Tony Wisnewski posted on June 18, 2006 17:01
The game was started in reasonably fine weather, but with black clouds approaching it wasn't going to stay that way for long. Papakura has been struggling in the Super Division this year and before the game had yet to score a goal. The Puke boys struggled to overcome them 2 nil in the first round and were looking for a much improved performance this time around. The Pukekohe account was opened early when the Kura keeper was penalised for carrying the ball out of the 18yd box. Brad Petrie left the keeper with no chance as he calmly placed the free kick directly into the top left hand corner of the goal. The next two goals were both scored by James Wright. The first of his brace was a penalty, which James took, but that was initially saved only to be slotted at the second attempt. The second of James goals was from a dangerous corner from Tony Wisnewski. Wright easily headed the ball home past the stranded keeper. The second half brought more goals, but also the terribly cold rain. The first goal of the half was Petrie's 2nd, when he ran onto a well timed trough ball to slot it past the keeper and defenders into the bottom corner. Vaughan Banfield scored what was probably the goal of the match, and season so far for Pukekohe, when he smashed a poor clearance from a corner straight into the top left corner of the goal from at least 25m. Substitute Michael Connell then added the 6th goal, placing a neat through ball from Shane Harneiss past the kura keeper. The final goal of the match was also quite a ripper. (If I must say so myself) Another poor clearance saw player/coach Wisnewski thump the ball in with a first time shot from just outside the edge of the 18yd box. Mark McGarrick was named man of the match in his first game back from injury, showing strength, skill and determination in the centre of midfield. Pukekohe also had 2 more goals find the back of the net only to have them ruled out for offside. Papakura had a couple of chances but were unable to finish, leaving them still goaless after 11 matches. It was a good build up for Pukekohe, with the 3rd of this years local derbys vs Waiuku coming this weekend. The maroons will be looking to win to retore some pride in the Puke vs Waiuku clashes.