paul coles posted on August 17, 2008 09:56
Fencibles 1 Pukekohe 1 (HT 1-0) Scorer; Nick Rowe
Pukekohe team: Colin Pegg, Martin Bennett, Andy Bell, Matt Hull, Richie Sharples, Matt Nugent, Colin Case, Jon Waller, Paul Coles, Jamie Pegg, Nick Brunger, Nick Rowe, Andrew Newmarch, Jay Presnall.
It is somehow re-assuring to know that some clichés are alive and well, and the one that reads ‘it was a game of 2 halves’ was well illustrated at Riverhills Park in this top of the table clash. Missing Captain Fantastic Neil Skerry and Golden shins Evans the team knew that a strong start was essential. That was exactly what happened, unfortunately we only maintained it for 5 minutes. In that time Nick Rowe went within inches of scoring.
Then the wheels really came off. Our defence which has been our bedrock this year looked like they had met for the first time in the car park before the game, which was basically true. Fencibles were first to every ball and deservedly took the lead after 10 minutes. Their front 2 were exceptionally quick and with 2 good passing players in midfield we really struggled to live with them. The game settled into a pattern of Fencibles carving out chances using a give and go and exceptional pace, with Pukekohe hitting them on the break. Well actually lumping it forward and hoping for the best, although we did hit the post.
The half time team talk was not a particularly fluffy affair, but had the desired effect. A bit of re-organisation and then the monumental turnaround was on. The 2nd half was all about Puke laying siege to the Fencibles goal and them hitting us on the break. Chances came and went and things looked increasingly forlorn, and thoughts started to drift towards goal difference, which if the score remained would be all that separated the teams. With Puke pushing on further and further we also became exposed at the back and have Colin and Jay to thank for the killer blow being avoided.
With 5 minutes to go we changed to a 3-3-4 formation and literally threw the kitchen sink at them. Finally, the breakthrough came with 30 seconds to go. That may sound like an exaggeration but they literally kicked off and the ref blew up. Amazing, elation, relief! That was definitely going for the full 90 minutes and the boys deserve all the credit for just giving it 100%. Nick Rowe slotted the vital goal and he has probably never scored a more important one.
There were some awesome performances yesterday and a special mention needs to be made of Jamie Pegg, Colin Case, Jon Waller and Matt Nugent all of whom were superb. Nick Rowe was player of the day, bloody marvellous goal and a great all round game.
Thanks to Twiggy and the Silver Ghost for turning out for us too.
Scorers season to date: 14 Andy Evans, 9 Jamie Pegg, Nick Rowe, 3 Jon Waller, 2 Nick Brunger, Neil Skerry, Matt Nugent, 1 Colin Case, Liam MacDonald, George Miller, Ari Kloeten, Paul Coles. 3 Goals awarded for default win.