YDS sign off with a win!

As this was probably our last game of the season, we were at the college to welcome Onehunga Mangere, who sat just above us in the table. Having Shaun, our regular right back away, we welcomed Robbie Hatton over. Just before KO though, we ran into problems when I found that Dave had broken down on his way to the game and would not make it, followed by our subs not showing up. Thankfully, the 3rds had no game and we were able to call upon Royce, Aaron and Karl who went off to get their kit.

Kicking off on a lovely college pitch, except for the lack of real markings, it was obvious that this was an 'end of season' game. Waiuku were allowed to play football from the start and that was what we did, with some great passing between defence, midfield and forwards, resulting in several chances that went begging. Our only proplem was the back line when defending. Perhaps it was the warm day and lack of pressure from Onehunga, but we did not keep any shape at the back, wandering where we pleased and leaving ourselves wide open to a counter attack. However, midway through the first half, we were given some breathing space as Royce made a great run down the right before cutting in. Now he will say it was a shot, but we all think it was a mis-hit cross as he struck the ball from the edge of the box. I can only assume the keeper thought it was going wide or there was a bigger hole in the net than we thought, but somehow, the ball ended up in the net and we were 1-0 up. It was actually a good finish and just what we needed to settle play and that was how it finished at half-time.

After a brief talk about concentrating at the back, we restarted and got back into Onehunga. Piling more pressure on them, we got another corner that Roddy took from the left. In it came and up jumped the Onehunga defender to deflect it into his own net. 2-0 and Roddy claimed the goal. At this we appeared to be cruising but as has happened in the past, we went to sleep at the back and somehow managed to gift a goal to Onehunga with a mix up between Stuart in goal and his defence. Not long after that, we nearly shot ourselves in the foot when Kyle underhit his back pass, only for the Onehunga forward to get in and head towards goal. Fortunately, Stuart was quickly out and smothered the ball. As the game wore on, Onehunga tired and Roddy was able to grab his second of the game. 3-0 to Waiuku!

As a game, it had some nice play but no real passion and with only pride to play for, it was relatively relaxed. Man of the Match went to Roddy for his goals and work rate and thanks to Stuart Harrison for being our referee at home for most of our games and to the lads from the 3rds who came down to help. Aaron, come see me and I will explain the offiside rule to you!! As for the supporters, thanks for cheering us on. It is appreciated!

 The Youth Development Squad have done far better than was expected initially and once we settled and gelled as a team, we showed what we could do. With the exception of the away game to Onehungs Sports a couple of weeks ago, we have not been outplayed by any team and that includes runaway winners Uni Mt. Wellington. It looks like we have finished with played 18, won 7, drawn 4 and lost 7. In addition, although we were knocked out of the Counties Cup on a administration error, we have been the only team to beat the runaway leaders of Div 2, SA Rangers. Well done lads.