especially in the first half. Auld and Smith, at full, were only medium, the former missing a penalty kick. The halves all played a solid game, Reynolds especially putting in a lot of woik, on one occasion beating Gordon with a beauty. The forwards included W. O'Shea, who has returned from Nelson, and Beck, who helped Rovers three years ago. The latter scored a good goal through fast following up. Fraser and Williams, on the right, got through a lot of work, the latter parting with the ball more often than usual. Play the same game to-morrow, Frank' C. O'Shea played his usual quiet, attractive game and got through a lot of w r ork. Martin and Clark weae safe at fullback, the latter especially. The brothers Clark and Downes, at half, were very safe. "Bert" Claik got a lucky goal through. Of the forwards, Mawson stood head and shoulders above the rest. His partner, Firkins, is not the man who suits him. Haining and Naughton were the best of the others, but the former should have scored m the second half. Mr. A. Williams gave every satisfaction as referee.