17/08/13 – Northern Premier League Match Review by Admin - SWGB Waitakere City (0) 0 Bay Olympic (1) 2 ((Kyosake Kitano, Shane Tanner) My second visit to Fred Taylor Park this season sees the weather remind us that we are playing a winter game. As I mentioned previously, I like the venue, although I am not sure why there is no fence behind the Western goal on the main pitch. Once again to my disappointment there is no match programme! So bottom of the table for the match programme league for the home team. It is good to catch up with some of the action from the Reserves. At the stage I join, the scores are level. Unfortunately, from there the pace of the home attack sees them ease out to a 6-4 win. Apparently at one stage we were 3-1 up. Part of this was due to the wind blowing from the West. As has been documented it has been a tough season for these lads. But, they can take some heart from scoring goals this weekend. Hopefully, if we are serious about this being a development team, we try and keep the squad together over summer by putting them on a training programme. Add in some experienced heads next season, and hopefully next season we see some progress. Some other quick thoughts about the Reserves. First, a pat on the back for their supporters as you have stuck with them through thick and thin. Second, credit to the young lad who runs the line for them. He does have a future as a match official, if he wants it. Finally, what happens to the senior players who turned off for our first team, and who are no longer in the match day squad, and who are not injured? Do they play in the Reserves or do they drop down to an AFF side? Someone out there may know the answer… To the Men’s first team game, Waitakere City kicked off the first half attacking the Western goal. In the initial exchanges, we manage to keep their pacey attack at bay, employing an offside trap when required. However, the home team create the first chance when Sam Redwood shoots on the angle from the Southern part of the penalty area. Roy Bell, in goal, was up to the task and pushed the ball around the Northern post. 0-1: we take the lead after an attack lead by Maxism Manko on the Southern flank. The resulting cross from the Southern flank finds Kyosake Kitano at the far post. His downward header squirms past the tall home keeper at the Northern post. It sums up the half for the keeper as he is having a tough overall game. It is not long before our nemesis, Roy Krishna, threatens to score against us again this season. His weaving run on the Southern flank is finished off by a shot which just goes wide of the Southern post, hitting the side netting. A few minutes later, and another attack from the Southern flank sees a shot just go wide of the Northern post. However, we have the last chance of the first half. Maxism Manko intercepts a loose ball played by a defender (John Muchirahondo) outside the penalty area. He passed to Joe Edwards on his right, but the resulting shot from just inside the penalty area was saved by the keeper to his right. It was pleasing to go into the changing sheds with a 1-0 lead, but the home side were confident as the wind would be with them in the second half. However, from what I saw in the half, I thought that the wind was not thart strong or constant. To the second half, and the home side have the first chance. John Muchirahondo, however, shoots over the top of the goal from outside the area. We create the next chance with a Maxism Manko break down the Northern flank. His low cross into the area is partially blocked. Still, the ball finds a free Byron Paulus in the penalty area. Unfortunately for us, he scoops his shot over the goal. At this stage, we are still doing a decent job at shutting down the home side’s attacks. Credit, especially for Ryan Elder doing a good job on Roy Krishna. Mention to for James Pritchett, who for me, has been the best of the mid season additions. 0-2: we double our lead after a Byron Paulus break down Northern flank. His cross into the penalty area finds Kyosake Kitano. Unfortunately, he cannot pull the rigger as he falls over trying to shoot. Luckily, the ball falls free for second half sub Shane Tanner to curl his shot past the keeper. A beautiful finish lightens up the visiting supporters. We now just need to keep our minds on our defensive duties, but we do go down to 10 men after Matt Cunneen is sent off for a sliding tackle. From my point of view, I could see a card coming for that challenge. I suppose a Bay supporter could say that the wet conditions meant it looked worse than it was…but for me, I was not surprised that the colour of the card was red. So, another game with 10 men. Cue a nervous finish…. Thankfully, we restricted the home side just to one more chance. Israel Whitley has a run on the Southern flank, but he shoots across the goal and past the Northern post. The full time whistle brings relief and joy to the Bay Olympic supporters and team. The win should ensure our survival in the league, given that Ellerslie were losing at half time. So, finally I can enjoy the last games of the season. Let’s hope the lads can now go out and play free flowing, pressure free attacking footie on our last two (home) games. No need for any more ugly wins. Till next time…. Post = 7th
Posted on: Sat, 17 Aug 2013 20:44:50 +0000
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