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Steve Upfold posted on September 07, 2009 11:07
The men's first team finished their 2009 Lotto NRFL Division 1 season on Saturday with a 2-0 loss to promotion hopefuls Ngaruawahia Utd AFC at Centennial Park.
The Maroons made a fast start against a side they have been comprehensively beaten by three times since re-entering the NRFL competition and with some sharper finishing and a touch of luck, could have been on the score sheet at least once in the opening 20 minutes.
The best opportunity fell to Robbie Leonard but his well-struck swivelling volley inside the Ngaruawahia penalty area struck a defender and bounced clear while Joe Morris lifted an effort over the bar as the Ngaruawahia 'keeper raced out to try and close down the Pukekohe striker.
The home side, coached by freshly appointed New Zealand U-17 women's coach Dave Edmondson, then picked up their effort and went 1-0 up when midfielder Tim Richardson slotted home a by-line cut back.
Left back Alex Barlow made it 2-0 when his attempted cross sliced off the outside of his boot and floated over Jamie Clarke in goal.
Ngaruawahia had the better of the second half but some effective scrambling defensive work from a re-jigged line-up ensured the scoreline would remain as it did at the break.
Click here for photos from the match via the Ngaruawahia Utd AFC web site (click the link to the game on the top left of the home page).
Although the Maroons weren't able to pick up any points in the final month of the season, the team can point to a much improved final stanza of the year which saw them push several sides at the top end of the league - and with a number of young players contributing heavily in those performances, the future looks bright.
A big thanks go to all of the players, coaches, supporters - especially Tania for her work with the superb match-day programmes - and of course to physio Donna Withers - several of our boys have you to thank for getting them on the park each week.
Details:
Ngaruawahia Utd AFC 2-0 Pukekohe AFC (half: 2-0)
NGA: Tim Richardson, Alex Barlow
PUK: -
Pukekohe AFC: Jamie Clarke, Ben Johnstone, Geoff Rickard (capt), Andy Hey, Richie Sharples, Robbie Leonard (Marcus Bathan 45'), Jethro Conway (Chris Rowe 45'), Steve Upfold, Andrew Lamborn (Jamie Hampton 87'), Joe Morris, Tony Wisnewski.
Subs not used: Neill Northcott