THE NEWSLETTER OF WAIUKU AFC
MAY 11, 2007
Disclaimer: Views expressed in this newsletter do not necessarily represent the views or opinions of New World Waiuku AFC
First, an apology of sorts…
Having been roundly abused by several women in recent days, may I express a total and groveling apology for suggesting in the last match programme that their teams would struggle on the weekend. Clearly, my ability to pick results needs some work. I have decided that I will not be making any predictions about match results in this and future editions, and instead have contracted a foreign soccer expert to make the predictions for the newsletter and match programmes. Of Norwegian, French and German extraction, Kika de Fricken-Balle, writes exclusively for Blues News.
So don’t blame me.
Time to step up
It’s crunch time for the New World Waiuku AFC teams this weekend, with wins vitally needed, but different things to play for throughout the senior club.
On the womens side of the game, wins can move both sides well into medal contention – and for the womens reserves, there’s the chance to take a clear lead in the Division Four championship, depending on other results.
On the mens side, the Kentish Premiers are fast approaching a stage when every game will become must-win if they are to be at the pointy end of the competition by August. The Reserves desperately want a win as some reward for their efforts this season – two or three more goals over the last four games could have seen them topping the table, but they are at the bottom end of the ladder at the moment, which does not reflect their abilities. The thirds are also in a tight division and can move into the top three this weekend.
Mens Premiers v Bay Olympic – away 1.00pm
This is the big one and a win will rejuvenate the season for the team and put them right back in the hunt for the title, and make the return clashes with Mt Albert and Waiheke hot affairs. After the disappointment of falling just short of Waiheke in a thriller on Saturday, the team needs to improve defensively, and start a lot better. We have shown we have the fitness on most sides, and win the second half regularly. If the Prems are leading at the break, they’ll bring it home, but have left themselves too much to do in some matches. A win could put them top-three, and they are playing a team below them on goal difference, but, like Waiheke, Bay Olympic are a side in goal-scoring form. They have put three past Uni-Mount, six past Mangere and scored a couple in a draw with Three Kings. Waiuku beat Three Kings and Mangere, and last week’s 4-3 effort against Waiheke (Bay Olympic lost to them 5-1) suggests Waiuku could have the players to shade them. With Coach Jim overseas and the Fat Controller taking charge of the team for the week, there’s added pressure on the lads to stay in the hunt for when Jim comes back.
Kika says: When the chips are down, that’s when Waiuku gets going. The lads will do it this weekend and take the match by two.
Mens Reserves v High School Old Boys, away 2.45pm
Results this season have had Coach Peter going greyer and even pulling his hair out. The lads dominate for much of the game, but haven’t been able to put the final touch in to take the results. It doesn’t get any easier on Saturday, when they play a HSOB team which is at the top of the table and has been slamming goals away like there’s no tomorrow. Indications on the weekend in their 1-0 loss to South Auckland Rangers is that Waiuku is playing a brand of football that creates opportunities, and with some clinical finishing, they are in with a chance. They can move a long way up the table this week, but like the Premiers, it’s getting to must-win time.
Kika says: The Reserves are coming together, but I think this match may be a week or so early for them. They’ll need a touch of luck to take the points and while they have been in good defensive form, so have their opposition. It won’t be a goal-fest, but I’m picking HSOB 2-1, or a 2-2 draw.
Mens Thirds v Suburbs, away, 2.45pm
Yet another Waiuku team that can go top three with a good result on Saturday, the Thirds have probably the best chance of any of the mens teams to rack up some goals. They play an Eastern Suburbs side which has scored more than them, but which has conceded more as well, and with the Thirds starting to find some goal-scoring form, will be well in the hunt. The later-than-usual kickoff will help the side, with some of its players unable to make 1pm away games, so Mandy should have a full-strength squad to pick from. Last week they missed out on the points in a close encounter, but have easier opposition on Saturday.
Kika says: A good playing surface and some confidence in the Waiuku side means they’ll do well. Provided they don’t concede early, they should travel home with a 3-1 win in the bag.
Womens Premiers, home v Bay Olympic. 12.30pm
They played a great match last week to take three points (and four goals) away from Lynn Avon, and are playing mid-table Bay Olympic for a chance to move well up the ladder. Waiuku are third – one point behind the top two. The top six teams in the first division are separated by just three points, so a win is vital to either stay in touch or clear out from the pack. With Western Springs White and Three Kings having pretty easy games, they should win and for Waiuku to stay within a point, they need to defeat Bay Olympic.
Kika says: The combination of a home match, some striking confidence, and a leaky Bay Olympic defense should be enough for a solid win for the women, 4-0.
Womens Reserves v Bay Olympic Green, home, 11.00am Sunday
Two home matches, two home wins, will be the goal for the womens game on Sunday. This one will be tough though. The Reserves are tied at the top, with Bay Olympic just a point behind. The two sides are very evenly matched, with both in good recent scoring form, and both having a defence which is conceding around one goal a game. Both sides know a win could give them a vital break on the pack, and it could come down to an individual break to decide it.
Kika says: Home advantage should be the key. Bay Olympic are averaging four goals a game at home, and one goal a game away. Waiuku are unbeaten at home. Expect the trend to continue, and Waiuku to snatch it 1-0 or 2-1.
Coming events:
It’s back again! The popular bingo night and karaoke hits the club on
Saturday May 26 – diary note now!
The night will feature fun, frivolity, raffles, loads of prizes and all the usual fun and games that made the night such a success last year. Tickets are limited to just 90 and can be ordered from the club (with money up front). Get a table together and book early as you don’t want to miss out. Don’t forget to raid your piggy bank for a handful of gold coins for some of the events.