Dave Wadeley posted on August 11, 2008 17:45
After what seems like an eternity we finally got to play football this week, this time in a return encounter versus Three Kings (a team that beat us 4-1 last time out) ...
Despite a slight loss of momentum due to the recent bad weather, the Maroons went into the game with a near full-strength squad and hoping to build on recent results. The match saw us up against a decent footballing side containing a few players who were good on the ball and who could cause us a few problems if we allowed them to play, so as always the first 20 minutes would be crucial. Although we did have a couple of early scares the defence held firm and we were able to put pressure on the opposition and create our own goalscoring chances. Unfortunately no goals were forthcoming and we went in 0-0 at the half-time interval.
The second half produced more of the same from both sides. Again we were able to limit their chances while creating several of our own. One such chance saw a Graham Spinks shot hit the bar which was unfortunate not to dip in and we were also unlucky not to score from one of several corners. Three Kings also had a couple of chances themselves, the first of which was as the result of a direct free-kick which was superbly tipped over the bar by Blair Mason. Unfortunately they were able to score later in the half, with an excellent cross field pass that was squeezed in at the near post. The Maroons fought back, but there wasn’t enough time left on the clock and the match finished in a 1-0 win to Three Kings.
As always a good team effort, but player of the day honours this week went to Donald Fleming who put in a solid performance at left-back. Credit to every Pukekohe player though with everyone playing their part, especially given that we had to brush the cobwebs off our boots after a few weeks off!
Thanks to Jim Hey, Mike Botting and Glen Connolly for officiating the game and also to our supporters.
No disgrace in this week’s result as we were up against a very good Three Kings side, who played the game in good spirit. We did create plenty of chances ourselves and although we were unable to capitalise them this will come. We now appear to have got over our jittery opening 20 minute spells, which was a major characteristic of many of our earlier games. All we need now is to put the ball into the back of the opposition net with a bit more frequency. No pressure lads, but a win against Ellerslie next week will see us move above them on the table (albeit on goal difference). Then the following week we have our derby game at home against Waiuku, no more needs to be said on that one!
Team: Blair Mason, Emil Bojam, Neil Kraakman, Petru Musta, Donald Fleming, Armi Sabetian, Mark Ellis, Shane Harneiss, Jason Harneiss, Jesse Bleeker, Anthony Kwan, Mike Thomas, Dave Wadeley, Graham Spinks
Goalscorers:
Final Score: Pukekohe 0 – Three Kings Utd 1
Next Fixture: Home v Ellerslie, Saturday 16th August (2:45pm)