The first game was played at New Bedford and was the first meeting of these two clubs. The fine teamwork and aggressive playing of the champions completely upset the home team and Bethlehem had a lead of three goals inside of twenty minutes. During the second half the New Bedford team played better and attacked fiercely but found it difficult to make headway against the solid defense of the champions.
The game on Friday, with the Pan Americans, of Fall River, was a rough affair and although the champions won 4-0, several of their best players suffered injuries which will keep them out of the game for several weeks. Spalding suffered a twisted knee which prevented him from playing against the J & P Coats’ team on Saturday. Morrison was also injured.
The game on Saturday was the hardest one of the trip, the Steelworkers having to play practically the pick of the New England states, the J & P Coats’ management having gotten permission from the United States Football association to use several professional players from the leading teams in that part of the country. The score at half time was 0-0 and after ten minutes play in the second half the Pawtucket team scored, thereby taking the lead 1-0, amid much rooting from their supporters. This seemed to act as a tonic to the Bethlehem boys who attacked fiercely the whole forward line sweeping down the field as one and inside of three minutes Fleming had tied the score, keeping up the attack the champions added two more goals in less than five minutes, Ratican scoring the second and Fleming the third goal. With only one minute to play the home team scored their second point from a corner, the game ending 3-2.
Next Saturday, the Steelworkers will play Scottish-American of Newark on the new athletic field.