Back to Back Home Wins for the 4ths

First up a huge thank you to Mike Botting for the quiet authority he brings to the game. His refereeing style allowed the game to flow with very little interruption, both teams knowing exactly how the game would be controlled from the outset.

With Menno Boxem and Peter Wild on loan to other squads we were fortunate to have all the other team members available with the help of Craig Upson in goal on loan from the 5ths. This is only the second time the guys have played together and although still getting to know each other, the skill level and understanding was a step up from the previous week with first time touches, basic control and delivery of passes much sharper. The combination of these factors led to all 3 goals with accurate final deliveries from Gavin Speight, Roland McKenzie and Corey Sims resulting in well finished goals by Thomas Sutcliffe (2) and Jamie Oliver. These two proved a real handful for the South Auckland defence throughout the game.

While all three goals were scored in the first half we didn’t have it all our own way with 2 goals being scored against us; one a chip from medium range, the other as a result of a corner right on half time. Solid performances again this week from Martin Bennett, Daniel Berry, Rhys Newton and Shane Craig saw the South Auckland Rangers goals scored from opportunist moments rather than co-ordinated footballing attacks.

The second half saw the South Auckland Rangers side seldom trouble the Pukekohe defence but had to weather constant attacks which, to their credit and an element of luck, they did. Dave Wadeley, Craig Morgan and Colin Case all provided deft touches around the flanks providing a number of opportunities for attacks on goal while supporting the defence as required.

A good result overall and while the football isn’t yet where we would like it to be, it was an excellent step up with the side beginning to gel. This week’s Man of the Match was Roland McKenzie with a huge game in the middle of the midfield ably supported by Corey Sims.

Team: Craig Upson, Shane Craig, Martin Bennett, Peter Sutcliffe, Rhys Newton, Gavin Speight, Roland McKenzie, Dave Wadeley, Craig Morgan, Thomas Sutcliffe, Jamie Oliver, Corey Sims, Daniel Berry, Colin Case

Goalscorers: Thomas Sutcliffe (2), Jamie Oliver

Final Score: Pukekohe 3 - South Auckland Rangers Tavua 2

Next Fixture: Home v Papakura Outkasts, Saturday 1st May (kick off 2.45pm, Bledisloe Park)