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Steve Upfold posted on September 02, 2009 10:37
The men's first team put in another improved showing against Mangere United at Pukekohe High School on Saturday before eventually falling 3-1.
The Maroons, playing their second match in a week against the Mangere United side turned in an even better effort on Saturday than the previous match which resulted in a 4-0 loss against a team unbeaten over their last 13 matches.
The Maroons began the match well and their defensive structure was proving difficult for the visitors to break down. In possession the Maroons, again playing in orange were using the ball well in wide areas with teenagers Andrew Lamborn and Robbie Leonard both causing their opponents regular problems.
Despite that good work the visitors went ahead via an outrageous piece of luck when a sliced Pukekohe pass looped over Andy Hey and presented Mohammed Shiruf with a simple finish.
But the home side responded and Joe Morris deservedly restored parity with a well-taken goal when he dinked the ball over the advancing Mangere keeper after 23 minutes.
Both sides had chances to add to the score before the break but couldn't find the crucial touch.
Mangere got the upper hand quickly after the restart when Sandip Singh showed some composure in the box to beat several block attempts before slotting home.
The Maroons kept playing, and with some sharper option taking in the final third could have drawn level but, as it was, Singh struck the killer blow when he squeezed off a shot that snuck in at the near post mid-way through the second half.
Pukekohe's man-of-the-match went to Joe Morris for his high work rate and well-taken goal.
Pukekohe's final match of the season is Saturday's away trip to Ngaruawahia United AFC. Kickoff at Centennial Park is at 2.45pm.
Details:
Pukekohe AFC 1-3 Mangere United (half: 1-1)
PUK: Joe Morris
MAN: Sandip Singh 2, Mohammed Shiruf
Pukekohe: Jamie Clarke, Ben Johnstone, Geoff Rickard (capt), Andy Hey, Richie Sharples, Robbie Leonard, Steve Upfold, Jethro Conway, Andy Lamborn (Jamie Hampton 83'), Joe Morris, Tony Wisnewski.
Subs not used: Chris Rowe, Neill Northcott, Andre van Lieshout