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)