Cheshire Observer

ATHLETIC NEWS. EXIT FOOTBALL. °h A CHESTER RETROSPECT. lly the time this paper reaction our readers tho football reason of 1907-8 will have drawn to a clo.se, and will rank among the things that have j been. Football, wince ite inception, has always tho most popular athletic pastimo with 6tnan6. In tlie days when the game was in Its infancy the city al ways boasted of at leaet one which was able to hold Its own with club. for many milce around. No season, however, ranked so conspicuous in Chester up to t.ho Present as tlie one now concluded, and in years Colue those devotees who liavo so consistently Supported the club will hark back to the exciting "Wjdents of the paat eight months and recall "¡til mcroa/scd delight tlie thrilling episodes as ^■cck by week they were enacted. For the first two senior cups havo been captured in one n by Chester. The club have also drawn itvel in the matter of points with the winners bi the Combination, losing this honour only on itfoal average—distinctly hard lines. The two trophies won have been the IVeleli and Cheshire UUpN. This makca the fourth occasion On wliich the Cheshire Cup has boon brought to tho county town, although it was the eighth tirllC for Chester to be represented in the final tie of the competition. It is, however, the first tunc for the name of Chester to be inecriped 01) the Welsh Cup, which ia the more important of the two trophies. became it is the most prized Association cup in Wales. We voice the feelings cf all local enthusiasts, we feel sure, in express- ing the hope that this will not be the last time for the magnificent silver Welsh cup to visit the ancient city. The vicissitudes of football arc proverbial, but no team has experienced harder hick in the fight, for the Combination Cha:npion- ship than Chester. This will be the fourth con- secutive season for the honour to be dangled before t.he club only to by snatched away when well within their grasp. All thought the sequence had been broken this year, and the club arc to be sympathised with deeply for just filing to lift the trio of trophies by a chapter of Occident 6. Even yet the Cestrians' record ill the Combina- tion is one of which they may well be proud. In all they have played, up to last Saturday, 25 batches, of which 20 have been won, 2 drawn, find only 3 last. Their goal average is exceed- ingly good, 85 goals having been scored to 28 Accorded against them, the majority being during the early weeks of the season. They had thus 42 points to their credit. The only competition from which they were ousted was that for the Knglihh Cup. when they were beaten at home, with Robertron in goal, by Tranmere Rovers by four foals to nii. The Cestrians have figured Prominently in friendly matches, having ac- counted for Newton-le-Willows and Chesterfield. and given good games to T3arnslev and Preston North End. Counting Combination matches, cup ties, etc.. Chester have scored 135 goals to 44 notched against them. Undoubtedly the Combination championship was lost through faulty custodianship during the early part of the reason. From the commencement up to Dec. 7th Chester were without a reliable goalkeeper. During this time Robertson, late of Tranmere, most, frequently between the sticks, but Dodd, of the Kaleyards, filled the breach several times, and once Stcadman, of Eilesmerc Port, the latter appearing when liarn.siey obtained a vican-y at Sealand-road. Difficulty was ex- perienced in getting Keeley transferred, and it Was not un til the reason was so well ad vanced as December 7t,h that he donned the familiar light ffrecn and white jersey. ISefore his advent the City had drawn with Wrexham awav, and had last At hoine to Tranmere and Oswestry, and away to col,tiall,ii Quay. Since Keeley has defended the Soal they have lost only one match, that away at Oswestry on December 28th, when they were boated by 1—0. Jiofore Keeley arrived Chester bad 23 goals r<cotxlod against them in 12 matches, oil one occasion four g16, and four times three j g?a?. In Kee?y'? fir?t ?ven m:<tchœ there wo-c only four goals scored against him, and then for seven weeks he had only one goal sent past him in each match. No more than two sfoals have ever been scored against him in one snatch, and since h'" joining the club the num- r of goals recorded against the team is 21 m b matches. The only club to take full points' out of Chester was Oswestry, and everyone who law those matches admits that the Salopians' hieky star was in the ascendant. The teams :who ha va had to bow to Chester's superiority at "tome and away have been Chirk, Nantwich, Rhyl, Birkenhead, Welshpool, Druids, Crewe ^lexatidru, Bangor and Whitchurch, and they nave beaten and drawn with Wrexham, Tran- rncre and Connali's Quay. Their highest ecoro *fas against Birkenhead at home, 8—0, and their k'ggest defeat was at the hands of Tranmere at home, 4-- 0. Tranmere, who have steered •hear! of them in the race for the Combination by their capital goal average, were engaged no tewer than five times, thrice at home and twice i 4¡ay. and ding-dong games were each time Witnessed. Chester came out well, as they were j cnly beaten at home once, while they tJ¡ Wirral men three times and drew with Lilieln Onoe at Tranmere. On the whole, the Chester colours have been "OnHj by a fairly regular team, the principal Players, excepting Keeley and Goode, having hoeri with them throughout the season. By t t icin I i OLlt. the 13'V :JI way, all these p.ayer.s have eignifie-d their detention of again signing on, but up to the Present only the signature of Goode has been obtained. Keeiey. in goal, has shewn wonderful .forrn, and there is not the slightest doubt that had he been with tho Chester team from the ^nimenoomcnt a trio of cups would have come Chester. Grundy and Ruri-ell have been two IOOøt consistent and reliable backs, and it was a "°urcc of great regret to everybody that Grundy "'as so injured on the eve of the Welsh Cup final 11a to be prevented from playing. Gordon has Proved a tactful and able general and an ener- f tic and cfnc?nt half-back, and the mo?t "'?ni. and pleasantest ?p<?akcr and captain the ?'b have h?j. MatthewR has shewn the mo?t ??ar?bic form of all. Though lackadaisical at ?Ma. when emergency aro?e he w<M the most ?'YMvering' and sterling of players. Grainger  "hewn sta'.eners during the pa?t few weekg, L otherwise he has been the c'evercet centre "alf of recent years. The forwards rank has1 times been wayward, but latterly it has -'ve]oped a sty!e which ha. earned great praise, ltic{) the inclusion of Goode, the feature has n the short forward parses from player to laYcl" with finishing swings from wing to wing. _?ch man ;?? proved an adept at the game, i this line's smartne.?. and accuracy has ??)ne well known, in fact they were the moet I ¡{'ntifie forward rank in the Combination. 'rl])an WaA not the succcf? in the t t,, it was hoped he would be. f we have maintained throughout. :'Nevcr, he waft on form a most worthy player, "th happv knack of tricking backs; his fr('.¡¡"oCi>t i,ni. el-tk, has been his inconsistency of f Prni, 1-?e.? and Good, w,?re the "stars" of the j ?. shining at times with great briHiancy. They e.1 J6 hoen followed very ck('ly by Lipsham ld ?YdHam?, who have been capab!? players ;/]d dashing fprini.er.?. Applcton and Wallace eQil?S have also done good work, and proved nt reserves. ^hilo singing the praise of the players, one ba It not forget t 1l(!I';oe who have worked equally Ir I'd for t.he club and the prosperity of the 6a in the city. though h:d from the public ?' We refer to the club's officials and -?. ??rate. The continued Ruceesa of the club is ^questionably d ue to the placing of it on a und basis by the format?on of a limited liability ?Or k-7 ^)C herniation of a limit ed liability tlan7' Chester are lucky in having such «^tie rgetic and enthusiastic workers. All have ?-t ?" ?beir hearts and NOulR into <he work. it not brf'tl for' t.tJ(' (>x('l-tionA. I in Chester would not rank in the elevated posi- tion it does to-day. Mr. W. Fletcher has been an energetic, courteous and painstaking secre- tary; Mr. E. T. Hallmark has shewn lumself an amiable and efficient chairman; and both have never spared themselves in doing all they could to promote the prosperity of the club. An im- portant innovation this year has been the intro- duction of the "official programme" for home matches. C,. B." is a happy writer, with an intimate knowledge of the game, born of long study and practice. The most remarkable feature of the vseason, however, has been the splendid support which the team has received. Large and enthusiastic crowds have witnessed the majority of the home matches, and the club has received the support, which is often denied a Second Division club. The two worst sup- ported games were those of Bangor and Rhyl. when the receipts dropped to about £ 12, but then the weather was v le, and the surprise was that anyone at all braved the elements. In the important away matches the team has been accompanied by special train loads of enthusiasts, and the throngs which made the journey to Crewe and Wroxham for the cup tic finals create a record. And now we must drop the curtain on this memorable season. It has been a record and a successful one, and perhaps it will be a long time before it is equalled. It has proved beyond doubt that Chester has a large football following who will steadfastly support a first- class team, and we trust that the old city will, in the future, be even more worthily represented by its football team, and that the interest which has bt'en aroused will be encouraged and d-e- vel oped. Chester gamed a well-merited victory on Saturday, when they defatcd Whitchurch on the Salopian's ground by two goals to nil. The meetings, of these old opponents at Whitchurch have always been followed with great interest, and Saturday s fixture was no exception. The Cesirians were accompanied by about 150 sup- porters. Gordon was a notable absentee from Chester s ranks. In the Welsh ( hip final his knee was hurt ten minutes after the start, and, although he never complained, he must have suffered greatly. His place was occupied by Applcton. Wightman war, unable to assist the team, and the directorate introduced a new player in Makinson, a left full back, who has been associated with the DruitLs, and has earned a good reputation. Grainger won the toss, and set his team to defend the railway goal. The game opened very tamely, but after midfield exchanges, Chester broke away on the right and caused the Whitcnurch defence some trouble. It was. however, equal to all calls. Freeman was off form, being very slow, and time after time allow- ing the Whitchurch defenders to step in and rob him of the ball. The contrast in si ',o, of play j was most striking. Chester's fine short passing and quickness on the ball, which has proved such a useful characteristic of their methods, elictcd admiration both from the Whitchurch and Chester supporters. Goode and Lees were in excellent fettle, and never lost an opportunity i of shooting at goal. Neither Lipcham nor Williams was very prominent. Tlie first goal for Chester was obtained by Goode about 15 minutes before the interval, he sending in a. beautiful shot, which gave the opposing goal- keeper no chance. Thus at half-time Chester held the upper hand by one goal to nil. Soon afier t.he restart it was evident that Whitchurch were fighting their hardest to draw level, lheir forwards, however, lacked cohesion, not being so dangerous as tlw Cestrians. and the Jatter's defence was always equal to emergencies. An excellent cliance-of increasing the score fell to Freeman, who after tricking the backs had an open goal? with only the custodian to beat. Inskad of dribb]ing- the ba'l through, he &hot straight at the goalkeeper from six yards' range, and the latter cleared. Goode also had several cnances of scoring, but these were thrown away, iiiially he retrieved by obtaining his fiocond goal twenty minutes off time, with a capital s hot. In the end a well-contested game concluded in favour of Chester by two goa's to nil. On the whole the Cestrians gave a clever performance and well merited their victory. The new back created a most favourable impression. lie kicked cleanly and powerfully with either foot. and was no doubt an acquisition. All the other mem- bers of the team acquitted themselves well, the weakest men being Freeman and Appleton. The final tie for the Chester Chariiy Cup W:1c;, played on the Scaland-road ground on Saturday j between Gonnah s Quay Vies and Rossett. Both teams were strongly represented. There was not a large attendance of spectators, and it is to be regretted that football enthusiasts do not sup- port this competition more liberally, becau.-e the proceeds benefit local charities." Connali's Quay won the toss, and played wit.Fi tlie wind in their favour. They at once attacked, but met with a solid defence. Rossett relieved, and Sprent sprinted awa.v and sent in a good shot, which was cleared. The Quay agaui asserted pressure, and penned Rossert in (heir own quarters. From a free kick the was lobbed in the goalmouth, and a melee took place within the goal area. The Rosseti custodian and backs I cleared several times, but the bail was finally j rushed over the goal line by Green. From the restart the Quay rushed down, LI. Davies mis- kicked, and Austin broke through and netted, The Quay were greatly livened and maintained | the upper hand, Austin again scoring. Rossett attacked, and after a scrimmagc in front of goal Ptatt scored with a straight drive. At half-time i tn j Quay led by three goals to one. Th, vccond half was poorly contested. Rossett | had the advantage of the wind. Their efforts, j however, were badly sustained, and they were especially weak in front of goal. The Quay several times broke awav, and two other goals were addd by Cooper and Austin, ihc Quay finally triumphing by five goa's to one. Connali's Quay Vi.M thoroughly deserved their victory, as tIhere was more dash in their play and they were superior at almost every point to their i opponents. Ro^-je!t have a great deal to learn before they can hope to win the cup. The magnificent trophy vvaa present.ed to the captain of the victors, Hoa-on, by the Mayor of Chester (Alciertiian Jolla Jones), who complimented the team on their display. Cheers were given for the winners and the losers, and Captain Hooson made a suitable response on receiving the cup. The. trophy was presented by Mr. Yerburgh, and on it appears the inscription:—" Chester and District Workingmen's Hospital Saturday Committee Football Challenge Cup. Presented by R. A. Yerburgh, Esq., M P. for the city of Chester, to the Chester and District Working- men's Hospital Saturday Committee. 1889." In 1890 the cup was won by Chester, and the subse- quent winners were:-1891,. St,. Oswald's; 1894, Railway Invincib'cs; 1895, Quc?n-strc?t P.S.A, 1886, Omnah's Quay: 1397, Queen-street. P.?S.A.- 1898. Ro. ott; 1399. Chester L. and N. W. Locos: 1900. Helsbv; 1901, Newton Rangers; 1902, Wrexham Victori.a; 1903 and 1904, Connah's Quay; 1905, Saltney C.W.; 1506, Hoole; 1907. Connah's Quay Twenties. Our Connah's Quay correspondent, writes:— Great enthusiasm was displayed at Connah's Quay when tho local Vies arrived with the I Chester Charity Cup in their possession on I Saturday evening-. The team, who were con- veyed in a brake with the cup aloft, were met at Shotton Station by the Connah's Quay Prize Band, and marched, amid cheering, through the II main street to the Half-way House, where the trophy was several times filled. They returned to the centre of the town. and the players came in for quite an ovation. This is their first season in the Chester Senior League, and to have lifted the cup. as well as won the championship, at. their initial attempt is most creditable. Trinity Villa and Wrexham Newtown Vies met in a friendly match on the Villa's ground on Saturday. In the first half Trinity had most. of the game, but at the interval the score was one goal each. Resuming, the Villa again had mast of the game, and bombarded the visitor's goal, finally winning by two goals to one. An interesting match was witnessed on the Roodee on Saturday between St. Oswald's and St. Barnabas s, ending in St. Barnabae's winning by four goais to two. St. Barnabas s have done very well this seaeon, having lost only two matches since October 26th. these being at the hands of two league teams. They have a record which is the best of affiliated teams in Chester and district. Their record ie—Played 23, ,,oalo for 69, 31, won 13, lost 6, drawn 4, goals for 69, against 31, I points 30. Mr. Albert Weston, late of Chester, and now of Shtewsbury, who is an affiliated member of the Chester and District Footbaiil Association, haii figured prominently in the football woriel of late. On Saturday, April 25. he was referee for the Shropshire Senior Cup final, and since April 18 he has had charge of no fewer than four finals, whiLo in addition he has refereed this season in eight semi-finals, seven cup tics, twelve Shrewsbury League matohes, three Montgomeryshire* League fixtures, and one Combination match We hope to hear more of Mr. Weston during next season. Sailtney entertained Widnes Wesley Guild on Saturday, and after a clever gallic the home eleven retired winners by two goals to nil. The gate was disippointing, owing to the late- arrival of the Widnes contingent. The game was advertised to commence at 3.30, but the visitors missed their train and the game had to be played at five o'clock. In the second half the ball was entirdly confined to the visitors' goal, and the la'.ter packed their goal- mouth. The Saltney forwards were in capital form. and combined plendidiy. Sairney sus- tained a severe defeat at the hands of Harrcw- by at Seaoombe on Monday evening. Both t teams were pooriy represented, and the game ended in favour of Harrowby by six goals to one. Frou.■illam b:ought this eoa'.on's engagements to a fininh on Saturday by visiting and defeating Arpley (Wanington) by five goals to one. Frodsham exhibited clever passing movements. Worra'tl scoring, whil-? after severe pile..4sti,c the defence again capitulated, Riminor adding the I second goal. The. homo team s hewed excellent midfield play, but found Lawless and company too WillY to be caught napping. Finally Dunn scored Arpley's only goal. Tlie visitors settled down, and Cornets scorcd. Two more goals we're added, by Dimelow and Barrow, Frodsham winning by five goals to one. Now that the Frodsham football season has concluded, a brief resume of the doings of the team tro obtaiii-i-ble. Tho season has been ex- ceptionally successful, and th-c- players may con- gratulate themselves on thi? results achieved. Cnck-r a very capable, committee of management, quite independent of tho p'ayers themselves, there has been an existence of perfect harmony and good feeling thioughout, both with players and officials. The team is rccognic'd a.s one of tho best in the Widnes and District League, and tho play gene-rally has been of a high ordier and the subject of general admiration, both at home and ab.oad. After the initial match of the ticason, when Haltcn defeated them, awav from home by 4--0, the team was victorious until Feb. 8t'h, having won no fewer than and drawn one, during which period Fiod-sha.n piled on 71 goals to their opponents' lve, e,cve!i of the opposing teams failing to score, and not one getting more than a solitary ;,oal. In league matohes. Frodsham p'ayed 20 matches, won 14, lost- five and drew one. In all they playtid 24 matches, won 18, lost five and drew one. In league matches they scored C6 goals to their opponents' 26, and in all > late'ies 110 go:J.!s to 27. Their highest scor? was against | Runcorn Volunteer Athletic, under Wienies l Lixi-gue auspices, when they obtained a record of 21 goals to one. Their biggest defieat was against Widnes Re- creation, tJie gcoro being 5-1 for Widnes. Only one team, Castner KeLner. defeated them twice. whi«? they have won home and away matches against nine teams. F. Spencer, in goal, preyed himself a worthy custodian. J. Lawless, the genial captain, sustained his reputation at full- back, while of the forwards and halves it would bo invidious to particularise or criticise, whew all performed so admirably. Bennisou and Dime- low shewed themselves to bo the most expert shots at goal, but- the play of the whole quin- tc{rt.o and trio of halves was highly efficient. The gates have been the best, that any Frodsham j team has commanded. It is hoped that the j players will all prove loyal to their town and club, and join once more next fxason, when a similar measuvii of success may be justifiably anticipated. Aire<ady rumours are prevalent as to several players having been approached, but it is satisfaoloiT to learn that in i.1i1 cases they have refused to be fempred. Hearty congratulations to Ilelsby. who by 1 their victory of one to r,il over Halton Villa on tho lattcr'g ground on Easter Monday estab- j lished themselves as the first champions of the Liverpool and District League. The season has been a most successful one, particularly during the latter portion, when full points were ob- tained in most of the matches, the majorivy of which we're played away. The full record ivads a-s follows i Matches played 24. won 18, lost 4, drawn 2, goals scored for 79. against 33, points 38. On Saturday Burnet! \s (,Iltp.rtaincd .raida!ld Mission in a league match. The visitors ar- rived two men short, and playeet Taylor and Foriii:ton in their places. The home torn won the to,ss, and kicked up hili. Burneli's pressed, and from a centre, by Lewis, Williams opened' their score. The ironworkers continued to have the best of matters, and D. Jones scored two goals in quick succession. A Maitiand player had to retire owing to a sprainod wrist. At half-time the home team led 3--0. Resuming, Maitla.nd attacked, but Bradsha.w was a good I defender. Burneli's forced three abortive cor- ners, then D. Joneei added a fourth goal, thus doing the liat trick; Burneli's thus closed their home' p:ogtmnlC with a 4--0 victory, after a fairly successful season. It would not. smprise us to a team from the Port applying next season for entry into tlie Combination. Such a team would undoubtedly be well supported. It was particularly unfortunate that in their last home engagement Connah'J Quay should go under for the first time on their own heath. None but the champions. Tranmere, have ex- tracted a. quartette of points from the Quay. To a large extent Tranmepe's success was dito to the fact that: the Quay took matters quite coolly. never exerting themselves, and, in fnet. Tranmere always looked like winners. It. was merely a question of the number of goals. Had tho championship rested between the two ciubs a different result would have been recorded, but. they hod nothing at stake, and every symp- tom of staleness was apparent. The Rovers won the toss, and kicked wit.h the slope and wind, and at the outset exercised by far tho more pressure. Occasionally the Quay scampered away. and caused a lis tie ex- citement, which served to employ the Roveis" defence. Aided by the wind the visitors often put in some telling shots, and corners galore came their way. All were w.fc-Iy ()j,-pooc.d of, and fully fifteen minutes had elapsed ore Buck, who was quite unmarked, received from Jones, and, steadying himself, left Lloyd helpless with a beautiful ten yards' shot. The Quay wore occr,iona,lly promÎlwnt with determined rushes, -and tho nearest- attempt at sooring was made by Bloomer, who headed a corner into tho hrmds of Jones. Then four forwards had the oppor- tunity of scoring, but each failed barely to reach the sphere. Muir was responsible for a long dropping shot, and Lloyd had to run out. lie only partially e'earcd, and Aaron promptly rotunied the leather into a vacont goal. Shortly afterwards the interval arrived, the Rovers ho- ing a deserved 2—0 lead. United made hot raid s on t.he Tranmere goal in tho early moments of the concluding half, and centres by Roberts and Lumberg looked eking-molls, but tho locals' inside forwards never iseemed to place themselves in a scoring posi- tion. Occasionally they would try a chance shot, which went near, but oftener in the vicinity of the corner flag. They have never appeared so ineffective as in this important fix- ture. Tho dulness was roused by a fine sprint, on tlie part of Buck, who left Penn and Howitt in arrears, and it was a relief when lie shot, a yard wicle. The fate of the locaJe wa.s sealed when Butler scored a pretty goal. Ho received well on the left, and hookod tlie ball over Griffiths' head, and. without hesitation, he I beat Lloyd with a em-pI-tii shot. Tranmere could do almost anything afterwards, while on tho other hand the Quay could not do anything right. Tho best goal of tlie matah was the last. Buck received on the oentro line from Hilton, and he Hashed away and finally got his left foot to (lie ball, Lloyd hein wdl beaten, Thert the scoring ended, and Tranmere retired winnera by four goals to nil. Tho supporters of the Quay were very sore a.bout the home record being broken. United gave a typical end -of-season display, and perhaps Perm, Evans and Griffiths were the only men who shewed* their real form. Th? final for the Flintshire League Challenge Cup took place at Mold on Saturday, the con- testing teams being Buckley Engineers (holders) and Oa.k Alyn. Buckley lacked the services of Davies (full-back) and Pie icy and Jenkins (for- wards), through injuries, and their substitutes were far below cup final form. Mr. Yates, of Chester, referecd. Oak Alyn took advantage- of the incline in the first half, and their forward s bombarded the Buckley goal. The only man on the Buckley side who gave the Alyn defence any serious work was Mill-ington, but he was badly supported by tho other forwards. Oak Alyn opened the SCOP?, and before half-time, tho centra forward increased tho lead. In the second half there was only one team in it., and tha.t waa the Alyn, who played fine football. Buckley could do nothing right. Oak Alvii in- creased their lead by another goal. Buckley tried hard to score on several occasions, but the Alyn defeuee was too sound, and Oak Alyn oap- tured the cup for the first time. It would- have been a splendid contest if Buckley had been at. full strength. Mr.. J. B. Marston presented the cup to the winners. RESULTS. THE COMBINATION. Tranmere Rovers 4, hConnah's Quay 0. hBangor 0, Druids O. h Welsh pool 5, Rhyl 2. Chester 2, hWhitchurch 0. Nantwioh 2, hOswestry LTnited 0. WEST CHESHIRE LEAGUE. Div ision I. hSaltney 2. Widnes 0. FINAL—CHARITY CUP COMPETITION. Connah's Quay Vies. 5. Rcssett 1.