Mens 4th Team v Papakura

Another tough game for us this week, this time up against a Papakura team currently lying second in the table (on goal difference) having won all of their previous fixtures.  There were a few changes to the line-up this week due to injuries and availability.  With only 10 recognised members of the 4th Team squad available our ranks were bolstered by 4 members of the Reserves, all of whom had pretty much played a full 90 minutes immediately prior to our own 2:45 kick off.

The first half got off to a promising start for Puke, with some good football played and an early lead taken as the result of a ball lobbed over the Papakura keeper by young forward Craig Upson.  However, this soon spurred the opposition into action and despite having a few more chances ourselves the first half ended at 2-1 to Papakura.

The second again saw Puke creating plenty of opportunities and unlucky not to add more to the scoresheet.  Unfortunately this was not to be our day and Papakura were able to play some good counter-attacking football themselves and were able to punish us on four occasions, with the end result being a 6-1 win to the opposition.

Despite the final scoreline and the fact that we were up against a pretty decent (and experienced) Papakura side, there were again a lot of positives to be taken from this week’s performance.  We were particularly dominant in midfield and also a threat up front, although we do need to make more of the chances that we create.  The passing ability, work rate and pace that we have in these areas of the field probably just need a little more clinical finishing.  Our defence also played well enough, but were up against a very skilful and instinctive striker.

Any blame for the number of goals conceded should really sit squarely on my shoulders.  A tactical move to place a man-marker on the red-booted Papakura striker should have been made, as this may have have limited his play a little more and hopefully prevented him from scoring at least some of the 5 goals that he bagged this week.  Still, lesson learned as they say and at least we know who the danger man is for next time.

Player of the day this week was Jason Harneiss, whose movement, determination and work rate were excellent (although brother Shane did run him a very close second).  Well done to all members of the team and thanks to Colin, Geoff, Trent and Cameron S for helping us out after having previously played a very hard game for the Reserves.  Thanks to Jim Hey for officiating the game (at short notice) and also to all those running the line for us, as usual much appreciated.

Heads up guys, there’s still plenty of time to rack up some points on the table.  Let’s hope we can do so against South Auckland Rangers next week ...

Team: Colin Case, Matt Stewart, Pete Wild (capt), Julian Smith, Geoff Dodd, Ezra Leffalaar, Shane Harneiss, Satch Subba, Cameron Williams, Jason Harneiss, Craig Upson, Dave Wadeley, Trent Hirst, Cameron Stevens

Goalscorers: Craig Upson

Final Score: Pukekohe 1 - Papakura 6

Next Fixture: Away v South Auckland Rangers, Saturday 2nd May (kick off 1pm, James Watson Reserve)