YDS unlucky to draw at home to Ellerslie!

This week, the YDS entertained top of the table Ellerslie at George St knowing a win would put us above them. Unfortunately, once again, due to players being unavailable, the makeup of the team changed and so we welcomed two new players onto our bench from the U17 side in Callum Benson and John Cook.

Kicking off, we attacked with purpose and immediately put Ellerslie under pressure with our pace. As we were again dwarfed in size, the idea was to keep the ball on the floor and play around the older Ellerslie team. Within 5 minutes, this paid dividends as Dylan used his speed to chase a ball through the Ellerslie penalty area, only to be brought down in the box. The appointed referee blew his whistle and we were awarded the penalty and the chance to take an early lead. Unfortunately we have yet to decide on a  regular penalty taker, so Adam Moorhouse took responsibility and collected the ball. Taking the kick, it went straight at the keeper, who parried it out and we were unable to take advantage of the rebound. A missed opportunity but these things happen and so we came straight back at Ellerslie. Not long afterwards, we again were causing the Ellerslie defence problems when we won a free kick on the edge of the area, just outside the semicircle. Ellerslie put up a strong looking wall but "Scotty" pulled the trigger and the ball flew past them and the keeper, settling into the top left corner of the goal. 1-0 to Waiuku!! From that moment, we looked in total control as the lads pushed the ball through the channels and the Ellerslie players started to argue amongst themselves. Great runs from both Shanes, Dylan and Roddy were causing all kinds of problems and it was only the post and bar stopping us going further ahead. However, we were still making some unnecessary mistakes at the back and were given a reprieve when after a mix-up between Ryan in goal and his defence, an Ellerslie defender was able to head the ball over a stranded Ryan and into the net. 1-1 I thought and totally against the run of play! However, it was then noticed that the linesman had his flag up for offside and after consulting with the referee, the goal was disallowed. A very fortunate let off for us and hopefully a lesson learnt about concentration I thought. I was wrong! Not long before half time, an error in judgement from a throw in which was sent  towards the marked central defender instead of up field, then a miskick from the defence, allowed the Ellerslie striker in on goal and now it was 1-1! Disappointing but hopefully learnt from?  Kicking ourselves for allowing Ellerslie back into the game, we went back on the attack! A great ball found Shane Mooney in space down the right and a pinpoint cross found an unmarked Dylan on the far post who duly restored our lead with a fine header. 2-1! A great goal and well worked to end the half.

Commencing the second half, we continued to push forward and again looked comfortable. Given this, we brought Callum Benson on, placing him into the central midfield role. Callum has been training with us for a few weeks now and this was his chance to shine. Showing some nice touches, he put in some good passes which allowed us to open Ellerslie up further. Then, as we were awarded a corner, he swung in a great ball that was met by one of our players with a thunderous header, which then struck the bar and up into the air before cleared for another corner. As the game wore on, we then introduced John Cook in order that he could also experience the change in pace from U17 level. As with Callum, he showed some nice touches and promise. Not long afterwards, another deep cross towards the Ellerslie goal was met by Dylan in a carbon copy of his first half goal. Unfortunately, on this occasion, the angle was slightly harder and his header struck the bar/post before bouncing clear. Then, my heart was in my mouth as a complete mix up at the back allowed the Ellerslie striker a free shot on goal. All credit to Ryan as he blocked the shot, pulling off a good safe. This however, appeared to give Ellerslie some hope and we suddenly found ourselves under pressure. Then it happened, a lucky break and an equaliser! 2-2!! Shortly afterwards, the final whistle went and from a game we looked more than comfortable in, we had to settle for a draw.

Although the result is not what we deserved, it was a good game developmental wise. We played some nice constructive football, were able to blood new players who have learnt a few things about their ability and we were taught another sharp lesson about concentration. Man of the Match was given to Dylan who never stopped running, scored a good goal and nearly had a couple of others! As always, thanks to all those supporters who came along and to Ward for allowing us the use of two of his U17 side. Our next game is away next Saturday at Clevedon KO2.45pm.