Salient. The Newspaper of Victoria University College. Vol. 19, No. 7. June 16, 1955

Soccer Report

Soccer Report

Lean Period for Seniors

The First team sank to a very low ebb in its drown (0-0) game with Miramar Rangers, the bottom championship team. In fact with better shooting Miramax could easily have run up 4 goals against a ragged team whose performance must surely be the worst over. The weakness was mainly in midfield and some of the gaps in the defence were quite appalling for a First Div. side.

Rearranged Forwards

Last week in a Chatham Cup match against Second Div. Dia mond the team performed creditably enough and though the margin was only one goal Varsity enjoyed a 7030 territorial advantage. The coach decided to rearrange the forward line because the inside forwards were not commanding enough of the midfield play. Alan Preston was moved to his old position of centre-forward and Joe Phillips with his boundless energy and speed was brought back to the more strenuous position of inside left.

The change was successful. Phillips dominated mid-field play sending numerous ground passes to his forwards and following up fast himself thus giving greater thrust to the forward line. He was also responsible for some stout defending when the situation demanded. At the same time Alan Preston with his greater weight, height and ball control, proved to be a great menace at centre forward. He sent in some stinging drives besides distributing the ball effectively when his own path was blocked by too many defenders. On Alan's right Peter Marsland gave an improved display collecting a superb goal which was certainly overdue for this unlucky player.

Firewalking Forward

The outstanding player in the last four games has been slim, modest Perumal Naidu, probably the best all-round player to come from Fiji since the war. He lays claim to one distinction that is unlikely to be equalled in New Zealand. Naidu, together with his family, has performed in the fire walking ceremony at Suva several times without any ill effects. Certainly, by the way he runs on the football field one would think that his heels were still lit up. Naldu's play at outside right has pleased the coach because he does not hold the ball longer than necessary and in the short time he has the ball he makes intelligent use of it. Endowed with uncanny bail control and speed Naidu also excels in all basic soccer skills. His speed is outstanding and perhaps the only major weakness is his tackling which is not strong because of his light build.

At right-half newcomer David Jones is fast becoming the most constructive back in the team, distributing the ball very efficiently and covering up for his team-mates smartly. His clearing and tackling are not of the same high standard. The other wing-half Peter Preston although selected as reserve for the Wellington rep. side has a great deal to learn about wing-half play but his attacking play is quite good when he remembers to keep his passes on the ground.

Goalkeeper Unsteady

After a good start goalie Page has been very shaky in recent games. He seems to get very nervous when under pressure and he often loses concentration when the play moves to the other side of the pitch. A little practice at proper "dead ball" kicking and punting would enable him to use his penalty area to greater advantage. With a little more alertness and intelligent application Page could become a first-class keeper.

Representative Honours

While Alan Preston, last year's N.Z. Rep. was bypassed by the selector for the Wellington side, centre-half Bill Aldridge was first choice in that position. He made a most unfortunate debut against Canterbury on June 6. After playing a fine game for the first 10 minutes Bill was forced to retire with a broken' nose. He is expected to be out of the game for two weeks. Ho will be badly missed by the Varsity team as well as the [ unclear: Ras] team which is due to play the visiting Hong Kong. XI on June 15. Peter Preston as the emergency back replaced Bill in the Canterbury game and turned in a creditable performance at right-half, Joe Phillips, Colin Richardson and Alan Preston played for various Wellington teams against minor districts XI's