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Steve Cox posted on July 29, 2008 08:21 
2.1 up and into injury time against 4th placed Ellerslie and we had earned it. Without a doubt we should have won this one. Last time we met Ellerslie they were 4.0 up at half time, running out 6.0 winners delivering a footballing lesson. This time we had them worried, panicked, frustrated and yes we had our share of some luck (nice for a change). However, as Dave always says “football is a 94 sometimes 95 minute performance”, 97 minutes in this case!
All credit to Ellerslie the pitch was in good condition despite the conditions and the call was always going to be with the officials. Little did we know that the weather was going to be a major contributing factor during the game!
The Maroons played into the wind in the first half with some of the goal kicks reaching half way then coming back to the 18yard line! This forced us to bring the ball down and play football. Some excellent midfield work from Andy Hey and Robbie Leonard disrupted Ellerslie’s pattern, whilst some superb technical skill and patient defending from Dave Allan and Jason Paranihi provided a solid platform on which to build. Once again Keegan Saville worked hard up front and we started to create chances. After 35 minutes we had defended well, moved the ball out wide and had the Ellerslie back four under pressure. Dave Allan had two excellently taken free kicks well saved by the keeper and put in a couple of corners. Ellerslie were still pressing and attacked our flanks dangerously, however, most of their shots were restricted to 20–25 yards. What was becoming apparent in the first half was that most of the opposition’s chances came from our mistakes, we were putting ourselves under pressure. With 0.0 at half time and the wind in the second half it was clear that we would be masters of our own destiny.
Ellerslie came back strong in the first 20 minutes of the second half, with the weather forcing their hand to keep the ball down. The Maroons held firm in midfield and survived the Ellerslie pressure. It was becoming clear the opposition were getting frustrated. Rash tackles, (alleged) spitting and foul and abusive language being the indicators. On 75 minutes the opposition’s pressure was rewarded. Defensive naivety allowed their leading scorer clear in on goal. Our heads went down and all our hard work had been cruelly punished. But wait, things were not over and on 80 minutes, Jamie Clarke launched a goal kick into the opposition’s half. The wind caught the ball carried it towards an oncoming goalkeeper who misjudged the bounce and watch in disbelief as the ball hit the back of the net. Unbelievable! How many people can say they have seen a goalkeeper scoring from a goal kick live? This was the fortune we needed; we were back in the game and heads back up once again. On 84 minutes our belief provided a period of pressure on the Ellerslie penalty area and when an opportunist strike from Joseph Morris hit the back of the net the feeling was that this was going to be our day. There we were 2.1 up going into injury time; however, we were to be masters of our own destiny. On 90 minutes we were caught napping at a corner and in went the header – 2.2. Ok so we would settle for a point, not to be. On 93 minutes a lapse ball in midfield provided an opportunity for Ellerslie to go through on goal and to pinch a ‘gut-wrenching’ third. Further woe was incurred by a very harsh and undeserved second yellow for Robbie Leonard on 94 minutes. Oh how quickly things can change in football, Ellerslie had got out of jail (as mentioned by their coach) and two of their goals came from our clear mistakes.
However, onwards and upwards and to be in a position to say we should have beaten the fourth placed premier league chasers is positive indeed, we have come a long way. The Maroons have shown in their last two outings (against 6th and 4th placed teams) that they are no push over and not just another aberration.
A huge thank you to our small band of very vocal and dedicated supporters who provided great support from the sidelines and to Ellerslie for their hospitality. Furthermore, thank you to Josh, Chris and Trent for your support and to James Wright (it was a shame your last game for the club didn’t quite finish on that high note, we wish you well). Finally well done to the team, we fought hard to put ourselves in a winning position, this was the one that got away, it won’t next time!
Team :- Jamie Clarke, Ben Johnstone, Dave Allan, Jason Paranihi, Brad Frost, James Wright, Duncan Moxon (Eddie Bignell, 64), Andy Hey, Robbie Leonard, Joseph Morris, Keegan Saville (Jethro Conway, 67)
Subs not used: Chris Mahoney, Josh Wright, Trent Hirst.
Man of the Match: Robbie Leonard- a gutsy, mature performance demonstrating some intelligent and ‘gritty’ football in midfield.
Couldn't resist it Steve (and Tom). Andy
Tuesday, 29 July 2008 9:03 a.m.
Top report, Coxy. Clarky's goal was superb. Jamie hoofed it from his hands, one bounce and straight into the net at the other end. Quality moment! He now joins some elite company like Pat Jennings and Peter Shilton. (I can see Lee DM trawling thru' You Tube right now looking for some video) It was great performance by the boys, which deserved a lot better. We didn't deserve to lose the game but, at the end of the day, we've been given a harsh lesson which hopefully we'll take on board. Onwards and upwards. :o) p.s. The coffee was quality. Nice work Ellerslie. Thanks to Jim H and Fabs for getting the caffeine in.
Tuesday, 29 July 2008 10:42 a.m.
aahhh the sweet sound of pukekohe getting back to playing some football i remember only too well . with the opposition providing rash tackles,spitting,foul and abusive language you guys may finally on the right track.not that i would condone any of the above by a pukekohe player it is good to see the opposition having to slump to these tactics to try and rattle a team that is obviously on the improve,back to back 3 pointers are just around the next bend,CMON THE MAROOOONS
Tuesday, 29 July 2008 11:01 a.m.
Unlucky lads. Keep up the good work. Great write up Steve. Couldn't find Shilton or Jennings Tom, but is that vid close enough. Finally, I'd like to second what Jim says and vouch that he himself was the perfect example of a gentleman footballer and would never use his mouth other than to heartily encourage his teammates. Hussah!
Tuesday, 29 July 2008 11:19 a.m.
In the words of the great Joey Ramone "I got knocked down but I'll get back up again" The one thing we know for sure about the Puke boys is that come next week they will be up for it again. Huge disappointment on Saturday after a gutsy performance but this team does not know how to lie down.
Tuesday, 29 July 2008 11:52 a.m.
Not a bad stab, Andy. Clarky's was a bit more of a thunderbolt which ended up in the roof of the net, but a good effort to find that one. I'm sure that our resident keeper of the video vault will be along in due course with an armful of relevant video clips :o) Totally agree wityh your comments on Jimmy. A total gentleman, on and off the park, who never lowered himself to 'sledging' or giving opponents anything other than a smile and a cheery word. ;o)
Tuesday, 29 July 2008 12:06 p.m.
The big question is, what is it that makes other teams so angry at Ben? Cambridge kick his teeth in Ngaruwahia kick his head in Ellerslie spit at him. Bit of a pattern there.
Tuesday, 29 July 2008 12:30 p.m.
Good point, Steve. Dunno what it is but he is becoming the Leon McDonald of Pukekohe AFC. We were a bit worried when we saw the rain on Saturday, in case it injured his head again! I've now got a special bubble-wrap hat for him to wear. :o) As for the, alleged, spitting incident. I'm sure the player concerned was only clearing his throat when BJ just happened to walk in front of him :o(
Tuesday, 29 July 2008 1:12 p.m.
now come on tom and andy lets be fair,sledging was an integral part of my game but i never instigated one sledge and it is best used when the opposition tries to make a fool of you and fails then and only then can you elequently point out their obvious defects(i.e.lack of pace,no left foot etc)and if that starts putting them off their game whats left of the 90mins becomes a doddle,just ask joe frasier from papatoetoe lautoka,all i did was laugh at him,he lit up like a christmas tree,he he he
Tuesday, 29 July 2008 1:28 p.m.
You were a master, Jim. I remember the guy from Papatoetoe, that was hysterical.
Tuesday, 29 July 2008 2:40 p.m.
Nice work Clarkie and unlucky fella's......it's fair to say, with the exception of Mangere (who are a classy outfit) the last month has seen a real gear change in self belief. You have to carry that into the big one this week-end. TC, AD, Jennings in the '67 Charity Shield is the most famous, but my favourite is the one in the game prior to our's at Bay Olympic this year, when Giant Haystacks hoofed it in and went on a 20 yard celebratory rumble......another memorable goal was scored about an hour later.........
Tuesday, 29 July 2008 2:48 p.m.
Yes Lee. I remember it well!! Didn't you get a couple aswell?
Tuesday, 29 July 2008 10:17 p.m.
haha nice video added there at the bottom! didnt quite know what had happened until i saw tommie and wrighty sprint out of the dug-out with there arms in the air :) the all of a sudden saw the ball roll round in the back of the goal.
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