This week’s fixture saw us up against local derby rivals Waiuku, a team on a good run of form leading up to this game.  The Maroons went into the game looking to kick-start their season and begin a good run of form themselves ...

The first half saw us put pressure on a nervous looking Waiuku team right from the start.  One throw-in seemed to be quickly followed by another as Pukekohe looked to break through the opposition defence.  Our players looked comfortable in all areas of the park as we began working the ball and looking for a way forward, with the Pukekohe defence pushed up to the half-way line for much of the first half.  Despite this, we were dealt a bitter blow as half-time approached when Waiuku were able to make the most of a set piece when they scored from a corner.  The initial corner looked to be curling straight in to the goal, only for Blair to make an impressive save and parry the ball out.  Unfortunately the ball was parried onto the head of the tallest Waiuku player on the pitch, who was able to nod the ball in with relative ease.  So half-time came and we were disappointed to go in a goal down, but confident of turning the game around by continuing to play simple football.

Unfortunately set pieces proved to be the deciding factor in the second half and we conceded a second goal as the result of a long throw.  This goal lifted the Waiuku team, who I think were definitely a little nervous up to that point, and they were able to follow up with another two goals during the course of the half.  Proof that sometimes luck just doesn’t appear to be on your side was summed up by the fact that one of the goals was scored when the player mishit the ball completely and it went in off his shin!  Still, I wouldn’t be complaining if we could get goals in a similar manner, at the end of the day they all count.

We were able to create our own chances though and had a succession of corners which we were unable to convert into goal attempts.  One corner that did count was taken by Neil Kraakman and headed into the opposition net by Mike Thomas, to add his name to the list of joint top goalscorers (each with one goal) for the season.  The Maroons were awarded a penalty (taken by myself) in the closing ten minutes of the game, but unfortunately the Waiuku keeper got his hand to it.  Peter Haverland, making his senior debut, was the first to react to the loose ball but unfortunately couldn’t get it in the back of the net.  The match ended in a 4-1 win to Waiuku.

Joint player of the day honours went to Blair Mason and Andy Bell, who both had excellent games.  Not an easy decision to make, as the whole team again put in solid performances this week.

Thanks to Waiuku for their hospitality after the match and to the lady referee who did an excellent job officiating the second half.

This week saw the introduction of a bright pink band which was worn by Jesse Bleeker, having turned up at last week’s game a little worse for wear.  Next week will be my turn, having had my penalty saved.  So be warned guys, any slip ups during next week’s match and the pink band will be up for grabs!

Team: Blair Mason, Dave Wadeley, Mike Thomas, Andy Bell, Peter Haverland, Dale Austin, Neil Kraakman, Tom Shakeshaft, Donald Fleming, Anthony Kwan, Jesse Bleeker, Shane Harneiss, Matt Stewart

Goalscorers: Mike Thomas

Final Score: Waiuku 4 – Pukekohe 1

Next Fixture: Home v Eastern Suburbs, Saturday 7th June (2:45pm)