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Lee Du Maurier posted on May 24, 2008 18:44
The ridiculous kick off time of 12.30pm in Western Springs, coupled with the "must watch" Sun Strikers v Red Devilz game kicking off at 11.00 am in Pukekohe, meant Russell Whiter and myself arrivied at Seddon Fields just as the half time whistle was blown.
From my beer o'clock probings, the first half was a tight affair, with the teams being separated by a George Milloy goal. He got on the end of a fine Steve Fabrello through ball, challenged fairly with the keeper, coming out on top to slot the ball into an empty net.
The second half featured a sideline containing more busted legs than a political rally in Zimbabwe.
Dolly had knacked his quad, Andy Davey unusually erred on the side of caution with his gammy knee, whilst Russell Whiter's various strap on devices resembled an Anne Summers Party.
The Springs started brightly and immediately put our sturdy back line under pressure. As usual, TD, Mark, Gavin and Daryl gave us defensive solidity, whilst the ever vocal Andre marshalled them superbly.
10 minutes in, Russell Whiter and myself came on for George and Roy, whilst Fin waited to take a corner from the right. Once I had positioned myself, Fin clipped a beauty between the 6 yard box and the penalty spot....."STEVE"S BALL" which had the lions at Auckland Zoo shitting themslves, as Fabs connected with a fantastic header which cruelly crashed off the crossbar.
A let of for the Springs and from the resulting goal kick they almost crafted a wonderful equaliser. Neat interchange passing saw their left half get into a dangerous position wide on the left. His cracking cross was beaming four square onto their oncoming forward with the goal at his mercy......he put it over with Andre stranded.....huge let off..
1-0 down, but they fancied themselves to get a result. All we needed was a second goal to kill them off.....cue the latecomers combo. Russell Whiter picked the ball up wide on the right and looked up to see what was on....I had made inroads to the back post and let Russell know where I was....he proceeded to fire a peach of a cross that skimmed over four defenders heads but thankfully met mine full on the forehead....nice to see it nestle in the corner.
Both sides then had good opportunities, notably Fabs, Dave Benard, Peter Clark and Georgie, however the Springs keeper was equal to all their efforts and in all honesty, he had a fine game.
At the other end, Springs almost pulled one back but they were thwarted by an incredible last gasp challenge by Royo Ferdinand.
2-0 was the final score and we were pushed all the way by a very tidy Springs side. A delight to report that it was played in great spirit with a genuine respect between both teams which bodes well for the return fixture. The win puts us top after Ellerslie's stalemate against Fencibles today. Metro await next week for the unbeaten Maroons at Bledisloe.