“Call the Police there’s been a robbery at Bledisloe Park….”

Starting with the same 11 that finished so well against Fencibles Utd in the previous match the mood was upbeat and positive. We were determined to ensure that Onehunga were not just coming to Pukekohe for a walk in the park.

The first 15 minutes started well; we kept good shape at the back, the midfield engine of Jason and Moxy were disrupting and frustrating the opposition and opportunities were starting to appear for our wide and front men. Onehunga picked up the pace and were creating space down their right with their very quick no.2 but they were soon to realise that we had a Brad at left back (well done mate some great running and defensive work). After 25 minutes we had survived 6 corners and two goal line clearances (what would we have done without you Ben?). Furthermore, our central defensive partnership of Dave and Andy were very solid and supported by some excellent distribution from Trent. We were starting to believe, our spirit was growing and we thought that maybe this was going to be our day.

The last 20 minutes saw a tremendous passage of play for the Maroons. Keegan and Jethro (watch this partnership people it is starting to develop into something special) were causing problems for the Onehunga defense. 4 free kicks nicely driven into the Onehunga penalty area started to test the goal keeper. Moxy drove a shot just wide, Keegan ran onto 3 nicely worked through balls which the keeper managed to get to just in time and the best opportunity fell to James who was clear on goal but just lost his footing at the crucial time. 3 minutes before half time two moments occurred that indicate maybe lady luck is on your side. Firstly, Onehunga drove in corner low into the near post and the flick on clipped Ben onto the post and off their striker out for a goal kick. Secondly, a long range shot fired in from 30 yards sailed towards Trent, the ref blew for half time and the shot hit the bar! Half time and 0.0 and things were going for us.

The team came out buzzing for the second half but took some time to get into the half as Onehunga pushed to 3 – 5 – 2 for the win. Again some well organised set piece defending and commanding shape from our midfield held firm. Arguably Onehunga dominated the first 20 minutes of the second half, however, we were holding firm and frustrating their play. Once more things were on our side, on 63 minutes some clever play saw a low driven cross come in from the right hand side (one of the very few times they got past Brad), the ball slipped past Trent and provided a simple tap in for Onehunga. But wait! The ref blew his whistle consulted the linesman and ruled the ball had gone out of play – goal disallowed and goal kick. On 70 minutes their frustration started to boil over, their striker received a 2nd yellow for a deliberate handball and there were some heated words between the dugouts as the challenges started to fly in (in a calm and pleasant nature, yeah right! But all friends in the end). However, the sucker punch came on the 75th minute. A speculative 20 yard drive popped up in front of Trent and they were on hand to tap in from close range. We were not down and created chances in the last 10. The best of which fell to a Dave Allan free kick, whilst Onehunga were organising their wall Dave stepped up and fired a lovely curling shot early to the far right hand corner of the net. The ref blew his whistle, claimed we had asked for ten and disallowed the goal. The last 5 minutes saw Onehunga taking the ball to the corner flags to hold on to the 1.0 nil, which I take as a compliment.

In a bizarre way this disappointment has been different and very positive to handle compared to other defeats. For long periods of the game we were just as good as the opposition if not better, and we had fought well to earn at least a draw and when you have the opposition coach saying “sorry lads you deserved more from that game” you know you have played well. There were only 6 players remaining from the squad that took on Onehunga in the first game of the season, which shows the changes that have been made in such a short space of time.

I must take this opportunity to credit Dave Wright who has spent a lot of time quickly molding this team on the pitch and the transformation has been wonderful to watch. The team is looking like professionals, behaving like professionals and starting to play like professionals. Believe me when I say that the second have of the season is going to be much better than the first as each outing we get stronger.

Thank you to our growing support on the sidelines, to those who set up the pitch and to Josh for sitting on the bench and not getting a game. Furthermore, Trent we are all there for you and great spirit to play on through the second half. Tommy, thank you for the continued support to the first team as well as taking on the reserves.

Team:- Trent Hirst, Ben Jonhstone, Andy Hey, Brad Frost, Dave Allan, Jason Paranihi, Duncan Moxon, Joseph Morris (Andy Bond, 80), Keegan Saville, James Wright (Robbie Leonard, 80), Jethro Conway

Subs not used: Josh Wright

Man of the match: - Ben Johnstone – some outstanding defending, tremendous work ethic and for wearing a mouth guard this week! Well done Ben great football.