Source: http://oldedwardians.org.uk/nlc/corporis/soccer1st57-8.html
Timestamp: 2019-04-24 11:50:11+00:00

Document:
THIS term has been one of high hopes and disappointment. What, on paper and in early games, seemed to be a forceful team, has turned out to be one which has had to struggle for its victories.
The weakness has undoubtedly been the defence. Until this year the defensive players of the side have not been subjected to any great pressure. Strong sides early in the School are not necessarily as strong when they reach senior status. Thus it is that, in games where the forwards have scored 3 or more goals, the defence has often contrived to let in more than this number. For instance, in the last four games the forwards have scored 14 goals; yet only one of these games has been won. Several matches have been lost by the odd goal (e.g. Manchester (A) 3-4, after leading 3-2 five minutes from time).
Raynes, Andrew, Henderson, Findlay, Keith Board.
Mr B C Arthur, David Hancock, Buchan, White, Mr P S Hetherington.
The chief fault has undoubtedly been a failure to mark the man adequately. It is surely better to keep a tight grip on one's opponent from the start and relax, if possible, later, than to reverse the procedure and be two or three goals down early on. Secondly-and the team as a whole is at fault here -the type of football played has not suited heavy conditions. In the wind at Whiteley Woods (and elsewhere) the need is to move the ball quickly and hard; football of this type is attractive, dangerous for opponents and less tiring for our own players, several of whom are undoubtedly on the small side.
Forward play has improved of late; football has been quicker and more incisive. This augurs well, for most of our games next term are at home-in what promise to be very sticky conditions !
Yet, in spite of this gloomy picture, at least one member of the Staff must admit to having enjoyed watching the team. The ability to fight hard when losing is exhilarating to watchers (and there are too few of these - at home). Two games are notable for this-v. Old Edwardians when, 0-4 down at half-time, we lost only 5-6 (with the help of a former School player, Dalton); v. Falcons, when 0-4 down at half-time (again !) we lost only 4-5. If enjoyment of matches is any criterion players and spectators must be more than content. On this score (!) our most pleasant fixture was that against Bootham; a very hard match resulting in our only draw 3-3 crowned an enjoyable day. It is worth noting that Bootham were vigorously cheered by a large crowd (K.E.S. please note).
On the whole, therefore, a term of disappointing results yet enjoyable football. The following have played regularly: Henderson, Hancock, Board, Powell, Crowson, Buchan (captain), Newsom, Andrew, Raynes, Findlay, White, Hudson, Manterfield, Gilbert, Pike. I should like to thank Buchan for his stimulating captaincy and Hancock for his most helpful secretaryship.
Played 15, Won 6, Lost 8, Drawn 1. Goals for 44, against 45.
Possibly the most significant event in the year was the defeat of the First XI on the last day of the Autumn Term, by what can only be described as a scratch side. This defeat had the effect of injecting a feeling of urgency and determination into the team as a whole.
So, refreshed (or perhaps recovered) after the Christmas holiday, the team recorded four consecutive victories. Of these one was over Chesterfield (who had previously been undefeated), our first victory over this school for some five or six years. High Storrs was also beaten and we thus completed a ‘double’ over this school. This run of victories unfortunately came to an end at Grimsby where we were without Raynes at centre­forward. This loss of power possibly lost us the game.
In the home game against Ecclesfield (by far the strongest team in the area) we were narrowly defeated 2-3. This result compares favourably with our previous heavy defeat by this school and indicates a much improved defence and attack. After long abstinence due to the weather we were again beaten by a strong and very fit De La Salle side. But a return to form followed and the remaining matches against Mexborough and Huddersfield amateurs were won.
The record-book shows that form throughout he season as a whole has been little more than mediocre. In spite of this there has been an undoubted improvement during the second half of the season.
HENDERSON: a good goalkeeper, capable of bringing off excellent and spectacular saves but not without his faults in handling and sometimes unsafe on the ground, particularly in dry weather.
HANCOCK: the most consistently good player in the side. His covering has been excellent and his defensive heading and kicking a joy to watch. Only latterly has he been beaten by a fast winger. With a little more attention to direction of kicking he can be a great power in attack as well.
BOARD: a converted half-back he is noted particularly for his coolness under pressure. He too could become a force in attack with longer kicking.
BUCHAN: a forceful and enthusiastic Captain whose form has improved considerably during the latter half of the season. His kicking and passing are apt to be a trifle hurried and haphazard.
FINDLAY: started the season at inside forward but passed too inaccurately to be effective. As a centre-half his headwork and tackling have been outstanding. His distribution however is rather shaky.
POWELL: an extremely fit and tenacious player with the ability to cover a vast amount of ground. His covering in defence has been exceptional and he is the main link between defence and attack.
HUDSON: a strong player, rather inclined to hold the ball too long when quick release of it would have created danger for a defence. With more variety In his attack he could become a good winger.
NEWSOM: makes up for lack of weight by shrewd positioning (notably gathering clearances from the defence) and passing. An unhappy season due to injury.
ANDREW: very hard-working and can cover a great deal of ground so that he can clear in defence one minute and be following up a shot for goal the next. This ability has earned him many goals.
RAYNES: a Second XI discovery, he has become the keystone of the forward line. He is direct, with an accurate hard shot in both feet and goes like a tank. An excellent centre-forward.
MANTERFIELD: lent a touch of class to the forward line by his shrewd unhurried use of the ball. His trapping of the ball is a delight.
WHITE: a disappointing season after last year's promise. His lack of weight is a disadvantage which he tries to counter by overdoing his skilled dribbling. When he is direct he is very dangerous.
Full colours: Henderson, Hancock, Powell, Andrew, White, McAteer.
Half colours: Board, Findlay, Raynes, Manterfield, Pike, Edmonds, Macleod, Searle, Crowson, Needham, Gillott, A. Dungworth.
Our warmest thanks are due to Mr. Arthur. By the institution of the Captains' meeting he has advanced a more efficient and fairer method of selection.
(Season) Played 24, Won 12, Lost 11, Drawn 1, Goals for 72, against 67.
v. Nottingham University (Home), won 3 2.
v. Mansfield G.S. (Away), won 6-2.
v. Chesterfield G.S. (Home), won 2 0.
v. High Storrs G.S. (Away), won 3 1.
v. Grimsby (Away), lost 1-3.
v. Ecclesfield (Home), lost 2-3.
v. De La Salle College (Away), lost 1-6.
v. Mexborough (Away), won 5-2.
v. Huddersfield Amateurs (Home), won 5-3.

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