Men’s 1st team learn some harsh lessons at Ngaruawahia….

Although I was not there to see the game lads I have received reports from others. Unlucky on the final result but well done in your efforts. It seems you were there to play a sporting and professional game. Shame Ngaruawahia were not interested in the same. They may have a chance of the title but it appears they won't win many friends in their efforts! It never bodes well when the opposition don't welcome you to the ground, walk off without a handshake or salute and are on first name basis with the officials! Still, some clubs believe its more important to win at all costs I guess, including kicking you off the pitch! By the way, thanks to Jimmy, Dave (Wanda), Steve and Mark Bond for looking after Jamie after the opposition attempted to remove his foot. His trip to A&E revealled swelling and bruising only and should be back in a couple of weeks to try to regain his place. Good luck for Friday and a return to winning ways! Peggy!

Unlucky lads, keep the heads up. No disgrace in losing to what will be one of the better teams in the league.

Some good pictures of the game on

www.ngaruawahiasoccer.co.nz

Well what a trip to Narrowwhereareyou that was. I've been around football (including a lot of exposure to Premier League in the UK) for a long time and I can honestly say that second only to an experience I once had when Wimbledon visited Nottingham Forest this was the most inhospitable bunch of people I have ever encountered in and around a football club - and I count a memorable away game against Beirut Rovers amongst my many recollections.
The day started well with the distribution of a programme by a very nice man called Sandy who was the club photographer. All bode well for a great day out however as soon as the game started there was a strange feeling in the air; the kind coalition troops feel when they walk down a dark alley in Basra knowing that their M4-A is going to jam.
Clearly the Green Machine has some very talented young players and technically they were always going to walk away winners - frankly if they didn't then they wanted their collective bottoms spanking. Sadly the very evident display of talent didn't translate into sportsmanship. The squad had at least three 'international' players who should have led by example regardless of their age.
Be under no illusion dear reader the initial goal was a beauty and the No 11 is clearly destined to play for a better side in the future however he will need to temper his attitude if he is to ever succeed in the top flight game.
The Maroons fought valiantly against some interesting decisions (I was always taught never to question officials so I shall not do so on this forum) that could have and on occasion should have gone the way of Pukekohe.
In the first half it was clear the greens were on top and their bench found a lot to smile about - often, it has to be said in a mocking tone.
The second half saw a fired up Pukekohe return to the pitch where they held the greens at bay with some spirited defending, holding on so strongly in fact that they never had a chance to push forward. That said they actually made the greens panic for a short time and that was a sight to behold. It certainly made the trip south worth it.
It all nearly went horribly wrong when the green No 4 (a man with an abundance of natural charm and the luck of the Irish not to get booked) clattered into Jamie, studs clearly raised and caused him to be hospitalised later that day with a badly damaged foot. Now forgive me but football is a sport and people who partake in football are, or at least should be sporting. All that was required here was a momentary tap on the head or a post-match visit to the dressing room to ensure the injured player was OK, however as was displayed by the greens abrupt departure from the field of play this was never going to happen.
The Greens Manager, a man with a fine sporting pedigree and an ironic post graduate diploma in sports medicine specialising in lower limb injuries has, I am reliably informed, one great fear in life - to be alone.
I find this quite interesting really for it is clear that Ngaruawahia United FC will more than likely be the winners of the league this year but they will do so at the expense of any respect or friendship.
Last but by no means least, my commiserations to the greens Glen Brown – one of the genuinely sporting players on the pitch that day – Glen received his club’s “Dick of the day” award. Hard luck Glen you were up against some very stiff opposition..

Without doubt Ngaruawahia played the better football. Time to pick ourselves up, show the same gritty performance at home to Mangere Utd on Sunday and try to get something from the game. Thank you to the Ngaruawahia photographer for providing some great images.