CAPITAL 9:
P W D L GF GA Pts
Upper Hutt Saints 14 11 1 2 65 24 34
Seatoun Gulls 14 10 1 3 38 16 31
Uni Beavers 14 8 3 3 47 19 27
Tawa Bears 14 7 3 4 32 19 24
Petone Chuggers 14 3 5 6 30 28 14
Wgtn Utd Legends 14 2 6 6 24 45 12
Wgtn Utd Salmon 14 3 3 8 23 51 12
Wgtn Utd Terrace 14 0 2 12 12 69 2
Friday, July 29, 2011
Saturday 30 July-Cancelled
sleep in, get pissed, go for a run
do whatever...we're cancelled
grrr.
If you want to grizzle, grizzle here:
Yellow Fever Cancellations Thread
do whatever...we're cancelled
grrr.
If you want to grizzle, grizzle here:
Yellow Fever Cancellations Thread
Monday, July 25, 2011
Revenge is a dish best served cold
Wellington United Salmon 3 - Tawa Bears 1
(Half Time 1-1)
Onepoto #2
Scorer: Craig (3)
MOM
Craig -3pts
Jeremy - 2pts
John Dow - 1pt
Revenge is a dish best served [on a] cold [day], they say, and Salmon got the chance to avenge a 4-1 loss to our auld enemy the Bears within 4 days. This was a great result, coming as it did against so much adversity. a thin squad, a moment of madness which almost resulted in Salmon going to ten men, a typically soft early goal and the team being asked to play out of position- e.g. Richie Hallam on the right wing, Craig starting at full back, a midfield consisting of Adam Holloway, John Dow and Stevie Jessup. In fact it was Adam Holloway who suggested that playing out of position contributed to the result as it meant players had to think differently about the game and their role.
Ill leave you now to the match report, written by MOM points winner John Dow, with some missing moments added by me:
BEARS LEFT TO FLOUNDER BY SILKY SALMON
After the Tuesday night 4-1 victory at Wakefield Park the Tawa Bears were salivating at the opportunity to taste another victory over the Salmon in Saturday’s rematch at Onepoto Park in Titahi Bay. In fact they had said as much on their website:
"We now have 2 catch up games against the team second to last on the table so would hope to get 6 points out of that. This gives us a real chance to get back some goal difference". They must have short memories since Salmon have often proved spoilers, bug bears if you will, to Tawa's hopes.
With player defections due to travel and injury a depleted Salmon squad looked decidedly vulnerable to the voraciously hungry Bears in a match played in a howling gale but on a reasonably well preserved pitch deemed to be a home ground for the Newtown Park based team.
A late signing from the Reserves, Scott Dunkerly, who had debuted for the Salmon earlier in the season offered a positive sign that the team would have some good, skillful young legs going forward and Ants from Cambodia and Dali from Assyria provided some extra international flavour to a team that was going to need to battle hard for the full match with minimal rolling subs capability in the demanding physical conditions.
With regular keeper Richard unavailable, Kahu for the second time this season stepped into the Goalkeeping role and proceeded to take control of the penalty box and defensive organisation winning everything in the air and getting great distance with his kicking game that quickly turned defence into attack, putting the Bears under considerable pressure.
With Wazza the Whistler deciding to take charge of proceedings through a different role than his usual midfield position his leadership skills were soon called into action when some good old fashioned biffo broke out very early in the game after a Bear appeared to try and strangle Salmon fullback Ants. After a brief flurry of punches and rolling around on the ground our intrepid Referee had no hesitation in banishing both players to the sideline and their playing afternoon was over. (Except that whiel ants was in fact banished, their player did make a come back-CI).
Although playing with the powerful wind the Bears were struggling to create genuine scoring chances and the Salmon were holding their ground well in the midfield and pushing quickly onto attack whenever the opportunity arose. The Salmon defence were soaking up the pressure and clearing the ball well with Simon providing his usual high quality organisational ability ably supported by his fellow defenders, which included a cameo central defensive appearance from Captain Craig.
The Bears managed to grab a goal when the defence were slow to clear the ball, there playemaking #8 collecting the bal in the middle and dispatching to Kahu's right in one sweeping move. Captain Craig started his mission to move further up the park, first showing up in the midfield for a spell before moving back into his customary role as the main striker.
However, the Salmon battled hard throughout and some quick passing from John D. and Jeremy saw Adam clean through on goal and a similar move had Scott looking likely but neither effort hit the target.
Some further strong Salmon play into the difficult wind saw a series of corners won and a couple of half chances eventuated when the Bears struggled to clear the ball from the ensuing crosses.
With Dali slotting in well at right fullback and showing confidence to weave his way forward in support of Richard H. who was creating pressure down the right flank and with Scott living on the ball, and taking players on, the momentum was with the Salmon despite the wind advantage to the Bears.
With Jeremy winning a lot of ball in midfield and pushing forward at every opportunity and John D. playing an old style “Connectero” role for the first time this season the Bears were struggling to dominate and get their combinations going in the way they had done so successfully on Tuesday night.
Adam and Dave got some good moves happening down the left which was difficult into such a strong wind and when a well constructed left sided move, and a final pass from Jeremy, presented Captain Craig with time on the ball in a good position he produced a devastatingly effective shot from distance that left the keeper stranded and the Salmon had got the goal the whole team deserved.
A 1-1 halftime scoreline proved a winning platform for the Salmon cause as it soon became apparent the wind advantage was considerable and the Bears had failed miserably to make the most of it during the first half.
With Kahu in imperious form in goal and when required kicking the ball nearly the length of the field, the defence covering and smothering everything thrown at them, the midfield holding a strong line across the park and pushing the ball through into dangerous positions on a regular basis and the flank players getting down the line and threatening the Bears defence, it was clear the Tawa team were in trouble and they completely lost their grip on the game.
However, could the Salmon forwards take their chances and win the game for their side ?
A stunning through ball from Richie H. had the Bears defence split wide open ,allowing Scott D to skipn through for a 1v1 opportunity. He shot low and hard but the competent Ursine custodian got a paw to it and pushed it wide. However Captain Craig was following up like a gamekeeper turned poacher, and tapped the ball into the empty net with his left peg. Salmon 2-1.
The Bears were now growling at each other and finding life unbearably difficult as they were running out of ideas and options to score any goals despite plenty of effort and desire.
Another excellent ball through from Jeremy this time and Captain Craig dashed into the area, rounded the keeper and put the ball away to complete his hattrick. Salmon 3-1 and the Bears were left to flounder.
With 10 minutes remaining Wazza the Whistler couldn’t resist the temptation to make another big call and brought himself on for Steve J. who had played an excellent match in both midfield and defence, and Wazza set about closing the game out with some good solid tackling and hard work which was everything the Bears didn’t want to have to deal with at that stage of the game.
As the Salmon maintained their composure and structure in a frantic last few minutes the Bears couldn’t deliver anything of consequence or effect and the Salmon walked off with a very deserved and well constructed victory, with some wise and experienced campaigners claiming this was the best match and result of season 2011 to date.
Can the Salmon build on this newly discovered structure and winning form and now put together a great Cup run ?
Will the Salmon scoring chances continue to be carved out on a consistent basis and the conversion rate be maintained ?
Is there still some quality life and mileage in some of the older legs that a full 90 minutes of play would have helped reignite ?
Will Captain Craig’s goalscoring prowess continue on and lead the Salmon to the promised land of victory in the forthcoming Cup competition ?
(Half Time 1-1)
Onepoto #2
Scorer: Craig (3)
MOM
Craig -3pts
Jeremy - 2pts
John Dow - 1pt
Revenge is a dish best served [on a] cold [day], they say, and Salmon got the chance to avenge a 4-1 loss to our auld enemy the Bears within 4 days. This was a great result, coming as it did against so much adversity. a thin squad, a moment of madness which almost resulted in Salmon going to ten men, a typically soft early goal and the team being asked to play out of position- e.g. Richie Hallam on the right wing, Craig starting at full back, a midfield consisting of Adam Holloway, John Dow and Stevie Jessup. In fact it was Adam Holloway who suggested that playing out of position contributed to the result as it meant players had to think differently about the game and their role.
Ill leave you now to the match report, written by MOM points winner John Dow, with some missing moments added by me:
BEARS LEFT TO FLOUNDER BY SILKY SALMON
After the Tuesday night 4-1 victory at Wakefield Park the Tawa Bears were salivating at the opportunity to taste another victory over the Salmon in Saturday’s rematch at Onepoto Park in Titahi Bay. In fact they had said as much on their website:
"We now have 2 catch up games against the team second to last on the table so would hope to get 6 points out of that. This gives us a real chance to get back some goal difference". They must have short memories since Salmon have often proved spoilers, bug bears if you will, to Tawa's hopes.
With player defections due to travel and injury a depleted Salmon squad looked decidedly vulnerable to the voraciously hungry Bears in a match played in a howling gale but on a reasonably well preserved pitch deemed to be a home ground for the Newtown Park based team.
A late signing from the Reserves, Scott Dunkerly, who had debuted for the Salmon earlier in the season offered a positive sign that the team would have some good, skillful young legs going forward and Ants from Cambodia and Dali from Assyria provided some extra international flavour to a team that was going to need to battle hard for the full match with minimal rolling subs capability in the demanding physical conditions.
With regular keeper Richard unavailable, Kahu for the second time this season stepped into the Goalkeeping role and proceeded to take control of the penalty box and defensive organisation winning everything in the air and getting great distance with his kicking game that quickly turned defence into attack, putting the Bears under considerable pressure.
With Wazza the Whistler deciding to take charge of proceedings through a different role than his usual midfield position his leadership skills were soon called into action when some good old fashioned biffo broke out very early in the game after a Bear appeared to try and strangle Salmon fullback Ants. After a brief flurry of punches and rolling around on the ground our intrepid Referee had no hesitation in banishing both players to the sideline and their playing afternoon was over. (Except that whiel ants was in fact banished, their player did make a come back-CI).
Although playing with the powerful wind the Bears were struggling to create genuine scoring chances and the Salmon were holding their ground well in the midfield and pushing quickly onto attack whenever the opportunity arose. The Salmon defence were soaking up the pressure and clearing the ball well with Simon providing his usual high quality organisational ability ably supported by his fellow defenders, which included a cameo central defensive appearance from Captain Craig.
The Bears managed to grab a goal when the defence were slow to clear the ball, there playemaking #8 collecting the bal in the middle and dispatching to Kahu's right in one sweeping move. Captain Craig started his mission to move further up the park, first showing up in the midfield for a spell before moving back into his customary role as the main striker.
However, the Salmon battled hard throughout and some quick passing from John D. and Jeremy saw Adam clean through on goal and a similar move had Scott looking likely but neither effort hit the target.
Some further strong Salmon play into the difficult wind saw a series of corners won and a couple of half chances eventuated when the Bears struggled to clear the ball from the ensuing crosses.
With Dali slotting in well at right fullback and showing confidence to weave his way forward in support of Richard H. who was creating pressure down the right flank and with Scott living on the ball, and taking players on, the momentum was with the Salmon despite the wind advantage to the Bears.
With Jeremy winning a lot of ball in midfield and pushing forward at every opportunity and John D. playing an old style “Connectero” role for the first time this season the Bears were struggling to dominate and get their combinations going in the way they had done so successfully on Tuesday night.
Adam and Dave got some good moves happening down the left which was difficult into such a strong wind and when a well constructed left sided move, and a final pass from Jeremy, presented Captain Craig with time on the ball in a good position he produced a devastatingly effective shot from distance that left the keeper stranded and the Salmon had got the goal the whole team deserved.
A 1-1 halftime scoreline proved a winning platform for the Salmon cause as it soon became apparent the wind advantage was considerable and the Bears had failed miserably to make the most of it during the first half.
With Kahu in imperious form in goal and when required kicking the ball nearly the length of the field, the defence covering and smothering everything thrown at them, the midfield holding a strong line across the park and pushing the ball through into dangerous positions on a regular basis and the flank players getting down the line and threatening the Bears defence, it was clear the Tawa team were in trouble and they completely lost their grip on the game.
However, could the Salmon forwards take their chances and win the game for their side ?
A stunning through ball from Richie H. had the Bears defence split wide open ,allowing Scott D to skipn through for a 1v1 opportunity. He shot low and hard but the competent Ursine custodian got a paw to it and pushed it wide. However Captain Craig was following up like a gamekeeper turned poacher, and tapped the ball into the empty net with his left peg. Salmon 2-1.
The Bears were now growling at each other and finding life unbearably difficult as they were running out of ideas and options to score any goals despite plenty of effort and desire.
Another excellent ball through from Jeremy this time and Captain Craig dashed into the area, rounded the keeper and put the ball away to complete his hattrick. Salmon 3-1 and the Bears were left to flounder.
With 10 minutes remaining Wazza the Whistler couldn’t resist the temptation to make another big call and brought himself on for Steve J. who had played an excellent match in both midfield and defence, and Wazza set about closing the game out with some good solid tackling and hard work which was everything the Bears didn’t want to have to deal with at that stage of the game.
As the Salmon maintained their composure and structure in a frantic last few minutes the Bears couldn’t deliver anything of consequence or effect and the Salmon walked off with a very deserved and well constructed victory, with some wise and experienced campaigners claiming this was the best match and result of season 2011 to date.
Can the Salmon build on this newly discovered structure and winning form and now put together a great Cup run ?
Will the Salmon scoring chances continue to be carved out on a consistent basis and the conversion rate be maintained ?
Is there still some quality life and mileage in some of the older legs that a full 90 minutes of play would have helped reignite ?
Will Captain Craig’s goalscoring prowess continue on and lead the Salmon to the promised land of victory in the forthcoming Cup competition ?
Sunday, July 24, 2011
Salmon go down fighting under lights
Tawa Bears 4- WU Salmon 1
(Halftime 2-1)
Wakefield 1
Scorer:
Warrick
MOM:
Warrick -3pts
Matthew- 2pts
Rich Martin- 1 pt
Just a quick match report today, since we have minimal time ahead of the return fixture on Saturday.
A good match last night despite the score. Great to see Lane and Johnny back, adding a new dimension on attack. The surface was fantastic to play football on, and thats what we tried to do- Johnny and Wazza pulling the strings in the middle and feeding the wings.
They got a goal from an uncleared corner but we struck back soon after. The Bears set a very (very) poor wall at a free kick 25 yards out- Craig drove it at the keeper who parried it- Wazza ran in and scooped it into the net.
it remained 2-1 for an age, Richard Martin keeping us in the game with 3-4 tidy saves. Craig hit the post, so did Fulton. We all pushed forward in expectation of the equalisier and they hit us on the counter twice.
We were unlucky really- they certainly weren't 3 goals better than us. If the striker had done what he is paid to do then it would have been a different game! Everyone played well, and even though he didn't end up in the points i thought James Stewart played very well on the left wing/defence.
(Halftime 2-1)
Wakefield 1
Scorer:
Warrick
MOM:
Warrick -3pts
Matthew- 2pts
Rich Martin- 1 pt
Just a quick match report today, since we have minimal time ahead of the return fixture on Saturday.
A good match last night despite the score. Great to see Lane and Johnny back, adding a new dimension on attack. The surface was fantastic to play football on, and thats what we tried to do- Johnny and Wazza pulling the strings in the middle and feeding the wings.
They got a goal from an uncleared corner but we struck back soon after. The Bears set a very (very) poor wall at a free kick 25 yards out- Craig drove it at the keeper who parried it- Wazza ran in and scooped it into the net.
it remained 2-1 for an age, Richard Martin keeping us in the game with 3-4 tidy saves. Craig hit the post, so did Fulton. We all pushed forward in expectation of the equalisier and they hit us on the counter twice.
We were unlucky really- they certainly weren't 3 goals better than us. If the striker had done what he is paid to do then it would have been a different game! Everyone played well, and even though he didn't end up in the points i thought James Stewart played very well on the left wing/defence.
Friday, July 22, 2011
A win over the Bears
A great win in fact. 3-1, dominating the 2nd half.
A hat trick to the skipper no less
More to come
A hat trick to the skipper no less
More to come
Monday, July 11, 2011
Precious Point Prised from Petone
Petone Chuggers 3- Wellington United Salmon 3
Halftime 3-3)
Petone Memorial #2
Scorers:
Matthew Fulton
Craig Ireson
Richard Morrison
MOM:
Richard Morrison- 3pts
Simon Healy- 2pts
Matthew Fulton- 1pt
Match report from John Dow, with help from Craig
PRECIOUS POINT PRISED OUT OF PETONE
The sometimes Mighty Salmon faced a motivated and focused Petone Chuggers team on a windswept park in Petone and came away with a meritorious draw on Saturday July 9.
After 2 weeks of cancelled games the team was keen to get its 2011 campaign back on track and to get some much needed points on the board as the end of the season is rapidly approaching and with it the very real threat of relegation to Division 10 for 2012 alongside the hapless Terrace who have yet to win a match.
The selectors went for a 4-5-1 formation with Squirt playing the attacking midfield role which seems suited to his style of play, providing a very useful and effective outlet for the rest of the team to play to in the elusive quest for creating goals.
The central defensive pairing of Kahu and Simon looked strong and the team settled well and was soon on attack.
However, the howling wind blowing straight across the park in inconsistent gusts and a slightly boggy pitch was making control of the ball difficult and a Chugger player on the edge of the area lashed a hopeful shot on target that moved sharply and the keeper was beaten. 1-0 Chuggers.
The Salmon were undaunted and went straight back on the attack, pushing players forward and stretching the Chuggers defence and when Wozza made a strong run into the penalty area and knocked the ball across the goal Fulton reacted quickest and guided the ball onto the inside of the post and the team’s were 1-1.
Adam who had been having a strong game at right back was switched for Danny who came into the midfield while Wozza moved into the defence.
Danny who has been like a fish out of water playing in a different side this season discovered his natural home in the Salmon midfield and his running game and close ball control put the Chuggers under pressure and the Salmon started to get on top. Squirt who had been working hard and looking dangerous put a great ball through to Craig which split the defence and created a one on one chance which was well taken and the Salmon were in front and dominating in many aspects of the game.
The Chuggers then rallied and pushed forward with real purpose and a speculative effort from out wide was picked up by the wind and flew into the back of the net and the team’s were again level.
Sensing they were getting some momentum the Chuggers pushed hard and another well taken shot from distance found the net and it was 3-2 to the home side.
As the first half was coming to an end the Salmon got forward in numbers and Ashby, with typical doggedness and speed, forced a freekick just outside the box and out wide. Craig spotting the Chuggers defence was disorganised knocked the ball in towards the near post for Squirt to dash in front of a fullback and slip the ball home for a well deserved goal and half time score of 3-3.
A half time call to arms put the team in the right head space for a second half battle that so very nearly produced a great away victory as a number of chances fell the Salmon’s way as the players all rose to the occasion determined to at least hold on to the draw and potentially snatch a winner.
Craig hit a couple of shots wide of the mark from good positions and the midfield worked tirelessly right across the park with Squirt, Danny and Jeremy constantly in the action, successfully supported by Kahu and Wozza getting forward on occassions, all trying to push the team goalwards and winning possession from a Chuggers team who were also keen to get 3 points themselves.
Fulton was full of his usual running and was rewarded for getting into an excellent goalscoring position with his first half goal and Ashby also showed some real pace out wide and also got into a great position to score the winning goal late in the game but an awkward pass stopped him producing the required killer finish. James showed some ability on the ball out wide in the second half and Dave’s strong defensive play on the left also included dangerous runs down the wing on attack. Adam also burst back onto the field in the second half and quickly rekindled his dominating play from early in the match. John Dow chipped in with his own goal saving scramble, showing the hunger and determination which personified the fighting fish.
The defence ably organised by Simon, despite being subject to regular changes of personnel through the intelligent use of rolling substitutes, never allowed the intensity or focus to drop, successfully forcing the Chuggers to shoot from long range, and keeping them scoreless in the second half.
However, not for the first time this season the team watched in awe as Keeper Richard pushed a top class long range strike over the bar. With about 10 minutes to go this great effort kept the side on track for a well deserved draw and in larger stadiums around the world would have produced a standing ovation from the visiting fans.
The Salmon adopted their tactics to suit the wind and were smart in never pushing up too much nor sitting too deep to invite attacks- tactically it was the most astute we have played this season. If the bounxe of the ball had gone our way and had Danny, Craig and Ashby all finished their half chances, or had their laissez-fair Ref pointed to the spot after a deliberate trip on Craig in the box late in the 2nd half then the full 3 points would have swum back across the harbour.
Overall though a well deserved hard fought away point that keeps the Salmon alive and within striking distance of the Legends who scraped a rare win against the bottom placed Terrace.
With 2 regular season matches against the Tawa Bears set to determine the Salmon’s fate for 2011 the team is starting to show the combinations, commitment, goal creating and scoring attributes of a side very capable of competing with any team in this division and getting results.
Can the Salmon build on this performance and prove they can play at another level and beat the Bears ??
Will the goalscoring chances keep being created and converted ( 5 goals scored in the last 2 games) ??
Can the defence continue to put attacks under severe pressure and deny them goal opportunities ??
Will the return of Lane "The White Kenyan' Nichols from his New York sojourn herald a Dom Post media frenzy in the plight of the Salmon?
& will Danny realise that he looks better in Orange than Green and White stripes and come back to his old school??
Halftime 3-3)
Petone Memorial #2
Scorers:
Matthew Fulton
Craig Ireson
Richard Morrison
MOM:
Richard Morrison- 3pts
Simon Healy- 2pts
Matthew Fulton- 1pt
Match report from John Dow, with help from Craig
PRECIOUS POINT PRISED OUT OF PETONE
The sometimes Mighty Salmon faced a motivated and focused Petone Chuggers team on a windswept park in Petone and came away with a meritorious draw on Saturday July 9.
After 2 weeks of cancelled games the team was keen to get its 2011 campaign back on track and to get some much needed points on the board as the end of the season is rapidly approaching and with it the very real threat of relegation to Division 10 for 2012 alongside the hapless Terrace who have yet to win a match.
The selectors went for a 4-5-1 formation with Squirt playing the attacking midfield role which seems suited to his style of play, providing a very useful and effective outlet for the rest of the team to play to in the elusive quest for creating goals.
The central defensive pairing of Kahu and Simon looked strong and the team settled well and was soon on attack.
However, the howling wind blowing straight across the park in inconsistent gusts and a slightly boggy pitch was making control of the ball difficult and a Chugger player on the edge of the area lashed a hopeful shot on target that moved sharply and the keeper was beaten. 1-0 Chuggers.
The Salmon were undaunted and went straight back on the attack, pushing players forward and stretching the Chuggers defence and when Wozza made a strong run into the penalty area and knocked the ball across the goal Fulton reacted quickest and guided the ball onto the inside of the post and the team’s were 1-1.
Adam who had been having a strong game at right back was switched for Danny who came into the midfield while Wozza moved into the defence.
Danny who has been like a fish out of water playing in a different side this season discovered his natural home in the Salmon midfield and his running game and close ball control put the Chuggers under pressure and the Salmon started to get on top. Squirt who had been working hard and looking dangerous put a great ball through to Craig which split the defence and created a one on one chance which was well taken and the Salmon were in front and dominating in many aspects of the game.
The Chuggers then rallied and pushed forward with real purpose and a speculative effort from out wide was picked up by the wind and flew into the back of the net and the team’s were again level.
Sensing they were getting some momentum the Chuggers pushed hard and another well taken shot from distance found the net and it was 3-2 to the home side.
As the first half was coming to an end the Salmon got forward in numbers and Ashby, with typical doggedness and speed, forced a freekick just outside the box and out wide. Craig spotting the Chuggers defence was disorganised knocked the ball in towards the near post for Squirt to dash in front of a fullback and slip the ball home for a well deserved goal and half time score of 3-3.
A half time call to arms put the team in the right head space for a second half battle that so very nearly produced a great away victory as a number of chances fell the Salmon’s way as the players all rose to the occasion determined to at least hold on to the draw and potentially snatch a winner.
Craig hit a couple of shots wide of the mark from good positions and the midfield worked tirelessly right across the park with Squirt, Danny and Jeremy constantly in the action, successfully supported by Kahu and Wozza getting forward on occassions, all trying to push the team goalwards and winning possession from a Chuggers team who were also keen to get 3 points themselves.
Fulton was full of his usual running and was rewarded for getting into an excellent goalscoring position with his first half goal and Ashby also showed some real pace out wide and also got into a great position to score the winning goal late in the game but an awkward pass stopped him producing the required killer finish. James showed some ability on the ball out wide in the second half and Dave’s strong defensive play on the left also included dangerous runs down the wing on attack. Adam also burst back onto the field in the second half and quickly rekindled his dominating play from early in the match. John Dow chipped in with his own goal saving scramble, showing the hunger and determination which personified the fighting fish.
The defence ably organised by Simon, despite being subject to regular changes of personnel through the intelligent use of rolling substitutes, never allowed the intensity or focus to drop, successfully forcing the Chuggers to shoot from long range, and keeping them scoreless in the second half.
However, not for the first time this season the team watched in awe as Keeper Richard pushed a top class long range strike over the bar. With about 10 minutes to go this great effort kept the side on track for a well deserved draw and in larger stadiums around the world would have produced a standing ovation from the visiting fans.
The Salmon adopted their tactics to suit the wind and were smart in never pushing up too much nor sitting too deep to invite attacks- tactically it was the most astute we have played this season. If the bounxe of the ball had gone our way and had Danny, Craig and Ashby all finished their half chances, or had their laissez-fair Ref pointed to the spot after a deliberate trip on Craig in the box late in the 2nd half then the full 3 points would have swum back across the harbour.
Overall though a well deserved hard fought away point that keeps the Salmon alive and within striking distance of the Legends who scraped a rare win against the bottom placed Terrace.
With 2 regular season matches against the Tawa Bears set to determine the Salmon’s fate for 2011 the team is starting to show the combinations, commitment, goal creating and scoring attributes of a side very capable of competing with any team in this division and getting results.
Can the Salmon build on this performance and prove they can play at another level and beat the Bears ??
Will the goalscoring chances keep being created and converted ( 5 goals scored in the last 2 games) ??
Can the defence continue to put attacks under severe pressure and deny them goal opportunities ??
Will the return of Lane "The White Kenyan' Nichols from his New York sojourn herald a Dom Post media frenzy in the plight of the Salmon?
& will Danny realise that he looks better in Orange than Green and White stripes and come back to his old school??
Friday, July 8, 2011
A result at last!
Petone Chuggers 3- WU Salmon 3
A really good game, a draw was a fair result- more to follow
A really good game, a draw was a fair result- more to follow
Friday, July 1, 2011
cancelled again- Sat 2 July
Sorry, was under the impression it was a winter sport.
Get along to the Chatham Cup game anyway- 2pm KO at Newtown Park
Get along to the Chatham Cup game anyway- 2pm KO at Newtown Park
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