But, despite the modesty of his expectations, Gardiner was disappointed.

The plays that he had believed would prove to be ground-gainers had failed almost invariably.

Neil Fletcher, the left half, on whom the head coach had placed the greatest reliance, had, with a single exception, failed to circle the ends for any distance.

To be sure, the St.Eustace end rushes had proved more knowing than he had given them credit for being, and so the fault was, after all, not with Fletcher; but it was disappointing nevertheless.
And, as is invariably the case, he saw where he had made mistakes in the handling of his team; realized, now that it was too late, that he had given too much attention to that thing, too little to this; that, as things had turned out, certain plays discarded a week before would have proved of more value than those substituted.

He sighed, and moved down the line to keep abreast of the teams, now five yards nearer the Hillton goal.
"Crozier must come out in a moment," said a voice beside him.