The Montgomery County Times and Shropshire and Mid-Wales Advertiser

.4 D D li ESS E S. OOTBALL AND OTHER CLUB ADVERTISEMENTS. Will be nserted in this position, set closely, at the following low rates, which must in 1I cases be prepaid :—20 words, Is.; 27 words, lb. 3d.; 34 words, Is. 6d. and 3d for every additional seven words. Displayed advertisements, 2s. per inch. FOOTBALLS FOOTBALLS The noted -C "Calrub" Football, as used by Aberystwyth Cup Team, price 9s., can he obtained at Hughes and Owen's, Great P.flrkgat»» Street, A borvstwyth. HOLLIER'S tO-I<:((-;TBALLS- -m-1 description. Footballers' outfits supplied to order.—Bridge Street, Aberystwyth.

b u 0 T B ALL. FORECAST COMPETITION. The conditions arc Ib follows :—Every week the um of One t'ound is offered to the person who ends to the Editor the actual forecast of the results f the matches given for competition the preceding week, and in the event of no one giving the actual scores the sum of Ten Shillings will be given to the person who predicts nearest the actual scores. Each person competing must use the coupon to be found on this page. No old coupon will be allowed, neither will any recognition be given to forecasts other than on the proper coupon. Each competitor mnst cut out the coupon, and fill in the scores, and forward in a sealed envelope to the Editor, COUNTY TIMES Office, Welshpool," bv whotti it must be received not later than prut po on Saturday morning in each week, the envelope to be endorsed Competition." Four points will lie allowed for In actual resnlt, three points for a result one goal out, two points for two goals out, and one point for three goals out. In the case of a draw the same conditions will apply. No point is allowed if the wrong team is given to win. Otie or more forecasts may be sent in by the same person but in each case the correct coupon must be used. The Editor's award is in all cases final. If there are less than three of the matches played the prize will be reserved and added to the prize in a week following. The following are the matches for competition on January 21st coupons: mnst: reach "the head office, not later thau jirst pout on that date, other- wise they will be disqualified. Competitors may, to save postage, hand in their coupons personally at the head office, Welshpool; or at the branch offices, Chalybeate Street, Aberystwyth, and 3, Church Street, Towyn; also at Mr J. Grifiiths's, 37, Broad Street, Newtown. In the three latter cases, however, they must be handed in before noon on the day previous. RESULTS OF SATURDAY'S COMPETITION. Welshpool 3 Iron-Bridge 7 -lanfyllin 1 Singleton Cole's 6 Druids Reserve. 1 Oswestry Reserve 3 The Wrockwardiue Wood and Newtown match 4iid not take place. The consolation prize has been won, with 7 point.s, I)y S. W. Rider, Conservative Club, Welshpool A. Paddock, Newtown J. W. Ricketts, 23, Stanley Streafc, Welshpool. Ol ASSOCIATION COUPON. Q-| C^JL (TO BE DETACHED). OW-JL JANUARY THE 14TH, 1899. M <*> <B £ CLUB G CLUB G 1 Newtown Wellington I- 2 Oswestry I Chirk 3 Druids I I Bangor I 4 Wrexham Barry Dock Name Address.

FOOTBALL NOTES. [BY "VETERAN."] Bravo! Little United. Well have you sustained the honour of your town in defeating the Druids' Reserves. From a chat I had with some of the Druids' men some time ago they led me to believe that their Reservps were certain, or nearly so, to win the Junior Cup. Well it has turned out that it is only nearly so." The teams met on Saturday at Ruabon, so on the score of ground the Druids have nothing to complain of. The game was some- what rough. In the Denbighshire and District League the teams have met at home and awav and the results have been draws. Therefore, it was anticipated that the Cup encounter would be a severe and even one. Up to this match the Reserves have only been beaten once, and that was when they sent a weak team to meet Wrexham Reserve. There was a fair gate when Burgiu and his men started up the slope. The Druids pressed for a considerable time but the visiting halves, especially Kenyon, and the backs, Humphreys and Burgin, were conspicuous for clean kicking and good returns well up the slope. The home halves worked well and k"pt the visitors round their goal, but at last the Salopians broke away and their passing was very nice and effective. Mack centred grandly, and Morris only partially clearing, Joe Matthews rushed up and scored No. 1, and soon afterwards the same player scored from a penalty. The Druids played up and Foulkes had to give a corner in saving a swift shot from W. H. Jones. Then followed a hot time for the visitors, and the homesters had downright hard lines in not getting through, hut this was due to the clever manner in which Fonlkes kept goal. A little later Barratt relieved when Hayward had only Fou'kes to beat. In the second half Davies scored with a nice shot, which was ruled off-side. The visiting defence had plenty to do, and Foulkes had to handle a couple of times. The visitors were granted another penalty, but Matthews shot against the goalkeeper. After this the Druids pressed and from a corner Davies scored a beauty. Just betore call of time Matthews added :i third for Oswestry, who thus won by 3 to 1. For the winners all played well-very well iddef-d-to a win. Foulkes, Humphreys, Burgin, and Kenyon were even brilliant, and Barratt and Griffiths put in most useful work. Although Matthews must be credited with scoring all the goals, two were from centres by Mack, who played a good strong game. The passing of the forwards was good, and they took advantage of every opportunity. The Druids forwards played a line game-especially down the slope-but the Oswestry defence was too strong for them. Theit- halves played well, especially Butterton and Roberts, whie Davies, W. H. Jones, and Hayward were the best forwards. The goal which the Druids scored was a rt al beauty, and they thoroughly deserved it. Go on, youngsters, and if you win the Cup no one will be more delighted than the Veteran, who will have very great pleasure in drinking your very good healths. Yes, indsed. WelBhpool gave Iroa-Bridge a rare fright during the first hour of the match in the third round of the Wednesbury Cup last Saturday and the. homesters were beginning to think that they would have to part with the game as well as with the hard coins which had tempted Welshpool from home. With a lead of 3 to 1 and only half an hour to play Welshpool looked certain winners. The proverbial slip between the cup and the lip proved again true. When a corner was conceded to Irou-Bridge and from it Dyas headed No. 2 the homesters plucked up surprisingly or perhaps it would not be far out if one said the visitors fell to pieces and six goals were added in a quarter of an hcur. Iron-Bridge offered a very good sum to Welshpool to play at Hill Top. The reason for this is only known to Iron-Bridge Executive, but it has been suggested and probably with a great amount of truth that the Men of Iron were none too sanguine of success at Welshpool. Anyhow Welshpool are financially benefited by the bargain and in addition hold the record for the most goals scored on the Iron-Bridge ground this season. Weishpool showed a vast improvement in foim and it would have given much pleasure to their sup- porters to witness the pretty combination which led to their three goals. A re-arrangement was made in the front rank Withers with J. Price were a capital pair of right wingers-both working with vigour and gumption. The third goal scored by Price was a beauty. Jones seemed rather out of place at centre, but Jarman and Austin were in great form, Walter Davies was the mainstay of the halves, and when he went back in the second portion that division fell to pieces, and there lay the probable cause of defeat. They practically gave the forwards no opportunity of getting the ball away from goal. The cleverest and best man on the field, admitted even by the homesters, was the sturdy Heath. One mistake oidy did he make, and that was when he played with Arkenstall in the first half, and the Salopian ultimately outwitted him. Heath played his best game of the year, kicking out with rare judgement and never failing- to clear the ball in a dangerous scrimmage. White gave a, gcod exhibi- tion in goal, though the ball passed him seven times, and all the goals scored were at close range. E Davies, Claffey, and Hutchins, considering the men opposed to them, played a very fair game. In the first half the shooting of the Bridge men was below the average. They did not — like their opponents—shoot for goal when they had the chance. Dyas was not a success in this half on he extreme right, but in the second portion he justified the exchange by scoring thrice. Arkinstall played a very consistent game at centre, and fed his partners well. Meredith at right half made several errors in the first half, but redeemed himself some- what in the second. Both backs were below the standard of Heath, Leese in goat was not in his best form. Condition told its tale in this match. and the want of it undoubtedly lot. Welshpool the game. With proper training Welshpool would be a downright good team, r.nd I am very pleased indeed to congratulate the men on their good play during the first hour. Their success in this part should encourage them to play up in their next encounter. The Oswestry United played a capital game at Chester and after 90 minutes hard play the home- sters could only claim victory by a solitat-y goal, and that too o-) a soft ground which is all against Oswestry's right style of play. I To-day the Shrewsbury men visit Oswestry and a magnificent strangle should be the result of the meeting. The Shrewsbury men play a peculiar game-at one time they are particularly brilliant and nothing seems able to stop them, at, another time they are quite commonplace. Their experience I in the Birmingham League matches is rather better than that Oswesfry get in the Combination games, but I have a very good opinion of the United. All the same I will not go so far as to say tnev will win, and I am sum I am not going to say they will lose, but I will say that if Shrewsbury win they will have to put in all they know. I am downright sorry for Newtown. Throngh no fault of their own they have been robbed of three matches and that too when good match practice is so necessary. Last, year they were served in just the same way. To-day one of the best matches of the season should be witnessed on the Cunnings. Walsall, the vislors, occupy a splendid position on the Shropshire League list and I know they are very anxious to win the champion- ship, so the Newtown spectators may full v depend on getting full value for their money. With the one team anxious to gain the championship and the other to retrieve their slightly tarnished laurels one of the tightest games of the season should be seen this afternoon. I fancy Newtown because the players mean business and when they do the Cunnings is no desirable place for visitors. Experience and condition told its tale at Llan- fyllin and Singleton's team won their Welsh Cup tie with compnrative eaAe. In every way they were the better players, and although the homesters showed any amount of pluck aud dash they were worn down. I trust the lesson taught them will not be thrown away and that they will persevere and have another good look in next season. Wrexham were nicely sold on Saturday by the wooden spooniets in tho Combination. They had Rhyl as visitors, and of course fully meant to give them a hiding and add on an easy couple of p-'ints. When they scored the first, twogoalsit seemed ait up with poor Rhyl, but then the Morgan Owens were in evidence. Garth scored an easy one for Rhyl and this was followed by a spackler from the foot of his brother the International. At half-time the score was two each, bnt on crossing over the poor Wrexhamites found their complete masters. M. Morgan-Owen put on another good goal and this was followed by another before the whistle blew. If Rhyl can only secure the services of the brothers Morgan-Owen for a few more matches they will be able to hand the medal" over. THE LEAGUE.-FIRST DIVISION. Goals. P W L D F A PTS Aston Villa 19 13 3 3 4319 29 Everton 22 11 6 5 33 25 27 Liverpool 22 11 7 4 31 22 2() Burnley 21 10 5 6 35 28 26 Notts County 21 7 4 10 33 31 24 Blackburn Rovers 22 9 8 5 33 35 23 Bury 21 9 7 5 30 29 23 Sheffield United 23 6 6 11 29 34 23 Sunderland. 20 9 8 3 26 26 21 Wolverhampton W. 21 8 9 4 33 30 20 Derby County 21 5 6 10 34 38 20 West Bromwich A 22 8 10 4 29 32 20 Preston North End. 23 6 10 7 30 36 19 Stoke 21 7 9 5 30 37 19 NottsForest. 22 5 9 8 27 33 18 Sheffield Wednesday 20 5 9 6 20 33 16 Newcastle United 21 4 10 7 29 35 15 Bolton Wanderers 20 4 11 5 19 31 13 The Sheffield Wednesday v. Aston Villa, Bolton Wanderers v. Aston Villa, and Burnley v. Stoke matches being unfinished, are not included in the above table. THE COMBINATION. Goals. P W L D F A PTS Everton Reserve 16 14 0 2 72 11 30 Liverpool Reserve 14 14 0 0 68 11 28 Wrexham 18 10 6 2 32 29 22 Druids. 13 9 4 0 31 14 18 Tranmere Rovers 12 6 4 2 19 19 14 White Star Wand. 15 5 5 5 36 29 13 Chester 14 6 7 1 21 30 13 South Liverpool 14 6 7 1 24 29 13 Bangor 10 5 4 1 2736 11 Buxton 11 5 6 0 24 25 10 Chirk 14 4 8 2 18 27 10 Llandudno Swifts 14 4 10 0 23 41 8 Oswestry United 12 3 8 1 21 35 7 Garston Copper W'ks 15 2 12 1 15 44 5 Rhyl 14 1 13 0 12 53 2 *White Star Wanderers have had two points deducted for playing an ineligible man. I SHROPSHIRE AND DISTRICT LEAGUE. Goals. P W L D F A PTS. Iron-Bridge 9 7 0 2 34 3 16 Walsall Reserve 8 6 1 1 33 7 13 St. George's 10 6 3 1 26 19 13 Newtown 7 3 2 2 19 8 8 Wem 9 4 5 0 11 19 8 Wrockwardine Wood 9 2 6 1 14 36 5 Newport 8 1 6 1 5 23 3 Welshpool United 8 1 7 0 7 34 2

FRIENDLY MATCHES. CEDSWAINS Y. R.W.W. SWIFTS.—A very exciting match took place between these teams on Saturday on the R.W.W. Recreation ground. The game was keenly coutested throughout, and when half-time arrived the homesters were leading by 3 to 1. On resuming play the Cedewains scored. Before the whiatle blow for full time the S'.vifts had however got another point. Thus an interesting match ended in favour of the Swifts by 4 to 2. Mr Evan Rees discharged the duties of referee. LLANFAIR ORLLWYN v LLANDYFRIOO.—-Played on the ground of the forme, on Saturday last in fine weather and before a good number of spectators. Llandyfriog won the toss and played with the wind, and their forward line showed good form, but the home defence prevented them from scoring and half-time arrived with the score sheet blank. On resuming the Rev David Lewis, the home centre forward, got away and after a brilliant run, banged the leather into the net amidst loud cheers. Llanfair Orllwyn continued to press and further efforts were made to score by Mr Lewis. The rev. gentleman was fast and tricky, and passing the. backs he again beat the visiting custodian. Llandyfriog made another determined effort to score, but the home goalkeeper saved, and the final score was Llanfair Orllwyn 2 goals, Llan- dyfriog, nil. The winning team was as follows:- Goal, 0 T Thomas; full backs, W H Jones and Tom Williams; half-backs, T Edwards, It Humphreys, and T Evans; forwards, T C Jones, J W Morgan, Rev David Lewis (capt), Evan Morgan and B D Thomas. The chief feature of the match was the pl. v ,1' D. Lewis, Vicar of Llanfair Orliwy >, who is a forward of exceptional speed and skill. The ruv. gentleman's prowess in the game is well known in lower Cardiganshire, and the Llanfair Orllwyn men could not obtain abetter coach. Mr iienry George, of Cardigan, acted as referee. MACHYNLLETH CITY MERCHANTS Y. CAMBRIAN ROYAL ROVERS.—In weather which was not of the milde, elevens representing the above met on the Machynlleth Town ground on Thursday afternoon. The weather was something to look at. Talk about the equinoxial gales aud the terrible "Euroclydon," both were combined on Thursday afternoon, and it speaks right well for both teams that they had enough pluck to play in such weather. Fortunately, the rain kept off, and although mud-pies were plentiful, yet it might have been much worse. The appearauce of the men when the match was over reminded one of painted Zulus or speckled Maories. The judge to see that all was fair and square was Mr E. Walter Rees of Paris House, the famons custodian of the County School Eleven. The Royal Regiment was evidently the favourite team, as they had more followers on the ground than their opponents, but Cambria's men had to acknowledge defeat by four goals to their one, and I have no hesitation in saying that on the day's play, for the conditions were equally divided, tho Merchants fully deserved their victory, for they worked honestly not a single passenger in the eleven, every man working for all he was worth. I have my eye foln three or four very promising players among them, who should develop into Spikeleys and Bloomers! The wind was blowing from goal to goai-a terrific gale-and fortunately the Merchantmen scored four goals in this half, as it was quite out of the question for them to hope to score in the second half. The first two goals were obtained as the result of some sterling play on the left wing where Tommy Williams and Jenkyn-Evans were simply making rings round their opponents. Evans receiving a pass from Williams shot one in, and headed the other. It should be noted that during the first half, the City goalkeeper was having a nice little game to himself with two or three youngsters by having corner-kicks just to amuse himself and to keep himself warm. It is a good ho did too. for otherwise he would have become an icicle or elsp wonld havÐ have blown away. In the second half, amusing to relate, but quite true, Griffiths, Cambria's goalkeeper, was coolly walking up and down far above the half of the ground, smoking his clay and his bands in his pockets, and to crown everything he had two or three shots for goal, which, instead of going through, went living into the middle of the adjoining field. Decent plav was quite out of the question, and the defence on both sides was very sound. It was a case of eight forwards playing six or seven backs, and the jumbled aspect of the players pushing and kicking and rolling in the slimy mud made me and my friends around me laugh right heartily. Fortunately there were no accidents, and the play waR pleasant enough, but I believe the men of Cambria were a bit sick in the stomach in that they did not win as they expected. In such weather a thrashing is no disgrace, as good play was out of too question. Better luck next time. ABERYSTWYTH V. TOWYN.—These old rivals met on the Vkarage Ground, Aberystwyth, on Saturday before a fair number of spectators. The weather was favourable but the ground after the heavy downpour of rain throughout the week was in a muddy state. This was the first fixture this season between the teams, the results of three matches played between them last season being two drawn games and one victory for Aberystwyth. The referee was Mr Jack Thomas, aud the linesmen Messrs W Price and J Davies. The teams faced each other as follows :—Aberystwyth Goal, Tom Evans; backs, George Evans and David Edwards half-backs, Willie Jones, J H Edwards (captain), and George Green forwards, W Michael, J Morgan, A Green, Barson, and A Bennett. Towyn Goal. Rumsey Williams; backs, Lewis Pnghe and R Jones; half-backs, E H Daniel, T Hughes, and A E Mason; forwards, A Evans, George Davies, Glad- stone Davies, David Lewis, and E L Jones. The game opened in favour of the home team, a rush being made by the forwards for the visitors' goal. This was cleared by Bob Jones kicking outside. From the throw in T Hughes gave to E L Jones, who ran up the field at lightning speed. Danger was averted by Dei Edwards sending out of play. Towyn pressed for a little time and a foul gave them an excellent opportunity, but they failed to utilise it, although they experienced hard lines. Barson coming into possession the homesters pressed and penned the visitors for some time in their own territory. Barson sent in a shot which was wide of the mark, and shortly after Willie Jones tried another which was quite as unfortunate. The homesters had no doubt the best of the game at this time the visitors being prominent with some dangerous rushes. In one of these David Lewis combined well with his partner, and passing at the proper moment to E L Jones a rush was made for goal. The home goal seemed in imminent danger when the whistle sounded as G Davies was off-side. This gave the homesters a chance to attack and the visitors' halves and full backs were severely tested for a considerable length of time. Mason at a critical moment saved a deadly shot from A Green, but Barson and Bennett had an opportunity to display very pretty passing play. This perhaps was the best wing on the field, and over and over again they were conspicuous with fine play. However their best efforts were futile as the visitors played with great determination and never allowed the homesters a chance to shoot for goal. It was generally conceded that the visitors were very quick and smart on the ball. After the attack on the visitor's goal the next conspicuous piece of play was a run by George Davies aud Evans for the visitors the interference of fVillie Jones putting a stop to their little game. However, the visiting centre forward got possession and the home custodian was called upon to save for the first time, which he did in the best fashion. Edwards tipped to Morgan and with the assistance of Michael the ball was again in the visitor's territory. A long bombardment of the Towyn goal then ensued in the course of which Ramsey Williams made a. marvellous save. With a stretch of the leg he stopped the ball from entering the net and then stooped to pick it up. All this was done in such a fine form that the spectators loudly ap- plauded him for it. After a temporary breakaway the homesters were again on the agressive, the visiting full backs as well as the halves playing a grand defensive game. Rumsey Williams was called upon two or three times to save and he ac- counted for every shot. At this stage the visitors complained of the treatment they received from their opponents, and E. L. Jones receiving a kick from A. Green at a time when he was not in possession of the ball they decided to leave the field. The referee, with Mr A. J. Hughes and Mr W. P. Owen used their persuasion and eventually they returned and continued the game. From this to half-time both ends were visited in quick succession, and the two goalkeepers could not be beaten. Half-time thus arrived with a clean sheet. The second half proved more exciting. Towyn were now playing down hill and seemed to have more of the game than in the first half. The first noticeable piece of good play was a nice bit of passing between Gladstone Davies and the two right wingers. A smart attempt was made by E. L. Jones to get the ball into the net, but the home custodian was all there and saved grandly. The efforts of the homesters, particularly Morgan and Michael, were checked by Mason, and another attempt to score was a failure. A tremendous rush for the visitors' goal was afterwards made and some fine play was witnessed, the end of it being that A. Green sent well over the bar. After a considerable amount of even play in mid-field the chance of the visitors came. David Lewis passed to E. L. Jones and as Dei Edwards failed to tackle him that player had rushed for goal at great speed. When in shooting range he let fly a beautiful shot which lauded in the corner of the net amid great cheer- ing. This success put the homesters upon their mettle and from this to tho end they played like Trojans. The visitors' defence was severely tested and it was with tho greatest effort that they kept their goal intact. It was, however, evident that such hard and good piay was bound to be rewarded and soon the opportunity came. A tricky pass was given by Green to Bennett and having an ex- cellent opportunity that player planted the ball in the uet well out of Rumsey Williams's hands. After this encouragement tho game was ex- ceedingly well contested, the homesters having slightly the best of matters, although the visitors were prominent with some dangerous rushes. On one occasion the Aberystwyth colours nearly fell. There was a scrimmage in front: of goal ann iL was a question whether the ball would enter the net or whether it woald be safely got rid of. Fortun- ately for the home team the latter proved to be the case, and thus the game ended in a draw of one goal each. MACHYNLLETH V. DOLGELLKY.—On Saturday afternoon, on the Machynlleth new ground, these teams tested their stiength in the noble pastime, before a very nice gathering of spectators, a.nd we noticed with Rome pleasure a large number of ladies on the field. Tho new arena is a very nice and suitable piece of carpet and the approach is through a bv-lane which is very pretty but has one serious drawback, it is sloppy and muddy, but this can easily be remedied with a few cartloads of gravel. Mr Jones (of Messrs Evans and Gillart, solicitors) took charge of the teams and did the onerous duties of referee right creditably, but no wonder, for be is an old veteran in the dribbling code. The Machynlleth brigade was made up of the following warriors:—Goal, R Humphreys; backs, Willie Evans and Owen Morris half-backs, R. Lascelles, T. W. Trevor, and John Owen for- wards, George Weaver, E R Trevor, Robert Hum- phreys (capt), Richard Hughes, and John Owen Holt. The names of the Men of Meirion are not to hand, but I understand that the team was far from its full strength, but every credit must be given to the men who did duty for Dolgelley on Saturday for they played a right plucky game all through, and out-classed their heavier opponents more than once. From the start Machynlleth pressed, but tho passing amongst the forwards was without system and oftener than otherwise was wide of the mark. It was most provoking to see the clumsy methods in which they lost chance after chance of scoring, one man expecting the other to put it through, and while this dilly dallying was going on the Dolgelley athletes were not looking on with folded arms exactly, but quietly and firmly robbed their opponents of the ball, and the opportunity was lost. I must confess to a spirit of disappointment the display before goal was wretched, no sting, no go, no dash. The Machyn- lleth men are favourites of mine as a rule, but if they do not shape a bit more spruce and lively in front of goal in future tussels, I shall come down on them like a ton of bricks. The peculiar part of the business was that the ball was continually kept down by the Dolgelley goal, but the Machynlleth men, either could not, or would not, at any rate, they did not score as they should have done. The Captain must have a better understanding with his forwards. They are a willing lot I know and can play the game when they like, but they will not be driven, they must be treated kindly and with tact and judgment, which are the essentials of a Captain, without which he is no good. Verb Sap. To come to the play, the home left wing was pro- minent now "and then with a spasmodic effort, but the opposing backs wore all there and relieved. Then the Dolgelley little left wingers would get away and miss scoring only by a shave. Lascelles was now playing a strong defensive game for the homesters, a wee bit slow in his movements, but full of pluck. Corner after corner was given to Machynlleth, but score they could not. At last, Weaver passed to Trevor, his partner, who passed to Hughes, who- kicked. The Dolgelley custodian partly cleared, but before he could get at the ball the second tinre, Captain Humphreys rushed and scored. Soon after Hughes sent the ball through, which he could not very well miss. This player appeared to me to be offside when he I scored this goal, hut as I was at the other end of the field at the time, and the referee was on the spot, mum is the word. My 'powers of vision were no doubt a bit erratic. The Dolgelley left wing was now prominent, and as the result of some pretty passing and good sprinting, the outside left scored a beauty, and before the call of time a second had been notched The game, a highly un- interesting one, ended in a draw of two goals each. The Dolgelley goalkeeper is a smart man, and j stopped one or two nasty shots, and his vis a-vis Humphreys did his work very wet! indeed. As for the rest of the Machynlleth team I have no word of praise for any of them and this being their first offence of playing a loose half-hearted game I shall deal gently and be merciful to them. My verdict as to their display on Saturday is: "Guilty" but don't do it again. Train a bit in the week and see that you are all in fine fettle for the coming fray next Saturday. Unless there be a distinct under- standing amongst the players especially the tor. wards as to passing, etc., etc., instead of the men shifting from their proper places and positions on the field and playing all over the shop (like bulls in a china shop), you may as well have a lot of Hottentots to play football. The match was pleasantly played on the whole, there being little or no roughness. The Royal Welsh Warehouse Xl is expected down here ou Saturday and if the homesters do not shake their liters up by then and give a good account of themselves there will be a "jolly row downstairs." Nothing less than a three to one victory, boys, or else — look out for squalls!"

WEDNESBURY CHARITY CUP. IRON-BRIDGE v WELSHPOOL. The Men of Iron, eager no doubt to enter the fourth round of the above competition, offered Welshpool eight pounds to play the tie at Iron- Bridge, which the Committee were not slow to accept. The crowd was of respectable dimensions and very enthusiastic. WEL8HPOOL. Goal, C H White backs, R Heath and E Davies half-backs, Hutchins, Claffey, and W Davies forwards, Withers, J Price, J Jones, T Austin, and W Jarman. Linesman, Mr II Smith. IRON-BRIDGE. Goal, Leese backs, Beardshaw and Owen half- backs, Meredith, Williams and Thomson forwards, Dyas, S Davies, Arkinstall, Goode and Aston. Some little time elapsed before the players found their feet and Welshpool first threatened but Owen checked Withers and Price and sending over to Aston that player after a fine run sent over the bar. Walter Davies landed the ball well down on the left and Beardshaw missing his kick let in Austin who centred. Leese rushed out and only partially cleared, but Jones failed to take the opportunity and after a short struggle the ball was sent out. The home forwards combined nicely, but having only ten men at this stage, their attacks were checked by the visiting halves, who put in some capital play. Withers received a neat pass from W. Davies and swung the ball across to Austin, who re-passed and Price shot a few inches wide. The homesters' absentee now arrived and the Salopians immediately com- meuced a hot attack, and Heath repelled the dashes of the home left tor some time but the crowd held their breath as a rasping shot from Aston was seen to go a few inches wide. Withers initiated a smart attack on the right, and Owen being beaten the ball was whipped in and out of goal for a few seconds, until Withers shot straight at Leese. The burly custodian saved, but Price being well up sent in a cross shot which Jarman just touched into the net. The visitors nearly did the trick again, Austin nicely dodging Beardshaw and centred, but no one was up. A minute later Leese saved a terrific shot just under the bar from Price. Responding to the call of theii supporters, Iron-Bridge began to press somewhat severely and White cleverly saved twice in succession from Dyas and it looked as if the ball was going to the other end. Meredith, however, snipped in and dropped the ball right in the goal mouth when after a momentary scrimmage Arkira- stallrusbe.d the ball through. Encouraged by this success the homesters played with renewed vigour, but Heath defended with great judgment and the respective efforts of Dyas and Aston were attended with little success. On one particular occasion flutchins conceded a corner, but W. Davies kicked down the field, and Austin, who was in waiting', again effected one of his patent dodges around Beardshaw, and after a bit of fine passing in goal Jones gave the visitors the lead with a fine shot with which Lesse had no earthly chance. The home supporters began to look at one another and the crowd of boys who had hitherto congregated around White began to make their way to the other end. A smart attack of the home eleven however brought the majority back, and a clever bit of combination in which Dyas figured, deserved a better reward thau the ball being sent into touch. Two corners followed in quick succession, Dyas placing them right in goal, but White kicked and fisted out in splendid style. Arkinstall made a grand run up the field, but found Heath too clever for him and the Welshmen were again the aggressors. Austin sent in a capital shot, and a grand opportunity was tost through no one being up. Aston after a fine run finished np with a rasping shot which White, somewhat luckily perhaps, tipped over the bar. Dyas from the corner flag again gave White another anxious moment but the custodian was equal to all emergencies. The interval was now approaching and the visitors signalled it with another run. Austin was in a good position when he received the ball from W. Davies and centring Puce sent the ball just out of Leese's reach into the net. Though the Bridge pressed during the next few I minutes the score at half-time stood Welshpool 3, Iron-Bridge 1. Early on resuming Welshpool gor. up the slope, but Beardshaw forced W. Davies to send into touch. The Bridge now made up the deficiency of the initial half, and pressed with a vigour that boded no good for the visitors. Dyas, who meanwhile had gone to the inside position, passed E. Davies and gave White a handful. The custodian, with two or three men on him, threw out up the field. For fully five minutes the Salopians maintained a vigorous pressure on the opposition goal, but. Heath (who was now partnered by W. Davies) showed some of his true form and I covered White extremely well. A heavy clearance by Davies momentarily relieved the pressure, but Austin ran the ball out. For fifteen minutes both teams played a game full of incident, until W. Davies conceding a corner Dyas headed Aston's shot just out of White's reach. The visitors after this gradually fell to pieces. Corners fell freely to the homesters, but it was five minutes before Dyas equalised the score, Welshpool in the meantime having made two or three ineffectual attempts to get away, Austin being penalised on each occasion for off-side. The forwards received scarcely any support from the halves, and as a result they were never dangerous. The Bridge never relaxed then- ¡ attack for one moment, and from a corner Williams gave them the lead. Darkness now came on and those at the upper end could not see what was going on down below. However, it transpired that goals were added by Dyas, Davies, and Aston out of scrimmages. Final: Iron-Bridge, 7 goals Welshpool, 3.

THE COMBINATION. CHESTER v. OSWESTRY.—This match was played at Chester on Saturday, when Mr Yerburgh, M.P., kicked off. The game was very fast throughout and pretty even, Oswestry having to retire defeated by one to nil, which was scored about twenty Iinutes before call of time. BUXTON v. BANGOR.—At Buxton, on Saturday, the game ending in a victory for Bangor by four goals to one. EVERTON COMBINATION V. LLANDUDNO SWIFTS.— At Goodison Park, Liverpool, the home team winning by five goals to one. TRANMERE ROVERS V. LIVERPOOL RESERVE.—At Tranmere, the home team being defeated by one goal to none. CHIRK V. LIVERPOOL WIIITK STAR.—At Chirk, the homesters winning by two goals to oue. WREXHAM v. RHYL.—At Wrexham, the visitors winning by four goals to two. SOUTH LIVERPOOL v. DRUIDS.—At the Shore- fields, Liverpool. An even game ended in favour of the homesters by one goal to nil.

THE SHROPSHIRE ASSOCIATION. A meeting of the Council was held on Wednesday week at Shrewsbury, Mr A. Sharman presiding. With regard to a junior cup match, Oswestry St Oswald's V. Whitchurch Alexandra, which was drawn at Oswestry, it was decided to re-play the match ou January 14th on a ground to be selected by the ldexanùra team, the latter's own ground having being closed.—Mr E. Wilding, the referee in the Shropshire League match Wem v Iron- Bridge, which was played at Wem, wrote stating that at the conclusion of the match he met with a hostile demonstration or the part of the spectators, by whom a piece of wood and other things were thrown at him, and the Iron-Bridge linesman was struck in the face.—Mr Brown, the sec. of the Wem Club, said the club knew nothing of the occurrence until after it happened. They had since suspended three spectators from attending matches due OM the present season for using had language on the field. It was decided to caution the Wem Club, and tell them they must prosecute the men who threw the missiles if they could find their names.— Arising; out of conduct at a League match with Newport a Wrockwardine Wood player was suspended till the end of trie season,and Wrockwardine Wood ground was closed for a month, from Januarv 4th, no match to take place within a six miles radius. In regard to the Wellington and District. League, three players were reported for disorderly conduct; two were suspended for a month and another was suspended to the end of the season. — Shrewsbury Town Football Club reported their amateur team for playing against the Old Salopians recently. As a "gate" was taken, they ought to have re- ceived permission from the parent body, but the secretary of the amateurs unfortunately was ignorant of this important rule. Under the cir- cumstances the Council decided to caution the club. The draw for the fourth round of the Junior Cup resulted us follows: Shifnal Wanderers v. O iwestrv United Reserve, referee, Air B. Picketing, St. George's. Iron-Biidgu Reserve v. Snailbeach, referee, Mr A. Weston, Wellington. Oswestry St. Oswald's or Whitchurch Alexandra v. Bridgnorth Town, referee, Mr E. Wilding. Shrewsbury. Whittington v. Newport Reserve, referee, Mr Herbert Gosson, Shrewsbury. »

FOOTBALL FIXTURES.1 Played on the ground of the first-named club. JANUARY. 14 Walsall Reserve v Newtown 21 Iron-Bridge v Wrockwardine Wood 28 Newport v Iron-Bridge 28 St George's v Walsall Reserve 28 Wem v Welshpool FF.BS.UARY. 4 Welshpool United v Newtown 11 Wem v Newtown 11 Walsall Reserve v Wrockwardine Wood I 25 Newport v Wrockwardine Wood MARCH. 4 Welshpool United v Iron-Bridge 11 Newport v Wem 25 Iron-Bridge v Newtown 25 Wrockwardine Wood v Welshpool United 25 Walsall Reserve v Wem APRIL. 8 St George's v Newtown 8 Welshpool United v Newport 15 St George's v Welshpool United 15 Walsall Reserve v Newport

RUGBY. The International match Wales v. England was played at Swinsea on Saturday last and resulted in a win for Wales by 26 points to 3. The score very well represented the play.

HUNTING APPOINTMENTS. UNITED PACK WILL MEET Saturday, Jan. 14th Montgomery Wednesday, ;Jau. 18th .Church Sti-ettor, Saturday, Jan. 21th Clun (for Treverward) At 10-45 o'clock. S. V. THOMAS. SIR W. WILLIAMS-WYNN'S HOUNDS WILL MEET Saturday, Jan. 14th .Iscoed At 11. Monday, Jan. 16th Wynnstay At 10-45. Tuesday, .Tan. 17th Baschurch At 10-30 Friday, Jan. 20th Aldersey Satnrday, Jan. 21st Bettisfield At 11. THE PLAS MACHYNLLETH HOUNDS WILL MEET FOXHOUNDS Monday, Jan. 16th Esgairfochuant Rocks Thursday, Jan. 19th Derwenlas At 10-30. HARRIERS Tuesday, Jan. 17th Llugwy At 10. Fridav, Jan. 20th Cwmllowy At 10-30. THE TANAT SIDE HARRIERS WILL MEET Saturday, Jan. 14th Trewylan Tuesday, Jan. 17th Treflach Wood Friday, Jan. 20th Pentre Heylin At 11. THE NORTH MONTGOMERY HARRIERS WILL MEET Saturday, Jan. 14th Pontscowryd Wednesday, Jan. 18th Cornorrion Saturday, Jau. 21st Bwlchycibau At 11.

THE HAPPY GIRL. Healthy, happy girls often become languid and despondent, from no apparent cause, in the early days of their woman hood. They drag along, always tired, never hungry, breathless and with a palpitat- ing heart after slight, exercise, so that merely to walk upstairs is exhausting. Sometimes a short, dry cough leads to the fear that they are going into consumption." They are anaemic, doctors tell them, which means that they have too little blood. Are you like that ? Have you too little blood ? More anajmic people, have been made strong, active, hungry, energetic men and women by the use of Dr Williams' Pink Pills for Pale People than by any other means. A distinguished foreigner has well said What strikes one most in Britain is the lovely complexion of her daughters. The skin has the bloom of the peach, set off by an indescribable whiteness, which contrasts give a result more admirable than in any other land." Miss Cissie Cowser, a. young lady of 15, Palmers- ton Avenue, Clarendon road, Whalley Range, Manchester, told au interesesting story to a Man- chester journalist. She said: I was always strong and healthy until a little over twelve months ago. Then I began to grow altogether wrong, I felt so weak I could scarely manage to walk I was always tired-too tired to get about cheerfully, aud the sofa was the only desirable place for me. I lost all my colour, my eyes were dim and dull, and I looked dreadful. I wanted the oddest things to eat-just the things that were worse for me. I saw a thoroughly good doctor, but I still went on in the same way. I had neuralgia dreadfully, the pain in my head being something indescribable. I could not sleep much, when I did I had terrifying dreams. All this was sad enough, but I suffered in another way—with palpitation of the heart. If I walked quickly or went up stairs my hert, beat very fast indeed, the blood pumping, as it were, all through my body. I became very thin, had cold feet always, and, in fact, was cold all over. I took cold, too, on the slightest exposure. Some friends told me about Dr. Williams' Pink Pills for Pale People, and I got a box. Before I had finished it the change was most surprising. I felt different all over. I took two boxes, and was quite cured. My weariness all left me. I could run about as usual, and my complexion became as right as ever. I cannot tell you how pleased I was." And do you remain well ? Oh, yes, and I never take cold now I have not had neuralgia for a long time, and the palpitation has all gone. In fact, I am made over again." It is not for girls only that Dr. Wiiliams' Pink Pills have done so much, but for women of all ages, and for men too. They are not a purgative piii it is strength that they give. -ot-

MONTGOMERYSHIRE CHAEITIKS. Mr Marchant Williams, of the Soutli Wales circuit, has been appointed Commissioner to conduct an inquiry into the charities of Montgomeryshire. The work is to be begun immediately, and will no doubt be carried on with Mr Williams's usual vigour. The inquiry into tho charities of Carmar- thenshire, which Mr Williams carried out, is now practically over, and the completed report will be laid on the table of the House of Commons early in the coming session and will then be ready for distribution. The iuquiry in Montgomeryshire will extend to 60 parishes. An alarming collision took place on the Wrex- ham, Mold, and Connah's Quay Railway, near Penyffordd, on Saturday, during a dense fog. A luggage train was being shunted at Penyffordd Junction, when a light engine and tender ran into it. The driver and stokers in charge of the two engines and the guard were all injured. All the men were conveyed by special train to Wrexham and taken to the surgery of Dr Drinkwater, where they were attended by Drs Drinkwater and Worrall. Their names are J. 'L'udor, Rhosddu, Arthur Jones, Connah's Quay, W. Jones, Pentre,' E. Williams, Rhosddu, and D. Lloyd, Peel street, Wrexham. It is considered a marvel that none of the men were killed, as the collision was a very violent one. One of the engines was wrecked, and the lines were blocked for some time. The men are all progress- ing favourably.

5:1-1 E 8 8. All communications for this department should be addressed to the ChesB Editor, who will be glad to hear from Secretaries of Chess Clubs as to tournaments, matches, &o. All letters to reach thisctfice by Wednesday morning. Local intelligence will be given the preference to other news. Problem f). 148: Key-move- 1 Kt-K8 K-K5 2 K K6 K-B4 (A) 3 Kt — Kt7 mate (A) 2 K—Q4 3 Kt 0B7 mate Correctly solveil by F. Allen, T. E. Powell, F. Harrison, W. A. Doody, F. Carter, S. Jones, E. 0. Lloyd a-.d S. Hoult. *# PROBLEM NO. 149. —Solutions invited. By W. FINLAY SON. BLACK-4 Pieces. WHITE-7 Pieces. White to play and mate in three moves. Position White—K at KB3, R at IvB8, B at K132, Krs at QR5 and KB4, Ps at QKt3 and KKt6. Black K at K4, Ps at QKt4, QKt5 and KB4. >11: The Llandudno tournament has resulted, we might almost say as anticipated, in the victory of Mr A. Burn, who out of eleven games has won nine and drawn two. The winner has had a most distinguished chess career; his play and attendant success have not been equalled by any English amateur since the days of Howard Staunton. Besides winning two international tournaments, Mr Burn has been suc- cessful in a large number of competitions spread over a period of a quarter of a century. The last stages of the tournament comprised the attempt to finish the adjourned game between Atkins and E. O. Jones. Atkins was left with Rook and Knight against Rook and agreed to a draw. As this decided the destination of the first prize, a draw was also agreed on in the game betweeu Burn and Atkins. The play in the tournament has been a good deal above the average, and would have been still better with a smaller number of competitors. One cannot speak too highly of the form shown by Mr Atkins, who only broke down towards the end of the week. Mr Schott has won a special reputation for himself, and Mr Gunston has played excellent chess. It is interesting to note that the three p!ayers mentioned —Atkins, Schott, and Gunston—are Cambridge meu, and if we mistake not, also mathematicians. Mr E. O. Jones, by drawing with Atkins and Burn, has proved, like Wahituch, that he can play good chess, and Mr Bellingham has aisu done well. Final score: First, A Burn (Liverpool), 9 second, H E Atkins (Leicester), 7J; third and fourth, G A Schott (Aberystwyth), 6; G E H BeUinghatn (Dudley), 6; W H Gunston (Cambridge), 5; B D Wilmot (Birmingham), 5; E 0 Jones (London), 4J; C Y C Dawbarn (Liverpool), 4; V L Wahituch (Manchester), 3; W Thrift (Dublin), 2; A Dod (Liverpool), 2. V Mr Parry of Shrewsbury won third prize in the aecoud tourney at Llandudno. # # Several local clubs are feeling a strain on their finances caused by the expenses attendant on inter- club matches. In large towns such as Birmingham, Liverpool and Manchester, the different clubs can engage in friendly contests from time to time with comparatively no expense. In a country district the clnbs are scattered and far apart, it being an exception to find two clubs within ten miles of each other. As often as not there is no direct railway communication, and if there is, the trains are so awkwardly timed that it is impossible to avail one's self of them. It will be plain from all this that the travelling expenses of local clubs are very great. Speaking from experience we find that an inter-club match costs as a rule about two pounds divided between the two clnbs in travelling expenses, refresh- ments, &c. This is not a large sum, but when we consider the trjfling subscriptions which the members pay in local clubs it will be understood what a drain it is on their resources. We do not know of a local club whose subscriptions exceeds 2s 6d, and some are so low as Is. In the face of this one or two fchirips must be done, either tgive up iuter-clab matches, or increase the subscriptions. We recom- mend the latter, as we consider the subscriptions are much too small, and on the other hand inter- club matches are the life of a club. # # DANISH GAMBIT. WHITE. BLACK. WHITE. BLACK. Soldatenkoff. Ewrienoff. Soldatenkoff. Ewrienoff. 1 P-K4 P-K4 12 Kt x P Q-Qsq 2 P-Q4 P x P 13 Q-R5 B—K3 (c) 3 P-QB3 P x P 14 Kt-B6eh (d) K-Bsq 4 B- QB4 P x P 15 QR -Qsq Q—K2 5 B. x P Kt-KB3 16 B x B P x Kt 6 P'-K5 B-Kt5 ch 17 Q-RG ch K-Ksq 7 Kt -B3 Q-K2 18 P x P Q- -Bsq 8 KKt—K2 Kt-K5 19 KR-Ksq (e) P x B 9 Castles Kt x Kt 20 R x P ch K B2 10 B x Kt B x B (a) 21 R-K7 ch K—Ktsq 11 Kt x B p_Q4 (b) White mates in two. (A) It does not appear that this wholesale ex- change is good for Black, as it gives White an open game for his few pieces. M (B) A variation which is worthy of notice, but he attack which follows is too strong. (c) W hite threatens Kt to B sixth (ch), which would, of course, lead to a speedy mate. (D) Finely played. If P takes Kt, B takes B follows, and seems to win for White. (E) This is really charming. If now Q takes Q mate follows by B to B eighoh (dis. ch), &c. # # # The Chess Editor will be pleased to answer correspondents in this column if their questions are received at the COUNTY TIMES Office not later that Wednesday. -+-

MR. STANLEY LEIGHTON, M.P., AND SECONDARY EDUCATION. Mr Stanley Leighton, M.P., writes to The Times Every one is confident that under the Duke of Devonshire's Bill an excellent central educational authority will be establised. But the success or failure of the reformed system will depend upon the handling of existing schools, that is to say. upon the persons who form the local authorities. When the Welsh Intermediate Education EH) was before Parliament, I and others, in co-operation with the late Lord Sandford, pressed upon the Government the importance of constituting the local authority on the simple principle of representation and taxation, thus: A committee of nine for every county- three nominated by the Government, to represent the taxpayer; three by the County Council, to represent the ratepayer three by the governors, of existing schools, to represent benefactors, pfihfc and present. The attendance of men familiar with the work which is now being done in the schools on such governing committees is essential, if schemes are to be initiated without undue friction and it must not be forgotten that the largest contribu- tions towards the endowment of secondary educa- tion have come, and I hope will come, from the munificence of individuals. The trustees of their county should not be ignored. CAMBRIAN RAILWAYS.— Approximate return of traffic receipts, for the week ending January 8th, 1899. Miles open, 250. Passengers, parcels, horses, carriages, dogs, and mails, £ 2,008; merchandise, minerals, and live stock, £ 2,074; total for the week £ 4,082; aggregate from commencement of half-year, £ 4,082. Actual traffic receipts for the correspond- ing week last year Miles open, 250. Passengers, parcels, &c., £ 1,815; merchandise, minerals, &c., £ 2,099; total for the week, £ 3,914; aggregate from commencement of half-year £ 3,914. Increase for the week, passengers, parcels, &c., £ 193; decrease, merchandise, minerals, &c., £ 25; total increase for the week, £ 168; aggregate increase, passengers, parcels, &c., £ 193; aggregate decrease, merchandise, minerals, &c„ £ 25; aggregate in- crease from commencement of half-year, X168.