Steve Upfold posted on April 28, 2008 12:22
The women's first team secured their first win in division one on Sunday courtesy of a 2-0 victory over Lynn Avon at a rain-soaked Ken Maunder Park.
Goals in each half to the mother-daughter Kraakman combination of Rose and Nicole were enough for the visitors to earn their first three points of the season.
Playing in a slightly tweaked formation, the Pukekohe team battled in the early going to get their passing game going in the constant rain.
But mid-way through the first half, some slick work down the right flank released Rose who squeezed her shot in between the Lynn Avon 'keeper and the post and, despite some initial confusion, the goal was eventually signalled by the referee.
That 1-0 lead was the difference at the break and despite a couple of hairy moments from opposition set pieces, the Maroons were good value for their advantage.
The visitors improved their in-possession work in the second half as they continued to play out from the back and it eventually paid dividends.
One of those attacking forays forced a corner and Nicole's whipped delivery proved too hot to handle for the home side as Lana Morris applied the pressure in the six yard box.
Congratulations to the entire team, who were (as always) led superbly by skipper Leanne Dodd against her former club.
Sarah Wild played her first match for the first team in over two years when she stepped into the backline in the second half while Catriona Bennett was terrific in filling the gloves of regular 'keeper Sonja Abbott - who broke her finger last week.
Player of the day honours went to Karla Shearer for her typically staunch defensive work.
The ladies' next match is against University-Mt Wellington at Bill McKinlay Park on Sunday at 12pm.
Details:
Pukekohe 2-0 Lynn Avon United AFC
PUK: Rose Kraakman, Nicole Kraakman
Pukekohe: Catriona Bennett, Donna Withers, Lana Morris, Tania Shaw (Sarah Wild), Karla Shearer, Nicole Kraakman, Nicole Birch, Leanne Dodd (capt), Kelsey MacDonald, Rose Kraakman, Emma McCrory (Kirstin Davey).