REAR Britain were successful in their International Cup 1 soccer game when they defeated France by the odd goal in five, before a crowd of about twelve hundred on the Race Course yesterday.
Although Great Britain were favoured to Win this tie, France fought back after being three goals down, and nearly forced an extra half-hour's play.
Whilst France did not play badly in the first half, they never indicated that @tey would run their opponents as closely as they did, yet they fought: back when the game seemed lost.
Whiteing, the British pivot, played a sound game, and created several fine openings, as did Brown whose wandering disposition, whilst it helped him to force play, resulted in a gap behind, as Gibson did not understand his wing halves' play. Shute played quite strongly in the first half, although he wilted under the pressure in the closing period of the second half. Gibson was also a good defender, and his speed enabled him to recover from some awkward positions.
The front line served up some good football in the first half, but they would not take a chance and hit the ball, as both keepers were inclined to allow it to leave their grasp due to the wet conditions and snap shooting should have been indulged in more freely than it-was.
Shuttleworth and Taylor were the best wings due to the fact that they were given better service from, behind. he ground conditions did not appear to suit Jim Ward who was often slow in getting off his mark. Tplbot scored a gem of a goal when he coolly placed the ball in the net. Willie Ward worked hard. Peasgood lost two easy goals as the result of "not gathering the ball properly.
Arnaud was the outstanding player for France. The left back put in a lot of hard work, and was going the full ninety minutes. Time and time again he held up attacks, and whether it was a case of challenging Taylor or Shuttleworth, he never hesitated about tackling. He also covered up Collet and the middle, Collet, whilst not using as much energy as his col-longue, was also a sturdy back, and these two gave Boissezon the correct coverage. Segalin also made some good clearances and forced on his own attack.
Clu Pac, in front, showed some nice touches but he was not as forceful as Bossuet, whilst Metals was inclined to hesitate when in possession, instead of going ahead when once he ad gained possession.
FRANCE:—Boissezon, Collet, Arnaud, J. Bossuet, Segalin, De Mat, Lo Borne, Clu Pac, Matais, R. Bossuet, Monnot.
GREAT BRITAIN:—Peasgood, Gibson. Shute, Brown, Whiteing, Due, Taylor Shuttleworth, W. Ward, Talbot, J. Ward.
Referee: Mr. Drossel with two official linesman.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.