Trowbridge Won Well
DEVIZES T. 0. TROWBRIDGE T. 3
Trowbridge quickly settled down Devizes' well-prepared pitch and dictated the course of play for long spells. Devizes relied mainly on the hefty, long-kicking style of play, which sometimes got the Trowbridge defence difficulties, but danger often passed because the shooting of the home forwards was so erratic. Trowbridge held the key to success in their strong defence, which had the measure of a disjointed Devizes attack, of which Woodage and Keen were easily the best. Chief honours in the Devizes side go to centre-half A Hayward, who almost blotted Allaway out of the game, and Jennings in goal, who literally rose to great heights. Some of his clearances of hard rising shots were thrilling, and he certainly looks like making a big name for himself in the goalkeeping world.
The attendance at the match was a ground record - 3,245, receipts £174 6s. 3d.
Trowbridge's re-arranged attack certainly added "punch" to the line and Cyril Dean was seen in his best form since he joined the Club. On the right wing Roy Hazell proved a constant worry to the Devizes defence, and his swift raids and excellent might well have brought more goals if Allaway could have eluded Hayward more frequently. From the kick-off Devizes went full tilt for goal, and Woodage and Pratley might easily have gamed success had they shown a little mores steadiness. Good passing took the ball into the Devizes goal area time and time again, and Jennings was cheered when he caught in first-class cricket fashion a smashing cross shot Hazell. Another home raid saw the ball criss-cross the Trowbridge goal in astounding fashion, with Vince badly positioned. Pratley ending the anxiety by shooting wide. Jennings saved a grand header from Dean, and then Vince gave an exhibition of springing antics as he chased, far from his goal, outside-left Pratley, who unsuccessfully tried to get a centre over. Another shot bounced inches over the Trowbridge crossbar when Tuck and Vince were sun-dazzled. Vince followed with a brilliant one-handed save low down from Keen, who looked a scorer all the way. Gradually Trowbridge got on top and after 40 minutes Webb crossed the ball for Hazell, who deceived Jennings by hitting it first-time with his left foot. The goalkeeper managed to get to the ball, but could not slop it entering the net.
Half-time; Trowbridge 1 . Devizes 0.
DEAN'S GREAT GOAL
Trowbridge were well on top in the second half, and treated the crowd to some good football. The Trowbridge goal had one narrow escape, however, when Woodage headed on to the crossbar from a centre by Cook. After seven minutes Dean, who had cleverly inter-changed positions with Webb, raced away, cleverly tricked a defender, an swivelled round "on a sixpence" and flashed in a terrific shot from a narrow angle which sent the ball rocketing into the roof of the Devizes net. This was certainly one of Dean's old-timers which the Trowbridge crowd had been waiting for! Thirteen minutes after this success Dean was again smartly off the mark, but as he was taking the ball through F. Hayward hit the ball down with his hand. Referee Bull, of Caine (who controlled play admirably) showed no hesitation in his penalty decision, and Dean taking the kick, gave Jennings no chance. Rose (the former Trowbridge player) and Macklin changed places, and Devizes passed out of the competition fighting hard.
Before the match Mr. Alan Young (president of the Trowbridge Club) was introduced to the Mayor of Devizes (Councillor Mrs. M G. Reed), is President of Devizes Town F.C.
Teams
Trowbridge - Vince: Coppack. Dando, Lovesey, Tuck Marshall; Hazell, Granville, Allaway, Dean, Webb.
Devizes: Jennings, Rose, Prince, F, Hayward, A Hayward, Bowsher, Cook, Macklin, Keen, Woodage, Pratley.
Report from The Wiltshire Times
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