Thursday, June 23, 2011
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Fight left in the fish
Wellington United Salmon 2- Seatoun Gulls 4
(Halftime 1-3)
MacAllister Park
Scorers:
Craig Ireson
Matthew Fulton
MOM Points
Richard Martin - 3 pts
Michael Ashby - 2pts
Simon Healy/Kahu Kirikiri - 1 pt each
Match report from John Dow:
GULLS PICK OFF SALMON IN THRILLER
Wellington United’s top team scored an emphatic 5-2 Chatham Cup win on Saturday afternoon that has propelled the club into the round for the last 16 nationwide as the only Wellington side still in this prestigious competition. Led by skillful Argentinian striker Emiliano Tade, it was his compatriot Alva Pumpido who crashed home a 30 metre freekick that set the team on the road to victory. On Sunday Netherlands professional import Mariska Kogelman scored a late equaliser for the Diamonds Women’s Central League team and twice came close to scoring a winner.
However, it was another of the WU club’s international players, all the way from Newcastle in England, via Bristol, Geordie goalkeeper Richard Martin who turned on an outstanding display of courage and acrobatics to keep the Salmon alive and still thrashing around till late in the match against championship chasers Seatoun Gulls.
Like most Newcastle goalkeepers, Martin saw plenty of action throughout the game as the Gulls pushed forward relentlessly in the first half and with a bit of luck going their way, including a first minute penalty for hand ball which they converted, they moved out to a 3-0 lead and things looked a bit ominous for the Salmon.
However, inspired by Martin’s goalkeeping heroics the Salmon came back into the game, Simon tightened up the backline and started winning the ball ahead of the marauding Gulls, and his fellow defenders started closing down the attackers and setting a more solid foundation to attack from.
Playing Squirt up front alongside Craig worked well as his running off the ball put pressure on their defence and when in possession he was able to hold the ball up in difficult conditions.
Ashby in the midfield, who was using the match as a warm up for running a marathon the next day, showed some real pace and purpose pushing forward and twice got the ball into excellent positions out wide on the left as well as getting Fulton into attacking positions wide on the right.
After playing one great pass out left, Squirt made a fantastic run dragging 3 defenders out of the middle and John D. played a long diagonal ball that cut through the defenders and Ashby who had made an incisive 40 metre sprint nearly found himself clean through on goal.
Another pass was knocked in behind the defence but Craig wasn’t able to check back inside and get clear from his marker with only the keeper to beat.
However, the Salmon were battling hard with Jeremy dominating some of the midfield clashes and winning lots of ball, and the ball broke for Craig to go face to face with the keeper, from what appeared to be an offside position, however after 2 valiant attempts the ball was scrambled for a corner.
John D. clipped the corner to the edge of the 6 yard box and Simon won the ball only to push his header wide of the post.
The Salmon kept pressing, and another WU player with international pedigree, Richie Hallam played a delightful ball through to Craig who put the chance away and the Salmon were back in the game at 3-1 down going in at halftime.
The second half started at a tremendous pace as the Salmon sensed they could get something out of the match and a series of moves forward put the Gulls under serious pressure.
A couple of balls in behind the Gulls defence nearly resulted in clear cut chances but some desperate defence kept them out.
However, when a Gulls player was caught in possession Jeremy’s excellent aggressive challenge won him the ball close to the penalty area and a chance to go for goal beckoned which he keenly took, then unselfishly he played Fulton into an excellent goalscoring position which he calmly converted and the game was 3-2 and anything was now possible.
Some good and thoughtful player rotation kept the Salmon legs reasonably fresh and the team fought hard for the elusive equiliser whilst defending hard as the Gulls pushed forward to try and seal the win.
Kahu who had defended and battled well all afternoon twisted an ankle and was helped from the field.
Steve J. ran and tackled well in the midfield, while Dave A. defended strongly and still managed a few rampaging runs forward in trying conditions.
The team was down to 11 fit players and the pressure was building when the Gulls captain and midfield general steered the ball into the top corner of the net giving the Salmon’s Man of the Match keeper, Richard Martin no chance to save the ball and the Gulls had won 4-2.
A buoyant and mud covered Salmon left the pitch for a hot shower and expertly chilled Corona beer and with thoughts of a match that could have produced a well earned draw against a side chasing the League title.
With the Saints hammering the Legends the Salmon can still salvage their season and push on out of the relegation zone but these close matches will need to start delivering points with only 3 regular season matches left to play.
Who will WU draw in the Chatham Cup as the next round goes fully national ??
Can Mariska score a bundle of goals and keep the Diamonds in the Women’s Central League ??
Will Richard Martin be recalled to St James Park when Alan Pardew watches the Salmon versus Gull’s match on You Tube ??
Will Wycombe Wanderers finally admit they should never have let Richie Hallams go on a free transfer ??
Salmon vs Gulls
Craig
Dave
Rich H
Jeremy
Kahu
Simon
Ashby
Fulton
Richard Martin
Squirt
John Dow
Steve Jessup
(Halftime 1-3)
MacAllister Park
Scorers:
Craig Ireson
Matthew Fulton
MOM Points
Richard Martin - 3 pts
Michael Ashby - 2pts
Simon Healy/Kahu Kirikiri - 1 pt each
Match report from John Dow:
GULLS PICK OFF SALMON IN THRILLER
Wellington United’s top team scored an emphatic 5-2 Chatham Cup win on Saturday afternoon that has propelled the club into the round for the last 16 nationwide as the only Wellington side still in this prestigious competition. Led by skillful Argentinian striker Emiliano Tade, it was his compatriot Alva Pumpido who crashed home a 30 metre freekick that set the team on the road to victory. On Sunday Netherlands professional import Mariska Kogelman scored a late equaliser for the Diamonds Women’s Central League team and twice came close to scoring a winner.
However, it was another of the WU club’s international players, all the way from Newcastle in England, via Bristol, Geordie goalkeeper Richard Martin who turned on an outstanding display of courage and acrobatics to keep the Salmon alive and still thrashing around till late in the match against championship chasers Seatoun Gulls.
Like most Newcastle goalkeepers, Martin saw plenty of action throughout the game as the Gulls pushed forward relentlessly in the first half and with a bit of luck going their way, including a first minute penalty for hand ball which they converted, they moved out to a 3-0 lead and things looked a bit ominous for the Salmon.
However, inspired by Martin’s goalkeeping heroics the Salmon came back into the game, Simon tightened up the backline and started winning the ball ahead of the marauding Gulls, and his fellow defenders started closing down the attackers and setting a more solid foundation to attack from.
Playing Squirt up front alongside Craig worked well as his running off the ball put pressure on their defence and when in possession he was able to hold the ball up in difficult conditions.
Ashby in the midfield, who was using the match as a warm up for running a marathon the next day, showed some real pace and purpose pushing forward and twice got the ball into excellent positions out wide on the left as well as getting Fulton into attacking positions wide on the right.
After playing one great pass out left, Squirt made a fantastic run dragging 3 defenders out of the middle and John D. played a long diagonal ball that cut through the defenders and Ashby who had made an incisive 40 metre sprint nearly found himself clean through on goal.
Another pass was knocked in behind the defence but Craig wasn’t able to check back inside and get clear from his marker with only the keeper to beat.
However, the Salmon were battling hard with Jeremy dominating some of the midfield clashes and winning lots of ball, and the ball broke for Craig to go face to face with the keeper, from what appeared to be an offside position, however after 2 valiant attempts the ball was scrambled for a corner.
John D. clipped the corner to the edge of the 6 yard box and Simon won the ball only to push his header wide of the post.
The Salmon kept pressing, and another WU player with international pedigree, Richie Hallam played a delightful ball through to Craig who put the chance away and the Salmon were back in the game at 3-1 down going in at halftime.
The second half started at a tremendous pace as the Salmon sensed they could get something out of the match and a series of moves forward put the Gulls under serious pressure.
A couple of balls in behind the Gulls defence nearly resulted in clear cut chances but some desperate defence kept them out.
However, when a Gulls player was caught in possession Jeremy’s excellent aggressive challenge won him the ball close to the penalty area and a chance to go for goal beckoned which he keenly took, then unselfishly he played Fulton into an excellent goalscoring position which he calmly converted and the game was 3-2 and anything was now possible.
Some good and thoughtful player rotation kept the Salmon legs reasonably fresh and the team fought hard for the elusive equiliser whilst defending hard as the Gulls pushed forward to try and seal the win.
Kahu who had defended and battled well all afternoon twisted an ankle and was helped from the field.
Steve J. ran and tackled well in the midfield, while Dave A. defended strongly and still managed a few rampaging runs forward in trying conditions.
The team was down to 11 fit players and the pressure was building when the Gulls captain and midfield general steered the ball into the top corner of the net giving the Salmon’s Man of the Match keeper, Richard Martin no chance to save the ball and the Gulls had won 4-2.
A buoyant and mud covered Salmon left the pitch for a hot shower and expertly chilled Corona beer and with thoughts of a match that could have produced a well earned draw against a side chasing the League title.
With the Saints hammering the Legends the Salmon can still salvage their season and push on out of the relegation zone but these close matches will need to start delivering points with only 3 regular season matches left to play.
Who will WU draw in the Chatham Cup as the next round goes fully national ??
Can Mariska score a bundle of goals and keep the Diamonds in the Women’s Central League ??
Will Richard Martin be recalled to St James Park when Alan Pardew watches the Salmon versus Gull’s match on You Tube ??
Will Wycombe Wanderers finally admit they should never have let Richie Hallams go on a free transfer ??
Salmon vs Gulls
Craig
Dave
Rich H
Jeremy
Kahu
Simon
Ashby
Fulton
Richard Martin
Squirt
John Dow
Steve Jessup
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Beavers vs. Salmon- A belated match report
University Beavers 4- Wellington United Salmon 0
Halftime 2-0
Nairnville Park
MOM:
Adam Holloway-3pts
Warrick Jackson - 2pts
Michael Ashby- 1 pt
On the face of it it looks like another week, another pasting for the salmon- the reality of the encounter however was far from it. Salmon were vastly improved, battling hard againsta fitter, more skilful team. If we had been a bit calmer and luckier in front of goal then the match culd have swung our way-it has to also be said that the Beaver's keeper is one of the best to be seen in Div 9 and is clearly slumming it and that the refereeing was some of the poorest we have seen in a long time- i.e. standing on halfway checking text messages bad- their 2nd and 4th goals were offside and the third had gone out of play- so 1-0 would have been a fairer reflection. The game showed that the Salmon can, at times, foot it with the best in the league but we need to do so for a full 90 to get something out of the season.
How did John Dow see it?
BEAVERS DINE OUT ON SALMON STEW
The Salmon emerged at Nairnville Park on saturday quietly determined to place the debacle from the week before firmly behind them and to show the Beavers team that the hard fought first round draw at Mc Allister Park was a fair and reasonable reflection of the merits and abilities of both teams.
The previous match against the Upper Hutt Saints had threatened to undermine the team’s growing credibility within the WU club and the selectors were under serious pressure to demonstrate they could stop the team from sinking any further onto the footballing scrapheap.
The long weekend had reduced the squad size and with the bare 11 players supported by a raw recruit from Africa, the spectre of facing one of the youngest, fittest and quickest teams in Wellington played heavily on the selectors minds as skillful and timely rotations requiring careful attention and judicious application would be vital.
The pre match team talk set the scene. A 4-5-1 formation with a clear directive to “flood the midfield” was the tactic of the day with the urge to translate last week’s public humiliation into a deeply felt sense of drive and motivation sounded a well articulated plea to the troops.
Would it work ??
The Beavers looked fit, keen and hungry with revenge and 3 points clearly on their minds ,plus with the contribution of a tame referee, they seriously fancied their chances of a comprehensive victory.
The match started at a frenetic pace as the Beavers stormed forward.
However, with Simon reinstated in the middle of defence the Salmon held firm as his reading of the game and timely interventions gave confidence to the other defenders and set the platform for the midfield to engage with and battle the marauding Beaver players.
The first ten minutes were fast and furious with the Beavers mostly on top but unable to create genuine chances for goals to be scored.
However, the Salmon midfield started to dominate, with some tight marking, solid hard running and a determination to win the ball and to push forward and attack the Salmon were looking likely to score and take the ascendancy in the match.
A series of goal scoring chances were created and Craig was unlucky not to put one or two away, a couple of corners were won, Wazza got some long throws happening deep into Beavers territory and Fulton and Ashby were covering enormous amounts of ground both in defence and attack with both players getting into the penalty area and having half chances to score.
Wazza and Jeremy were closing the Beavers down in the middle of the park as well as advancing forward into good attacking positions while the defence held firm with Adam consistently dominating his opponents and Richard and Simon ably supported by Dave A. regularly blocking and tackling the quick and agile Beavers forwards.
The game could have swung either way, when the sheer pace and determination of the Beaver’s attackers opened up a couple of opportunities which they managed to slot away, the second from what looked very much like an offside position.
The half time whistle went and the Salmon were down 2-0.
The second half was played out in a similar manner, if in a somewhat less tighter style as both teams started to tire.
The Beavers were determined to get the 3 points and were aware of the Salmon opportunities being created, and if one had gone in the game could easily have changed.
A series of Beaver corners put some huge pressure on the defence and a few desperate clearances were the order of the day.
The pressure eventually told and a couple of goals pushed the score out to 4-0.
However, the Salmon kept battling till the end and with new recruit Hamsa providing another attacking outlet and an ability to hold the ball up till support could get forward more opportunities emerged but were squandered.
Dave A. continued his consistent form with some strong defence and good runs down the flank which proved effective.
Fulton played an excellent pass into the path of a great run by Ashby who should have blazed home a glorious goal with only minutes left on the clock.
Craig had more chances in the one game than he has got in 3 or 4 outings put together this season with his great running off the ball and workrate and if his finishing had been more accurate and decisive he could have scored a hat trick.
Richard in goal couldn’t be blamed for any of the goals and he pulled off some good saves too.
The team’s formation, tactics and attitude were exemplary as was the after match beer and a credit to all concerned.
Adam emerged as the deserved Player of the Day after a very solid and effective defensive match against some quick and skillful Beaver attackers.
Have the Salmon finally turned the corner with 4 regular season matches to play ??
Can the team get a victory or two as a just reward for the commitment, effort and goal scoring chances being created ??
Will Dave Armstrong’s play at Downstage, which opens this week, get rave reviews, standing ovations and a Sold Out sign plastered across the Theatre’s billboard ??
Halftime 2-0
Nairnville Park
MOM:
Adam Holloway-3pts
Warrick Jackson - 2pts
Michael Ashby- 1 pt
On the face of it it looks like another week, another pasting for the salmon- the reality of the encounter however was far from it. Salmon were vastly improved, battling hard againsta fitter, more skilful team. If we had been a bit calmer and luckier in front of goal then the match culd have swung our way-it has to also be said that the Beaver's keeper is one of the best to be seen in Div 9 and is clearly slumming it and that the refereeing was some of the poorest we have seen in a long time- i.e. standing on halfway checking text messages bad- their 2nd and 4th goals were offside and the third had gone out of play- so 1-0 would have been a fairer reflection. The game showed that the Salmon can, at times, foot it with the best in the league but we need to do so for a full 90 to get something out of the season.
How did John Dow see it?
BEAVERS DINE OUT ON SALMON STEW
The Salmon emerged at Nairnville Park on saturday quietly determined to place the debacle from the week before firmly behind them and to show the Beavers team that the hard fought first round draw at Mc Allister Park was a fair and reasonable reflection of the merits and abilities of both teams.
The previous match against the Upper Hutt Saints had threatened to undermine the team’s growing credibility within the WU club and the selectors were under serious pressure to demonstrate they could stop the team from sinking any further onto the footballing scrapheap.
The long weekend had reduced the squad size and with the bare 11 players supported by a raw recruit from Africa, the spectre of facing one of the youngest, fittest and quickest teams in Wellington played heavily on the selectors minds as skillful and timely rotations requiring careful attention and judicious application would be vital.
The pre match team talk set the scene. A 4-5-1 formation with a clear directive to “flood the midfield” was the tactic of the day with the urge to translate last week’s public humiliation into a deeply felt sense of drive and motivation sounded a well articulated plea to the troops.
Would it work ??
The Beavers looked fit, keen and hungry with revenge and 3 points clearly on their minds ,plus with the contribution of a tame referee, they seriously fancied their chances of a comprehensive victory.
The match started at a frenetic pace as the Beavers stormed forward.
However, with Simon reinstated in the middle of defence the Salmon held firm as his reading of the game and timely interventions gave confidence to the other defenders and set the platform for the midfield to engage with and battle the marauding Beaver players.
The first ten minutes were fast and furious with the Beavers mostly on top but unable to create genuine chances for goals to be scored.
However, the Salmon midfield started to dominate, with some tight marking, solid hard running and a determination to win the ball and to push forward and attack the Salmon were looking likely to score and take the ascendancy in the match.
A series of goal scoring chances were created and Craig was unlucky not to put one or two away, a couple of corners were won, Wazza got some long throws happening deep into Beavers territory and Fulton and Ashby were covering enormous amounts of ground both in defence and attack with both players getting into the penalty area and having half chances to score.
Wazza and Jeremy were closing the Beavers down in the middle of the park as well as advancing forward into good attacking positions while the defence held firm with Adam consistently dominating his opponents and Richard and Simon ably supported by Dave A. regularly blocking and tackling the quick and agile Beavers forwards.
The game could have swung either way, when the sheer pace and determination of the Beaver’s attackers opened up a couple of opportunities which they managed to slot away, the second from what looked very much like an offside position.
The half time whistle went and the Salmon were down 2-0.
The second half was played out in a similar manner, if in a somewhat less tighter style as both teams started to tire.
The Beavers were determined to get the 3 points and were aware of the Salmon opportunities being created, and if one had gone in the game could easily have changed.
A series of Beaver corners put some huge pressure on the defence and a few desperate clearances were the order of the day.
The pressure eventually told and a couple of goals pushed the score out to 4-0.
However, the Salmon kept battling till the end and with new recruit Hamsa providing another attacking outlet and an ability to hold the ball up till support could get forward more opportunities emerged but were squandered.
Dave A. continued his consistent form with some strong defence and good runs down the flank which proved effective.
Fulton played an excellent pass into the path of a great run by Ashby who should have blazed home a glorious goal with only minutes left on the clock.
Craig had more chances in the one game than he has got in 3 or 4 outings put together this season with his great running off the ball and workrate and if his finishing had been more accurate and decisive he could have scored a hat trick.
Richard in goal couldn’t be blamed for any of the goals and he pulled off some good saves too.
The team’s formation, tactics and attitude were exemplary as was the after match beer and a credit to all concerned.
Adam emerged as the deserved Player of the Day after a very solid and effective defensive match against some quick and skillful Beaver attackers.
Have the Salmon finally turned the corner with 4 regular season matches to play ??
Can the team get a victory or two as a just reward for the commitment, effort and goal scoring chances being created ??
Will Dave Armstrong’s play at Downstage, which opens this week, get rave reviews, standing ovations and a Sold Out sign plastered across the Theatre’s billboard ??
Saturday, June 11, 2011
Spirit
Game called off; 9 people make it to training, 8 people make it back to the clubrooms for a beer and to watch the first team. That's club spirit, that's team spirit.
Good on ya lads.
Good on ya lads.
Friday, June 10, 2011
Game is off today, training is on
State of Origin Styles- Wgtn born vs the rest
12.30 ko!
Directions:
Boyd Wilson Arena is in the building just in front of the Boyd Wilson Field, which can be found here:
http://maps.google.co.nz/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=boyd+wilson+field&sll=-41.244772,172.617188&sspn=48.801473,78.837891&ie=UTF8&hq=boyd+wilson+field&hnear=&ll=-41.29019,174.769156&spn=0.012011,0.019248&z=16
Head up towards the Kelburn Campus of the University, taking the first left (Waiteata Rd) after you turn off the Terrace onto Salamanca Road. Follow Waiteata Rd as far as it will go, past the Student flats on your left, and down the hill. Access is through the double doors on the right
Bring your own kit.
12.30 ko!
Directions:
Boyd Wilson Arena is in the building just in front of the Boyd Wilson Field, which can be found here:
http://maps.google.co.nz/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=boyd+wilson+field&sll=-41.244772,172.617188&sspn=48.801473,78.837891&ie=UTF8&hq=boyd+wilson+field&hnear=&ll=-41.29019,174.769156&spn=0.012011,0.019248&z=16
Head up towards the Kelburn Campus of the University, taking the first left (Waiteata Rd) after you turn off the Terrace onto Salamanca Road. Follow Waiteata Rd as far as it will go, past the Student flats on your left, and down the hill. Access is through the double doors on the right
Bring your own kit.
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