A win is a win

Papakura City 0 Pukekohe 1 (HT 0-0) Scorer Colin Case

Pukekohe team; Colin Pegg, Martin Bennett, Andy Bell, Neil Skerry, Ari Klotoen, Richie Sharples, Jon Waller, Paul Coles, Matt Nugent, Nick Rowe, Colin Case, Mike Thomas, Jack Crane, Michael Murphy

With several changes to the line up from last week including missing through injury top scorer Andy Evans and last weeks scorer Jamie Pegg, we knew that this week putting the ball away may have been the problem and so it proved. From the kick off the lessons of last week seem to have been learnt and Puke kept the ball well. Lots of nice short passing to feet, plenty of talking and the play firmly camped in the Papakura half.

In truth the pattern was set in those early exchanges for the game, Puke had 75% of the procession and looked good until the final third and then poor option taking, lack of movement, lack of composure pick any or preferably all of those and you have a fair idea of the game.

Luckily whilst the attack and midfield toiled without ever really looking likely the back 4 looked absolutely rock solid with Andy Bell and Neil looking a good partnership and Ari impressing on debut, with of course Marty putting in his usual resolute defensive display. They have been superb all season and hence the reason we have conceded a miserly 3 goals in 7 games. A testament to their dominance yesterday was that whilst Colin fielded a number of over hit through balls, he only had 1 save to make during the full 90 minutes, which was a routine catch for him, as a result of a speculative shot from 25 metres out.

As the game wore on it had a nil all draw written all over it, despite us having well over 20 shots, yes Manurewa all over again. With 10 minutes to go we got the vital breakthrough, Jack Crane chased a through ball from Nick, and in the ensuing melee hit the post, a quick spot of pinball and the ball broke free to Colin Case to slide home. We can’t claim any great footballing prowess here but both Jack and Colin deserve huge credit for their determination and fitness so late in the game.

The game continued to be played in the Papakura half for its remainder and ended 1-0. It is a mark of the team that we were quite critical of our performance after the game but in reality it was quite good until the final third when we did lack that bit of quality but we certainly never looked like losing.

I would like to say a big thank you to Denis Murphy and Jack’s Mum (I think she is Jack’s Mum anyway?) for bringing Michael and Jack over from Keith Hay Park following their U15 game, and well done to Michael on making his senior debut. Both lads looked comfortable on the ball and it augers well for the Club when U15 players are getting game time in senior football.

Our player of the day was Neil Skerry for yet another outstanding display at the back, well done Neil.

Top scorers chart: Andy Evans 4, Nick Rowe 3, Jamie Pegg 2, Jon Waller 2, Colin Case, George Miller, Liam McDonald, 3 further goals awarded as a result of a default.