SOUTHPORT CENTRAL SWIFTS V BIRKDALE

The Swifts on Saturday last paid another visit to Birkdale to play the return game. The visiting team was considerably greater than that of the previous match – P. Rimmer (captain), Hales and Forrow being absent – while the home eleven, struggling under last week’s defeat, had pulled together quite a powerful lot in a week far surpassing their team of last week in point of play. Substitutes having been obtained from the reserves to supply the place of the absent players, the game commenced, and the Swifts immediately got away, causing Guest to save twice in rapid succession. Play was then brought into close proximity to Hales, who was called upon to act defensively, which he did with credit. The pressure kept up in front of Hales for a short time, the ball being passed in front of goal, Southey put it in the net, and from there it never recovered. Twice more was Birkdale successful before half-time, thus reversing the score of the previous game. Hales made two remarkable saves, and when half-time arrived, the Swifts were three to nothing. The second half commenced in the same spirit, but with little result to the Swifts, as the ball remained on the Swifts’ side most of the time. White had a shot that failed to add to the score, while Southey and Brooks received aid, both placing their halves through and defeating Hales, leaving the score at the end 5-0 in Birkdale’s favour.