Mens 4th Team v Western Springs

This weekend saw us away to Western Springs Young Ones, a high scoring team currently second place in Division 7.  The merry-go-round of 4th Team players continued this week, notably with the addition of Peter Sutcliffe to the squad and also the welcome return of Blair Mason in goal.  The game plan this week  saw us switch to a 4-5-1 formation with Pete Wild as the lone striker, our aim to break through from midfield while at the same time containing the opposition and limiting their chances.  So with decent weather conditions after a week of seemingly non-stop rain it was time to put our plan into action ...

Puke got themselves off to a great start - solid at the back, dominating the midfield and creating plenty of goalscoring chances.  Then 20 minutes in and completely against the run of play a firm back pass from Jason Harneiss unfortunately saw Blair stumble, miss the pass and the ball trickle its way into the back of our net.  A gift for the opposition yes, but just one of those things that occasionally happen in a game.  The lads quickly put that behind them and continued to pressurise the opposition defence and eventually saw us get our just rewards, courtesy of a well taken goal from Ezra Leffalaar.  The game continued in much the same vein with the Western Springs keeper tested on several occasions.  Unfortunately, just minutes before half time the opposition were able to score a goal (of their own making this time) and end the first half at 2-1 to Western Springs.  A bit harsh really, as it could so easily have been 4-0 to Puke at that stage.

The half-time team talk was an easy one this week, just keep playing the same way and we can win it.  The equaliser came soon enough when Shane Harneiss cut through the opposition defence and slotted the ball home.  The attacking football continued from both sides with Western Springs again taking advantage before a Pete Wild header levelled the score at 3-3.  Unfortunately a couple of changes in defence (with Pete Sutcliffe going off on the hour and Marty Bennett having to ref most of the second half) did enable the opposition to take advantage and claim another two goals to leave us at a 5-3 disadvantage with less than five minutes of the game remaining.  My immediate thought - how gut wrenching to come away with this game with nothing after all the hard work put in.  It would have been all too easy to accept defeat at that stage of the game, but what happened in the final 3 or 4 minutes showed that no team is completely dead and buried until that final whistle goes.  Shane again got us back into the game with his second goal and just over a minute later Ezra was brought down for an indirect free-kick just outside the opposition area.  Shane calmly floated the free-kick into the box and up popped Pete Wild to head the ball past the flailing arms of the Western Springs keeper in the dying seconds of the game.  Final score: 5-5 and honours even.

Another difficult week to pick Player of the Day after resolute performances from every member of the team.  Jason Harneiss was a revelation in the centre of our new look defence, but with two goals and a couple of assists brother Shane had to take the award this week.  Shane’s performance, attitude and work ethic were a great example of what wearing a maroon shirt every Saturday is all about.  Thanks to both Matt and Marty for refereeing the second half, a thankless task which was much appreciated.

Post-match analysis: bottom of the table Puke played against second-from-top Western Springs, but watching the game you would never have guessed that.  To be perfectly honest the opposition left the game lucky to take a point out of it (readily admitted by their coach) and we now need to carry this type of performance on into the upcoming games against weaker (at least on paper) teams such as Waiuku and Ellerslie ATSC.

Pleased with a point, but disappointed not to take all three.  Let’s keep it up guys and aim for a mid-table finish this year.  This week certainly shows that we can achieve it, well done!

Team: Blair Mason, Matt Stewart, Martin Bennett, Jason Harneiss, Peter Sutcliffe, Cameron Williams, Ezra Leffalaar, Neil Kraakman (capt), Shane Harneiss, Craig Upson, Pete Wild, Dave Wadeley, Mike Smyth

Goalscorers: Ezra Leffalaar, Shane Harneiss (2), Pete Wild (2)

Final Score: Western Springs 5 - Pukekohe 5

Next Fixture: Home v Drury, Saturday 23rd May (kick off 2:45pm, Bledisloe Park)