Kapiti Coast United vs. BNU, Sunday 29th June 2014 2pm, Weka Park We travelled to Weka Park 3 points clear of 2nd place Kapiti Coast United in this top of the table clash. We were looking forward to playing against another team who aspire to play the game the way its meant to be played. We had prepared well and were confident of extending our lead at the top of the table. Unfortunately Kapiti didnt get the memo and came at us right from the first whistle. Kapiti were enjoying the bulk of possession and were rewarded after we failed to clear their 4th successive corner, the ball eventually being driven into the back of the net from close range. 1-nil Kapiti after 9 minutes. Our problems compounded in the 15th minute as the influential Ben Keat succumbed to injury following a late tackle in the opening minute. Elliot Riley replacing the injured Keat. While we were beginning to grow into the game, we still couldnt manage to put together a sustained period of pressure. The final ball often not of the quality we demand of ourselves. We were also failing to execute some basic skills which does not go unpunished at this level. We were punished for such an error in the 28th minute when we turned the ball over in our defensive third. The Kapiti player made no mistake leaving goalkeeper Adam Glover no chance. 2-nil Kapiti. We finally started to string some passes together. Andy McBride, picking the ball up from deep, was setting the tempo and starting some promising passing moves. Aaron Langlands was starting to cause their centrebacks some problems with his strength and Riley was growing into the game, finding space between their back four and midfield five. With half time approaching I was looking forward to getting the lads back into the shed to re-group and formulate a plan for the 2nd half. Kapiti werent finished however and managed a 3rd goal with a well placed strike into the bottom right hand corner. 3-nil down at half time. The message at the break was not one of anger or frustration but one of disappointment. Disappointment that we had lost our composure, that we were not executing the game plan and we were making mistakes that we would not usually make. With those things being said, it was time to look forward and formulate a plan to find a way back into the match. By the time our players walked back onto the pitch I knew they would give a much better account of themselves in the 2nd spell. Blake Weston, who was enjoying another fine performance, was moved into the midfield, with the tough-tackling Ali Luke slotting into left back. Many of our promising attacks were down Westons right hand side as Kapiti sat very deep and invited us into their half. The lads had set a much brighter tempo and were moving the ball at speed. While our off the ball movement was not as good as it has been in previous weeks, we were causing Kapiti some nervy moments. Kapiti were happy to defend the space and made some smart fouls when they needed to re-group. The referee was unsighted when the Kapiti player handled the ball inside the area waving play on. It just wasnt falling for us. We decided to throw everything at them, pushing numbers forward, playing 3 at the back and introducing the pacy and direct Ben Goodwin. We did finally breach Kapitis defence in the 85th minute as Riley scored his first goal for the 1st team from inside the area. 3-1 Kapiti. We still had time to create further opportunities with Weston heading over the bar and Langlands shooting just wide. However we had given Kapiti too much of a head start. Final score 3-1 Kapiti. While this result brings Kapiti level with us at the top of the table on 30 points, there is no need to panic. With 8 games remaining it is a timely reminder that we need to step up and improve our performance week on week. We do not need to stray from the processes and plans that have served us so well so far this season. Strong performances from midfielder Elliot Riley, Goalkeeper Adam Glover, who was enjoying his best game in recent weeks and Man of the Match Blake Weston, who yet again continued his development with another mature performance. Next week we face Karori at home, Saturday 3.30pm. Again, we will be measured on how we respond to this loss. The emphasis will be on executing the game plan and showing a higher level of composure when in possession of the football. Thanks to those who travelled to Kapiti for your support. It means a lot to the team. Cheers Dene
Posted on: Mon, 30 Jun 2014 08:46:18 +0000
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