Steve Upfold posted on July 13, 2008 17:25
The ladies first team got their second win of the division one season on Sunday with an entertaining 1-0 victory over Waiuku at Massey Park.
Sarah Holmes' second half strike from close range was enough to take all three points as the Maroons reversed the score from the first round match-up between the two sides.
The ladies mixed some lovely possession football in moving the ball out from their own penalty area with some gritty defensive work protecting their goal as everyone contributed in a superb team display.
The best chance either side had before the break, in a half where both teams largely cancelled each other out between the penalty areas, came as the Maroons worked their way out from their own end.
Sarah Wild picked up possession on the centre circle and 'Dub' turned and picked out the run of Rose Kraakman who drove into the Waiuku penalty box before the ball spilled to Kirstin Davey at the back post. Unfortunately, after doing a great job to get there, 'Zip' couldn't quite get enough on the shot to turn it in as it hit the side netting.
Waiuku turned up the pressure in the second half but outside of a neat flick that hit the left-hand upright, most shots were from distance and comfortably gobbled up by goalkeeper Catriona Bennett.
The decisive moment came when Nicole Kraakman, who had a terrific match, whipped a free kick into the box which wasn't dealt with by the Waiuku defense and the ball eventually fell to Sarah who banged it home to a huge cheer!
The side then closed out the game with a superb defensive effort in the last quarter typified by Kelsey MacDonald's last-ditch sliding tackle to deny a Waiuku striker who was in on goal.
It was tough to pick a player of the day with everyone playing so well but Tania Shaw was the standout peformer at centre back with some composed distribution starting several attacks combined with several telling interceptions, clearances and covering tackles.
Toni Holmes, who stepped up from the reserves, also put in a great effort largely from right midfield.
Huge thanks to the all travelling supporters including an enthusiastic (not to mention chuffed! - given Sarah's effort) Pete Wild.
The ladies next match is against Bay Olympic at Bledisloe Park next Sunday. Kickoff 11am.
Details:
Waiuku 0-1 (Sarah Holmes) Pukekohe
Pukekohe: Catriona Bennett, Lana Morris, Donna Withers, Tania Shaw, Kelsey MacDonald, Leanne Dodd (capt), Sarah Holmes, Nicole Kraakman, Kirstin Davey, Sarah Wild (Toni Holmes), Rose Kraakman.