Steve Cox posted on April 28, 2008 18:52
The launch of Pukekohe AFC into the Chatham Cup on ANZAC Day saw the fixture against Mangere Utd re-arranged to Sunday 27th April. With two games in three days the senior men’s squad was tested to its limit.
The side to face Beachlands on Friday saw 9 senior players unavailable and provided an opportunity for some reserve squad players to step up (thank you for the support Tommy). The club and players needed a win and that was the focus from kick off.
After 6 minutes our early pressure brought reward. Some controlled closing down on the opposition lead to the ball falling neatly for Keegan Saville to slot home from 12 yards into the bottom left hand corner of the net. 2 minutes later a defensive clearance dropped to Andy Bond who lashed a half volley towards goal from 25yards. As if in slow motion the ball bounced just before the keeper, escaped his attempted clearance and rebound in off the right hand upright.
The rest of the first half saw Pukekohe sit back and allow Beachlands to get back in the game. However, 2 nil at half time was just deserved. The second half saw a spirited fight back from Beachlands and some nervous moments. Chances were few and far between until the last 10 minutes which saw two breakaway efforts from Ben Johnstone and Joseph Morris thwarted.
At the final whistle relief and jubilation at the first win of the season. The next round provides a pre-league meeting between Pukekohe and Fencibles Utd at home on 17th May.
After a satisfactory cup win the 1st team were determined to thwart a youthful and talented Mangere Utd side. The pre-season rumour mill had Mangere Utd tipped as league contenders along with Ngaruawahia and Manurewa. The decision taken to play the league game and not to postpone was based on the feeling that the squad base was sufficient to deal with both matches. Unfortunately things went horribly wrong 2 minutes from the kick off. Failure to deal with a talented run by the Mangere Utd striker into the penalty area was duly rewarded with a spot kick. At 1.0 down after 2 minutes against Premier league contenders we knew we would be in for a tough afternoon. Things went from bad to worse during the first half. Mangere Utd moved the ball around the park with simple precision and demonstrated a gifted first touch, which enabled them to create opportunity again and again and again. Within 25 minutes we found ourselves 4.0 down. Credit to the team, they didn’t give up and created a superb chance to pull a goal back. A lovely volley from Andy Bond from 15 yards out was excellently palmed away by the keeper only for the follow-up shot to ricochet off the upright; this wasn’t going to be our day. Just before the end of the first half a high free kick dropped over Andre and bounced in off the left hand upright – when you’re up things seem to go your way!
The team talk was tough at half time and at 5.0 down it was all about pride, playing with spirit and keeping your head up. We conceded 3 further goals but did, however, create a couple of opportunities with Robbi Leonard’s header being clumsily cleared by the goal keeper’s feet. The 2nd minute of injury time provided some pride. Some determined work by James Wright, Jason Paranihi and Robbi Leonard saw a penalty awarded which was calmly slotted home by Dave Allan.
Once again the bitter taste of defeat, this time however, to a talented and extremely well organised Mangere Utd. All credit to the opposition and I am sure all who saw the game would agree that Pukekohe were outplayed. A great effort by all the players and a big thank you to the support for the day. Time to move on to Western Springs away and to work towards those first 3 points that are on the way, it is just a matter of time and belief.
Chatham Cup team:-
Andre Van Lieshout, Chris Rowe (captain), Ben Johnstone, Jimmy Peckett, Jay Presnall, Clive Mendham, Andy Bond, Brad Frost (Marcos Grisolia 58), Robbi Leonard (Seksit Techo 80), Keegan Saville, Joseph Morris (Adam Moorhouse 82)
Goals; Keegan Saville 6, Andy Bond 8
Man of the Match; Ben Johnstone
Team vs. Mangere Utd:-
Andre Van Lieshout, Chris Rowe, Karl Straker (Jimmy Peckett 74), Mike Siemelink (Eddie Bignell 30), James Wright, Dave Allan, Jason Paranihi (captain), Marcos Grisolia (Clive Mendham 46), Joseph Morris, Robbi Leonard, Andy Bond.
Subs not used: - Trent Hirst, Jay Presnall
Goals; Dave Allan 90+2
Man of the Match; Robbi Leonard