Sunday, April 29, 2012
WU Salmon 6- Waterside Karori Meke 5- Match Report
Wellington United Salmon 6- Karori Waterside Meke 5
(Halftime 2-4)
Wgtn College Turf
Scorers:
Sam Mills (2)
Craig Ireson (2)
Steve Westcott
Matthew Fulton
MOM
Sam Mills (3pts)
Adam Ray (2pts)
James Stewart (1pt)
If any ‘football tragics’ out there cared to bother, they would do worse than follow the fortunes of the Salmon; with a combined total of 29 goals in the last three games they would certainly get bang for their buck.
The Meke turned up on Saturday sitting on 7 points, while we were midtable with 4. They also turned up with a young, fit looking squad of 16- and despite our youthful recruits (Sam and Callum) we certainly were a shade greyer than them. We had also lost the services of Richard Martin in goal, but hirsute defender Mataio from our friends the Sunday Blazers FC bravely donned the gloves.
As soon as the whistle blew it was clear this was going to be tight, as both teams seemed closely matched in midfield, although the Salmon slightly edged the first 15 minutes in regards to possessions and chances.
Despite this Meke made the break through, and once again Salmon were reeling from conceding a soft goal. But the response from the salmon was immediate-from the kick off Craig released Callum down the right, who abetted by a kind deflection, gained possession on the right hand edge of the box and crossed to his wing partner sam, who coolly slotted home. It was a defining moment of the match because it sent a message that the salmon would not lie down without a fight today.
A settled back four, once again ably led by Adam Holloway, was disrupted after Richie Hallam tore his calf muscle. He has subsequently learnt that he will need to sit out for 6 weeks, effectively ending his season as he is off overseas soon. Adam Ray came on for his 2012 debut, and Callum shifted to right back.
Meke scored another soft goal; Mataio showed his inexperience in goal by being caught out of position. But once again Salmon responded to level the score, this time Craig nutmegged the right back for Steve to run on to, and Steve drew the ball back to Sam who once again calmly slotted for his second.
Meke now pressed and were rewarded with a goal from a corner and a quick through ball. Had they scored again to make it 5-2 then the game would have been over, but the defence rallied, a defiance defined by an Adam Holloway tackle, early contender for tackle of the season, lunging at a runaway attacker to foil a one on one attempt.
So to the break at 4-2 down but well in the game, as long as the Salmon were first to score.
And we were first to score, albeit after a long period of stalemate. When the breakthrough came it was once again an outrageous piece of skill and vision from Steve; receiving a throw in from Sam deep on the right Steve floated a looping shot high into the box, the keeper was well out of position and could only flap as it nestled in the net. 4-3
Soon after it was level again, as Adam Ray released Craig on half way, the keeper was not having a good day, once again caught way out of position to allow the skipper an open net. 4-4
Meke responded with their own outrageous goal, the left winger was allowed to run unimpeded past two Salmon, before firing past a stranded Mataio; all that hard work undone to give the lead back to Meke with 20 to go.
Salmon pushed on for the equaliser, and it came from 2011’s Silver Boot Matthew Fulton. Pushed into the right back slot due to an ankle injury from a scything foul, Fulton came up for a corner and when the ball landed at his feet he declined, opting instead for a knee into the netting- no matter, they all count! 5-5
With 15 to go Salmon would be content with a draw, and sat nice and deep. We got one last chance to snatch it though, when a quick ball from midfield bounced through the legs of the last man to allow Craig a clear run on goal- the defender recovered to get alongside Craig and clipped him just outside the box- James Stewart, now with whistle, blew for the free kick as Meke moaned about a phantom dive.
The wall was set centre goal and the keeper decided to hide behind it, allowing a free look at the corner-Craig obliged with a driving shot for 6-5.
The last ten minutes was backs to the wall- Dave, Callum, Nic, Lane, Steve and Ray all crammed the box, as Mataio now stepped up big time to command the air. With only Sam up front Salmon allowed Meke opportunities to attack at will. But the Salmon were stubborn and resolute, and tenaciously asked James to blow the whistle every ten seconds for the final two minutes before he obliged.
What does this say about the Salmon? It says we still have the fighting spirit we were once renowned for, it says we like to ship soft goals, but conversely can score just as easily, and it says that we are now in third spot and have every right to challenge for the title.
Saturday, April 28, 2012
Two wins in a row
Salmon sitting pretty in third after a 11 goal thriller v. Waterside Karori Meke-
More to follow
Thursday, April 19, 2012
A win at last!-BNU Plague 1- WU Salmon 5
Brooklyn Northern United Plague 1- Wellington United Salmon 5
(Halftime 0-0)
Wellington College Turf
Scorers:
Craig Ireson (4)
Steve Westcott
MOM Points:
Craig Ireson (3 pts)
Steve Westcott (2 pts)
Adam Holloway (1 pt)
Last night marked a triumphant return to form, and points for Wellington United Salmon on the spanking new Wgtn College Turf.
A strong first half defensive effort repelled the Plague, and the Salmon were unlucky not to open the scoring with a dominance reflected by 6 corners to 1. Only some scrambling defence and keeping heroics from BNU kept the scoresheet clean. At our end the defence was ably marshalled by Adam Holloway, and after Tom Murphy went off new recruit Tom Haig slotted seamlessly into his place.
The 2nd half had the Salmon running with a strong tail wind. A lung bursting run by Steve Westcott ten minutes in had him shake off three defenders and drive to the byeline, where he shot at the near post despite an unmarked Skipper and Fulton in the middle- was it to be a spurned chance for the Salmon to open the scoring? not a chance, the shot deflected off the post into the path of Craig who toe-poked it home. Salmon now found a groove, and a ball won by Ashby in the centre was collected by Craig who picked out the right wing run of Steve W. With an acre of space Steve ran into the box and powered home the 2nd.
Salmon kept applying pressure winning free kicks and corners galore. After 25 minutes one such corner was taken by craig and was hit far too well, evading the head of Nic and Tom, and the flapping arms of the 'keeper to land directly in the net- 3-0.
BNU decided to roll the dice and pushed forward- their persistence paid off after a long shot was parried by Rich Martin and a BNU striker followed up unmarked to slot their opener.
BNU really pushed hard now, and despite sopme ropey moments like unmarked players heading straight to Rich Martin, the Salmon slowly regained some ascendancy thanks to some trench warfare at the back.
With BNU pushing their was loads of room to exploit at the back and a Nic Preddle through ball had Craig one v one with the keeper; the lobbed finish landing just inside the left hand post for 4-1.
BNU were now out for the count and Ashby and Fulton, still full of running both had opportunities to increase the lead. Salmon's move of the night was started from the back; Rich Martin rolled the ball to Arich Hallam who found Nic Preddle, unable to send it long Nic passed back to Rich who spied the run of Craig- a well weighted long ball set the skipper free once more and he didn't waste it- firing past the keeper fro 5-1.
The Salmon were hungry for more and Steve Westcott, Tom Haig, Nic and Craig marauded down the right. In the end the clock was the enemy, although in this mood the salmon coudl have played until the kid's came skipping back for wood shop in the morning.
A thoroughly deserved win against a good natured opposition. well done lads, lets build on this momentum.http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif
Great to see the fans flock to the bleachers as well, with Kahu supporting on the sideline.
The table is still extremly tight and we are well positioned:
http://www.sportingpulse.com/comp_info.cgi?c=1-4205-0-209957-0&pool=1&round=0&a=LADDER
(Halftime 0-0)
Wellington College Turf
Scorers:
Craig Ireson (4)
Steve Westcott
MOM Points:
Craig Ireson (3 pts)
Steve Westcott (2 pts)
Adam Holloway (1 pt)
Last night marked a triumphant return to form, and points for Wellington United Salmon on the spanking new Wgtn College Turf.
A strong first half defensive effort repelled the Plague, and the Salmon were unlucky not to open the scoring with a dominance reflected by 6 corners to 1. Only some scrambling defence and keeping heroics from BNU kept the scoresheet clean. At our end the defence was ably marshalled by Adam Holloway, and after Tom Murphy went off new recruit Tom Haig slotted seamlessly into his place.
The 2nd half had the Salmon running with a strong tail wind. A lung bursting run by Steve Westcott ten minutes in had him shake off three defenders and drive to the byeline, where he shot at the near post despite an unmarked Skipper and Fulton in the middle- was it to be a spurned chance for the Salmon to open the scoring? not a chance, the shot deflected off the post into the path of Craig who toe-poked it home. Salmon now found a groove, and a ball won by Ashby in the centre was collected by Craig who picked out the right wing run of Steve W. With an acre of space Steve ran into the box and powered home the 2nd.
Salmon kept applying pressure winning free kicks and corners galore. After 25 minutes one such corner was taken by craig and was hit far too well, evading the head of Nic and Tom, and the flapping arms of the 'keeper to land directly in the net- 3-0.
BNU decided to roll the dice and pushed forward- their persistence paid off after a long shot was parried by Rich Martin and a BNU striker followed up unmarked to slot their opener.
BNU really pushed hard now, and despite sopme ropey moments like unmarked players heading straight to Rich Martin, the Salmon slowly regained some ascendancy thanks to some trench warfare at the back.
With BNU pushing their was loads of room to exploit at the back and a Nic Preddle through ball had Craig one v one with the keeper; the lobbed finish landing just inside the left hand post for 4-1.
BNU were now out for the count and Ashby and Fulton, still full of running both had opportunities to increase the lead. Salmon's move of the night was started from the back; Rich Martin rolled the ball to Arich Hallam who found Nic Preddle, unable to send it long Nic passed back to Rich who spied the run of Craig- a well weighted long ball set the skipper free once more and he didn't waste it- firing past the keeper fro 5-1.
The Salmon were hungry for more and Steve Westcott, Tom Haig, Nic and Craig marauded down the right. In the end the clock was the enemy, although in this mood the salmon coudl have played until the kid's came skipping back for wood shop in the morning.
A thoroughly deserved win against a good natured opposition. well done lads, lets build on this momentum.http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif
Great to see the fans flock to the bleachers as well, with Kahu supporting on the sideline.
The table is still extremly tight and we are well positioned:
http://www.sportingpulse.com/comp_info.cgi?c=1-4205-0-209957-0&pool=1&round=0&a=LADDER
Monday, April 16, 2012
Wellington United Salmon 3- University Unicorns 9
Wellington United Salmon 3- University Unicorns 9
Half time (0-4)
Melrose
Scorers
Craig (2)
Danny
MOM
Lane Nichols (3pts)
Michael Ashby (2pts)
Stephen Jessup (1pt)
Salmon turned up for round two on a grassy Melrose with many of the lads who drew with JJs away, meaning we had to call on Danny for a hand and had a very light subs bench, with Stephen Jessup taking the Whistle in the first half to warm up.
We managed to compete for a good 30 minutes or so, and only conceded after Adam misread a bouncing ball, letting it land at their striker’s feet. He duly dispatched it for 1-0.
There it stayed for a long while, and although we attacked down the right through Steve Westcott and the left through Ashby we didn’t manage a single shot all half. Uni on the other hand started to find a passing groove and scored three quick goals before the break to effectively kill of the tie; this was doubly the case as Salmon spirits were flagging and without a single shot it looked unlikely we’d come back.
The half time talk was all about forgetting the score line and getting stuck in and enjoying the game. It seemed to work, since within 5 minutes of the restart, we had mustered 3 chances.
All this was undone by a combination of the defence standing off to let their strikers run with the ball and their strikers having an unnerving ability to find the net. Three more quick goals had the Salmon reeling at 7-0.
That’s when the famed, but oft unseen, Salmon fighting spirit kicked in. The midfield started to gel, with Lane, Steve W and Danny all finding each other’s feet. A quick ball to Craig’s feet had him turn in the box and find the lower left corner for 7-1- an unlikely comeback perhaps? Craig soon enough hit the bar again and Danny was pinging range finders on target but within reach of their keeper.
Not to be, two more goals from their lot had us staring down the barrel of our fourth double figure hiding. This seemed inevitable when their ref awarded a 50-50 hand ball penalty, after some heated discussion their striker fluffed the chance, hitting the bar. This seemed to spark the salmon back to life. Danny was set free and slotted home past the keeper, before the Salmon finished the game with a goal fo real quality. Jessup started the move from right back, passing to a deep lying Craig who found Danny; Fulton and Ashby drew their defenders wide with good runs and Danny and Steve wall-passed into range before Steve rolled the ball into the Skippers path for a 20 yard screamer.
It was justly deserved and showed what we are capable of with a bit of wit and polish. Although the score sheet makes for sad reading those that were there were buoyed by the fight back.
Three MOM points to Lane who out himself about and battled for the 80 minutes he played, 2 points for Ashby who created plenty of chances. 1 point to Steve who reffed well and then showed plenty of positive attitude at right back in the 2nd half.
With a quick turn around against fellow cellar dwellers BNU this Wednesday we have to put the negatives out of mind and pick up the positives.
Half time (0-4)
Melrose
Scorers
Craig (2)
Danny
MOM
Lane Nichols (3pts)
Michael Ashby (2pts)
Stephen Jessup (1pt)
Salmon turned up for round two on a grassy Melrose with many of the lads who drew with JJs away, meaning we had to call on Danny for a hand and had a very light subs bench, with Stephen Jessup taking the Whistle in the first half to warm up.
We managed to compete for a good 30 minutes or so, and only conceded after Adam misread a bouncing ball, letting it land at their striker’s feet. He duly dispatched it for 1-0.
There it stayed for a long while, and although we attacked down the right through Steve Westcott and the left through Ashby we didn’t manage a single shot all half. Uni on the other hand started to find a passing groove and scored three quick goals before the break to effectively kill of the tie; this was doubly the case as Salmon spirits were flagging and without a single shot it looked unlikely we’d come back.
The half time talk was all about forgetting the score line and getting stuck in and enjoying the game. It seemed to work, since within 5 minutes of the restart, we had mustered 3 chances.
All this was undone by a combination of the defence standing off to let their strikers run with the ball and their strikers having an unnerving ability to find the net. Three more quick goals had the Salmon reeling at 7-0.
That’s when the famed, but oft unseen, Salmon fighting spirit kicked in. The midfield started to gel, with Lane, Steve W and Danny all finding each other’s feet. A quick ball to Craig’s feet had him turn in the box and find the lower left corner for 7-1- an unlikely comeback perhaps? Craig soon enough hit the bar again and Danny was pinging range finders on target but within reach of their keeper.
Not to be, two more goals from their lot had us staring down the barrel of our fourth double figure hiding. This seemed inevitable when their ref awarded a 50-50 hand ball penalty, after some heated discussion their striker fluffed the chance, hitting the bar. This seemed to spark the salmon back to life. Danny was set free and slotted home past the keeper, before the Salmon finished the game with a goal fo real quality. Jessup started the move from right back, passing to a deep lying Craig who found Danny; Fulton and Ashby drew their defenders wide with good runs and Danny and Steve wall-passed into range before Steve rolled the ball into the Skippers path for a 20 yard screamer.
It was justly deserved and showed what we are capable of with a bit of wit and polish. Although the score sheet makes for sad reading those that were there were buoyed by the fight back.
Three MOM points to Lane who out himself about and battled for the 80 minutes he played, 2 points for Ashby who created plenty of chances. 1 point to Steve who reffed well and then showed plenty of positive attitude at right back in the 2nd half.
With a quick turn around against fellow cellar dwellers BNU this Wednesday we have to put the negatives out of mind and pick up the positives.
Thursday, April 5, 2012
The Season kicks off- WU Salmon vs. Island Bay JJs
The 2012 season kicked off last night with the newly relegated Salmon debuting in Div 10 against the nomadic JJ's of Island Bay, formerly of Petone. Some new faces were joined by some old with the return of Tom Murphy to add steel to the defence.
Salmon had the better running of the first half but the skipper squandered three good chanes to score to leave it 0-0 at the break. New recruit Steve Westcott, formerly of Upper Hutt, scored a cracking solo goal from midfield, before JJ's big timber pulled one back from a pinpoint corner- there it ended 1-1, a good resuly and more a point earned in the end rather than 3 pts lost, as Richard Martin was the busier of the two keepers with many fine saves.
Island Bay JJ's 1- WU Salmon 1
Wakefield Park #1
(Half time 0-0)
Scorer: Steve Westcott
MOM: Steve Westcott (3pts)
Richard Martin (2pts)
Tom Murphy (1pt)
Salmon had the better running of the first half but the skipper squandered three good chanes to score to leave it 0-0 at the break. New recruit Steve Westcott, formerly of Upper Hutt, scored a cracking solo goal from midfield, before JJ's big timber pulled one back from a pinpoint corner- there it ended 1-1, a good resuly and more a point earned in the end rather than 3 pts lost, as Richard Martin was the busier of the two keepers with many fine saves.
Island Bay JJ's 1- WU Salmon 1
Wakefield Park #1
(Half time 0-0)
Scorer: Steve Westcott
MOM: Steve Westcott (3pts)
Richard Martin (2pts)
Tom Murphy (1pt)
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