Waiuku YDS last gasp winner!

For the second time this season and our second game in three days, Waiuku were at home on Massey No.1. This time against Mangere, a team sitting near the top of the division. Kick off was delayed due to the GPS not working for some of the Mangere players, but after a half hour wait, we started. The YDS had a full compliment and were also able to count on Charlie, Jamie and Mitch warming our bench. Watching were 1st and Reserve team coaches Jim and Jason and this seemed to galvanise some of the younger players into stepping it up. Consequently, Waiuku were able to dominate large parts of the first half, with strong runs down the flanks, strong defensive tactics from Thomas, Grant, Kyle and Shaun, a battling display from Coster and David and some steely determinaton from Roddy, Levin, Chris and Shane. However, out of the blue, Mangere took the lead from another of our soft goals. We were unable to clear and the ball fell to a Mangere forward just outside the box, who then put it past an advancing Stuart in goal. 0-1 down. Still, the YDS are now made of sterner stuff and so we continued to attack and only a hesitant display of shooting on the six yard box where four Waiuku players had the chance to score, but no one seemed to want to belt the ball, stopped us from equalizing! Another melee shortly afterwards, saw Levin hit the bar with a header but the pressure was rising.

At halftime it remained 0-1 so we made a couple of changes. Starting where we left off, Waiuku continued to dominate but without getting that break. Indeed, we again hit the bar and it felt like it was going to be one of those days. What was more frustrating was that Mangere were tiring with having to handle our younger contingent and the oppotunities were there to exploit but we seemed to have stagnated. Cue Charlie and Jamie. With their introduction and experience, the team appeared re-vitalised and with one of our next attacks, a lovely run down the middle from Jamie sent Charlie clear on the left. His quick low cross was met by Roddy, whose shot cannoned off the left hand post, before flying back into the grateful hands of the keeper. Three times the woodwork came to Mangere assistance, but things were looking up. Then, a few minutes later, Roddy broke clear and was charging in on the keeper when the last defender came across and clipped his heels, sending him crashing to the floor just outside the box. To say Roddy was  displeased would be an understatement!! However, up stepped Charlie to take the free kick. Rather than shooting, he put in a great cross, where I saw both Jamie and Roddy rising to meet it. Roddy got there first and his looping header sneaked past the keeper and into the top right hand corner! 1-1 and a great way for Roddy to reply to being brought down! At that, Mangere appeared finished and the game was Waiuku's to win. Pushing forward at every oppotunity, we had Mangere on the ropes, but time was running out. Then, with a well timed run, Jamie broke free through the centre and placed the ball, with the assistance of the far post, into the net! Much to the delight of the lads who surrounded him as though they had just won the FA Cup! 2-1!!! To add the icing, the referee, Staurt Harrison, blew to restart andf then blue for full time!! Great result for the lads and well deserved!

Man of the match went to Roddy for not only his goal, but his effort. Mention also has to go to Grant and Coster regarding their fitness training of the lads. All the boys are coming to training sessions and their fitness is showing. Time and time again I am being told by opposition coaches that we ran them off the park and today was no exception! Thanks to Stuart again and to all those who came down and supported the lads!! Next game is away on saturday to Onehunga Mangere. KO 2.45 pm.