The Montgomery County Times and Shropshire and Mid-Wales Advertiser

A DDEESSES. CASTL F. VAULTS, NEWTOWN, Noted for J Beers, Stoat, Wines, Spirits, &c., of the Finest Quality. Brook's Football Telegrams.—W E Sayer, Proprietor.

FOOTBALL NOTES. [BY VETERAN.] Aberystwyth still continues to do very well and the prospective Welsh Cup Tie with Newtown will prove an excellent match. On Saturday they made the long journey to Wrexham to play the return combination match. The Cambrian Kail way Company very kindlyi placed a saloon at the disposal of the team, who were accompanied by Messrs W R Jones and C Parry, the latter being unfortunately for his club on the injured list. The loss of Charlie's services was a sad blow to the Visiting team and if he had been all right the result of the match mig-ht have been a victory for Aberystwyth instead of a slight reverse. Not- withstanding the unfavourable weather ami the fact that Wrexham had in the first match beaten them by 8 goals to 2. The Black and Green" b: igade stepped on the field in the best of spirits. The attentance was very poor and the ground was heavy and ,,¡¡ppery, For a few minutes from the commencement the seasiders played ten men, Storey being late. Aberystwyth were first to be aggressive A Green and Whelan putting in verv nice work which brought play to the home goal. Blew cleared near goal and Aberystwyth appealed for a. penalty for handling the ball but it was not allowed. Then Wrexham got awav, Pountnev and Griffiths having shots at goal and a corner availed them nothing, after which Aberystwyth ex- hibited a fin-, bit of passing work all along the line. The home g'>al appeared to he in danger from a shot from J H Edwards, but a corner was conceded which provH. abortive. The visiting halves and backs played well and repeatedly broke up the rexham combination. Marshall, who was in the position of full back for the first time, did very well, and Roose, as usual, brought off clever saves from some smart shots which would have scored against any other goalkeeper but Roose, and the spectators warmly applauded him. Why Roose has not been selected for International honours ere this I cannot say. It is a mystery only known to that august body—the Selection Committee. The Seasiders scored the first goa-1 as the result of nice work after half-an-hour's play, though just before tlr-s the Wrexham goal had a verv narrow escape, Jardine saving finely from a scrimmage. Oswald James and Barson brought the ball along and were followed closely by the halves. J H Edwards secured and gave to Green who centred. Oswald James sent in a hard shot which Jardine caught but the ball slipped out of his hands and Barson put on the fin-shing touch. Wrexham played hard after this, but J H Edwards, W Jones, and D M Evans tackled well and proved a stumbling block. They managed to equalise, however, just before the interval. The second half opened much faster and Wrexham made things ham for some time, but the Aberystwyth defence was quite equal to the pres- sure. At la- t Wrexham secured rvv-, goals and there was no further scoring. The visitors o me n*ar scoring on several occasions and probably Wrexham would not have soored so easily had George EVa.!Hi' foot been all right. He limped painfully at times and could not clear prope-ly. Jardine had almost as much work as Roose this half. Storey looked like getting through onoe, but a tree kick against cottipo-lied him to leave his charge when in a favourable position. Taken all through- out, the game was very slow, though of course of an even charactt'r and only occasionally was there any excitement. There was not much to choose between either side, the horie back perhaps cleared better. The Aberystwyth forwards and halves worked well together and very pretty flashes of combination were seen on both sides at times. A great deal of interest wa* detracted by the ball being blown into touch repeatedly. Abervstwyth ought t-o be satisfied with the result of the match. If it doea not count a win, it might come in useful in regard to goal average and it further shows that their play has improved considerably. No doubt many spectators will attend the combi- nation match at Newtown to-day between the homesters and Aberystwyth and thus try and gauge the chances of either side. But even com- bination games are not to be taken as real tests of a team's capabilities as Cup fighters. There will often be, as people say, a little np the sleeve by one or other. All the t-aine the Combination game to-day will be weil wortk witnessing, as both teams are anxious for position and points in the table. Mr Allen and Co. have need to be proud of the Oswestry Cniterl Reserves, for all through the year they have done good work and have never failed their supporters at a pinch. Last Saturday they were considered to have their stiffest task of the year in meeting the Druids Reserves, but again they emerged triumphantly from the fray. It is only fair to the Druids to state that they played one short. Notwithstanding this they held their own till the game was far advanced in the first half, when the ever eager Mack drove the ball home. This good work ho repeated later on, and at half-time Oswestry led by 2 to 0. The weather was most unfavourable, and after half-time the Druids refused to take any further part in the gallle-having probably had enough in many ways. The referee is reported to have ordered the home- sters to kick a goal. Why, I should like to know. The action of the visiting team may have serious results. No team, or player even, is allowed to leave the field of play without the consent of the referee. Rhyl gave the Druids ifrst team a good game on Saturday and managed to take a well-earned point away from Ruabon. On the same day Chirk easily defeated Bangor by no less than 6 to 1. Bangor seem to be preparing for their Cup tie with the Druids by takiug defeats all ronnd. They will "buck up" next Saturday I f,-Iricy the Druids will not romp home by 6 to I, though on form they should win. I am glad to find that after a long spell of cruel luck, the Shrewsbury men are now doing them- selves justice and quietly creeping up the League ladder. THE LEAGUE. RESULTS UP TO DATE. Goals P. W. L. D. F. A. PTS Sheffield United 21 14 0 7 44 15 35 Aston Villa 22 14 5 3 50 23 31 Wolverhampton W 10 4 6 28 19 26 Sunderland 20 11 7 2 31 20 24 Bury 20 10 7 3 31 26 23 Notts Forest. 20 8 6 6 31 29 22 Stoke 21 9 8 4 28 27 22 Evert-on 21 8 9 4 25 32 20 Derby County 19 7 7 5 24 23 19 Manchester City 20 7 9 4 31 26 18 Newcastle United.. 18 6 7 5 30 23 17 West Bromwich A. 20 (j 9 5 21 31 17 Notts County 20 6 10 4 29 41 16 Burnley 20 6 10 4 20 34 16 Blackburn Rovers. 17 7 9 1 27 33 15 Preston North End 20 5 11 4 18 30 14 Liverpool. 21 4 12 5 25 34 13 Glossop IS 3 11 4 18 48 10 THE COMBINATION. RESULTS UP TO DATB. Goals P. W. L. D. F. A. PTS V £ lrk, 15 10 2 3 35 14 23 Wrexham 12 9 1 2 46 19 20 Druids 13 7 3 3 26 18 17 Newtown 10 4 5 1 24 30 9 Aberystwyth 9 3 4 2 17 22 8 Bangor 8 3 4 1 13 17 7 Oswestry Lnited. 10 2 6 2 19 23 6 Btrkenhead 7 2 4 1 12 16 5 Rhyl •••••— 8 1 4 3 13 23 5 Llandudno Swifts.. 10 0 g 2 14 37 2 SHROPSHIRE AND DISTRICT LEAGUE. RESULTS UP TO DATE. Goals P. w. L. D. F. A. PTA Iron-Bridge 6 a 0 1 14 5 11 Singleton ic Cole's. 8 5 2 1 32 12 11 0" Bridgnorth 7 S 3 1 21 22 7 Newport 8 3 4 1 14 lü 7 St. George's United 6 2 2 2 12 16 G Wem 8 2 4 2 9 22 6 Stafford C.C. 5 2 3 0 16 12 4 Welshpool United.. 6 1 5 0 9 22 2 DENBIGHSHIRE & DISTRICT LEAGUE. RESULTS UP TO DATE. Goals P. w. L. D. F. A. PTS Wrexham Reserve. 9 6 1 2 21 13 14 Oswestry Reserve.. 8 .5 1 2 36 11 12 Adwy United. 8 5 1 2 17 10 10 Chirk Reserve. 7 3 1 3 22 7 9 Druids Reserve. 10 3 5 2 23 24 8 Eiiabon Albions 8 2 4 2 17 26 6 St Martins 7 2 4 1 10 25 5 Ellesmere Rangers 7 1 5 1 9 24 3 Vron St Albans. 7 1 5 1 8 26 3 THE VILLAGE CUP. ST. JOHN'S (RHOSTMBDRE) V WHITTINGTON.—At Rhosymedre: JIl Saturday. The Saints were the first to be conspicuous and after ten minutes lead by one to nothing. After half an hour had elapsed H Youens equalised. Shortly after the same player was instrumental in converting another pass into a goal. There was no scoring in the second half and the game ended in Whittington 2 St. Johns 1. THE COMBINATION. DRUIDS v. RHYL. The return Combination match bet ween these teams was played at Wynnstay Park on Saturday. Jim Davies set the hall (loing 11]) t! slope, and verv soon brought his men into the visitors' territory. Several corners fell to the hnmc«;»rs. and some determined play the bail net Jim Davies was ruled off-sid". D-aid. forwards wero put into po<-fe*rs-o. II JI.MPM. in trying to clear a terrible shot from linlph, pa' the ball behind his own goal, arid from the comer Spencer notched the firnt gwai after 20 minutes' play. The spectators were hesrinning to get tired of the narrow crape* which their was under- going, arid after- a f«n* sarcastic shoal s of Play up Rhyl," they seemed to realise that it was time they did something. Ralph was loudly cheered for a splendid individual effort. He was given the leather by Tommy Davies, and immediately made tracks for the Rhyl t-rritory tricking three of his an:agonists, he got well in and sent the ball with terrific just above the bar. Half-time found the score Druids I goal, Rhyl 0. In the second half phy was vL'ry even until a breakaway was made by Rhyl, and frnm a g'\Yc}d pass by H Morgan Owen, Ha 11 equalised. After this there was ouly one team il1 it, and that was Rhyl. They pressed the D cuius continually for shout a quarter of an hour, Hud on more than one occasion Priee was sorely tried. Drives oul'od themselves together, and for the hi" e;n. mi ante* the tables were turned, and n* i ii<» >••«!! war on it" wav rn gpa] the whistle for time sonnd -d, but- although Campbell tried to stop it, the net r-as located, but no point allowed. !,IIP!,n,.r..rs were wild. Hod rushed on the and had it not been for Messrs Jos Davies and Mauley the referee would have fared very badly. Final Druids 1 goal, Rhyl 1 goal. WREXHAM v. ABERYSTWYTH. The return mutch waf played on Wrexham Race- course on Saturday iu wet and cold weather, which interfered with the attendance. The ground was heavy going and a strong wind blew across the ground. Mr McGi'l, Liverpool, was the referee, and the teams were as follows :— WREXHAM. i Goal, D Jardine; backs, J Povah and H Blew: balf- backs, Rogers, Grainger, and Harrison; for- wards, Kelly, Griffiths, W J Jones, Gordon, and Pountney. Linesman, Mr Parry Jones. ABERYSTWYTH. Goal, R<->ose; backs, Marshall and G Evanp half-backs, W .Tone?, J H Edwards and D M Evans; forwards, A Green, Whelan, Storey, Barson and 0 James. Linesman. Mr C Parry. Aberystwyth started and for some time played ten men, Storey not having arrived in time. The wind drove^the ball into touch and from the throw- in Barson oirected a hard shot towards Jardine, but Povah relieved. The Seasiders again assumed the aggressive, Green breaking away nicely with Whelan when Blew transferred play. The visitors appealed for hands,.bat it not allowed. Play was then along the Wrexhana right, G Evans having I to kick out. From the throw-in the play was con- fined in Aberystwyth territory for a few minutes, J PORtney sending miserably wido. A minute later Griffiths shot against the side rigging. A free-kick fell to Aberystwyth, but 110 advantage accrued, and a corner, gained by Wrexham, was placed wide by Harrison. A pretty movement by Arthur Green and Whelan brought them does to the home oal, when Harrison relieved, but W Jones sent over, and a combined movement by Aber- yp.twyth vanguard followed. J H Edwards sent in a nice shot aud the homesters had to concede a cor- ner, which Grainger got away, the left wing going to the other end, Evans finely stopping their career. The homesters returned to the attack and secured a corner, Roose bringing off a fine save, the ball ultimately going over the line. Up to now the game was tame and the paco slow, probably owing to the heavy state of the ground. A pretty bit of passing by Green, Whelan and Storey, was shown, and the home defenders were hard put to, Blew ultimately bringing off a clerrance, and pressure was brought to on the visitors goal. Rogers sent in a hard shot, Roose outwitting his opponents by bringing the ball away from a rack of players Gordon returned the ball wide. *A free-kick to Wrexham was cleared by Roose and the Seasiders broke away, Blew having to kick out. From the throw-in, Oswald James sent forward and Storey sent in a shot which Jardine cleared. Oswald James made a fine individual effort, and being tackled b) Povah near the corner flag, the ball went into touch, and from the throw-in D M Evans shot wide. A free-kick to the homesters looked dangerous, but Marshall relieved. The ball was returned, and a fruitless corner was conceded. Storey and the left wing raced away, bat Storey was tripped and the free-kick was nicely sent into goal by J H Edwards, the homesters clearing their lines. The Seasiders came again and the Wrexham goal had a narrow escape, Jar- dine finely saving from a scrimmage. From this Wrexham got away, and G Evans being hard pressed touched to Roose who sent the ball down with a huge punch. A free kick close to the home goal gave the black and green brigade an opportunity but the home defence was sound. After a good run by Oswald James land Barson a hot scrimmagj followed in front of the home goal J H Edwards gave to Green who centred. Oswald cent in a hard shot which Jardine could not hold and Barson put on the finiHhing touch, thns draw- ing first blood after half-an-hour's play. Wrexham played up in a determined manner but found J H Edwards, W Jones, and D M Evans a trio hard to beat. Roose subsequently brought, off several fine saves and the spectators did not forget to mark their appreciation. Marshall stopped Kelly and Griffiths and then I:np visiting forwards ably aistcd by J H Edwards went to the other end and Povah transferred play. A Green and Whelan put in some good werk but Blew was safe. The homesters pegged away and as the result of a nice bit of plav Griffiths equalised and the interval arrived. Wrexham opened the second half in a very brisk manner but the visitors held their own gameiy. Jones sent wide. A free-kick to the visitors brought relief. Barsnn tested Jardine who cleared. Hands against Aberystwyth gave the homesters an advantage and Gordon scored. A few minute* later Jones scored from a scrimmage, Roose being hurt and the game stopped for a few minutes. Then visitors then had a look in, Oswald James sending in a nice centre, but Whelan missed it aud the homesters cleared. The visitors played up and it, looked as if they would equalise. The increased a nd the long- journey of nearly a hundred miles did not seem to effect the visitors. The game was stopped for a few minutes, a Wrexham player being hurst. On resuming the homesters forced a corner, but the visitors' defence was sound and the seaider's got away and gave the home defence some work. They cleared their lirvps however and Roose was called upon. Jardiue in turn had to clear. Aberystwyth forced a corner but this was placed behind. The game continued to be of an even nature. A Green got in and seeing no clear passage passed back to J H Edwards, who sent forward and Storey was getting into position, but a fonl was awarded aH.inst the visitors but no advantage was gained. Jaidine was again called, upon, and a minute later Ab a-ystwyth looked like getting through but the home defence was im- penetrable. Wrexham right got away but Marshall reiteved,and when the whistle sounded the score was—Wrexham 3 goals, Aberystwyth 1. BANGOR SUBMIT AT CHIRK. In unpropitious weather at Chirk on Saturday afternoon. The champions played James in place of Joe Roberts and were strongly represented, whereas the Seasiders were without the services of four of their usual players. The seasiders won the toss and Chirk started operations, immediately breaking away and Wynne located the net after a few seconds' play. This unexpected reverse roused the visitors and through the instrumentality of H Jones they came within an ace of equalising. Re- turning to the attack their pretty combination severely taxed Chirk defence, but Jones finally placed the sphere out of range. Twice were glorious opportunities presented to the homesters but both S Roberts and E Williams failed igrio- minionoly. Chirk continued to pen in the Bangor men ^n-i Lockley shot in the net but was off-side. The Seasiders excelled in tackling and rained shots on Morris who, however, never failed. At length Chirk transferred play, but Wynne shot out. Following this, S Roberts obtained a corner, entrusted to M Morris, who got in a brilliant shot, which Lockley turned in goal, amidst, much applause. A minute later Bangor forwards raced away, and Pritchard receiving from an oblique shot beat Morris. Chirk, however, retaliated, Jauies receiving from S Roberts and registering. At the interval the score stood Chirk 3 goals, Bangor 1. Resuming hostilities in a drenching rain, Arridge smartly repelled several determined incursions. Five minutes from the re-start a visit was paid to the Bangor custodian, who after a fine exhibition submitted to Lockiey for a fourth time. Sam Roberts was afterwards almost successful, but Lockley, who was playing a splendid game, again registered after Owen had fallen. Wynne again located the net. The closing stages of a most inter- esting game were all in favour of Chirk, and when the whistle sounded the score stood—Chirk 6 goals, Bangor 1. WELSH JUNIOR CUP. THIRD ROUND. i OS TVESTR Y UNITED RESERVE (HOLDERS) v. DRUIDS -RESERVE. T 1;( tfH.111 S flIP, Oawestry on Saturday to Ôoeid,\ wlnc], should enter the fourth round of the above corn-petition. A more unfavourable day for f«>o<b:dl could scatcely be imagined, rain falling in- cs.-antlv, and a bitterly cold wind blew across t' grow ad. The -'ef< r^e, :\11' It Davies, Wrexham, prnnrtjncrd tl, IT.(\tlllr1 til for plHy, and the teams lined up in the f-jon-ing order: — osWi' nTIIY Goal, Fe'ilWes b»c.ks, Humphreys lllJd II Jonos; half-backs. 11 Jones, \V Morr-'s, and I Morris; forwards, C'>"ner. Hammond, D Davies, Mack, and E Roberts. Linesman, :'11' C Pl;rnnH,r. DRCIDS RESERVE. Goal, E W Edwards; back, T Price; half-backs, Butierton, 0 Dtvies and IN Phillips; forwards, G Hall, J Harris, T Ellis, W Butler, and Allehorn. Linesman, 111' J Jones. The Druids only had ten men, one of their players having missed the train. The homesters won the toss and the Druids started operations, before a small number of spectators. The United were the first to become dangerous, Cooper and Hammond being conspicuous on the right wing and forced a corner. This was cleared, Edwards and Price defending well. A free-kick was granted the visitors, which was put behind. The United re- turned to the attack, and were several times near scoring. Edwards being tested with some capital shots. At the other end Foul Ices saved a couple of good shots from the visitors' right wing. Cooper got away but shot wide. A penalty kick was granted the homesters, which war, entrusted to the burly Humphreys, but lie banged the bail straight at Edwards, who managed to avert disaster. Keep- I ing up the pressure the United wore ultimately rewarded, Mack scoring the first goal after half-an- hour's play. The United came noar scoring agaiu, a swift shot from Cooper and a long shot from H Jones being cleared with difficulty. After some nice combination by the home forwards Mack was put iu possession, and he gave Edwards no chance wall a capital snot. Nothing I'tJrllwr was seored before the interval, which arrived with Oswestry leading by two goals t, none. In the second half the Druid refused to turn Oln, aud the referee ordered the home team to score another goal, which was done, and the result was Oswestry Reserve, 3 goals Druids Reserve, 0. A MEMORABLE FOOTBALL MATCH. [J F OF.LAXDO LEWIS.] Marshall threw Ilini.]f inti) fL corner of the first- class compartment we had just entered and puffed his cigar reflectively. "The gnmo we have just witnessed," he at last began, reminds me vividly of one in which I took part on the same ground some years ago, for not only wore the 8cor08 identical but the winning goal was obtained from a position very similar to that, from which GO Smith netted the second point to-day." I and my friend George Marsha' one? fan)out Corinthian and Y'Jt9ruatio;¡;¡! g< -A i weeper, w(\rr.: returning from the Crystal Pahve where we had had the pleasure of seeing our pets annex the Dewar Shield after a hard struggle; cool and clear-headed, Marshall had now gained almost as gr^at a reputation at the bar as he once held between the nt.icks and was recognised as one of the leading Junior Counsel of the day. He ivas a big fellow of six foot high and propor- tionately7 broad, a good shot, a fair cricketer, and above all a highly entertaining companion with a fund of anecdote on every subject, but would grow especially el<*qutnt over the game in which he had formerly won such well-deserved laurels. Thinking now that a s'ory was at hand I tonk up the conver- sation. Do you allude to one of the Internationals in which you took part?" Marshall shook his head; it was one of those matches which, though called friendly, cause quite as much public excitement, and are played with as much eagerness as the stiffest of cup ties; it was a most hotly-contested match and I have every rea. son to believe that by my goalkeeping on that occasion I saved not only my side from defeat but also my life. I laughed somewhat incredulously. "Indeed, did Pa Jackson threaten you with capital punish- ment in the event of your not coming up to expect- ation, or had you made au heroic rcsolve to commit Huicidwif defeated P Come, old chap, that's too ridicu lous." Yon do not believe me," said Marshall well, I will give you particulars." It is many years ago now," he began, lighting a fresh cigar, and we were to piay Preston North End, then in the height of their fame. I was spending the Christmas vacation in the country, some hours' journey from town, and had intended to run up on the Friday afternoon, but losing the train, my only recourse was to give orders to be called in time to catch the 6.30 a.m. train the fol- lowing n*orning, which would take me up just in time for he match. The morning was pitch dark, and a lit e rain was falling as I started to walk the three miles of desolate country that lay between me and the station, and I had barely gone 300 yards, when a gust of wind extinguished the little lantern I carried. I am not a saint, as you know, and I fear my language was hardly parliamentary, as I remembered leaving my matches in the hall, and realised the bitter fact that not only my lan- tern, but, alas, my pipe would have to remain uu- jit the whole way. I had not the time to return, so pnFihed forward at a good pace and had proceeded some half-mile, when I heard footsteps advancing rapidly in my rear and I slackened down my pace in the hope of obtaining a light. Turning round a minute later I could just see the form of a man close behind me, he was short and thick-set, arid his face was almost concealed by a peaked cap and muffler. I am glad to find you I said, for my lantern has gone out and as I have not. a match I cannot light my pipe." The little man ran forward, "You are Mr Marshall the Corinthian goalkeeper he said with a strange eagerness, placing his baud on my arm, "are you not My name is Marshall and I have the honour of playing for the club yon mention," I replied, but you have the advantage of me." Ah, I have watched your career for some time with great interest, and I believe you are now on your way to town to play Preston." "You seem very well acquainted with my movements" I said, perhaps you are going up to see the match." Er, no" said the little man, "but its of the greatest importance to me that you should win to-day. I do not mind saying that I have bet largely on the result, and if you lose or draw 1 am a ruined man. I rely on you to win the match for me." I shall do the best 1. can for my Ride" I said coldly but YOIl and your betting trans- actions are a matter of perfect indifference to me, indeed I should not be sorry if you had a lesson and lost your money." At my words he grew furious. What ?" he almost shrieked, You dare speak so to me, to me who, who "— I'll trouble you to take your hand off my arm I said quietly, for in his excitement he had clutched my arm like a vice. "I do not want to hurt you, so list/en to run." You have made a bad be:, a man who follows the game as you seem to do must know that our chances of escaping defeat are very slight. Have you not read the papers?" You are to win" he hissed and I started as I heard the click of a revolver" I'm done for if you don't. I don't care how you do it, bribe the Preston men if you like, its worth 3'our while, for if you don't will to-day, sure as we're standing here FH have your lifs, I'll hont you dawu ufter the match and kill you, so help me God I will. Remember, I'm not a man to be trifled with, and what I have done once I can do again." With these words he turned and sped awav into the darkness, and before I could collect my thoughts the sound of his footsteps had died away. I felt very uncomfortable as 1 continued my way to the station, and was only aroused from my unpleasant reverie by the sound of the truin. It was now beginning to get light, and my fears fiefl with the darkness, and before I reached town I was laughing &t my former fears and what I put dowu to the half druiiken ravings of some" mid- night son," returning home after a night's outing. I arrived in good time and took the field in the best of spirits. A huge crowd had assembled and I received a great ovation on taking up my ponitiou between the posts. A second later an official ran up to me with a telegram, which I hastily opened. Inside WR" written, Remember what depends on the result." My heart beat fast as I tore the paper into fragments and intimated that there was no answer. I stood as one stupified. The man then, was no craving drunkard who had stumbled on me casually, but a cIGar. headed villain who had deliberately tracked me f own, and would doubtless make me pay the penalty of defeat with my life, I would at auy rate do my best to win. The first shot that gave me any trouble was a low cross- shot which I just got down to in time, and cleared with three men on me. A goal-kick fol- lowed shortly after and our forwards rushed the leather down, and I could have screamed for juy on hearing the roar of goal. We crossed over a goal to the good, but the second half witnessed a per- petual bombardment of our goal, and I had to deal with every variety of shot. How I stopped them all I do not know, but I realised at the time I was doing better thai.1 usual from the renewed cheeiing which followed each save. At last I was beaten, a straight drive from the centre forward proved too much for me, and we were again on equal terms. I glanced at my watch which I had placed in the corner of the net, there yet remained five minutes. Up came the ball, I rushed out and banged it away far down the ground, off went the centre-forward amid uproarious cheers, he planted the ball safely in the net. Strong appeals were made for off-side, but like this after- noon they were disregarded, and almost before the ball had reached the centre the thistle blew, and I knew that we had won. I received my friends' praises with complacency and bowed my acknow- ledgments to the cheering crowd, who shouted vociferously as I left the ground. I enjoyed my dinner thoroughly, and later on over my cigar picked up the last edition of an evening paper that ha:1 just come out. I ran my eye over the head- lines. "New Year's honours—Football: Preston v. Corinthians; brilliant goalkeeping by Marshall. Capture and suicide of Brown the Wapping mur- derer." The latter paragraph read as follows — William Brown who murdered his wife last Tues- day and managed to escape the police was run to earth at the Victoria Docks this afternoon when in the act of embarking for America. On seeing- the police approaching, he drew a revolver aed deliberately shot bn1self. A considerable sum of money was found on him, which it has been acertained he bad won by betting largely on a football match which took place only this afternoon. He was dressed when taken in a long overcoat,andbad partially concealed his face in a muffler." I turned sick as I recognised in the description the little man 1 had encountered that morning, and knew that had we lost he would undoubtedly, in his desperation have carried out bis threat, and murdered me; Home time after though I felt deeply indebted to him." "Indeed," I said, why" ? Well said Marshall, as he selected a cigar and handed on the case to me after my display that afternoon the Association had no hesitation in awarding me my International cap a mouth later, and I believe that Brown's threat was largely re- sponsible for the good work they say I did that day." -—,— WELSHPOOL FOOTBALL CLUB. FIXTURES. The following is a corrected list of fixtures of the tho above clnb :— January 13 Newport, L Home f Stafford Christ Church, L Away 14th Round'Welsh Cup 27 Bridgnorth, L Away February 3 4th Jtound Wednesbury Cup. 10 Iron-Bridge, & Away 17 ——— 24 Ellesmere .„. Home M a r c h 3 5th Round Wednesburv Cup. —-— 10 ——— 17 Newtown Away 24 Vem, L Away 31 Stafford Christ Church, L Home April 7 Oswestry United Home 13 Aston Templars l4. Home 14 Bridunorth, 1, "Rome 21 —-— L denotes Shropshire and District League.

w We have much pleasure in calling our readers attention to Messrs Frank Lloyd and Sons opening sales for the year at Wrexham on January 23rd and 24rd for light horses, and 25th heavy horses. The entries as per our advertising columns close by Saturday's night. The sale is expected to be a record one in consequence of the great demand for horses suitable for war purposes. £ 40 will be given in prizes for all classes.

CHESS. All communications for this department should be addressed to the Chess Editor, who will be glad to hear from Secretaries of Chess Clubs as to tournaments, matches, &e. All letters to reach this office by Wednesday morning. Local intelligence will be given the preference to other news. Vs PROBLEM No. 176.Soltitions invited. (Glasgow Weekly Herald). BLACK-6 Pieces. WHITE-9 Pieces. White to play and mate in three moves. Position White-K fir K6, B at KKt7, Ktat K5, Ps at QR4, QK5, QKt3, QB2, KB2 and- KR5. Black-K at K5, Ps at QKt5, K2, KB4, KKt2 and KR3. We understand that the annual New Year's Holiday Tournament will be held at the Craigside Hydro, Llandudno, in the early part of next month. It is, perhaps, one of the most enjoyable chess meetings in the country, and being held in Wales it deserves the strongest support of all the local clubs. Whilst lately visiting the headquarters of chess in Loudon, Simpson's Divan in the Strand, we missed some old habitu'es and noticed some fresh recruits. The most notable absentee was Bird, the veteran player, who was lying on a sick bed, but is since, we are pleased to say, much better. Black- burn was also absent being on a chess tour in Scot- land. Van Vlict, the genial chess editor of the Hereford Times was there deep in tho mystery of an intricate chess combination and apparently oblivi- ous of all around him. Lee was also present, and Dlaying that game of dominoes called Matador, which seems to be a favourite game amongst fre- queuters of the Divan. The mention of Simpson's Divan reminds us of an amusing story which is told of it. A certain well-known habitue was well known to have an aversion to having a money slake on his game, much to the disgust of the many professionals who frequent the rooms. During a game which he was playing with one of the masters, a bystander was making himself objectionable by remarking audibly on the progress of the game, and at last finished up by saying, I am glad to see you object to the filthy lucre, 11 r To which Mr— whose patience was now quite exhausted, replied, "it is not the filthy lucre I object to, but the filthy I looker-on." Collapse of bystander. It is not generally known that the Lancet, at the commencement of its career, had a chess column every week, its founder being of the opinion that chess was a game which should, ba indulged in by medical men on account of its superiority as a mental pastime. IRREGULAR OPENING. WHITE. BLACK. J Mason. A Barn. 1 P-QB4 P—Q3 2 P-K3 P-Q4 3 Kt—KB3 Kt—KB3 4 Kt-QB3 B-K2 5 P-Q4 Castles 6 B-Q3 P-QB4 7 P x QP BP x P 8 KP x P (1) Kt x P 9 Castles Kt—QB3 10 R-Ksq QKt-Kt5 (2) 11 B—Ktsq Kt (0,4)— B3 12 P—QR3 Kt (Kt5)—Q4 13 Q-Q3 P- KKt3 14 B-112 P-Kt3 15 Kt-K5 B—Kt2 16 B-R6 R—Ksq 17 Q-R3 (3) B-KB8q 18 I-l-Kt5 B—K2 19 QR-Qsq (4) P- QR3 20 R-Q3 RQ—Bsq 21 R- B3 Kt x Kt (5) 22 R x Kt (B3) Q x P (6) 23 Kt x BP Kt-K5 24 B-K3 It x R 25 Kt—R6 ch K-Bsq 26 Q x P Q—Kt2 27 P x R (7) B-Q3 28 Q-R3 Kt x QBP (8) 29 B- Kt3 (9) B—B5 30 K-Bsq (10) P-R4 31 B-—QB4 (11) P-QKt4 (12) 32 B—B5ch Resigns Notes by B H VPilsbiiry. (1) There is nothing to fear from isolating his Queen's Plawti, aud moreover, his pieces are given increased freedom of action. (2) The object of the Knight's moves is to k^ep the adverse pawn isolated, and at the same time prevent any direct attack upon the Kiug but they permit the entrance of the White Knight at K5, where it cannot, be easily dislodged. Black coul,1 not play P-QKi3 without loss by 11 Kt x Kt, Q x Kt (bept.); 12 B—K4, Q-Q3; 13 Q-B2, Kt— Kt5 14 Q—Iv 1:q, winning a Pa wn at least but 10 Kt x Kc; 11 P x Kt. P—QK;3; 12 Q-K2, B — Kt2 13 Q-K4. P—KKt3 was not very dangerous for Black, and preferable to the text, which allows too strong an attack. (Z) Threatening Kt x BP. (4) The sacrifice would not be sound at this point: e.g., 19 Kt x BP, K x Kt; 20 Q x KPch, K- Kt2 21 Kt, x Kt, Kt x Kt (best); 22 B x Kt, B x B; 23 Q — K5ch. K—B2, and will win. (5) White can now win by 22 Kt x BP, K x Kt; 23 Q x KPch, K-Kt2; 24 Q—B7ch. K—Rsq 25 R x B, and wins; or if 22 Q x QP, 23 P x Kt, Q KKt5 24 Kt — R6ch.and wins. (6) B — Q4 was imperative now, and gave Black a good game. (7) Kt—B5 is met by R x B, and Black would win. (8) B-Q Beq gave Black some hope, the text move should lose at once. (9) 29Kt,—B5 wins here in all variations. (10) If now 30Kt—B5, Kt-K7ch; 31K-Rsq, PsKt; 32 BxB, Black contains a winning supe- riority by BxPch, &c. (11) Again, Kt—R5 wins, if in reply B—R3ch 32K—Kt eq, Kt—K7ch 33K—R sq, PxKt; 34 QxPch, K-K2; 35BxB, and must win; and if Black in this variation 33 Queen moves anywhere, 34Q.—R6ch, forcing mate in a few moves. (13) Of course a frightful error, which loses at once. -+-

"CAT'S MEAT SQUARE." I [" At an inquest held on H child that died of con- sumption, it was stated in evidence that eight people lived in the room, ten feet square, the rent of which was 4s 6d a week. The room was situated in a notoriously overcrowded district known as Cat's Meat Square.' "—Daily Paper.] Air! Air! Air! What is a body to breathe ? The pestilent vapours that poison and seethe In Cat's Meat Squi,i-e ? Hark to the cry of despair Look at the misery there! Children are lying In sickness, and crying— Children are dying For air. Eight in a horrible den, Reeking of sickness and death Crowded together like sheep in a pen, Stifling for want of breath. Women and children and men Huddled like rats in a hole, And lulled, as they lie, By the agonised cry Of a perishing soul, Air! Air! Air! Life-giving breath of the sky Out on the tyrant that darea to deny The poor his share Out on the monster that rack-rents this sty, This plague-stricken lair! Justice! 0 Justice! How long Ere thou rescue the weak from the strong ? How long shall the poor give their lives To an og-e that thrives On a crime and a wrong ? Ah ? If there be laws, as they oay, And if there be hearts that can care, Put an end to tho horrors that darken our day Air! Give us air! Away with these fever dens! Sweep them away With the pitiless Harpies that batten and prey On Cat's Meat Square. -Punch.

THE QUEEN'S COLLECTION. MACHYNLLETH. The Parish Church pulpit was occupied on Sun- day morning by Canon Trevor. M.A., rector, who, having read the letter of Her Majesty Queen Vic- toria, and the National Anthem having been sung, delivered one of the most striking and profoundly- stirring sermons ever delivered in Machynlleth. He took as his text Job ii., v. 10: What, shall we receive good at the of God, and shall we not receive evil ? Canon Trevor said The occasion upon which you are met together in this church tu. day iR, in your individual lives, almost unprece- dented. Almost unprecedented, I say, because few who are here present will remember the last occa- sion when the Queen's letter, commanding a collec- tion to be made in every church in this diocese, was issued. It was in the year 1847, now nearly 53 years ago. Ireland in that year was paralysed by famine. The absolute failure of the potato crop—upon which the inhabitants of the island wholly subsisted—caused untold suffering. Then it was that our beloved Queen issued a similar letter to that which was read to you this morning. There were no railways to convey food, and though the response to that letter was immediate and abun- dant, and thousands of pounds were subscribed in his country and ship-loads of corn and flour were sent off, it was not possible to reach the outlying districts in the West of Ireland in time to save. Tb\1sands, too weak to move and food per- ished from sheer starvation. ID was a terrible time. War, pestilence and famine are of God's appoint- ment. They are instruments in His hand with which He not only scourges iniqnitv but advances the cause of righteousness. Then it was famine, now it is war. Our minds to day, said Canon Trevor, are tilled with the subject of the terrible war in which oar country is now engaged. There are lessons to be learnt therefrom — many and c various. All war is dreadful. The text is in the Bock of Job. Those about him tried, to persuade him to give up his integrity, which seemed so profitless and curse the God who was so cruel, and to draw down upon himself the final stroke of death. "Dest thou still retain thy in- tegrity ? Curse God and die." Job's answer is te,, decisive. He sees in the suggestion foolish- ness, i.e., the senseless recklessness of the fool who saith there is no God. What, he says, shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil ? So say we now. We mav well put the same question in our own mouths now at this time of national depression and anxiety. We who a a nation have received so many bless- ings at God's hand—shall we repine and murmur because matters have not gone as favourably for us so far as we expected ? In view of what we some- times hear said, now that we have met with reverses, that oi-ir ctuso cannot be just. Was Job's cause unjust ? We a« a nation may perhaps need for our future good and to enable us to fulfil the purpose and destiny of our existence, a lesson which must bo taught us by adversity. Past years of success and prosperity may have made us too con- fident in our own prowess and preparedness, too boastful, too much inclined to put our trust in big battalions and a great navy rather than in the living God. Our wisdom will lie to let the present, disappointment and trouble steady us; to remem- ber that it is as bad for a nation as it is for an individual to begin and doubt the justice of venr cause just because you find more difficulty in bring- ing it to a successful issue than you expected. Th" justice of our cause is by either successes or reverses. The end, not, the intermediate steps, will in God's good time clear this up. "I CHmc t not," are the words of our Saviour and Prince of Peace—" I came net to send peace but a sword." The sword, alas that it still should be after 20 centuries of the Gospel an instrument for good. Our blessed Lord, who knew what was in man, and who could count all the steps in the human ladder, from the vista of the past to the avenue of the future—leading to the Throne of Eternal Peace, saw this step too-and we knew it from Him. It is not war and the sword that is hateful in God's sight, but the cause of war-oppression, injustice, slavery. Let us then bear patiently the trial of our strength of character. Adversity and reverses are the scourges of faults to be corrected, but they are also the I)relude of blessings to be obtained. We cannot doubt that God is calling this nation to far greater seriousness than hitherto. There has been arid there still is, a great deal of sin, of wickedness, intemperance, and immorality in our midst. Enough to call down upon its the wrath of God, if he should reward us after our inquities. We need humble ourselves and to pray for protection, not only with our lips, but in our lives, to conduct ourselves as a God-fearing nation, having the courage of our convictions, that right is right, and the determination to maintain our cause, because it is the cause of justice, freedom and civilisat-ition. Though it be attended by such terrible hardships, endorsed by our brave sailors and soldiers, and although it lias already brought such sorrow and grief to many a household, still let us not lose sight of the fact that those who have shed their life-blood will not have died in vain. No man dies in vain at duty's call. Our hearts bleed for them. Our beloved Queen, with whom we feel deepest sympathy, has conveyed to our brave soldiers and sailors her admiration of their valour. The reverend gentleman's noble words were listened to with the deepest attention, and, al- though a previous collection of about L12 had been sent off, yet in response to Her Majesty's letter, a second collection was made throughout the day, for the sick aud wounded, and the wives and families of those on the field of battle. UNIQUE SERVICE AT WELSHPOOL. By command of Her Most Gracious Majesty, a special collection was made in most of the churches in England and Wales for the patriotic fund for the wives and families of our soldiers and sailors in South Africa. With the Yeomanry assembled at Welshpool and Newtown, special interest was centred in the visit to church on Sunday morning. The Mayor (Mr David] Jones) attended officially, attired in his robeil of office, and he was accom- panied by most of the members of the Town Coun- cil. The Volunteers paraded in uniform at the Town Hall, the regular Squadron of Yeomanry assembled opposite the Post Office, while nearer he Cross the new recruits were drawn up in line under Colonel Sir W Williams- Wvnn, Bart., with a band composed of portions of the 4th S.W.B. and Yeomanry bands. The baud marched first, then the regular Yeomanry and the Imperial Yeomanry, the Volunteers, with the Mayor and Corporation bringing up the rear. The service was intoned by the Rev E M Fitzgerald, vicar of Prees, and a special eerinou was preached by the Vicar the Rev D Grimaldi Davis. Towards the conclusions of his sermon the Vicar made reference to the affa, irs of South Africa. The special message of the Church at this time of the year was that of peace. Her watchword at the present season was Peace on earth and goodwill amongs- men." And yet, bearing in mind existing circnm stances it seemed almost a mockery to pro- claim this, for at the present time we were at war with a people with whom we would fain be at peace. It was universally acknowledged that the HIGHEST OF ALL BRITISH INTEREST was that 01 peace and the policy of our country had been conciliation and forbearance. At the present time we have upon the throne one who had endeavoured at all times to preserve peace and goodwill amongst men. Our statesmen, following her example, had shown all anxiety for the preservation of peace. But some might say Why not preserve peace at any price ?" What did the Bible teach them on this all absorbing subject of the hour. The Word of God solemnly declares that the greatest of all national blessings was that of peace, while on the other hand war was re- garded as the greatest national chastisement. King David intended to crown his long and glorious career by building a temple to God. But he was warned that be would not be allowed to do so as ho had shed much blood and that the tempte should be built by his (ion, who would be a man of peace. David again in the Psaims prayed that God would I scatter those who DELIGLITHD IN WAR. On the other hand they read in the Old Testament Scriptures that God again and again sanctioned war. These were wars for the extirpation of idol worship, for the destrnction of moral corruption, wars in self defence, and wars againt invasion. Thus then it was that while the Bible declared that the greatest of all national hlessings was peace, on the other hand it equally proclaimed that there were circumetauces when war was absolutely inevitable, and if our country were to adopt a policy of peace at any price there would soon come an end to all its greatness. There were dangers ever worse than war, with ail its horrors. Let foreign countries be impressed with the conviction that our people Cäre for nothing except the counter and the till, to amass wealth and live io ease and luxury, that it would accept with equanimity any insult offered to them, and what would be the result? We should lose the respect of others, and for a nation or individual to lose the respect of others was to lose one of the highest and best treasures it could possess. We humbly but strongly believed that our cause was right and true, that upon the suc- cess of our arms depended the future welfare of South Africa-, and especially that justice and protection would- be meted out to the native races of that vast continent, and the progress j of Christian civilisation, individual freedom and rights. If then these blessings were at stake it was even worth a great war, much blood and treasure to secnre them. And besides these con- eideraLions the war had shown how deep and uni- versal were the feelings of patriotism and loyalty in this land. What then was our duty in this great crisis ? It behoved us all to express a belief in the righteousness of our cause and in our dependence on God's help, first by offering up prayers for the brave men who were in peril, for the sick and wounded and disabled in tho war, and for all who suffered in auy way by the present crisis. We should offer up special supplications that the leaders of our cause may be endowed with wisdom and insight, then their efforts should be crowned with success, and that there should be A SPEEDY ANI) DECISIVE ENI) to the war, aud an honourable peace. In the next place we should help by our means our soldiers and sailors who were fighting our battles in distant lauds, help the sick and wounded and disabled. Help the wives and families they have left behind and those who would Buffer the greater loss of be- coming widows and orphans by this great war Our Gracious Queen had expressed a wisii that on that Sunday collections should be made in all the churches of our lintel as far as possible for these benificent purposes, and in response to that royal desire au opportunity would be given to those pre- sent that morning to contribute of their means to- wards these objects. He hoped and believed that our Queen's appeal would receive a right response. Lastly our sincere and heartfelt grati- tude should be given to those brave men who had gone forth and to those who intended to go form to fight our b;uties. It was their privilege and pleasure to have with them in that Church some of those friends who intended to go forth to fight the battles of our country, and if need be to lay down their lives. In the iiatie of those who worshipped in that Church, and also he would further add, in the name of His Worship the Mayor and the Corporation, he offered them all God.speed and a safe return to their fatherland and those they loved so well. Tne collection was then taken and realised over £ 20. Special and appropriate hymns were sung during-the service. As the congregation enteied, the organist, Mr T M Price, played God save the Queen" and as they left the Church Rule Britannia." The procession reformed outside the Church, and large numbers watched its progress to the Town Hall. MONTGOMERY. At the Parish Church, at the Sunday morning service, the Rector (the Rev E W Brown) iu the course of his sermon said that in many thousands of churches coiiectious were that day made on behalf of the sufferers from the war in South Africa. lie had placed the Queen's letter on the notice board, and as lie had explained on the pre- vious Sunday they were not having a collection in that church as a house to house collection had already been made throughout the parish for the same object. lie also appealed to his congregation to make garmenfSjfor the additional comfort of our troops. OSWESTRY. In accordance with the Queen's Royal letters, collections were made in the Churches on Suiujay, when at the Parish Church £ 37 3* lOd were collected, and rtt Holy Trinity £ 25 13s 4d. SELATTYN. Collections were made at this church on Sundae and realised YlC) 123 101-d.

.+- A MERIONETHSHIRE DIVORCE CASE. On Thursday, in the Divorce Division of the High Court of Justice, the President (Sir Francis Jeune) had before him the undefended case of Williams v. Williams and Roberts. This was a husband's petition for a dissolution of his marriage on the ground of the adultery of his wife \yith the co-respondent. Mr J C Priestley, who appeared for the husband, said the petitioner, Evan Williams, was a farmer, living at a place called Cefnereuan- isaf, Brithdir, near Dolgelley. He was married to Mary Lewis on Dec. 13, 1889, at the New Indepen- dent Chapel, Dolgelley, and there had been no issue of the marriage. The petitioner, who was a small farmer, had in 1398 in his employment a man called Ellis Roberts, the co-respondent in the case. The evidence of a female servant at the farm of the petitioner would be to the effect that on several occasions when Mr Williams had been absent from home the respondent and co-respondent had been seen together in the bedroom of the former, and it was quite clear that Mrs Williams had forgotten herself to the extent of having relations wiLh a servant, who, according to the custom at these small places in Wales, live as one of the family. The petitioner, however, was not aware of what was going on until May last year, when his servant girl, Maggie Edwarde, gave some information to him with regard to what she had observed going on between her mistress and the co-respondent. The petitioner at the time was away at a neighbour- ing farmer's. The respondent apparently knew that her husband would be informed, and she had left the house before his return, and had never been seen since. But a letter written by her in Welsh and addressed to the oo-respondent, had been picked up, and in it she used terms of great affec- tion for Roberts. After the institution of proceed- ings the matter was defended, and particulars were asked for, but none had been furnished, and the case came on now as undefended. The petitioner and Maggie Williams, domestic servant having given evidence, His Lordship granted the petitioner a decree nisi. with an order for coats against the respondent and Roberts.

-+-- At a meeting of the Executive Committee of the Vi irral and Birkenhead Agricultural Society held on Tuesday last. it was unanimously resolved on the motion of Alderman Getiy (Birkenhead), seconded by Mr Thomas (Bebington) that this Society's next, Show be held in the present Show Yard Birkenhead, on the 3rd, 4th and 6th of August."

TO CURE A COLD IN ONE DAY. Take Laxative Bromo Quinine Tablets. All. Druggists refund the money if it fails to care. 1/1. The gennine is stanoned L. H. Q. >

SIR W. W. WYNN'S HOUNDS WILL MEET Saturday, Jan. 13th Bettisfield Monday, Jan. 15t,h Brvnypys Wednesday, Jan. 17th Hard wick Friday, Jan. 19th Llvnvpwll Saturday, Jan. 20th.Press Heath At 11. THE PLAS MACHYNLLETH HOUNDS WILL MEET FOXHOUNDS Monday, Jan. ]5th Bugeilyn Thursday, Jan. 18th Braichycelyn At 10-30. HARRIERS Tuesday, .Jan. 16th Glandulnsmawr Friday, Jan. 19th Talywern At 10-30. UNITED PACK WILL MEET Saturday, Jan. 13th Brynllwerch, Kerry Monday, Jan. 15th The Roveries Wednesday, Jan. 17th Little Stretton Saturday, Jan. 20th The Cock, Fordeu At. 10-45. f TAKAT SIDE HARRIERS WILL MEET Tuesday, Jan. 16th Blrck Horse Fridav, Jan 19th Trowvlan At 11. NORTH MONTGOMERY HARRIERS WILL MEET Saturday, Jan. 13th Bryngwyn Station Wednesday, Jan. 17th Llanfihangel Saturday, Jan. 20th Bwlohygarnedd At 11. SIR BRYAN LEIGHTON'S HOUNDS WILL ME BIT Thursday, Jan. 18th Top Farm, Crh-gion At 11.

THE MOST NUTRITIOUS. E? E& E& S GRATEFUL-COMFORTING. c? O O BREAKFAST-SUPPER.