Dave Wadeley posted on July 21, 2008 09:21
This week saw us up against Western Springs Screaming Eagles for the first game in our somewhat shortened 7 match second round. Despite having lost 7-2 to them in the previous round (although in fairness we started that game with only 9 players) the Maroons went into the game hoping to build on last weeks efforts against Drury ...
Anyone who has seen us play or read any of our previous match reports will know that we have always been most vulnerable in the opening 20 minutes. Not this week though. In that opening period and for most of the first half the Maroons totally dominated the game, being first to the ball, denying the opposition time and space, creating chances and playing some good football into the bargain. The team got its just rewards and for the first time this season we took the lead in a match, courtesy of some good build-up play resulting in a Jason Harneiss goal. Several more chances followed and if only we had been able to convert them we could have been well on the way to wrapping the game up by half-time.
We could probably have done without the half-time interval to be honest, as it gave the opposition the opportunity to take a breather and re-group. Western Springs came out of the blocks looking to get a goal back right from the outset of the second half. Despite limiting their chances they did indeed get one back as the result of a deflected shot which left Blair with little chance of stopping it. Nevertheless conceding the goal was just a minor blip in our performance and we continued to threaten the Western Springs goal at every opportunity. Several players had chances, but were unable to capitalise them and Armi was unfortunate not to win the game for us in the closing minutes. The game ended in a 1-1 draw and we can consider ourselves very unlucky not to have come away with all three points this week.
Difficult to single out individuals as everyone again put in suberb performances this week. However, joint player of the day honours went to Mark Ellis and Jesse Bleeker, who typified the spirit of the team with their hard running and good team work.
Thanks to both Jim Hey and Mike Botting for officiating the game and as always to our supporters.
The signs are looking good for the 4th Team at the moment and our effort and commitment are beginning to pay off at long last. The most pleasing aspect of our performance this week was undoubtedly the way we took control of the game in the opening 20 minutes (which up to now how always been our achilles heel). All we need is to continue to do the same in the coming weeks and look to make the most of our goalscoring opportunities, then a win surely won’t be too far away. Bring on Drury again next week ...
Team: Blair Mason, Mike Thomas, Neil Kraakman, Tom Shakeshaft, Donald Fleming, Armi Sabetian, Mark Ellis, Shane Harneiss, Jason Harneiss, Graham Spinks, Jesse Bleeker, Emil Bojam, Dave Wadeley
Goalscorers: Jason Harneiss
Final Score: Pukekohe 1 – Western Springs 1
Next Fixture: Home v Drury Utd, Saturday 26th July (2:45pm)