Improved display gives YDS victory at Eastern Suburbs

After our last performance we were looking for a show of improvement away to Eastern Suburbs at Crossfield Reserve. Unfortunately, prior to the game we had lost Thomas, Dylan Smyth-kirk and Shaun who were away and Stuart in goal, who was injured during training. Thanks then to Ryan Lundenburg, who stepped up from the 3rds to go in goal for his YDS debut. Thanks also to the 3rds for allowing Ryan to come to us and in return, we were able to allow Scott to play for them as we had two scheduled subs for our match and they were also short. However, arriving at Crossfields, we soon found out that we did not have our expected sub and so had to play with the bare 11.

Having re-organised our side, we moved Kyle Watson to centre back and Dylan Thompson to right back, with Roddy moving to right wing and Gareth joining Levin up front. Kicking off, we showed some lovely football, with passes going to our players and intelligent runs made up front that soon had Suburbs worried. Challenges were strong and it was obvious the lads wanted to show they were better than our last match. Indeed, in the first half we could have had three goals if fortune had favoured us. A great through ball found Roddy unmarked on the right of the box. Running in, he was only able to shoot straight at the keeper, who saved comfortably. However, it was a positive sign and a few minutes earlier, Gareth turned well on the edge of the box and shot. Only for the keeper to pull off a great save, pushing the ball onto the crossbar and out for one of numerous corners. Then Roddy had another opportunity, but again saw his goal bound header saved by the keeper. It was not all one way though, as Suburbs made a fight of it and continually hit us on the breaks. However, time and time again, Kyle appeared to appear from no-where to put in an important tackle and save the day. Then an error at the back allowed the Suburbs forward a clear run on goal. Out came Ryan and pulled off a great save with his leg to keep the score 0-0.

Half-time was greeted with confidence and a feeling that we could go on and take the game. However, to do so, I moved Gareth to the right wing in a defensive mode and put Roddy up front. Within minutes we were again pushing suburbs, stretching them with our football and fitness. Then the inevitable. Another attack and up pops Levin to finish a move and we were 1-0 up and which was a fitting reward for his efforts.  Having taken the lead in our last game, only to surrender it movents later, I was wary and told the lads to keep it tight. However, a slip again at the back and the Suburb's forward was able to get clear and finish in our bottom right corner. Still, it was marginally against the run of play and Waiuku came straight back at Suburbs, forcing desperate saves by the keeper and blocks galore by their defence. Then, as the second half wore on, we won another corner. Over it came and Levin, the smallest player on the pitch, leaps like a salmon and powers a header into the net. 2-1 Waiuku! From there we continued to attack and indeed, great work from Gareth and Roddy saw the ball squared on the edge of the 6 yard box to Levin, but as he swung at it, he missed the ball and so his hatrick!! However, there was still some time to go and Suburbs raised their game and it was our turn to defend with desperation, kicking two goal bound shots away in the resulting melees. As I walked' the line, I looked at my watch and noted we had played 6 minutes extra and was praying for the ref to blow. Instead, Suburbs continued to batter us, but Waiuku stood firm until, finally, the ref blew for full time and we won 2-1!

As a game, it was both great and exciting to watch. It was also frustrating at some points, but the lads once again, brought their game level up and got their reward. Man of the match I gave to Kyle Watson for his defensive display, although special praise must go to the rest of the team for a solid performnce that sent our travelling fans home happy.

Next week we are at home to Otahuhu at Massey Park with a 1pm KO.