YDS grab point in even encounter

Arriving at the Mangere Domain to play Onehunga Mangere, we found it very quiet with hardly anyone there. It appeared we were only one of two teams playing at home so were afforded the use of the 1st team pitch. No referee was appointed and Onehunga had no one available, so I took on the duties for the first half. The YDS were in good spirits with a full team including 3 subs available and kicking off, we looked strong and determined. Indeed, for the first 20 minutes, we broke free several times, only for wayward finishing to ruin the moves. Still, the football was good and we were finally passing the ball around. Much to the annoyance of the opposition! Then, for some inexplicable reason, OM were allowed to play football and it was Waiuku's turn to start running around like headless chickens and playing catch up! For the next 15 minutes, we were unable to maintain possession and our tackling and awareness were shocking to watch. Especially as I was refereeing and unable to coach the team!! We were not closing down in midfield and were getting caught on the flanks by long through balls and for which we were nearly punished on three occasions. A shot from OM had Stuart beaten in goal and it cannoned off the post. A few minutes later, a speculative shot appeared to be going high and Stuart left it, only to look on in surprise as it dropped and bounced back off the bar. Fortunately, no OM player was nearby to finish it off! Then, as the half was coming to an end, a long through ball came through our centre. Stuart hesitated but then decided to come for it and close the forward down. The forward then struck the ball and Stuart made a great save with his feet, forcing the ball wide for a corner.

Half time came and it was 0-0. Giving the team talk, we discussed what we were doing right and wrong and what I wanted doing for the second half. I was also able to coach the second half as OM were now able to supply a referee.

With the second half starting, the lads were keen to get into OM and a more robust and stirred up Roddy was now pushing their defence harder. Fitness was again a bonus for us as OM were visibly tiring at the pace we had set. However, against the run of play, OM struck and we found ourselves 0-1 down! Not to worry, the lads have shown they can handle it and still battle back and that is exactly what they did. A break from Coster in the middle sent Levin free down the left channel. As he was being closed down on the edge of the 6 yard box, he squared the ball to an unmarked Roddy, who tapped it into an empty net. 1-1 and well deserved!! As was expected, Waiuku were up for it again and pushing hard. However, the heavens opened up and it seemed to take the sting and some of our energy away. With about 15 minutes to go, we were caught out of position on our right, allowing the OM forward the chance to run in on goal. As he did so, his shot was low but straight at Stuart. Reminiscent of the England v USA goal, the ball squirmed under Stuart and rolled into the back of the net!! The relief from the OM team,  bench and fans was visible as they celebrated! Still, the lads were game and went for OM's throat, particularly Roddy, whose outburst at the OM's fans for trying to give a throw their way when it was ours was most amusing. Still, he had the last laugh as with only a few minutes remaining, a melee in the OM goal mouth, saw Roddy power in and belt the ball hard and high into the roof of the net from about 3 yards out! 2-2!! And that was how it ended. A fair result as both teams could have taken it, but a valuable lesson hopefully learnt by the team about commitment and willpower.

As usual, thanks to those fans that came along and supported us and to be honest, to the Onehunga team who played some nice football of their own and showed our young lads what they could do. Man of the match was given to Levin, who despite getting some rough treatment, was always at the heart of most of our runs going forward. Next game, away to 3 Kings Sea Cows. KO 1pm.