YDS go down fighting at Leaders Uni-Mt Wellington!

Arriving at Uni-Mt Wellington and at a changed venue and time of the Colin Maiden fields, we knew we were in for a torrid time against the runaway league leaders. Having lost the home fixture to a late goal 1-2, we were still hoping to do better in the return leg. However, watching their team arrive, I don't think they had a player under 5ft 9" and they were mainly of athletic or large builds. Still, this Waiuku team has development both mentally and physically as the season has progressed and the lads were told to just play, enjoy and get stuck in.

With an assigned referee turning up, the game kicked off and straight away it was obvious why Uni-Mt are top. Their play was co-ordinated and they were not afraid to be physical with us. I was later told that they ran away with Div 4 last season and have been playing together for a few years! Anyway, as the game wore on, we were being stretched to and sometimes beyond the limit, with only desperate tackling at the back and some fortunate let offs keeping the score goalless. Some of the lads were looking intimidated and so hesitated at times, putting us under pressure un-necessarily. Likewise, our own game was not quite there as we put a number of wayward passes in and kept ballooning the ball. In addition, on a couple of occasions, we attempted to commit suicide at the back by trying to pass across the box, only for it to be intercepted but fortunately, not capitalised upon. Then, the pressure paid off for Uni-Mt. A corner came in and a mix up between our keeper and defenders, allowed a Uni-Mt forward to header a goal in at the back post! It was an avoidable goal to give away but one of those things that can happen. It was a  shame as the team had defended well, but was also a lesson about concentration. Re-starting we went straight back at Uni-Mt and an effort from our forwards beat the keeper but not the bar and so at half-time, it was 0-1.

The half-time chat was simply to go at them, forget about our mistakes and start to pass the ball along the floor more. What we gave away in height, we more than made up for with pace and fitness and this was obvious towards the closing stages of the first half.

As the second half got under way, it could be seen that the lads were fired up and some meaty challenges from both teams livened things up. We started to pressure the Uni-Mt back four more, testing their fitness and it was working as they continually used the rolling subs to try to keep us at bay. Midway through the half, a long ball into the Uni-Mt corner was chased by sub, Dylan Thompson. Stopping the ball from going out, he then started to make his way towards goal, putting in a pinpoint cross towards the penalty spot. Up jumps Levin, rising above a player nearly twice his size and plants the ball into the bottom right corner! 1-1 and no more than we deserved. Judging from the reaction of the Uni-Mt players, they were furious with each other and now we had to endure their wrath. The gloves were off and they came at us, forcing a number of corners which we only just managed to cope with. Stuart Ruddell in goal had a great second half, pulling off a number of saves to keep us in the game. Then another shot came flying, beating Stuart, but not the foot of Dylan Thompson, who managed to kick the ball off the line. Still, it was like a scene from the Alamo as the back four stood firm, but I thought it could not last and so it nearly proved. A Uni-Mt forward came through our middle and was dancing through the defence when he was hit and fell in the box. The ref brought his whistle up, the Uni-Mt players appealed and we kept playing, getting the ball away. Much to our relief and the Uni-Mt horror, the ref did not blow and waved play on! How we got away with that one, I do not know, but we pushed on. By this time, the game was nearly over, with about 7 min remaining. I could see that both Levin and in particular, Roddy were starting to feel their strenuous efforts. Roddy was limping but refused to come off and wanted to stay and fight (I actually think it was because Levin had scored and he wanted to ensure Levin does not beat him to top goal scorer!)!! Then, as we were preparing to make a substitution, we conceded another corner. However, this time we were unable to cope and the Uni-Mt forward again came in at the back and powered a goal into the net. 1-2!! The relief with Uni-Mt was more than obvious and we were actually shocked! Still, both Grant and Dave could be heard trying to get the lads up, but despite our efforts, it finished 1-2. 

Speaking to the Uni-Mt coach afterwards, he was full of praise for us and that we again pushed them. It was a shame for the team, but they can hold their heads up. Lessons were learnt the hard way, but the belief is still there with them. Man of the match goes to Dave Nutt for his battling in midfield and constant encouragement of the young lads around him. Thanks again to those supporters who came along. Next week we are at home to 3 Kings Teal. Ko 1.pm at Massey.