The scrappy, aggressive and clever Newark soccer team threaten the Bethlehem booters plenty of opposition when they invade the home lair of the Steel booters for the final home Eastern League game on Saturday afternoon.
Keen opposition because the Bethlehem club will field a drastically rearranged team found necessary to hold several of the stars in reserve for the hard battle anticipated when the New York Giants are met at the latter place on Sunday afternoon.
The players to participate for the home booters are in the majority those who have seen little service on the home lot this season and are many who until recently sported the colors of the Philadelphia Club in the Eastern League.
Walter Jackson, who back in the days when his famed brother Alex was playing a forward position with Bethlehem, scintillated at center forward, will get his first opportunity in a good many years to cover his former position for Bethlehem. Since Stark has been with the team only on rare occasions has the team management entrusted this important position to any other player.
While not as clever as Stark, Jackson is a speedy forward and with a dangerous shot in other foot a threatening menace of the opposition when in goal range. Other players who have seen action with Bethlehem occasionally and will be assigned to position on the forward line are Johnny McGrillen, speedy little Irishman, who starred for the Phils before return to the club with which first signed in this country. McGrillen is a wing forward and will play alongside the veteran Jaap on the right.
Rollo, at inside left, one of the many positions he is capable of playing, and Purgavie at the wing position complete the forward line. McGregor, Carnihan and Reid, veteran halfback trio, will be on the vacation list until Sunday. In their places will be "Sturdy" Maxwell, Matt Wilson and the veteran but still capable Arthur Robertson. Marshall and Allan at backs and Beveridge in goal, round out the defense.
The Jerseymen will be represented by the same formidable lineup within an ace of defeating the New York Giants in a game played last Sunday and when the final was tooted the margin of difference was a single point. Newark, with three goals scored against the strong Giants defense, indicated that the front line combination are in a scoring mood and cannot be regarded too lightly.
As a climax to the long home season soccer fans will undoubtedly take advantage of the opportunity to see the club in action. The probable lineup:
Bethlehem -- Newark
Beveridge -- G -- Blair
Marshall -- RFB -- Stevens
Allan -- LFB -- McGrath
Maxwell -- RHB -- Wilson
Wilson -- CHB -- McHugh
Robertson -- LHB -- Pollock
McGrillen -- OR -- Lamonte
Jaap -- IR -- Joselite
Jackson -- CF -- Boyle
Rollo -- IL -- Wright
Purgavie -- OL -- Morrissey
Referee -- Horace Williams