YDS battle to hold on for a point!

For the first time this season, the Youth Development Squad were able to play on the Massey No.1 pitch and infront of a far larger crowd than they are normally used to, with both the 3rds and O35's playing nearby afterwards. Confusion on availability issues meant we were unsure if we would have a full compliment of 13, so we were fortunate to count on the services of both Mitch and Derek on our bench if needed.  

Kicking off, the pitch was in a beautiful condition, with the grass freshly cut and no real wind to worry about. Onehunga Sports were currently bottom of our divison, but as we have found out this season, that means nothing as it appears any team can beat anyone within it. As we started to get into Sports, it showed that the lads had learned from last weeks second half performance and we were stringing some very nice football along, particularly down our right through Shaun, Coster and Chris. With 'new boy' Dave Nutt doing most of the talking in midfield, we were able to spread the ball around and cause Sports real problems. So much in fact, that if it had not been for the Sports keeper making 3 very good saves in the first 20 minutes, would have seen Waiuku with a comfortable lead. However, it was not long before we did take the lead. An attack down the right week saw us lose possession and the ball cleared, only to fall to our midfield. Sending the ball back through the centre, Chris who was on the right wing was stood in an offside position trying to get back, when the Sports defence stood still and cried 'Offiside". However, Levin, in the centre, had timed his run from an onside position and collected the ball, running onto the keeper and sliding it into the back of the net! 1-0!

Restarting, Sports came straight back at us and only good defending and keeping kept us in it. However, as the half went on, a good bit of niggle appeared and a few dodgy challenges had our players having to watch out for themselves. Indeed, Shaun Morris had to come off for a while due to the continuous attention he was being given, but after an assessment, was able to continue. Then, as we looked comfortable, a goal kick from Stuart was headed back by the Sports midfield and it flew over the heads of our centre backs Grant and Thomas, only for a Sports forward to run into open space. Stuart came out quickly to narrow the angle but stood no chance as the ball was put into the bottom left hand corner. 1-1!

Starting the second half, we introduced both Dylan Thompson and Scott Withers for Kyle and Shane and continued where we had left off. However, as the game wore on, it was obvious that Sports were in an aggressive and determined mood, continually putting us under severe pressure. Credit to Stuart Ruddle and his defence though, as he made a number of fine saves and the defence were rock solid. As we neared the end of the game, we introduced Derek and Mitch to try and occupy the opposition and allow our defence some respite. Using their experience, we were able to hold out and the result ended 1-1.

Another result were we could have won, but credit to Sports for giving us a lively game and introducing the younger lads to the harder aspect of the sport and which will only help them develop. What was nice was a comment from the Sports coach regarding what he had seen and heard about the YDS and how we do not conceed many goals and are hard to beat. He also commented on our youthful side but was not talkng about Grant, Coster or Dave!

Thanks again to stuart Harrison for refereeing and to all those who came to watch us. It does make a big difference to the lads and coaching staff. Thanks also again to Derek and Mitch who offerred to help us out if we were struggling. Much appreciated! Man of the Match went to Stuart Ruddell for not only his saves, but also his attitude and communication. Next game is on Monady 7th at massey againt Mangere. KO 1pm.