Thursday, 12th May,
1910
FOOTBALL.
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SWINDON V. BARNSLEY.
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FRENCH CRITICISMS ON THE GAME.
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INTERESTING COMMENTS.
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FLEMING THE "RED DEVIL."
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We have received a copy of the Paris athletic journal,
"The Auto," which contains a lengthy report descriptive of the
Swindon v. Barnsley game last week, and some decidedly crude caricatures
of the various players. Fleming is very conspicuous as "Captain of
the Barnsley team," whilst Lamb, Jefferson, Silto and Bannister
also figure very prominently among the "portraits." Below we
give a few extracts from the paper dealing with the game:-
The five thousand spectators who, in spite of the rain,
witnessed the Swindon-Barnsley match were able to say that they had seen
a really good game of Association football. For an hour and a half it
was a typical representation of the English national game. It was not an
exhibition of football; it was a well-fought game. If it was possible to
describe such an encounter, we should do it, because it was an admirable
education for our players, who have seen how far one is able to go in
the art of playing football. It gave great satisfaction to the French
amateurs; I do not wish to deceive them, but next year they will see a
similar match.
Special thanks are due to Monsieur Dubonnet, the generous
French sportsman who, in endowing our annual match with a beautiful
specimen of art, aroused the teams concerned to play a hard game instead
of simply giving an exhibition.
Mr Allen, the Swindon secretary, did not hide from me,
after the match, the pleasure it gave him to take this magnificent Cup
back to Swindon. Boyle, the efficient Barnsley captain, could not
conceal his disappointment of not winning the Cup. "Allow us to
play the return match next year," said he to me. Fear not brave
Tommy, the applause of the public will console you.
We saw yesterday one of the best, if not the best, forwards
in England, Fleming, "the red Devil," who was astounding. His
play excited the enthusiasm of the crowd. His first goal was a
marvellous one.
After Fleming, the best man was Kay, the right back. His
play was remarkable.
Walker the left-back was brilliant at times.
Bannister, the captain of the Reds, had to mark Tufnell, a
record goal-scorer. He did so in a masterly way.
Silto and Tout displayed almost impossible skill.
Skiller in goal was remarkable. He saved a penalty, which
is evidently a testimonial of his skill.
In the attack, Lamb and Jefferson, the extreme wingers,
centred with great precision, and Fleming is their debtor for part of
his great success.
Bown and Barkinshaw did good work.
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