Reserves Topple Unbeaten Ellerslie

With players missing through injury and lent out to other teams, the reserves again fielded a different starting line up for the match. Chris Rowe and Marcus Bathan returning from injuries took positions in the middle of defence and midfield respectiviely, and Jamie Hampton added some more youth on the bench.

The game started in pouring rain, which only got heavier during the first half. The field looked great prior to kick off, but it only took ten minutes of play in the rain to turn it to slippery muck.

Somehow though, the reserves managed to play some of the best football of the season so far. We were knocking the ball to feet, into the middle and back out wide, and through the opposition back line. Colin Case and Elliot Clark were having a busy, but fruitful time out wide. Pukekohe created chances from the start, with Wiz heading just wide, and Marcus forcing the keeper to make some fumbling saves which the strikers couldn't quite pounce on.

After about 25 mins, a nice flowing move between Colin and Wiz resulted in a cross which landed at the feet of Elliot, who neatly slotted the ball into the bottom left corner. 1-0 Puke! We had chances to add more before the break, but either missed our had them saved well by the Ellerslie keeper. The best save of the half however came at the other end, when Trent showed absolutley amazing reactions and strong wrists to parry a smashing shot from Karl (yes our Karl!) around the post.

The half time talk was brief for two reasons- it was damn cold, and we didn't have a lot to say after a great first half. The guts of it was, keep doing what we are doing, shoot more and keep it tight at the back.

The second half really was all Pukekohe, with Ellerslie mainly attacking on the counter, but being foiled most times by Chris and Mat G who had another outstanding game at centre back.

The knockout punch came after a great tactical substitution. With tired legs from chasing hard in the mud, Wiz made way for Jamie Hampton who made a direct impact. After a few good runs and crosses, Jamie forced a corner. The resulting near post ball was clipped into the roof of the net by Jamie after a neat run in.

The game was all over after the 2nd goal, but Puke kept pushing for another. Jack Crane added to his season tally near the end, when he broke free and beat the keeper one on one with a hard shot under his body.

3-0 over an unbeaten team was a great result, and an excellent way to finish the first round. Player of the day was awarded to JR for his great workrate in the midfield, but it was a tough choice as all the team played really well. The opposition were great sports, and thanks to their Player for reffing the first half, and to Roger for the second.

The reserves are now looking forward to overturning results against some of the teams that beat them in the first round.

Our next game is against Mt Albert- Ponsonby, away at Eastdale Pk. Kick Off 2:45pm.