Hard lesson for new look YDS

The YDS squad this year has not had the best preparation to the start of the season with a number of changes in the squad players and problems with availability at training. Consequently, the first game of the season was the first time all of the squad had actually met as a unit. However, on this performance, there are good signs ahead. 

Having released Stuart Ruddell and Thomas McKee to the Reserves for their next stage of development, we had also lost Levin back to Switzerland, Grant to the O35's, Coster to the 3rds and Dave Nutt moving further north. In their places we welcomed Ryan Lundenburg, David McCullagh, Harrison McKee, Dale Oliver, Shane Mooney, Austrian Niko Rashhofer and Adam Moorhouse. In addition we have the remainder of last year's squad with Roddy Peat. Dylan Smyth-Kirk, Scott Withers, Shaun Morris, Shane Holmes, Damian Bannister, Kyle Watson and myself if we are REALLY desperate!

And so onto the game. On a hot day, we welcomed Bucklands Beach to Massey Park and were allocated an AFF Referee. Bucklands looked a fit team with an average age of about 25 so we knew it would be an interesting match. Kicking off, we showed our attacking ability as we made in roads down both flanks and with Dale and Shame M controlling midfield, were looking good. Within the first 15 minutes we had carved out several chances to score but rustiness ensured the score stayed at 0-0. Then a wonderful break from Dylan sent him free through the middle and a one on one with the keeper. Unfortunately for us, Dylan shot but the keeper was able to get a leg out to divert it away. Still, with Dylan's and Roddy's pace causing havoc with the Buckland's defence, I was confident we would score. With the heat pressing and the fact that I needed to see how different players were performing, a change was made with Tyler Lord (Loaned to us for today) coming on from the bench. With a darting and jinking run, Tyler found himself in space on the left, cut in and place the ball in the far right corner of the net. 1-0 Waiuku. At this point, we looked comfortable with Ryan hardly being troubled in goal. Then just before half time, a combination of events hit us with a lack of concentration in defence and a questionable offside that was not given, allowing Bucklands to equalise. It was just one of things that young player have to content and learn from and so we went in at halftime 1-1.

Having four subs available in this match and wanting to see how individuals could perform, it was more like a pre-season game for us with the changes put in. Consequently, our second half performance was not up to the intensity of the first as we appeared to lose our shape at the back and were not as effective in midfield or up front. As a result, we allowed Bucklands more of the ball and put ourselves under pressure with only poor finishing from Buckland or on two occasions, good stops from Ryan putting us behind.  Then the killer blow. A corner and another lack of concentration at the back allowed the Bucklands forward to rise and have a free header, which he placed in the back of the net. 1-2.  Despite a couple of late efforts, Waiuku were unable to grab the equaliser and we lost 1-2.

It was not the best start, result wise, but the signs are that we will have a strong squad for this season. As with last year, it will take a little time to gel as a team but looking at the crop of players getting ready to step up, the future looks bright.

 Stand out players for Man of the Match were Dylan, Shaun and Shane Holmes for their running and aggression, with Shane just getting the nod. Well done Shane!

Next week we are away to Otahuhu. Ko 1pm. Anyone wishing to come and support us are more than welcome!! Thanks to all those who came and supported us today!!!