Early mistakes leave us paying the price…

The weather was the complete opposite to that of the forecast and provided some welcome warmth, not that the game was to be warm and welcoming. From the start it was clear that Springs were here to put us to bed early and did so rightly on 6 minutes. It wasn’t until the 16th minute that the Maroons created anything of note, with some quick feet from Jethro Conway putting Ben Willmott in on goal. Within the next 7 minutes the Maroons created a couple of half chances for Jeff Hekelaar.

On 27 minutes we were caught square from a Springs counter move and found ourselves 2.0 down. Another chance fell to Geoff Rickard whose header from a free kick just glanced over the bar. Just before half time Springs had the ball in the back of the net and we sighed in relief as the effort was flagged offside.

2.0 down at half time, but all was not lost. The start of the second half was all Springs and the Maroons were soaking up pressure with only a half chance falling to Ben Willmott. Then on 28 minutes, Steve Upfold delivered a lovely ball to the head of Geoff Rickard whose header was tipped over for a corner. From the resultant corner the ball fell to Robbie Leonard who drove into the penalty area and was barged over – penalty. With the penalty converted by Steve Upfold we had clawed a goal back against the run of play. The Maroons now had a sense of belief.

By now the game was starting to flow end to end with the Maroons pushing for the equaliser and Springs looking for a 2 goal cushion. On 36 minutes the game changed again, at one end Springs did well, and with a bit of luck, to clear a ‘goal-mouth scramble’ and countered quickly to get behind us – 3.1 down.

Back came the Maroons 4 minutes later and a good cross by Jeff Hekelaar was met by Ben Willmott who slammed home. In the final few minutes Jeff Hekelaar cleared off the line (whilst lying down injured!) and Jamie Clarke pulled out a ‘top drawer’ save.

Once again a spirited display and to pull back two goals, largely against the run of play, was a tremendous effort. Keep on believing, our time will come. Once again thank you for some tremendous support on the sidelines and to all involved. Next week sees us at home to Mt Albert Ponsonby 2.35ko.

Team: - Jamie Clarke, Ben Johnstone, Chris Rowe (Joe Morris, 10), Robbie Leonard, Andy Hey, Ben Willmott, Steve Upfold (Captain), Jethro Conway (Dave Wright, 79), Duncan Moxon (Matt Nugent, 45) Jeff Hekelaar, Geoff Rickard.

Subs not used: - Andrew Lamborn

Goals: - Steve Upfold (pen), Ben Willmott