YDS power to 2nd win in a row.

The YDS arrived at Massey Park with the bare bones of the squad due to players being unavailable. Consequently, we welcomed Robbie Leonard in at centreback and had Jamie, Mitch and Dom on the bench if needed. Reshuffling the team, we also welcomed back Stuart in goal, Thomas partnering Robbie with Shaun and Kyle at fullbacks. In the middle were the mature pairing of Grant and Coster, with Brett and Dylan on the wings with Levin and Roddy up front.

In the previous encounter with our opposition, Otahuhu, we had claimed our first win of the season in what was a bruising encounter against a team that could play a passing game. Still, we had our tails up from a hard fought win the previous week and although the team line up was slightly different, felt confident in the growing abilities of the lads.

Kicking off on a beautiful day, Waiuku quickly took the game by the scruff of the neck, passing the ball well and moving for each other. Good defensive work allowed our midfield to push up and release the energy of both Levin and Roddy. Consequently, it was not long before Waiuku were 1-0 up thanks to a great effort from Levin. Shortly afterwards, he made it 2-0 and we were looking comfortable. However, wary of being over confident, we had a relapse at the back and allowed the Otahuhu forward a clear run in on goal. Out came Stuart and smothered the ball, denying Otahuhu the chance to get back into the game. Instead, we continued to attack and it was not long before we were 3-0 up. This time thanks to Roddy, who was a source of constant irritation to the Otahuhu defence. Both Levin's and Roddy's link play has improved consistently throughout the season and it showed with their movement and effort. Shortly before half-time, up pops Roddy again and we are 4-0 up. Otahuhu looked shell shocked and the YDS were full of beans so it appeared a shame to have to stop for half-time. 

The half-time team talk was simply to go out, have fun and continue to play good football. Performance was better than the scoreline and so we left the same team on for the 2nd half.

Kicking off the second half, we went for the throat again and due to our passion and determination, Stuart had a very quiet second half. However, some of the challenges that were coming in, particularly on Dylan, required us to bring him off and so on went Jamie. It was now a race between Levin and Roddy as to who would get their hat-trick first. Levin had a great opportunity with a vicious goal bound shot from outside the box, only for the keeper to produce a fine save and put the ball over the bar. A few moments later, we were about to take the resulting corner, when the ref blew up to have a word with the Otahuhu keeper after an altercation with Shaun. Still, it showed the YDS were getting under the skins of the opposition and more goals were on the horizon. That next goal was not long in coming. Roddy had made another good run towards the box but was clipped on his ankle, falling to the floor in what appeared to be agony. However, when he saw no free kick forthcoming, he gingerly got up, but it could be seen that he have a problem. However, he declined to come off and instead, went on the attack. An overhit through ball looked like it was about to be claimed by the keeper, when Roddy sneaked in at the last second and poked the ball in to complete his hat-trick and make t 5-0. On doing so, he signalled he needed to come off and so on went Mitch in his place.  Shortly afterwards Brett, suffering from blisters had to come off and so Dom came on for the last few minutes. No further goals were to be had however and 5-0 was the final result. Overall it was a very good performance from a side that have shown they can play football when the mood takes them. All that has to be done now, is to maintain and improve upon that performance in order push towards the Reserves and 1st team.

Man of the match was a difficult one as both Roddy and Levin had outstanding games. Likewise Stuart, having a quiet game, was able to react with speed and agility to keep the clean sheet. However, for his efforts, grit and sheer determination, I gave it to Shaun at right back. Thanks to Robbie, Jamie, Mitch and Dom for helping us out and for all the support given by the 1st/Reserve team players/officials that came to watch. It made it a great day for this young team. Thanks also to Tom Cramer, the Referee who I thought had a good game.

Next week is a tough one, away to Uni-Mt Wellington who are currently running away with the title. KO 2.45. Any and All support welcome!!