Match Report- Cup Play off 2012

Capital Division Ten- Play off for 7/8 Places

Naenae Unify 3- Wellington United Salmon 3

(Half time 1-3)

Naenae Park

Scorer:
Craig Ireson (3)

MOM Points

Craig Ireson- 3 pts

Michael Ashby- 2 pts

Richard Martin – 1pt

SALMON SHARE THE SPOILS, AS RUBBISH PITCH RUINS THE LAST HURRAH

This was such a bizarre game it is worth writing up in full.

With the 22 man squad at full stretch salmon only just managed to field a fit 11 at game time, relying on ex-keeper Sami to take the gloves (freeing Rich Martin to mid field) and Sunday Blazer Mataio. With Dave Armstrong having to leave at half time to catch a plane to Auckland and James Stewart on injury watch, we knew from the outset 11 players wasn’t going to be enough.

Naenae Park had clearly seen better days, with three or four huge mud puddles in the centre, although the wings seemed in good nick. We got underway and made immediate headway down the left, with Ashby running smartly onto through balls from Sam, Mataio and Rich in the middle. It didn’t take long for the breakthrough, as the sticky pitch made it hard for Naenae to clear and Craig pounced on a loose ball just inside the box and chipped home over the keeper for 1-0.

The home referee soon evened things up when Naenae pushed down the right and into the box for the first time, the striker seemed to be clipped by Callum’s tackle and the penalty was awarded-although he himself admitted it was no such thing. The podgy striker made no mistake for 1-1.

But Salmon were on form- a Mataio through ball drew the keeper out wide and left, and Craig ran through to guide the ball into the empty net from 18 yards for 2-1.

Salmon were dominant now, especially down the left as Dave and Ashby kept working hard to create chances- Ashby had a great shot after a long run forward and earned a corner, and then soon after he scuffed a pass to Craig, and as the defence held off in expectation of the second attempt he chipped a great shot against the cross bar, surprising everyone.

Naenae must have sensed Ashby was the danger man because the next time he ran forward he was clattered from behind and, as he fell, he tripped his assailant. The red mist descended and what was an innocuous 50-50 became a serious assault- the guy jumped up and punched Ashby in the jaw; then stood over him like a maniac. All hell broke loose, but to the Salmon’s credit we kept it tight, and to Naenae’s credit they realised the severity and he was given his marching orders.

We made them pay immediately as the free kick was whipped in to the 6 yard box by Craig, and the keeper totally misjudged the speed, palming it into the net for 3-1.

With Dave due to fly to Auckland at half time we proceeded to try and make them pay but could not manage a fourth.

In the second half we started brightly again- Callum got goal side down the right and put some good balls across, Sam was played in a few times and Ashby kept up the running-Naenae pulled one back after about 20 minutes, it was well finished but was against the run of play.

When James pulled up lame after  25 minutes salmon lost all shape, on a normal pitch its hard to play with nine- on a quagmire its nigh on impossible. To our immense credit we managed to keep them out for about ten minutes but with ten to go they equalised and then we were just holding on-Their finishing was dire though-they had plenty of chances to win it. At the whistle it was 3-3 – if we had 11 men we would have trounced them, with 9 we only just managed to hold on.

4 match reports in one!

Mega synopsis of the last 4 weeks:

Waterside Karori Meke 7- WU Salmon 3

(Halftime 3-2)

Benburn Park, Karori

Scorers:
Craig Ireson

Matthew Fulton (2)

MOM Points:

Matthew Fulton (3)
Lane Nichols (2)

Tom Murphy (1)

Short synopsis

It was a chilling arctic wind and a waterlogged pitch which met the hardy Salmon who trekked to the cloud city of Karori for the rematch of the epic first round match in which Salmon snuck home with a free kick in the dying minutes. Alas, it wasn’t to be- despite taking the wind Meke got three early goals including an own goal from poor old James.

Salmon finally woke up with a tap in from Craig, set up by Mataio (our friendly ring in, now playing outfield as Richard Martin made a last minute dash to the game). The second was set up by Craig but finished off superbly by Fulton- 3-2 at the break- the second half stayed 3-2 for an age, but salmon struggled into the wind and failed to really penetrate. Steve Westcott made a mad dash to the line and was brought down but no penalty was given (Dave probably had sleet in his eyelids weighing them down). Meke scored another 4 and Fulton finished with a spectacular second from distance and a tight angle to pick up man of match. Had we started better and kept them scores in the first half then we could have won.

Naenae Unify 1- WU Salmon 4

(Halftime 0-2)

Benburn Park, Karori

Scorers:
Craig Ireson (2)

Steve Westcott

Matthew Fulton

MOM Points:

Louie McDougal-Moore (3)
Richard Martin (2)

Callum Crane (1)

Short synopsis

One of the games of the year- a rubbish pitch, no nets, a thrown together team and a biased ref in gumboots, but we played some of the nicest, most controlled footie of the season. Steve Westcott popped a ball over the top and Craig bet Sam to the ball, rounding the keeper to score after ten minutes. Then ring in Jonathon Hudson played a superb ball through for Craig to latch on and drive home for 2-0 at the break. Steve Scored a calm finish form the top of the box after 60 or so, then on a rare foray forward Naenae scored after Callum diverted a cross into the goal (and he played so well otherwise!) then Naenae came at us, but the defence was stout and measured. We broke away right at the end to win a corner and Fulton scored with his head with the last play of the game- A very good performance

Wellington United Salmon 1- Petone For Sure 5

(Halftime 1-2)

Wakefield Park

Scorer:
Craig Ireson

MOM Points:

Matthew Fulton (3)
Max Rashbrooke (2)

Richard Martin (1)

Short synopsis

Max’s debut and a good one at that- We were a bit rubbish early on again, and conceded a couple of goals to the old route one- then Lane failed to notice me hanging 5 metres off side so I got to score an off side one on one- Given how many times I am called up each season when on side I don’t mind taking the odd one like that.

What else? A game we could have won and they were definitely not 4 goals better, but good on them- they took their chances and wanted it more.

We went out for a few pints afterwards and Sunday was a long and far too bright day.

North Wellington 7 -Wellington United Salmon 2

(Halftime 5-0)

Newlands Park

Scorers:
Craig Ireson
Max Rashbrooke

MOM

Tom Haig- 3 pts

Stephen Jessup- 2 pts

Ashby-1 pt

The no nets thing must be catching! Any way they got them in the end and we were only delayed 20 minutes while we waited. Again this is a head scratcher- we played some very nice football but conceded 5 goals to their tidy forward ‘Jono’- The second half was ours, with a Craig poach from a keeper’s spill off Steve W’s long shot and a Max tap in form a double nutmeg corner- but them we conceded too late goals to blow the score out.

Again another game where we could have gotten a result if:

1.      We’d put away a couple more chances (Craig had two, Danny had one, Fulton and Ashby each conspired to miss the same chance!)

2.      Paid a bit more attention at defensive set pieces and eliminated silly errors along the back to make it more difficult for them to score.

In fact that’s the story of the season- compared to the past two years a HUGE improvement- but really we are left with what could have been. Just oen more win and draw would have seen us in fourth place, instead we are left once again just above the relegation zone.

We have tough cup draw (Norths, Meke, Plague) but have been the underachievers of the division I think- so time to toughen up and start achieving!

The cup is different- its one shot, and the game can change in an instance- the most important thing is to start well and make it damn tough for them to concede- oh, and Ashby- this would be a good time to get your debut goal mate!

Salmon avoid losing like the Plague

Wellington United Salmon 2- Brooklyn Northern United 1
Halftime 1-1
Newtown Park

Scorer:
Craig Ireson (2)

MOM Points
Adam Ray -3
Dave Armstrong 2
Callum 1

We won! Nuff Said? oh, alright- The Plague put up a pretty good fight, but were fairly toothless up front. We dominated and played nice football but couldn't put them away until about 12 minutes to go. it got pretty niggly becuase it was so close byt Dave did a damn fine job with the whistle, as well as putting a good shift in as left back in the first half. Both goals came from Craig- first was after their right back coughed up possesion (needlessly) after Ashby put him under some pressure- Craig pounced and driled the ball home. Second was via a long ball from Nic, which bisected the last man and Keeper- Craig took it off them and despite being fouled by the keeper managed to stay upright to prod home into an emptty net from 6 yards.

Overall a fun game BNU are good guys and came back for a beer in the club, but really we did it tough when we mostly outpassed and outplayed them.

Unicorns too good for Salmon

Victoria University Unicorns 4- WU Salmon 2

Halftime 2-1

Wellington College Turf

Scorers

Sam Mills

Matt Fulton

MOM Pts

Sam Mills 3 Pts

Callum Crane 2 Pts

Richard Martin 1 Pt

When is a loss like a win? When you are comprehensively beaten by a team by 6 goals, then turn up to play them again and, despite matching them in the first 30 minutes, go down to 2 well taken goals, only to storm back to take the game down to the wire.

As I said post match; if we played like this every week we’d be chaellnging for the top two, rather than midtable.

We started with ten men so had to grab a Wgtn College boy to fill in for the first five minutes while Tom got ready. We also had the services of Louis mcDonald- since his father John  used to play a few games for the Salmon it means that we are now a 2nd generational team!

The first ten minutes, possibly more, were a real tussle. We sat back nice and deep and absorbed what they threw at us, much to their frustration. After 20 minutes or so they broke through- their deaf striker had a great first touch and finish. Soon after it was two and we were looking at a long night ahead.

Then we won a corner from a Preddle through ball- Craig's cross found Sam unmarked just inside the box and he drilled his header home.

2-1 at the break and Uni knew we were a different team to last time.

We looked deadly down the flanks, with Ashby on the left and Callum on the right marauding- alas they got a third after 15 mins in the 2nd half- A drilled shot was saved by Rich but he couldn't get up for the rebound whcih dribbled over the line- Tom cleared but the ref signalled the goal. We held on and kept at them, working our way into the game- Ashby set up Fulton whose chip shot was just clawed wide by the keeper, and Nic was getting into shooting range.

With the clock running down Uni started pushing for the killer 4th, but when they hit yet another shot wide of the mark the ensuing goal kick was drillled down field, and (as discussed at lenght in the pub afterwards) no fewer than four Salmon nudged the ball onwards toward goal before Fulton finished witha fine chip from a tight angle to make it 3-2 with 7 to play. Uni were worried and their defensive fraility started to shopw as the Salmon now pushed with purpose.

The fight back was short lived, as we pushed they unleashed a ball down the right- a deep lying Lane had the ball skid past him and their tall timber forward ran onto it. Despite missing a mulititude of chances in the match he made this one count. 4-2 with 5 to play. Salmon finished well, winning a further two corners. It was all too late. We acquited ourselves well and gave Uni a run for their dosh, but when it comes down to it Uni are quite simply a better team, not a great team & not wuite as good as they think they are, but clearly the best team in this league, who should now go onto win it. But in football any team can have their day and if we meet them again in the cup we need only play like we did last Thursday to run them close again. 

We also showed we are good enough to foot it with any team in this league when we start strong and fight for the 90.

Salmon hold second place JJs

Wgtn Utd Salmon 3- Island Bay JJs 3

(Half time 3-1)

MacAllister

MOM Pts

Tom Haig 3

Matt Fulton 2

Steve Westcott 1

This was a very credible result, and although many of the Salmon felt disheartened at giving away a two goal lead the reality is that Island Bay, sitting in second spot, were always going to be a tough opponent, and to grind out a draw where in recent times we would have capitulated is heartening.

Salmon had the bare 11 at kick off, and JJ’s had ten. So a quick call to James Stewart had him arrive within ten minutes to take the whistle, by which time JJs’ 11^th player arrived.

Salmon started like a force of nature, in fact the first fifteen minutes was probably our best start to a game yet and it set the scene for the entire match.

Within the first minute Sam Mills fed a long ball past their flat back four for Craig to run onto. The keeper was drawn out to cover but Craig won the foot race, lunging to toe poke it past the keeper into the empty net for 1-0.

Island Bay were quite clearly stunned as Salmon came again, this time Craig set up Sam who ran into the box, stopped and fed the ball back to the Skipper. Poor Ashby, unmarked at the far post, had to watch the skipper waste another chance with a miscued shot. It was a let off for Island Bay. A let off that lasted about ten seconds. The keeper took the goal kick and generously passed it to Craig at the top of the box who trapped and returned it forthwith into the net. 2-0.

Any momentum JJ’s did manage to generate towards our goal was ably deflected by our back four of Tom H, Adam, Tom M and Dave, and when this was breached Rich Martin saved smartly.

Salmon now drove on to finish the job, with Steve, Ashby, Callum and Sam all looking lively. Sam was certainly worrying their defence, that was until he was on the wrong end of a chop which sent him off the field for 5 minutes, and did enough to stall our momentum. Island Bay now rallied and soon after won a string of corners which were all well dealt with bar one. A clearance fell to their right wing who lined up a 20 yard drive which managed to find its way through the wall of Salmon for a 2-1 scoreline.

Salmon were not finished however as just before the break Steve broke down the right and crossed an inch perfect ball to the 6 yard box where Fulton had found himself unmarked for a nod in. 3-1 at the break.

Salmon were bolstered at half time by the arrival of Nic and Lane. The tactics were to sit nice and deep and let JJ’s come at us, absorb it and then break away. These tactics almost worked to perfection as Sam Mills broke down the left to cue up Lane who almost bet the keeper with a low shot. The first ten minutes of the half were in fact a continuation of the first, and if Salmon had taken one of the chances presented the game could have been won then and there.

As it was Salmon tired as the pressure was put on by JJ’s. Their tall timber centre forward claimed a loose ball and poked in their second. A rare Salmon corner was well taken by Sam and saw Tom head over the bar from close range. With 20 to go it seemed as though all 11 players were defending, in fact at one point all eleven were in the box.

With ten to go JJ’s equalised, when their bespectacled striker turned in a shot despite the close attention of Nic and Craig. JJ’s finished strong, looking to pick up the winner but to no avail, Salmon held on to claim a valuable point.

A season is made up of gritty results which includes wins and draws- I firmly believe that this was a point earned rather than two points dropped and sets us up nicely for this Thursday evenings gamer against table topping Varsity.

Petone For Sure 3- Wellington United Salmon 4

Petone For Sure 3- Wellington United Salmon 4

(Halftime 2-2)

Te Whiti Park

Scorers:
Craig Ireson (3)
Jonathon Hudson

MOM Points:

Jonathon Hudson -3pts

Michael Ashby – 2pts

Craig Ireson-1pt

Salmon were looking very short on Friday with only 9 players available- a call to the club was met with some reinforcements from the Elite and former Salmon Jonathon Hudson, who now plays for the Third team.

To add to the sense of disorganisation Capital Football had double booked us on Petone #2 so moved us to 12.30, then decided to move us again to the lush League pastures of Te Whiti Park.

So it was almost a result in itself that at 12.00 we had a full squad of 14 turn up, with Wazza making his 2012 debut.

Within 2 minutes Salmon had opened the scoring, something we were not used to doing so soon. Jessup sent a carefully weighted through ball over the defence for Jonathon to run onto, and run he did. He drove towards the near post, drawing out the keeper before rolling it across the box to Craig who slotted a simple left footed tap in.

Salmon then took the ascendancy, winning plenty of ball in the middle and releasing the wings for romps. Despite the organised manner it was a disorganised Petone defence which contributed to the second. Steve Westcott put a ball through for Craig, which was intercepted by the Centre Back on half way. Confused and under pressure he turned and played it into the path of Craig who took it in his stride and pushed past the cover defence to score a 1v1 against a now very irate Petone keeper. Craig was played in for a third after Jonathon picked him out with a pin point chip into the box, but the keeper smothered the rushed shot.

To their credit Petone scrambled, and with the strong wind at their backs picked up a first against the run of play with a long, looping cross –shot from the left.

With ten to go until the break Petone got a comic equaliser, as Richard M. and the defence got the wires cross and their head-banded striker, a ring in from Miramar no less, got between them to head into the goal. The comedy came from Tom H. and Adam H. falling over themselves to usher the ball into the goal, fighting a losing battle as the wind pushed the ball onward.

Petone pushed for a third but Salmon held out; it was probably a fair reflection of the half that it was a deadlock but the wind was worth at least one goal in the second half.

And so it transpired. The next 35 minutes were all Orange- The Elite lads really played their part, as did Ashby, running hard and pressuring the middle of the park. The third came from a wind assisted long ball which Craig took around the keeper for another tap in.

The goals could have kept coming but for a few smart saves from the agile For Sure keeper. Matt Fulton could have had his seconds for the season when he narrowly missed from a corner. The fourth goal came from Wazza marauding down the left wing; a cross was pushed onto the post by Fulton and the rebound fell kindly to Jonathon at the far post for a tap in. 4-2 with 15 to go and the salmon were in cruise control.

But it wasn’t to be a cruisy end after another mix up at the back allowed their bandanna’d predator a second goal with 9 to play. Salmon now went backs to the wall as Petone pushed for the equaliser. It would have been a travesty had they found it as Salmon were the better team throughout the day save for a few key moments. Just like against the Meke Salmon managed to hold out and took all three points, climbing back up the table to fourth.

Well done lads, the challenge is now to back it up with an even better performance this coming Saturday at Melrose against the youthful North Wellington.

Salmon lose to Naenae

Wellington United Salmon 0- Naenae Unify 5
(Halftime 0-4) Wakefield Park

MOM pts 
James Stewart-3 Tim Murphy 2 Nic Preddle-1

Not much to say lads except we paid the price for a fairly gutless first 45 minutes, allowing Naenae to outmuscle us and score four relatively soft goals. We had our chances early, and towards the end of the first half we rallied to get some shots away, but we never really threatened.

To our credit we manned up in the second half and showed a bit more grit, James and Tom M in particular began to stamp their authority on the defence, but Naenae scored a fifth and we failed to score at all, and even if we had four early, unanswered goals killed off any hopes of a famous Salmon come back.

The league is still incredibly tight and despite this set back we are still in the running- all we can do is learn from the experience and turn up this Saturday  against Petone and give them a run for their money.

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.

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

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.

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)

Lights go out on Cup charge

Wellington United Salmon 1- Petone For Sure 3
(Half time 0-2)
Wakefield Park #1

Scorer: Craig

MOM points
Kahu Kirikiri- 3 pts
Richard Hallam - 2 pts
Simon Healy 1 pt

Match report by Mr J. Dow

LIGHTS GO OUT ON SALMON CUP CHARGE

The sometimes mighty Salmon faced the Petone For Sure team in a must win Cup match at the salubrious Wakefield Park under lights on a still crisp Monday night.

The Petone team turned up early looking keen and eager and with a large squad determined to get the win which would push them in to a coveted Cup Final appearance, whilst the Salmon looked confident and relaxed pre match.

The Salmon started the match bright and urgent and initially looked the more likely team with the good playing surface conducive to moving the ball accurately and at pace causing Petone some early problems.

However, when a Salmon goalkick landed near the half way line and no one challenged for the ball a Petone fullback hoofed the ball forward and a clever flick on from their striker was suddenly heading for the back of the net for a lucky opening goal. Petone 1-0.

Petone had got the advantage and their confidence suddenly grew, their midfield battled hard, defenders took no prisoners and a couple of awkward but committed strikers were able to hold on to the ball and cause the Salmon defence a series of problems whenever they got the ball.

The Salmon pushed forward looking for the equilizer, Squirt was getting time on the ball in the middle of the park and was able to make a few runs forward, including unleashing a few long range efforts goalwards but off target.

Captain Craig was busily putting pressure on the Petone defenders and their keeper was looking a bit shaky, he was then injured going for a through ball and substituted off.

A tantalising Simon freekick found its way into the area and Captain Craig was clean through for what looked like a certain goal, but the bounce and speed of the ball saw him nudge it over the bar with the goalie completely beaten.

Wazza and Jeremy were working hard to get some ascendancy in the middle of the park with Kahu pushing forward to add support and Simon was constantly under pressure from their large and physical strikers, but keeping them at bay.

Richard H. and James had players running at them down the wings but generally held their own and broke up play before it became a real problem.

Fulton was getting some space on the right wing and on occassions got in behind the fullback and stretched the Petone defence.

The play was often going Petone’s way, aided by some strange refereeing decisions. A dubious foul throw against John D., a freekick against Squirt as he battled to win a corner and then a serious oversight when Captain Craig broke clear and was heading for goal only to be stopped for an “offside” which it clearly wasn’t.

Danny and Dave entered the fray out on the flanks and the Salmon continued to push forward. Dave covering huge amounts of ground with real purpose and urgency. Danny showed his ball playing ability and game awareness to find plenty of quality space which he exploited superbly.

Time and again Danny took players on and made progress, delivering passes at the end of a run that asked serious questions of Petone’s defenders, however despite forcing a couple of corners and freekicks, including one when Captain Craig was chopped on the edge of the box, the Salmon were simply not creating clear scoring opportunities and Petone kept hoofing the ball away up field.

Football can be a cruel mistress and Petone were relishing things going their way when a slow and indecisive clearance from the Salmon defence gifted them their second goal. Petone 2-0.

With their confidence boosted again, Petone laid siege to the Salmon goal, forcing corners, hitting the post twice, as well as forcing Richie Hallam to clear off the line, and generally making Richard Martin work overtime pulling off saves but failing to net a decisive third goal before the half time whistle.

Down 2-0 at the break, the Salmon had some hard work ahead of them to get back into the game.

Petone had their tails up and sensed a win was on offer, when a probing run down their left flank saw their winger clear in behind and a good cut back produced a shot that gave Richard in goal no chance. Petone 3-0 and was the Salmon dream over ?

With nothing to lose the Salmon lifted their intensity and urgency.

Danny kept making dangerous marauding runs forward, Squirt after some time on the bench reasserted himself and Captain Craig with some help from Fulton was pushing the Petone defence hard and gaps were starting to show.

Ashby, fresh from his Asian sojourn, had plenty of legs in the midfield to complement the industrious Jeremy and the Salmon were looking more dangerous and still in the game.

Kahu with an eye for the attacking option knocked a long ball into the path of Captain Craig, who with an excellent turn of pace out stripped the fullback, got himself into an excellent scoring position and duly converted the goal. Salmon 3-1 down but the dream was alive.

Suddenly the game was all on and when Wazza re emerged from the sidelines his swashbuckling style put Petone’s midfield under real pressure and Salmon were winning plenty of the ball and getting forward with a new found enthusiasm.

Richard in goal was directing the traffic at the back with confidence and purpose and with Simon as solid as ever the defensive platform was set for a late surge home and the Salmon went after the game.

Captain Craig knocked a ball through for John D. and the subsequent cut back didn’t produce the shot on target it should have. Craig then went through himself and got pushed wide before his cross/shot flew across the goalmouth and away to safety. John D. clipped a ball over the defence into space in the penalty area which neither Craig or Danny could just quite reach when a goal beckoned.

Still the Salmon battled hard to score again whilst Petone looked to break quickly but to no avail as the Salmon defence held firm.

Then with 5 minutes still on the clock, the lights and the Salmon’s brave Cup run with them, were extinguished.

As darkness descended on Wakefield Park and the reality of what was happening set in, Captain Craig with heavy heart and in deep distress made the honourable decision to concede the game, result and the Salmon’s victorious march to the 2011 Cup Final was well and truly over.

As the shell shocked Salmon troops traipsed off the park, Petone celebrated their team’s greatest achievement to date.

However, all was not lost, as the Salmon players were treated to some outstandingly high quality Beer in the changing rooms, courtesy of Steve Jessup and after some Moa Ale and Emerson Pilsener, it was widely agreed that life wasn’t so bad afterall, and on another day with a kinder and more sympathetic bounce of the ball, it could easily have been the occasionally mighty Salmon who would be preparing for a Cup Final appearance next week.

Salmons Rise as Legends Falter

Div 9/10 'B' Cup- Round One
Wellington United Legends 3-Wellington United Salmon 3
(Halftime 1-3)

Te Whaea

Scorers:
Craig Ireson (2)
Richard 'Squirt' Morrison

MOM Points
Richard 'Squirt' Morrison - 3 pts
Simon Healy- 2 pts
Jeremy Norman/Warrick Jackson- 1 pt each

Match report by John Dow:

SALMON LEAP WHILE LEGENDS FALL, THEN RISE

A stunningly beautiful clear night welcomed the leaping Salmon to Te Whaea for the first round Cup clash with the Legends on Friday August 5.
The Salmon were in buoyant mood after the excellent last round victory over the Tawa Bears, the team’s first win in over 2 and 1/2 months, a result that had put the team level with the Legends on the final league table, but with an inferior goal difference.
With conditions perfect, the surface excellent, the Salmon willing and the Legends starting the match in a sluggish mode it was quickly one way traffic towards the Legends goal.
Within the first few minutes a well flighted freekick from Simon was knocked onwards by Fulton into the welcoming run of Captain Craig in the 6 yard box and it was 1-0.
The Salmon midfield were completely dominating and the team pushed forward at every opportunity with the Legends offering minimal resistance. Nic and Johny were well on top and Jeremy was getting plenty of ball going forward and often outpacing his opponents down the flank, while Fulton was proving a handful on the wide right.
Squirt was covering a huge amount of territory and looking very strong and creative on the ball in a top level all round performance.
It was his own excellent work just outside the penalty area that created space for an outstanding long range effort that left the keeper scrambling to no good effect and it was 2-0 to the Salmon.
The Salmon defence was holding firm with Richard and James blocking the flanks and Simon and Wazza despite a couple of mis communications generally having the better of the Legends attack.
Captain Craig was getting a plethora of ball in good positions and once hit the post and then saw another goal bound strike superbly pushed away by a keeper who was seeing plenty of the ball and feeling totally vulnerable and exposed by a fragile, disorganised defence.
Another goal finally came Craig’s way, and it was a good quality longer range effort from a difficult angle.
The Salmon were on fire and in complete control of the match having produced their best display this season for over 30 minutes leaving the Legends chasing shadows and at 3-0 it looked like a big score was beckoning.
However, the Legends made a few intelligent substitutions, reorganised their midfield and defence and started to push players forward and the game’s momentum started to shift.
A midfield scramble saw Squirt dispossessed in a dangerous position and the Legends player thrashed a shot from 30 metres into the top of the net and the Legends were getting back in the game.
The Salmon midfield were starting to lose their earlier control, players were tiring and balls forward slowed down and the game evened out as half time approached.
While the Legends rotated players regularly the Salmon stuck with the original eleven and intelligently battled it out till half time with the 3-1 lead preserved.
The second half saw a decidedly more motivated, aggressive and better organised Legends team take the field with winning the match firmly on their minds.
The Salmon were in for a massive battle to retain the lead and the defence ably led by Simon were under huge pressure as the Legends pushed forward at speed and in numbers.
A slick passing move saw an opportunity open up and suddenly the Legends scored and were right back in the match.
Despite the pressure and attacking determination of the Legends the Salmon also started to carve out a few opportunities of their own and the game swung from end to end.
However, it was the Legends who scored again to bring the teams level at 3-3 with 20 minutes to go and they started to look the more likely to go on and win the match.
The Salmon kept fighting hard and with some fresh legs added to the fray started to make some dangerous inroads into the Legends defence and a few genuine chances started to appear.
The Legends goalkeeper muffed a goal kick and Captain Craig nearly had a golden scoring opportunity and a corner from John D. was nearly met by Wazza who threw himself forward in the penalty area.
Johny Sneyd and Lane started to once again get some go forward in the midfield and Dave A. burst down the left like a man possessed while Squirt returned to his first half form in patches that clearly worried the Legends.
However, the Legends still fancied there chances of a come from behind win and the Salmon defence continued to be put under immense pressure which they handled very well, Adam and Dave as fullbacks tackled solidly while Simon and Wazza held firm in the middle ably supported by Richard in goal who had a solid match, while the midfield continuously tracked back and worked very hard defensively.
The Salmon constantly forced the Legends wide and quickly dispatched any loose ball forward or if required over the sideline which proved an effective approach and successfully kept the Legends at bay.
Some quick balls forward also had the Salmon looking dangerous and some late corners should have produced more scoring chances but it was not to be and the game ended as a 3-3 draw, the same score as the first match of the season between the same teams.

Can the Salmon now go on and put a bucketful of goals past the Karori Rovers and Petone teams and reach the Cup Final through a superior goal difference to the Legends who will be hoping to do the same themselves ?

Will the Rovers or Petone cause an upset and trip either the Salmon or Legends up by grabbing a result or successfully keeping the goals against down ?

Is Friday Night Football on the Artificial Pitch the primary reason for a large, keen squad or have some of the Salmon “part timers” sensed a late season Cup winning surge is now a distinct possibility and something they want to be part of ?

Will Captain Craig get another call up to Capital Division One just when the Salmon need him to maintain his goal scoring form that can take the team to a Cup Final ?

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??

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

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 ??

Oh dear- a walloping

WU Salmon 1 UH Saints 12
(Half time 0-9)
Melrose

Scorer: Jeremy
MOMPts
Jeremy 3
Terry 2
James Stewart 1

Incredibly hard to put this into words, so thank f*#k i don't have to- John Dow has opted for humour. As much as we were poor, and we were, we also did not have an ounce of luck go our way. The test of character wasn't last weekend it will be next weekend when we have to dust ourselves off and let who ever is unlucky enough to play us next know that we are pissed off.

i think a training is in order _thursday or Wednesday at the Chinese cultural centre- passing and defending will be the main focus.
Lastly, it was a rubbish time to be the club team and have to do bar duty so thanks to those who helped out- especially James and Matthew who stayed til the end- it shows character to hang around after a thumping and sink some beers at the clubby!

Was it our worst ever loss? probably but like i said it will be worse if we let us get to us-

Over to Mr Dow:


BABOONS SILENCED BY SALMON CAPITULATION

Wellington Zookeeper Rupert Ramshaw reported that for the first time in living memory his beloved Baboons were in stunned silence after witnessing the first half capitulation of the once Mighty Salmon against Upper Hutt Saints on Saturday May 30. The 9-0 half time score had left his playful and usually supportive animals in a state of complete shock leading to threats to cancel the popular and usually well attended “ Afternoon Tea Party” for which they are famous.

When word of such a reaction filtered through to Newtown Park, Wellington United historians were searching their books for comparisons of other dark days in the club’s long history.

Established in 1893, WU has nearly 120 years of events, matches, campaigns, victories and humiliations from which to consider this first half annihilation against.

Could this rout be seen alongside the desperately sad occasion when 3 of the club’s finest ever players went down with the Titanic at the end of a long season in 1912 ??

Or the embarrassment the club endured when on that same fateful night, Cyril Vile the second team Coach survived, wearing a dress and wig, by leaping onto a lifeboat using the dubious name of Cybil. For many years after the “Cyril Vile Trophy” was handed out to the season’s individual who had brought the most shame and ridicule to the club each season.

How bad was this first half ?, the only sign of Salmon defensive resistance came when a stray dog parked himself in the 6 yard box for 2 minutes and the Saints momentarily lost confidence and started shooting high and wide.

Perhaps the sound of the half time whistle which was clear, confident and resolute can be noted as not only the best contribution from a Salmon player to this tale of first half woe but also a much awaited relief from the pain and suffering the whole team was experiencing.

First to articulate a remedy and change of approach was Adam who captured the mood and urgency of the situation and exalted the team to tackle the second half as a completely new and fresh challenge.

A move back to a more traditional 4-4-2 formation saw the defence start to become tighter, more committed and in pursuit of a second half clean sheet ably encouraged by the talking of Richard and Dave. Saints suddenly found scoring much more difficult and the team’s started to even up.

Terry started to get on the ball and pushed passes around and keeping possession was suddenly back in vogue despite a few lapses and Salmon gift giving.

However, the real revelation was the hard running and committed play from Jeremy and Wozza who repeatedly won the ball in the middle of the park and kept pushing the team forward at every opportunity.

Jeremy’s all action play saw him match the best the Saints could offer, his defensive work held them at bay, while he also proved a real handful for their defence as he constantly burst forward and proved impossible to contain. His stunning last minute strike a totally deserved outcome for a very impressive half of football, coming from a great set up from Craig.

Wozza also imposed himself on the Saints, winning lots of ball, getting passes forward and in one glorious movement battled through 4 consecutive 50/50 situations before emerging with the ball at his feet near the edge of the area, then impressed with his awareness to see the great run of Fulton who he then played into a clear goalscoring situation and a very real opportunity to score was narrowly missed. Another excellent performance.

A battling second half, although lost 3-1, showed once again that the sometimes Mighty Salmon can actually compete with any team in this division.

However, Upper Hutt demonstrated the importance of combinations, off the ball running, and a positive attacking attitude with lots of talk amongst their players.

While the first half of this match will forever be known in WU history and Zoo folklore as the day the “ Baboons were Silenced” the second half clearly showed what this side is capable of.

How will the Salmon selectors respond to such a comprehensive capitulation ?? They have shown great skill and understanding in turning around other poor performances already this season.
Will the WU club consider reintroducing the “Cyril Vile Trophy” should such a half of football ever be served up again this season.

Will aspects of this first half be included in one of Dave Armstrong’s next plays, appropriately titled “The Descent of Man” ??

Should every individual take a big long hard look at themselves in the mirror the morning of the next match and make a personal commitment to never allowing a repeat of such a footballing travesty ever to happen again ??

Match report from the far left wing

This week we have a guest writer- Mr John Dow. I have merely added the game facts at the start- Thanks JD!

WU Terrace 0- WU Salmon 3
(Half time 0-2)

Newtown Park
Referee: 074 Grieve Frank

Scorers:
Craig Ireson (2, 1pen)
Mathew Fulton

MOM:
3pts Richard Hallam- A full 90 in centre back and a clean sheet
2 pts Simon Healy- A master class in defensive headers against a team which only knows one route to goal
1pt Michael Ashby- far and away his best perfromance yet, dedicated, direct and confident
1 pt Craig Ireson- two well taken goals and won the ball back like a midfielder



MIGHTY SALMON TRIUMPH ON HALLOWED TURF

On a weekend when 5 teams were fighting for their survival in the English Premier League the Mighty Salmon were marching onto the hallowed turf of Newtown Park for the first time this season, albeit as an away team looking like a bunch of escapees from a St Patrick’s Day Parade.

Despite near perfect playing conditions, a pitch in good shape and the allocation of a real referee our exotic opposition threatened to ruin the day with their shambolic time keeping and lack of organisation resulting in a delayed kick off and the start of the match seeing only 9 Orange clad footballers on the field. This quickly became 11.

The Salmon selectors determined to learn from the painful loss to the Legends the week before, set out the team’s objectives of a clean sheet, 2-3 goals to be scored, some expansive football on the large pitch and plenty of running and effort whilst keeping one step ahead of The Terrace’s reputation for niggly, disruptive play.

In the opening period the ball was played out confidently from the back and with the midfield dominating the ball went forward quickly and efficiently to the lone ranging striker Craig who was ably supported by some mobile play from Squirt, Fulton and Ashby.

While Nick and Kahu were scrapping it out in the middle of the park to good effect they also still managed to get forward and create a few chances and Nick put 2 outstanding raking long balls to Craig which generated genuine chances that didn’t produce goals which on another day they could have.

The breakthrough finally came when John D. clipped a corner to the edge of the 6 yard box and Simon headed a dangerous ball into the goalmouth and a Terrace player handled and the referee pointed to the spot.

Up stepped top goalscorer Ireson and the keeper had no chance, 1-0.

The Salmon were dominating the match and after a useful cross from (Wozza or Squirt ??) the ball bounced loose in the 6 yard box and quick as a flash Fulton got there first and steered the ball into the net for a well deserved goal, 2-0.

A quick half time turnaround and immediately The Terrace were on attack refusing to give in and pushing forward at every opportunity only to be thwarted by the strong central defenders Richard and Simon, and the tenacious defending of Dave and Adam.

Backed up by keeper Richard the defence were committed to achieving the elusive clean sheet the selectors had pleaded for pre match while the midfield worked hard to dominate and keep the Salmon flowing forward.

However goals were proving hard to come by and a slim 2-0 lead gave The Terrace some hope and belief they could still get something out of the game.

However, with 15 minutes to go the ball broke to John D. who played a first time 40 metre pass that cut through and in behind the defence and left striker Craig on a clean break with only the keeper to beat and a clinical finish ended any hopes and dreams The Terrace were clinging to and the game was effectively won, 3-0.

There was still some more action though as another John D. corner was flicked on by Simon and Wozza was nearly in for the 4 th goal, while at the other end The Terrace striker blazed over the bar from 6 yards out with the goal at his mercy.

Overall, the pre match objectives were achieved, Simon’s return at the back greatly assisted the defence keep a clean sheet, 3 good goals were scored and a few other good chances were created, Fulton and Ashby got through a huge amount of running and their pace and enthusiasm caused The Terrace big problems all over the park, Dave got some good moves happening down the left flank while showing he could also get back quickly and his photo on the front cover of Monday’s paper was fully deserved, Adam tidied up the right back spot and also showed some pace getting forward, James managed to cover lots of ground and is still in search of his ideal position ( something the selectors are aware of and contemplating), Squirt seemed to have got over his hammy problem and made some good passes and movements as did Kahu whose fitness should benefit from his first game back after a few weeks away. Wozza showed after a disrupted start that his recent Man of the Match performance is likely to be repeated and his keenness in the penalty area will soon produce a few goals. Nick’s tackling was strong and a couple of sublime passes hinted at what could be when a little extra match fitness takes full effect. Richard H. was solid and reliable as ever and Richard the Goalie celebrated the Salmon’s first clean sheet of this season, which as a keeper you can’t do any better than that. Craig’s 2 goals were well taken and his running into space his best this season stretching The Terrace all afternoon, his goalscorer’s ego and natural sense of superiority should be well satisfied for at least a week. John D.’s fitness is improving and a few passes showed small glimpses of his form from his best ever season which was 32 years ago.

Have the Mighty Salmon turned the corner and set themselves for a majestic run of great results and with it a charge up the league ladder ??
Or was this a simple victory over a winless team who are rooted to the bottom of the table ??

What brilliant strategy and set of objectives will the selectors produce for the next match ??
Will Fulton mount a challenge to Craig to become the team’s top goalscorer ??

Are hard fought clean sheets going to become a regular occurrence ??
Will Dave Armstrong continue to keep Rachel Hunter off the front page of The Dom Post ??

Belated match report vs Legends

WU Salmon 0- WU Legends 4
(Half time 0-1)
Melrose Park

MOM Pts
Wazza -3pts
Matthew F-2pts
John Dow/Jeremy- 1pt each

What happens when you have ten the night before a game and have to scramble for players? You end up with 16 and three more on the waitlist!

Three reserves were called in, two of whom ironically played against us for the Legends on opening day, plus we got Danny back although he ended up only reffing and we saw the debut of a Somali chap called Hamsa who is keen to play a bit more for nus.

It ended up being the classic game of two halves thanks to the strong norwester wind- we took the win first half but unfortunatley could not convert- Wazza came closest with a header to the cross bar from a corner- in fact our corners looked good- Legends scored a fine breakaway after we gave away possesion at the back. The young reserves looked good out on the wing- but alas luck and time was not on our side- even the ref was far too neutral, blowing for half time after we won yet another corner! grrr!

Second half and we failed to threaten their goal, rarely ventruing into their defensive third. Legends were too slick and passed their way through us, lobbing Sami twice in goal. Sami actually had a cracker -showing good strength in the air. But, despite all our efforts the challenge petered out once the score got to 3. In fact i think we did well to avoid a 2010 style score blow out to be honest. Wazza gets the MOM for runnign hard and being aggressive in the middle, followed closely by Matthew Fulton. John Dow played well out wide, to be fair to him he spent more time on the bench than his form on the day deserved- and Jeremy put in another good shift at centre back.

So what is it lads? If i could summarise what we need to take the team forward from this slump;

Better tactics suited to our strengths- Richie and I need to think out a better way to play with what we have
Better individual application and discipline regarding the team tactics- once we figure out what we are doing we need you to stick to the plan
Better individual responsibility for the game-take control of your own experience on the day- be ready to play and ready to win, be ready to chase the ball back if you lose it etc.

a belated match report v. Seatoun Gulls

Seatoun Gulls 3- WU Salmon 1
(HT 1-0)

Scorer: Craig

MOM Pts
M. Ashby-3
Terry- 2pts
Simon, James Stewart, Richard Martin- 1 pt each

This was a tough game to go into on the back of a 5-0 thrashing at the hands of the Chuggers- as an aside Dave and I went and saw the Chuggers draw with the Terrace and Dave recognised only a handful of the team that beat us- confirming the theory that Chuggers stacked their team for Easter- don't worry lads we'll get 'em in the return.

We were up against a Seatoun side that had won 5 from 5 and had dispatched all other teams with aplomb. The call was to play with the same aggression, focus and determination which earnt us a draw against Varsity.

The first half was even and once the new centre back pairing of Adam and Simon got the communication sorted we looked pretty good- Seatoun snuck a messy one, but the Salmon held their resolve. Richard Martin was clearly on form in goal, pullign off a number of blinding saves. Within due course the Salmon managed to start creating chances with Craig, Squirt, Dave and Fulton all managing to fire off shots, and Ashby causing no small amount of havoc on the left wing. Wazza was dominating in the air and paring well wth Fulton and Terry in the middle

It was a strong finish to the half but ominously we failed to convert with the wind at our backs.

We came out in the second half with the same purpose with which we finished the half and got the break through we had worked for- a quick, intelligent though ball from Terry saw a botched clearance from their left back, Craig snuck in and sombrero-flicked the ball over his head, drew the keeper and rounded him and slotted into the empty net- 1-1 after 55 minutes.

we hada few more chances, not least froma good corner delivered by Squirt- but the same delivery crocked his hamstring and so the attrition rate stepped up- James Stewart was already carrying an injury but battled on, and soon Simon joined the bench after coming to grief in a goal mouth scramble. Salmon were running out of puff and with the sea breeze at their backs the Gulls were coming home strong. However their strikers gave an incredible master class in inept finishing- there were at least 4 clear cut chances that they managed to botch. Couple this with some fantastic rear guard defence from Hallam et al, and more yogic brilliance from Rich Martin and it really seemed like the Salmon were going to hold on for an heroic draw. But then the inevitable happened, with 5 minutes to play Seatoun's wizened midfield general danced throught he defence and slotted home a superb solo goal- Salmon threw caution to the wind and pushed for the equalisier again.
This pulled us out of shape and Seatoun were able to finish another one.

On a positive note we battled hard and were in the game until the 7oth minute when our inuries started to take their toll- yes, we had a lot of luck, or rather Seatoun had very little in front of goal, but in football you have to ride your luck and take your chances. It wasn't our day but if we play like this against the lesser teams then we'll clean up- Apart from Seatoun the division is very close with only 8 pts seperating 2nd place from last. We have the team to finish in the top 3.

On an even more positive note Adam's beer selection was top notch, having dispatched his live-in sommelier to Regional wines and spirits to hand pick some local craft brews- this more than made up for the fact that his cleaner folded the socks without realising they were still wet.