Ladies turn on the style

The ladies first team booked a second-round berth in the Uncle Toby’s Knockout Cup on Sunday with a stylish 3-0 win over Onehunga Mangere.

The Maroons were 3-0 up inside the opening half hour against division two opposition thanks to a Nicola Birch double and a Denise Edmonds strike. The ladies throttled back in the second spell in atrocious conditions at Mangere Domain to cruise into the second round.

The win gives Pukekohe a dream home tie in the second round against women’s powerhouse Eastern Suburbs later in June.

From Sunday’s opening kickoff the ladies were in total control and despite the heavy conditions, stroked the ball about in fine style and opened up their opponents at will.

One such move produced the opener when the home side’s keeper fumbled a shot, Nicola was on hand to tuck home after just 10 minutes.

Before the halftime break the ladies had added two more (one to Nicola and one to Denise) and created a slew of other chances as goalkeeper Emily Stichbury was reduced to the role of cheerleader.

The second spell was a carbon copy of the first - without the goals - as the ladies again dominated territory and possession, carving out repeated goal-scoring opportunities but unable to capitalize.

Skipper Leanne Dodd spurned her side’s best chance of the second period when she smashed a spot kick against the bar.

But that didn’t stop Leanne claiming player of the day honours with an inspirational display in the middle of the park – made all the more impressive by the quagmire she was forced to operate in for most of the match.

A big hand must go the traveling supporters of the team including the Wilds and the Du Maurier clan among others. Thanks guys!

The ladies’ next match is a league outing against Onehunga Sports at Bledisloe Park on Sunday at 11am.

Details:

Pukekohe 3 (Nicola Birch 2, Denise Edmonds 1) v Onehunga Mangere 0