Although Bethlehem made the trip to New Bedford with a team more or less crippled by injuries this situation is expected will be much relieved when the return engagement is waged. It is expected that by then McDonald, left back, who has been on the injured list for several weeks, will be able to assume his regular position, and with his inclusion in the lineup the club will be more near its normal state.
When the players left at noon today the squad was conspicuous by the absence of Archie Stark, premier center forward, who is suffering with a leg injury. In spite of the expert treatment the injury is slow to respond and it may be several more weeks before the Bethlehem star again dons his harness.
Fortunate for the team, Alec Dick, flashy little forward, gives every promise of proving a capable understudy to the top-notch scorer. This relieves the burden falling on the shoulders of Tommy Gillespie, who can retain his position at outside right.
To bolster the defensive department for the holiday game the veteran Bob McGregor will most likely be played at left fullback, a position held down in the last two games by Jose Rebello, who failed to measure up to the standard and was released. This change is made possible by playing "Bill" Finlayson at center halfback and shifting "Bill" Carnihan to McGregor's position.
The Bethlehem boosters have planned for a gala occasion on Friday night when the Lehigh gymnasium on the North Side will be the scene of the first smoker ever attempted by this active organization.