Div 3 : Manakau Thirsties 1-2 Waikanae Youth

MANAKAU DOMAIN - 14th July 2012

Manakau Thirsty 3rds came up against Waikanae Youth playing in the wind and rain on a sticky Manakau Domain surface.

Manakau came out looking to attack them early and put them under pressure but Waikanae fought back strongly. Chances were plenty at both ends of the park with Jamie Lamplough and Josh Sannazzaro missing by only few inches and Waikanae attacking in counters getting the ball to their more experianced forwards.

The game was being played in the middle of the field and Chris Henry and Ben Henry getting good ball around and blocking off the attacks of Waikanae. Nearing the end of the first half Waikanae shot from distance making Clive Rankin punch the ball clear, and Waikanae were first to get to the loose ball and sneaked it inside the post to open the scoring and give the visitors a 1-0 lead at the break.

The second half played out in similar manner to the opening half with both teams getting close and Waikanae Youth grabbed another goal to extend the lead.

Manakau kept their heads up and continued to pass the ball around well. Shaun Stout was able to control the back line and find our midfielders open. Manakau upped the intensity and a good through ball to the running Craig Vidulich, who calmly assessed his one-on-one opportunity with the keeper before striking the ball into the net.

Manakau had a lifeline back into the game, and kept the pressure applied but were unable to get the equaliser and the visitors finished 2-1 winners.

Despite the loss, the Manakau players were happy with their effort on the day. It was hard going on the treacherous conditions, with minimal grip and unpredictable bounce.

Manakau will be playing away next week and will be striving to get a good result to ensure a good finish on the table. With a lot of teams fighting for places its getting interesting as the season nears the end.

MAN OF THE MATCH POINTS :
3 - Shaun Stout
2 - Josh Sannazzaro
1 - Craig Vidulich

Div 1 : Manakau Hui Mai 1-5 Otaki Purutaitama

MANAKAU DOMAIN - Saturday 7th July 2012.

Manakau Hui Mai slipped to a heavy defeat at the hands of Otaki Purutaitama, with the home side having no answer in the opening 45 minutes.

The first half can probably be summed up as ... corner, header, scramble, GOAL, cross, volley, GOAL, slip, miscue, through the legs, ball dribbles slowly towards the GOAL, scramble, slip, push, penalty, GOAL and, slide, shot, slip, slip, slip ,slip, toe poke GOAL !!!

Unfortunately, all five goals happened at one end, and Otaki had jumped out to a 5-0 half-time lead against a  Manakau side that just made too many mistakes.

Spectators arriving at the break and watching the second half would never have realised as Manakau regrouped and re-organised at half-time and took the game to the visitors during the second spell - scoring through Jamie Allcock's well taken penalty and creating several other chances while keeping it clean at the back.

Mike Urlich, James Wylie, and Allcock were creating chances, but were unable to convert with the efficiency that Otaki had provided in the first half.

Otaki were clearly deserved winners on the day - effectively winning the match before halftime - but Manakau's second half performance was a determined effort the spoke volumes for the team spirit.

MAN OF THE MATCH POINTS :
3 - Mike Urlich
2 - Neil Harvey,
1 - Ben Harvey

Div 3 : Manakau Thirties 0-3 Paekakariki

MANAKAU DOMAIN - 29 June 2012

The Manakau Thirsty 3rds were coming off a bye and facing the top of the division Paekakariki on Saturday. It was always going to be difficult but Manakau were ready to improve on the 6-0 loss they suffered at the begining of the season.

Manakau came out trying to play a passing game and were able to move the ball around well. Josh Sannazzaro and Logan Vanhooff were attacking down the wings and consistantly getting the ball to forwards Jamie Lamplough and Gavin Lafrentz. The experienced Paekakariki defenders were able to get the ball out but the hard working Alan Crosby in midfield kept the pressure on, winning the ball in all area's of the park and making his presents known.

Thirty minutes into the game a long ball from the Paekakariki backs found a gap in the Manakau defenders, the Paekak forward got on the end of the ball and placed it round goalie Hamish Graham. Manakau continued to pressure but were unable to find the goal. Just before the end of the first half another quick counter attack from Paekak set up a 1 on 1 opportunity, and Paekak made the most of the chance to score and take a 2-0 lead into the break.

In the 2nd half Manakau went out looking to get back to moving the ball around and creating the chances, but Manakau were kept out and the game turned into a hard fought battle at both ends.

Brian Butler and Rob Pollock were restricting any attacks round the sides while Ben Henry and Shaun Stout were closing down the middle and getting the ball to the vocal Ben McHugo to feed the forwards.

The back and forth playing was hard for both teams but a loose ball in the Manakau goal box fell to a Paekakariki forward who placed it well into the bottom corner. Searching for a goal to end with, Manakau were continued to be held out with Paekakariki winning 3-0.

This was one of Manakau's best performances of the season. The passing and team play was great through out the park. We were able to gain and maintain possession and close down the oppositions play.

Unfortunately the result didn't show how close the game was but Paekakariki made the most of their chances on goal. Despite the defeat, all players left the field proud of the game.

MAN OF THE MATCH POINTS :
3 - Ben McHugo (midfield)
2 - Alan Crosby (midfield)
1 - Shaun Stout (center back)

Div 3 : KCU Barbarians 4-0 Manakau Thirties

MAZENGARB PARK - 16 June 2012 :

Manakau Thirsty 3rds took on KCU Barbarians at Mazengarb. In the cold wind and rain it was hard to warm up and even harder to stay warm. With 6 players away Manakau only had the bare 11 players to run on the park, some of them with injures.

KCU came out and attacked from the start but the 3rds were able to keep them shooting from distance with Andy Pieta and Thomas Day closing off the middle and Ben Henry with Brian Butler stopping and thing on the sides.

Josh Sannazzaro playing on a injured ankle played well with fellow midfielder Andy Cooper and by sending the ball long we were trying to link up with Gavin Lafrentz and Wayne Gratten up front with quick counters but with the wet ball skidding the KCU keeper was able to come out and collect the ball.

A cross from the KCU winger found their forward at the back post and let KCU take the lead. Manakau tried attacking down the wings with Logan Vanhooff and Mana Governer-Charteris dribbling the ball round the KCU flanks but were unable to find the strikers as the experienced KCU back line held strong and putting 3rds back on defending. Half ended 1- 0.

The 2nd half started as the 1st had ended with KCU applying pressure. Manakau were again left to attack in spots. KCU managed to get couple of quick goals from good pressure and following up on shots from outside the box.

Manakau were able to piece some nice plays together through the park but before the final whistle KCU found their forward again at the back post putting the game to an end. Final score 4 - 0.

In a game that was dictated by the weather and player unavailability, Manakau showed heart by fighting the whole 90mins of a hard game. This was the last game of the round leaving Manakau on a record of W-3, D-2, L-3.

Everyone is looking forward to starting the next round, with extra confidence coming off a good performance in the first half of the season.

MAN OF THE MATCH POINTS : 
3 - Hamish Graham (Goalie)
2 - Josh Sannazzaro (mid field)
1 - Thomas Day (center back)

Div 1 : Manakau Hui Mai 2-2 Paekakariki

MANAKAU DOMAIN - 9th June 2012 :


Ben McHugo scored an equaliser with 10 minutes to go to earn Manakau Hui Mai a 2-2 draw with defending champions Paekakariki at the Manakau Domain.

A strong westerly wind greeted both sides and blew straight down the ground making the match definitely a "game of two halves" with very contrasting conditions.

Manakau kicked off with the wind at their backs in the first half, but Paekakariki were playing the more composed football and dominated possession while the home side played on the counter attack.

That fast breaking tactic paid dividends for Manakau just before halftime when Neil Harvey got on the end of a cross from Nick Cudby and knocked the ball back in to the centre for James Wylie to control and then drill a shot of the only goal of the first half.

However, Paekakariki quickly redressed the balance in the second period, using the wind to good effect with two goals in the first 10 minutes of the half to take a 2-1 lead and a potential rout looked possible.

But Manakau dug in and kept defending stoutly, and as the match progressed Neil Harvey, and Brixton Cowie started to create breaks enabling Manakau to get a couple of chances - one of which was converted by the determined Ben McHugo.

MAN OF THE MATCH POINTS :
3 = Ben McHugo
2 = Logan Vanhooff, Thomas DAy, the referee (for doing two games back to back)
1 = the rest of the team

Div 3 : Manakau Thirsties 1-0 Otaki Youth

MANAKAU DOMAIN - 9th June 2012 : 


Jamie Lamplough scored the only goal of the game, curling in a shot direct from a corner to give the Manakau Thirsties a 1-0 victory over Otaki at the Manakau Domain.

Div 1 : Manakau Hui Mai 0-4 Waikanae Geezers

Waikanae's first goalscorer
seemed familiar to us ... ?

Manakau Hui Mai had no answer to Waikanae's swift counter-attacking play and slid to a 0-4 defeat in greasy conditions at the Manakau Domain.

Three goals in the space of 5 minutes midway through the first-half put Waikanae firmly in control, with most of the damage being done by the young pacey pair up front - who were definitely not "Geezers".

The second half was a more even affair, although Waikanae did grab a fourth goal, but Manakau did not give-up and kept striving to get back into the game competing well for possession and territory.

However, the Manakau club are finding that the promotion to the top division is a tough task, and probably need to find a couple more experienced football players in order to be able to compete on a level footing in this grade.

The league season is halfway through now - and Manakau have a 1-1-5 record providing 4 points from seven games - so the season target has to be to achieve a better points return from the second half of the league ...

 ... and perhaps to spring a surprise or two in the knock-out Cup competition that follows.

MAN OF THE MATCH POINTS :
3 - Paul Kulhavy
2 - Rob Pollock (referee)
1 - Hamish Graham

Div 3 : Manakau Thirsties 2-0 Levin Vets

Josh Sannazzaro picked up the
man of the match award with
another high energy  display.

After defeating league leaders Waikanae Jets 1-0 last week, the Manakau Thirsty 3rds were amped up to take on yet another top club from Division 3 Levin Vets.

Manakau started with a very solid defensive line-up and were hoping to play the ball through the park while stopping Levin from starting any attack.

For the first 20min both teams were fighting for a foothold in the game with most of the play compressed around midfield.

But Manakau grabbed a breakthrough on the half hour when Craig Vidulich received a quality through ball from Andy Cooper and showed a cool head to control the ball and place it in the bottom corner to open the scoring.

Manakau grew in confidence after the goal and were 2-0 ahead just before halftime when a Logan Vanhooff shot hit the post and in-form striker Gavin Lafrentz was on hand to score for the second time in two games.

Levin started strongly in the 2nd half and trying to create chances but the ever solid defence of Shaun Stout, Alan Crosby and Rob Pollock guided by Thomas Day were able to hold them out.

With Andy Pieta and Ben Henry maintaining a strong midfield with Josh Sannazzaro and Logan Vanhooff doing alot of running, Manakau were able to win the ball in the center of the pitch and keep pressure on Levin.

Final result was a 2-0 victory for the Manakau Thirsty 3rds.

That makes it now 2 wins in a row now for Thirsty 3rds. Team morale is at a high and the team is meshing well with good combination play. By maintaining a solid back line and now making the most of our chances upfront Manakau are firmly in mid-table and improving fast.

MAN OF THE MATCH POINTS :
3 = Josh Sannazzaro (Right wing)
2 = Shaun Stout (Defender)
1 = Thomas Day (Sweeper)

Div 1 : Otaki Off-Target 4-0 Manakau Hui Mai

Manakau just could not get to grips with Otaki Off-Target on Saturday, and Manakau took a heavy 0-4 defeat at the hands of the league leaders.


Otaki scored early in the game when a long distance shot was deflected and turned into an perfect cross for an an marked player to open the scoring - and the advantage was doubled on the 20 minute mark when a 25 yard shot found it's way into the net.

Jackson Murray almost pulled a goal back for Manakau before halftime, latching onto a through ball and chipping the Otaki goalkeeper but the shot bounced off the crossbar and was scrambled clear.

Otaki took a stranglehold on the match just minutes into the second half when a pass across the penalty area was missed by two defenders and an Otaki striker stepped through to score from six yards out. Otaki made it 4-0 in the 80th minute when an angled shot was saved well by Paddy Sannazzaro, but Otaki reacted quicker to the bouncing rebound to slot it home.

Manakau almost grabbed a consolation goal in the final minute when Mike Urlich played in Brixton Cowie to the edge of the penalty area and Cowie rifled the ball home, but the referee ruled that the move was offside to chalk off the goal.

MAN OF THE MATCH POINTS :
3 = Daniel O'Neill
2 = Paddy Sannazzaro
1 = Nick Cudby

Div 3 : Manakau Thirsties 1-0 Waikanae Jets

Thomas Day celebrates the win

Manakau expected a tough game from the table-topping Waikanae side so took to the pitch with a very solid starting line-up. From the kick off Waikanae went on the attack and putting Manakau under pressure.

Manakau were able to move the ball round well and find some momentum to start a few attacking plays of our own as the game progressed, with Andy Peita and Ben McHugo winning the ball in the middle of the park. The game was still scoreless at the halftime break.

In the second half, Manakau picked up their attack with Logan Vanhooff running down the left wing, crossing the ball in and also getting back to help the defenders when needed. Another strong game from Josh Sannazzaro as he maintained his high work rate.

The only goal of the game arrived when a cross from from Josh into the box found James Wylie who flicked the ball towards goal, forcing a good save from the Jets Goal keeper could only deflect the ball to the cross bar, and the ball fell for Thirsty's forward Gavin Lafrentz who drilled the ball into the back of the net.

Waikanae came back with a constant attack, but Thomas Day took charge of the Manakau back line and was able to hold strong, guiding Shaun Stout, Rob Pollock and Alan Crosby and keeping the Jets out. For his first game in charge of the defenders and facing one of the best attacking sides in our division Thomas grew in confidence and earned the man of the match.

At the final whistle Manakau had held on to win 1-0.

Only conceding 1 goal in 3 games, the Thirsty 3rds are proving to be one of the best defensive teams in the division. Team moral is at a new high with everyone looking forward to next weeks game.

MAN OF THE MATCH POINTS :
3 = Thomas Day
2 = Logan Vanhooff
1 = Gavin Lafrentz

Div 1 : Otaki Purutaitama 2-0 Manakau Hui Mai

Paddy Sannazzaro in action

Technically I think that this was meant to be a home game for us - but as Capital Football decided in midweek to change the venue Otaki's home ground of Haruatai - that was debatable.

The first half was a fairly even affair, with Otaki starting fast, but midway through the half Manakau had a dominant spell and forced 4-5 corners and Paul Kulhavy had a goal bound header kicked off the line. Late in the first half it took the defensive magic of Chris Temperton and Paddy Sannazzaro to combine with a double block and save in order to keep Otaki out and keep the match scoreless at the break.

Otaki got the breakthrough 10 minutes into the second half when defensive indecision saw Manakau hesitate in the six-yard box instead of hoofing it clear, and Otaki pounced to smash the ball home. Otaki upped the tempo for the next 10 minutes and it took some very good defensive work from Kimbal McHugo and Ben Harvey and some fine saves from goalkeeper Paddy to keep them out.

With about 20 minutes left Mike Urlich and Jackson Murray combined well to set up a chance for Brixton Cowie but his shot was well saved by the Otaki keeper. Murray and Urlich also had pot-shots from around the edge of the penalty area, but were finding the Otaki defence a hard group to crack.

Otaki grabbed their second goal with 10 minutes remaining, with an intricate midfield move resulting in a precision pass into the penalty area and the striker pounded in a flash to steer the ball into the goal.

A fair result overall, with Otaki showing the better footballing moves, but on another day Manakau could easily have claimed a point that their dogged display warranted.

MAN OF THE MATCH POINTS : 
3 - Paddy Sannazzaro
2 - Paul Kulhavy
1 - Chris Temperton

Div 3 : Manakau Thirsties 1-1 Kapiti Coast United

It was a rare cold windswept day at the Manakau Domain as the Manakau Thirsites took on the KCU Fourths on a firm pitch.

Manakau came out with an attacking line up but Craig Vidulich lasted 2 min before limping off injured.

The game was very even with most of the play being held in the middle of the pitch. Half way into the first half the young forward Mana Governer-Charteris made a run down the right and sent the ball across the box to find Ben Henry open at the back post and he was able to force the ball inside the bottom corner.

Manakau tried to add to their lead but were held out by the expericed KCU forths defenders. First half ended 1-0.

The second half was played like the first with both teams trying to gain more of the ball. A strong mid-field with Ben Henry and Thomas Day were helping our forwards Gavin Lafrentz and Jamie Lamplough to create chances and find our wingers Josh Sannazzaro and Logan Vanhoof in space.

A good break from KCU and a well placed pass into the box enabled their attacker to guide the ball round our goalkeeper to even the score at 1-1.

KCU tried to press the advantage but Manakau held them out with a solid back line of Shawn Stout and Rob Pollock protecting the flanks while Alan Crosby and Andy Peita stopping anything down the middle.

A good even game ended with a fair result 1 - 1. Both teams matched up well. This is now 2 draws in a row for Manakau Thirsty 3rds who are picking up momentum

MAN OF THE MATCH POINTS :
3 - Rob Pollock - Left back
2 - Hamish Graham - Goalie
1 - Shawn Stout - Right Back

Div 1 : Manakau Hui Mai 2-1 KCU Seconds

MANAKAU UNITED grabbed their first victory in H-K Division One football with a solid 90 minute effort against Kapiti Coast United bringing a 2-1 win.

Manakau have an unbeaten record at the Manakau Domain stretching all the way back to the start of 2011, and the newly promoted Green and Whites showed no sign of letting that record go easily as they started strongly on Saturday.

The opening goal arrived on the quarter-hour mark when a Neil Harvey corner was headered firmly into the net by Paul Kulhavy, and 10 minutes later Jackson Murray made it 2-0 after working some clever passes with James Hoskins and slotting the ball past the stranded KCU keeper.

The second half was a more even affair, although the evergreen Mike Urlich and central midfielder Dan O'Neill both created good chances to extend the Manakau lead, before KCU were given a lifeline late on with an accidental handball resulting in a penalty which was converted.

However, the final five minutes were negotiated without incident and Manakau had a well deserved victory.

MAN OF THE MATCH POINTS :
3 = Dan O'Neill for a massive effort in midfield.
2 = Paul Kulhavy for a ball-winning display and a timely goal.
1 = Jackson Murray grabbed a goal and worked tirelessly upfront.

Div 3 : Waikanae Youth 0-0 Manakau Thirsties

MANAKAU THIRSTIES work hard to prove a point

After suffering a couple of defeats to start the season, the Manakau Thirsties started this match well passing the ball and holding possession. Waikanae Youth then started to get a bit more time on the ball and began to create chances using their older players to release the young fast guys who showed some great skills as well.

The second half started in a similar manner to the first half, but Manakau started adding pressure and creating the chances with a couple of chances at corners and playing the at Waikanae end of the pitch.

However, neither team could make the vital breakthrough and a draw was a fair result in an even encounter.

MAN OF THE MATCH POINTS :
3 = Hamish Graham for some great saves in goal.
2 = Thomas Day for a lot of hard work in midfield
1 = Gavin Lafrentz for creating some good chances upfront.

Manakau Domain - Let there be light !

After 12 months of planning, organising, digging and construction ... the lights were turned on for the first time on Sunday night.


The establishment of the lights at the "Stade de Manakau" is a huge step froward for the Manakau United Football Club, enabling the scheduling of outside training during the winter months of the football season.

The floodlights are turned on at Manakau Domain for the first time - 6th May 2012

A huge thank you needs to go out to all those club members who pitched in to get involved, and also to a large number of people from outside the club who donated time, effort and materials to get the project going.

Manakau Hui Mai to start league season away vs Paekakariki

Manakau Hui Mai open their Division One season with a game against defending champions Paekakariki at 2:30 at Pohutakawa Park (Paraparaumu) on Saturday 21st April.

Players should assemble at the Manakau Pub by 1:15 or arrive at Pohutakawa Park by 1:45

Link to online map for Pohutakawa Park

-------------

The Thirsty 3rds have received a bye for the opening weekend, and will start their league season on April 28th.

Sat 14th April - Preseason football at Otaki Domain

Some pre-season football matches against Otaki have been organised for this Saturday.


It looks like we might have just one week to go before the season starts - although nothing has been confirmed yet by Capital football or posted on their website - so who knows? But best to be prepared.

Friendly games have been arranged on Saturday at the Otaki Domain - and kickoffs are @ 12:30 for Thirsty 3rds and @ 2:30 for Hui Mai.

So get down to the Otaki Domain (map link) at least 30 minutes before kickoff if you are playing.

Manakau Domain Floodlights one step closer

The earthworks for the floodlights at Manakau Domain are underway, with cables laid, and concrete boxing being constructed to take the footings for the floodlight steels.

There has been a steady stream of contractors and volunteer workers to the Manakau domain this week as the local football club prepare the foundations for the new training facility.

Nick Cudby, Ben McHugo and Jamie Lamplough have been front and centre doing the hard work with support from several other volunteers - who made themselves scare when the camera came out ;-)

Top work guys.

Orange bibs win Manakau United mini-football tournament on Saturday

The first ever Manakau United FC mini football competition took place on Saturday afternoon, in typical summer weather at the Manakau School.


Seventeen players turned out to try and win the cup, and after the ground crew had mowed the edges and set out the cones the pitch was ready for the four teams to do battle.

A reverse age grading system was used, something that MIGHT need a bit of fine tuning in future as it was noticeable that the younger age of the two "bib" wearing sides definitely seemed to hold sway as the tournament went on.

The first stage was an hours football of group play - which saw six games played with various levels of enthusiasm - with the two sides wearing those lucky training "bibs" qualifying for the cup final by a clear margin.

The "plate" final saw the Black shirts outlast the tiring Green and Whites ... and scoop the prize for 3rd place - a nice cool magnum bottle of Stella Artois !

Third place is good - when the prize is a cool beer!

The Green and Whites after a tough day on the pitch

Meanwhile the Cup Final was 14 minutes of cut-n-thrust 4-a-side football - before the Manakau mini football competition was won by the Orange Bibs of Kimbal, Almo, Simon and Clive who beat the Green Bibs 4-2 in a hard fought final.

The victorious Orange Bibs  crouched below holding the prestigious trophy - and the Green bibs looking on standing above. 

Sat 17th March Five-a-side tournament at Manakau School.

WE don't have a match lined up this week - so instead we're running a five-a-side tournament at the Manakau School between 2pm and 4pm.

All players should get around 60 minutes football - and the weather looks like making it a pretty good day out too - so bring some ice for those post match beers - and possibly some sun tan lotion too.

If you want to take part - get down to the Manakau School by 2pm - we will draw out the teams and make a schedule - and get started by 2:30pm.

Bring your boots and playing strip - including your green and white team shirt - as well as a BLACK T-SHIRT to use as a change strip for some games.

2012 First Pre-season Football vs Waikanae on March 10th

It's March, and the nights are getting colder, which is good news because it means that the footie season is approaching - and Manakau United Football Club have our first round of pre-season games this Saturday, 10th March.

We will be sending two teams down to Jim Cooke Park in Waikanae on Saturday to face off against the Waikanae Geezers and the Waikanae Strollers.

After a quick tally after Wednesday night's training, we think that we can field two sides this Saturday - as long as everyone who has said that they are in actually turns up to play.

So we are meeting at the Manakau pub at 1:30pm to travel down - or see you at Jim Cooke Park at 2pm.

Kickoff should be at 2:30pm (ish).

2012 Pre-season kickabouts have begun

The 2012 Manakau FC training regime has begun.

But we are doing it slowly, starting with a gentle kickabout at the Manakau School  at 4pm on Sunday afternoons for 60-90 minutes.

Based on the general state of those that attended the first one last Sunday I can categorically state the Christmas was obviously good to the players with lots of cold ham cuts and Christmas pudding. Yes Kimbal, Jamie, and Chris - I'm talking about YOU !!

Now it's time to work those extra pounds off by chasing the football around.

So dig out those old boots - and be at the next kickabout :
 Manakau School - 4pm - Sunday 22nd January 2012.