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Steve Upfold posted on August 03, 2009 17:11
The men's first team were beaten 2-1 by Cambridge FC in atrocious conditions at John Kerkhof Park on Saturday.
The Maroons gave a good account of themselves in worsening weather as the second half deteriorated into a game of launch ball in the final quarter as the pitch became heavily waterlogged with both teams unable to pass or dribble without the ball stopping.
Over the balance of the match the Maroons created more than enough scoring opportunities to claim all three points but in the end those missed chances came back to bite the side still working hard to secure their first points of the season.
The home team took the lead after 42 minutes when a long ball down the middle of the park wasn't dealt with and Dima Slack pounced to slide it home.
In the torrential rain of the second spell, the home side doubled their edge via Patrick Woodlock's looped effort which nestled inside the left post at the 72 minute mark.
Substitute Tony Wisnewski pulled one back for the Maroons with five minutes to go when he poked the ball home from close range in the aftermath of a Steve Upfold corner.
But despite crafting several other good chances during the second spell, the visitors couldn't come up with the second goal they needed.
Man of the match went to Geoff Rickard who caused regular problems for the home side's back four and on another day could have had a double himself and set up several others.
Thanks also to Andre van Lieshout who did a great job in goal after a call-up from the Over-35s.
The Maroons' next outing is against Ellerslie AFC at Bledisloe Park on Saturday. Kickoff 2.45pm.
Details:
Pukekohe AFC 1-2 Cambridge FC (half: 0-1)
PUK: Tony Wisnewski
CAM: Dima Slack, Patrick Woodlock
Pukekohe: Andre van Lieshout, Ben Johnstone, Andy Hey, Chris Rowe, Matt Nugent, Robbie Leonard, Jethro Conway, Steve Upfold (capt), Elliott Clark (Simon Andruchow 78'), Joe Morris (Tony Wisnewski 78'), Geoff Rickard.
Subs not used: Jamie Hampton, Colin Case