A spirited KCU Barbarians handed Manukau United their first defeat at Stade de Manakau. The result leaves Manakau United Football Team as Runners-Up in Division 3.
Overnight rain had left the Manakau Domain heavy under foot presenting difficulties for players to play controlled football.
Both teams started positively and entertained the local crowd with some flowing football. The young KCU midfield showed speed but the more experienced midfield combination of Mike Urlich and Peter Rowe kept them at bay as KCU pushed to open the scoring. At the other end both Atain Hally and Shaan Eagle went close in a pulsating opening half hour to match.
The opening goal came from a KCU corner. Keeper Paddy Sanazzaro, returning after an injury break claimed the ball under pressure only for it to come free and be bundled into the net by the joyous KCU players.
The second half opened at a brisk pace with MUFC pushing hard to equalize. Mike Urlich striding forward pushed the defence to the edge of the box where the ball fell free to Jamie Allcock who struck the ball into the corner of the net. His second followed shortly afterwards with a header from a perfect cross delivered by Shaan Eagle.
The game opened up and chances fell to both KCU and MUFC. The ever present Peter Rowe providing a telling pass to release Shaan Eagle who drew an excellent save from the Barbarians keeper.
KCU were never out of the game and continued to press forward. The pressure resulted in a well taken equalizer from the edge of the box giving Sanazzaro no chance.
Both teams were now pressing for the winner and sadly for the Manakau team and supporters it was KCU who took their chance. Speed of youth playing a major part as they broke through the defence leaving one on one and again giving the keeper no chance with a clinical finish.
Willie West summed up in his after match speech at the Manakau Hotel what a wonderful first league season it had been and what a good game it was. ‘To finish 2nd in our first year is great. Well done to KCU for taking part in a great game, played in good spirit, with neither team wanting to give an inch.’
MUFC now look forward to the Knock Out stage of the competition where they have been drawn in Group 3. They will play Otaki Purutaitama, Waikanae Geezers, KCU 3rds & Pakakariki Harlequins.
This week sees Manakau with a bye, so watch this space for an update and further information about upcoming games.
Well done MUFC, that was a wicked first season for you. You produced entertaining and skilful football and can't wait to see how well you will play once you can train every week.
ReplyDeleteThanks for lots of fun from the sideline and good luck with the next part of the draw:)