Southland soccer beaten by Otago 1-0 in 1956....

Otago had a narrow win over Southland in 1956,  1-0. The game was played at the Invercargill Showground on a treacherous pitch.

It was a credit to the players that they played good football considering the slippery and unsafe surface.
The crowd was privy to a fast game where both teams kicked the ball around.  The goalkeepers, Davidson for Otago and Cooper for Southland both had outstanding games.  The latter was called upon more often though to guard his goal.
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Higgins was a thorn in the Southland's side using his footwork and eye for gaps to give Otago many opportunities.
Otago's short passing among their forwards found gaps, leaving Southland in their wake.
Southland forward's did not disappoint and were methodical in their play.  Both wingers, Edgley and Malcolm both played back to the centre, but this was not effective as the ball slowed some what giving the Otago defence time to set up.
R. Morrison did not have one of his better days and too often played safe instead of attacking the ball, trying to make an break.
G. Jones, J. Kellock, Davies and McGregor did not stop playing for Southland with Driehuls standing out for Otago.

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Reference:  Otago beats Southland in Cup Game.  The Southland Times
                        September 1956.