The man with the golden shins

Pukekohe 3 Ellerslie 0 (HT 2-0) Scorer: Andy Evans 3

Pukekohe team: Colin Pegg, Martin Bennett, Neil Skerry, Ari Kloeten, Richie Sharples, Jamie Pegg, Jon Waller, Paul Coles, Matt Nugent, Nick Rowe, Andy Evans, Seksit Techo, Montri Techo.

With an unaccustomed kick off time of 1.00pm I worried that a game against bottom of the league Ellerslie had all the right ingredients for a real upset. Especially given that next week is the big match up against Fencibles, the 2 unbeaten teams in our division the mantra of one game at a time was not always at the forefront of our mind. Thankfully, I need never of worried, as ‘Golden Shins’ returned to the line up this week, complete with lucky socks (and no he still has not washed them, and they really stink now) and slotted his customary goals.

The first 25 minutes were absolutely superb, the formation had been changed to a 4-5-1 with emphasis on getting the wide players forward and it worked a treat. The space out wide was used well and when that was covered the room for Andy down the middle meant were seemed to be able to create chances by the minute. Within the first 10 minutes we were 2-0 up, with some great short passing and clinical determined finishing. Indeed Andy could well have had a hat trick with 25 minutes were it not for a great save by their keeper when he was through on goal.

We fell away a little after the half hour mark but were certainly never in trouble and that may be more a measure of the high standards of the start than how we played after. Regardless we arrived at half time comfortably ahead at 2-0 and looking good.

In the second half as is often the case a couple of changes resulted in things being a little scrappier and certainly Ellerslie were not for giving up but a third for Andy effectively sealed the game. Added to that Jamie went close to adding to his tally and a Jon Waller thunderbolt nearly broke the crossbar, let alone rattled it, comfortably clearing the box unaided on the rebound.

Another clean sheet was secured when an Ellerslie corner deflected straight into my face, Marty blocked it on the line and Colin made a reaction save to deny the distraught striker. Another great effort guys, that’s 3 conceded in 8 games now, superb.

Our player of the day was a tough one as a number of players had strong performances but I could not go past “Old Golden Shins’ himself, so well done Andy Evans who showed his true value to the team yesterday. He is now safely back in his cotton wool lined box and we will get him out again next week, and hope he is not broken. Laura you be gentle with him!

As mentioned next week is a huge game when we are at home to Fencibles. Both teams have 100% records and although we are 3 points ahead, they have a game in hand and a superior goal difference. Any body that can turn up and support us would be welcomed; it is at Bledisloe Park with a 2.45 kick off.
Finally thanks very much to Mike Botting for refereeing yesterday, not always an easy job with so many player refs on the park, but I for one thought you had a good game and was grateful for you doing the job, cheers.