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Steve Upfold posted on July 29, 2009 13:32
The women's first team did the club proud in their 10-0 defeat at Lotto NRFL Women's Premier League side Claudelands Rovers in the quarter-finals of the NZ Women's Knockout Cup in Hamilton on Sunday.
Up against a young side on the rise containing a number of players with international experience, the Maroons battled bravely right to the final whistle at Galloway Park.
It took almost half an hour for the home side to break down the structured Maroon defense as the girls put into practise exactly what they were working on over the course of the previous two weeks since the draw was announced.
The only regular threats on the Maroon goal were shots from distance until a slick 28th minute Claudelands counter attack produced the opener.
From that point onwards, Claudelands skipper (and New Zealand U-17, U-20 and senior Football Fern international) Sarah McLaughlin stepped up a level and led the way, along with strong support from national U-17 representative Kate Loye, for her team as she scored four of her side's goals and laid on several others.
2008 Lotto NRFL Women's Premier League golden boot winner Jackie Pretswell also grabbed four while Loye and Keri O'Connell were the other scorers.
The Maroons can hold their heads high with each player asked to focus on several individual tasks during their time on the field and now, armed with that experience, can return to their AFF Division 1 competition and continue their development.
In total, 14 players were used on Sunday with all three subs under the age of 14 as Courtney van Lieshout, Olivia Willetts and Hannah Kraakman all contributed during the second half.
A huge thanks to the club for organising a bus for the team and also to the wonderful travelling support provided by the family, friends and club mates (thanks men's fourth teamers!) of the players.
The girls next outing is Sunday's trip to Olympic Park to face Bay Olympic. Kickoff 11am.
Details:
Pukekohe AFC 0-10 Claudelands Rovers (half: 0-4)
PUK: -
CLD: Sarah McLaughlin 4, Jackie Pretswell 4, Kate Loye, Keri O'Connell.
Pukekohe AFC: Catriona Bennett, Donna Withers (Hannah Kraakman 82'), Lana Morris, Tania Shaw, Nicole Kraakman, Leanne Dodd (capt), Sarah Holmes, Hayley Smith, Laura Johnstone, Nicola Birch (Courtney van Lieshout 66'), Rose Kraakman (Olivia Willetts 68').
Subs not used: Nicole Fricker, Nikita Lieshout