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.