Lessons not learnt for Development Squad against Uni Mt Wellington

After the win of last week, the Development Squad welcomed high flying Uni Mt Wellington to a changed venue of George St, where it was hoped a charge up the table could continue. Injuries from the previous week meant we were without Scot Withers and Shane Holmes, but we were able to welcome Chris Mahoney into the squad. Pre-match team talk was of concentration, maintaining possession and being confident. Uni were a big, older team and it would be a good gauge for our squad. Once again, Stuart Harrision obliged us as referee and off we went.

From the kick off we were in trouble. Poor passing, ball watching and a lack of determination were obvious throughout the entire team and Uin were able to pass the ball with ease, making in roads through our line. In fact, the one thing that appeared to be saving us at the beginning was the over energetic uni forwards racing through our back line a little too early and thus being caught offside (More by luck than good defending and according to their coach at the end of the game, they were caught 30 times!). However, once again after nearly losing my voice, I was able to start pulling individual players off for a few minutes, talk to them, point out their errors and put them back on so that we could start playing decent football. Thanks to Dylan Thomas for filling in whilst I did this! Unfortunately, we were not able to sort out our defensive problems sufficiently in time. A long clearance from Uni was headed, unchallenged, into the centre of our back line, where we were caught out of position. Under hit attempts at clearing the ball sent it straight back to a Uni forward, who shot, hitting the bar. Back it flew to the edge of the 6 yrd box where another Uni forward hammered it into the open net. 0-1 down!

Credit to the lads, they did not look downcast and so we came back at Uni, finally using our speedy wingers in Chris and Roddy. Young Lev 'the Pimpernel' was a real thorn in the Uni defence and was given some stern treatment by players twice his size, but which he shrugged off. Shots by us were now starting to fly in towards goal and those that were hit properly, were causing problems, twice hitting the post. Then as we again pressured, Lev went past the defender and invited the keeper to come for the ball. As the keeper obliged, Lev touch it past him as he dived and the keepers hands took Lev's legs out. Penalty! Picking himself up, Lev placed the ball, ran up and took the kick. Unfortunately, it was not his best and the keeper saved with ease to his left. Still 0-1 but we were starting to show more promise. Not long after, the half time whilstle went and I got the team together. I make no apologises. I was not a happy bunny and the players found that out. Still, the Development squad have good players and they knew they had let themselves down. Now was the time to remedy that. Changes were made and on the palyers went. The second half showed a lot more determination and purpose and we really started to have a go at Uni. Then, as the half progressed, we equalised! Good work saw roddy Peat once again find space. A pass came through to Roddy as two of our players were in offside positions, but he was not. As the linesman raised his flag, Uni stopped but the ref waved play on and Roddy put the ball away 1-1! Howls came from Uni, but as was explained to me by the ref, the two offisde players were not active and Roddy was onside so the goal was given. Roddy's 5th of the season! Having a more mature and experienced team, Uni were now facing up to the fact that we were younger (With a couple of exceptions!) and fitter and we were finding gaps but not able to put them away. Then came disaster. Over came a cross towards our goal and up goes Stuart, our keeper, to catch (Which he had done very well all game). As a challenge came in, Stuart was unable to gather the ball properly and it came free and was heading into the back of an empty net. Kyle Watson then attempted to clear it off the line and actually suceeded, but unfortunately, used his hand to do so. A straight red for Kyle and a penalty to Uni. Up steps the Uni forward, putting it low to Stuart's right. Stuart got a hand to it but not enough to stop it going in and we were down 1-2. In desperation, we dropped to 3 at the back and went for it but to no avail and that was the final score. To be honest, Uni deserved the win and we need to start looking at ourselves as individual players. Confidence is a big aspect as everyone in the team can play and it will get better lads! Next week is another big game away to the 3rd 3 Kings team in our league and who are currently near the top. Lets get back on track, learn from our mistakes and show what we can really do!  Man of the match went to Madsion Ewing-Reid for his work rate.  Thanks again Stuart Harrison for refereeing.