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Steve Upfold posted on May 25, 2009 17:29
The men's first team were beaten 1-0 by Mt Albert-Ponsonby AFC on Saturday in their NRFL Men's Division 1 match at Bledisloe Park.
In their first outing under coaches Steve Upfold and Tom Cramer, the side acquitted themselves well against a team who a year ago were part of the competition's Premier League.
The Maroons were slow out of the blocks and the visitors took charge of the early exchanges but some effective scrambling defensive work by the back four and goalkeeper Jamie Clarke ensured a 0-0 scoreline until 25 minutes in.
At that stage referee Neil Walker awarded Mt-Albert a penalty for a tackle made by Duncan Moxon and the visitors' striker Chris Gage made no mistake from 12 yards.
That goal was enough for the lead at the break. From there, Pukekohe re-grouped well and began to cause more regular problems for the visitors defensive unit but couldn't find the killer pass or touch in the final third after some neat lead-up work through midfield often involving Jethro Conway, Robbie Leonard and fullback Ben Johnstone.
As the Maroons pushed foward in search of the equaliser, Mt-Albert had a few chances on the break - the best of which cannoned down from the crossbar onto the goalline and away from danger.
Despite giving it a real good go in the final stages, the Maroons couldn't find the equaliser. However, the performance of several of the squad's teenage players - playing in key positions - was a very encouraging sign.
Heading that charge was 17-year-old man-of-the-match central midfielder Jethro Conway whose composure, vision and technique in a crowded midfield was a standout.
The side now have a week off with a scheduled league bye on Saturday and their game against Mangere Utd on Monday postponed due to Chatham Cup.
The Maroons' next outing is against Ngaruawahia Utd AFC at Bledisloe Park on Saturday 6 June.
Pukekohe AFC 0-1 Mt Albert-Ponsonby AFC (half: 0-1)
Pukekohe: Jamie Clarke, Ben Johnstone, Geoff Rickard (capt), Andy Hey, Andy Lamborn, Duncan Moxon, Robbie Leonard, Jethro Conway, Matt Nugent, Joe Morris, Ben Willmott (Jamie Hampton 73).
Subs not used: Colin Case, Steve Upfold