Women's firsts lay down marker in loss

The women's first team were beaten 2-1 in the quarter-finals of the Auckland Women's Knockout Cup by AFF Division 1 champions Lynn-Avon United AFC on Sunday but can hold their heads high after a wonderful display of attacking football.

The Maroons held a 1-0 halftime edge via a Nicole Kraakman freekick but a two second half goals from the visitors was just enough for the league champions to progress to the next round.

The home side dominated the opening half of the match at Pukekohe High School's Glasgow Road pitch through their relentless energy and urgency in securing possession.

And once they had it, the girls played their best football of the season in moving the ball around at pace and stretching the Lynn-Avon defense to near breaking point on a number of occassions with all players involved in the slick passing work.

Kraakman gave her side a deserved lead via a direct freekick from 30 yards out which proved too hot for the visitors' keeper to handle.

Lynn-Avon regrouped at halftime and came more into the match as an attacking force in the opening 15 minutes of the second spell and drew level via Terry McCahill's effort in a crowded penalty area in the aftermath of a corner.

The decisive goal of a pulsating match came mid-way through the second spell when the visitors took the lead thanks to a rasping, low, left-footed Sivitha Boyce drive from 25 yards which nestled in the bottom left hand corner of Laura Johnstone's net.

A goal certainly worthy of the 'winner' tag.

But the Maroons kept pressing and passing and with a bit of luck could have at least forced extra time but chances created by some sublime approach work couldn't be finished off as Hayley Smith, Nicole Kraakman and substitute Olivia Willetts all went close in the game's final quarter.

With such a superb team effort, it was difficult to single anyone out but player of the day went to Nicola Birch after a high-quality performance up front in bringing others into the match.

Thanks to the supporters who turned out to the see the girls in action. You can be proud of your team!

Pukekohe AFC 1-2 Lynn-Avon Utd AFC (half: 1-0)
PUK: Nicole Kraakman
LYN: Terry McCahill, Sivitha Boyce

Pukekohe AFC: Laura Johnstone, Donna Withers, Tania Shaw (Olivia Willetts 72'), Lana Morris, Courtney van Lieshout, Nicole Kraakman, Hayley Smith, Sarah Holmes (capt), Hannah Kraakman, Rose Kraakman, Nicola Birch.
Subs not used: Nicole Fricker, Karla Shearer