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Dave Wadeley posted on June 07, 2009 20:48
This weekend saw us at home against derby rivals Waiuku, looking to build on our 4-1 win against Ellerslie last week. So, with a few changes to our line up, we prepared ourselves for a hard game ...
Both teams came out of the blocks hard right from the off, with a number of robust challenges put in by players from both sides. Puke conceded an early penalty, but Blair Mason was able to make a crucial save. Unfortunately, despite putting pressure on the opposition goal (including a long range effort from Matt Stewart) it was Waiuku who took the lead. So 1-0 down at half-time, but every reason to believe we could still get a result.
The second half started in much the same vein as the first, but we dealt a bitter blow when a goalmouth scramble saw Waiuku increase their lead to 2-0. Time to step up a gear, with all the lads duly obliging. Our performances lifted and Puke now looked to be the most likely goal threat. Matt Stewart floated a well taken free-kick into the opposition area which Sven Ludert headed powerfully into the back of the net to reduce the deficit. Then just on the stroke of full-time a foul on Neil Kraakman in the Waiuku box saw a penalty awarded to Puke. Satch Subba bravely put up his hand to take it, but unfortunately he put his effort just wide and the game ended in a 2-1 win to Waiuku.
Post-match analysis: a physically hard game and one which both sides were desperate not to lose. Great effort again by all those wearing maroon. In all honesty a draw would probably have been a fair result, but unfortunately it was not to be. Let’s see if we can turn the result around in the return fixture. Player of the Day was Neil Kraakman, displaying the commitment and determination that will take us forward in the upcoming fixtures.
Special thanks to Glenn Connolly for officiating the game and to Mike Botting for running the line. Much appreciated guys.
Team: Blair Mason, Matt Stewart, Martin Bennett (capt), Neil Kraakman, Donald Fleming, Sven Ludert, Andrew Bond, Roly McKenzie, Ezra Leffalaar, Cameron Williams, Pete Wild, Dave Wadeley, Satch Subba, Julian Smith
Goalscorers: Sven Ludert
Final Score: Pukekohe 1 - Waiuku 2
Next Fixture: Away v Eastern Suburbs, Saturday 13th June (kick off 1pm, Crossfields Reserve)