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Tom Cramer posted on May 10, 2011 16:13
30/4/11 Mt Albert Ponsonby 6 Pukekohe 2 (HT 3 0)
After the Easter break, the Reserves travelled to MAP, eager to continue the good run of form which had seen them score 16 goals in their previous two outings.
Unfortunately, any hopes of making it 3 wins on the trot took a major hit when we rolled up to the park with only 9 players. I find it interesting, to say the least, that the 2nd team in any club which boasts 5 or 6 Senior Mens teams can only get 9 players, but Ill keep my thoughts to myself on that one.
We ended up taking the field with 10 players, although player may not be the right word for the porky 49 year old who was wearing the No. 6 jersey! (Yes, me!!)
The game itself was a bit of an anti-climax, under the pump and not playing particularly well, we went in 3 down at the break. Bolstered by the presence of Russell Speight and Steve Fabrello (Thanks fellas) we had a better second half, soaking up pressure and hitting MAP on the counter. We shipped another 3 goals in the 2nd half but managed to get a couple back, through myself and Madison Ewing-Reid, and could have had a couple more. A shot from Andy Bell coming back off the crossbar and Madison electing to square the ball rather than shooting when he found himself through on goal.
A forgettable day all round. Credit to the lads for battling from start to finish and huge thanks to Steve and Russell for helping us out. It was very much appreciated.
7/5/11 Pukekohe 3 Otahuhu United 1 (HT 1 0)
After the result the previous week, the visit of an Otahuhu team who had yet to win a game, was a chance for us to get back on our winning ways again. Again, however, we prepared to take the field with only 10 players, but with Montri Techo volunteering his services, with a little persuasion from his brother, we lined up with 11.
From the start, it was fairly obvious that this was a game we shouldnt lose. We were dominating in midfield, and our back four were coping easily with occasional raids from the opposition.
After hitting the crossbar earlier, Jon Coombes broke the deadlock with a sweetly struck shot from the edge of the box. A disallowed goal, and a combination of some good goalkeeping and some poor finishing meant that we went in only 1 up at the break.
After half time, we failed to capitalise on our first half lead, and allowed Otahuhu to dominate in midfield until, eventually, their dominance was rewarded when a cross/shot from distance managed to find its way into the net. Following this we picked ourselves up, playing decent football again and making chances. Goals from Steve Upfold and Jon Coombes, getting his second, sealed the win. In between Steve had a shot which hit the crossbar and Andy Bell forced the keeper into a reflex save from point blank range.
So 3 points, and back to winning ways again. It wasnt pretty but well take it. The win leaves the Reserves on 9 points, with 3 wins and 2 defeats in their 5 games so far.
Thanks to the big crowd who cheered the lads on, and special thanks to young Lachlan Woods-Davidson who volunteered his services and came on as a second half sub, and had a hand in setting up 2 goals
Reserve Goalscorers so far this season:
Andy Bell 4
Andy Lamborn 4
Jon Coombes 3
Steve Upfold 3
Madison Ewing-Reid 3
Colin Case 1
Liam Mc Donald 1
Tom Cramer 1
Own Goal 1