Solid defence the platform for the win

After the rain of the previous two weeks and a heavy downpour on Friday night, I must admit I was fully expecting another round of cancellations for Saturday’s games. Well as we know the cancellations did not come but the SOS from other teams for players did.

With our own players down in numbers through injury and illness we looked to top up the Thirds who were down to nine through similar circumstances. Rhys Newton, Thomas Sutcliffe and Roly McKenzie answered the call heading off with the Thirds for a 1 o’clock kick off leaving the Fourths with the bare eleven; but thankfully a 2.45 kickoff and not far from the Thirds, so 2nd half support if required was a possibility.

This week’s game against Papakura was always going to be tight. Although they have only won one game so far, their losses have tended to be by solitary goals so are certainly competitive.

The word to the lads at the beginning was centred around showing respect for their skills, avoid jumping in on tackles and to pounce on the passes taking personal responsibility for missed tackles should they choose to jump in. This tactic worked well right from the outset and together with the support of team mates backing up meant that Papakura seldom threatened the goal in the first half.

The Fourths on the other hand created a number of good chances, just lacking that final touch to get the scoreboard ticking over.

When the goal did come it was from an excellent narrow angle chip from Gavin Speight which saw the keeper scrabbling towards the back post but just not quick enough, Gavin’s dropping chip slotting inside the side netting.

This was just reward, not only for the penetrating runs of wide midfielder Gavin but also the solid work in the centre from dad Russell and Jamie Oliver, a new midfield combination, and Dave Wadeley wide on the left. Dave in particular had a strong game with deft touches just when required, a key element of his game on Saturday.

Up front the strike pair of Craig Morgan and Karl Allen continually put the Papakura back four under pressure and they were unlucky not to be rewarded with a goal or two a piece.

The second half saw a turn into the wind and the arrival of the cavalry as far as numbers were concerned with Roly, Thomas and goalkeeper Menno Boxem easing the injury and fitness concerns. These three actually arrived before half time but it was the second half where they would really be required as legs tired.

Peter Wild came on up front after an earlier stint in goal and like Dave his depth of experience and deft touches created real havoc for the opposition.

The half was going to be about defence though with replacements made as legs got tired the team dynamic was constantly changing. The exception was the back four who remained unchanged. Particular mention to Daniel Berry and Shane Craig who had to deal with some very talented and quick wingers. They worked brilliantly all game constantly forcing their opposition away from goal; this pressure resulted in Papakura having to pass back to rebuild their attack. When that happened other Pukekohe players would be waiting.

Man of the match and captain Marty Bennett had an outstanding game marshalling the team while performing his own defensive work with some skill.

Overall this was a win built on strong full team defence and composure at the one on one interchanges. With a bit more fine tuning on the shooting side, the Fourths should continue to do well this year with a patient defensive mindset, the solid platform for some attacking football in the future.

Team: Martin Bennett, Daniel Berry, Shane Craig, Peter Sutcliffe, Gavin Speight, Roly McKenzie, Dave Wadeley, Craig Morgan, Peter Wild, Thomas Sutcliffe, Jamie Oliver, Russell Speight, Karl Allen, Menno Boxem
 

Final Score: Pukekohe 1– Papakura City Sangam 0
 

Next Fixture: Home v Manurewa 2.45 pm Bledisloe Park 1