2022 Men’s National League – Week Three Review
Birkenhead United vs Auckland City
How about this for an outstanding game to begin week three of this competition? Birkenhead hosting Auckland City, the only two teams with six points after the first two weeks. Birko also happened to finish second to ACFC in the Northern League so they can claim to be their closets challengers all year and there was no reason for that to stop now. Albeit City did beat them 3-0 and 5-3 in their previous fixtures.
Birkenhead rocked up to Shepherd’s Park with Curtis Hughes (striker) and Jackson Woods (left wing-back) the only two alterations from a thrilling 4-2 win over Miramar Rangers last week. Auckland City made three changes from their win over Cashmere Technical. Jordan Vale reappeared at right back after youngsters Aidan Carey and Adam Bell had previously been given games in that spot. Surprisingly Reid Drake was picked at left back although no doubt he could do a fine job there. Liam Gillion also started with Emiliano Tade dropping to the bench (always careful with his workload these days).
City looked a tad vulnerable at times over the first two rounds. Maybe it was just because they were up against a couple very good teams (Cashy Tech and Welly Olympic)... but Birkenhead are a very good team too and to the utter delight of the home crowd they took the lead after a mere four minutes. Luke Jorgensen’s initial shot was blocked and then Sammy Burfoot whipped out the overheads to put his team in front. The move had begun after ACFC got caught playing out from the back. That Birko press wasn’t messing around.
Another turnover led to a Dane Schnell shot, not a massive threat in itself but definitely a warning for City. You even saw them reverting to the direct approach to buy some time. The other thing from Birko was that they were playing hard. Corban Piper went into the book for smashing Reid Drake going for a loose ball. The two number 17s, funnily enough. Conor MacKenzie was also warned after a lunge on Ryan De Vries. There was a long way to go to sustain this energy but you had to love the way they’d begun. Plus they were still pouncing when they could, such as when Schnell blazed one past the far top corner with from a first-time strike in the box.
Cam Howieson had smacked a free kick on target which forced Silvio Rodic into a nice stop. But it wasn’t until around thirty minutes in that City started looking like themselves (Albert Riera later told the club website that he thought it was the worst footballing performance of the entire year, thanks to those first thirty). Even then it took them some time to turn that into chances and what they did create was mostly from dead ball scenarios. At least until RDV headed an effort onto the top of the bar (from a Howieson cross, of course). Then Dylan Hobson made a good block on Joe Lee. 1-0 to Birkenhead at half-time... interesting, very interesting.
Having scored in the fourth minute of the first half, Birkenhead then scored in the fourth minute of the second half. A perfect way to get things going again as Burfoot tried a volley through goal-mouth traffic and it was diverted in by defender Nick Forrester. This was getting crazy – Auckland City trailing 2-0 away to a swarming Birko team.
Joe Lee tried his best to make something happen. City were more ready to shoot on sight with the pressure of that deficit on their shoulders. On came Aidan Carey for defensive midfielder Mario Ilich as coach Riera sacrificed control to gamble after goals, then Angus Kilkolly followed soon after. Howieson got into a great position but Dino Botica ensured it only ended up as a corner. Brotherton had a good header nudged away. Twenty more minutes left and ACFC were on the brink. Howieson played a killer reverse ball to De Vries but RDV’s shot struck goalie Silvio Rodic square in the face. Hey, a save is a save.
Then Cam Howieson was sent off. Not a pretty tackle as he lunged in on Dane Schnell after losing the ball with a bad touch. A red one might’ve been harsh but he put himself in that position with the late tackle, going a little high with the sprigs. Howie had been City’s most reliable creative force in this game and in both previous Natty League games too. Not only were they 2-0 down but now they were also down to ten men without him for the final fifteen mins. There’s no way they could come back from there, right? Right!?
On came Emiliano Tade for ACFC whereas Birko made a pair of backs-to-the-wall defensive subs in expectation of the impending assault. Burfoot and Hobson off with Chase Taylor and Andy Cromb on. But they couldn’t stop Sam Brotherton from doing this after a Reid Drake long ball and a delicate Angus KIlkolly nod down...
2-1 after 82 minutes. Game on. Ten men were more than enough for Auckland City as they threw everything forward. Tade enticed a sublime save out of Rodic from a free kick. Adam Mitchell and Angus Kilkolly were each unable to divert one in from a corner. Meanwhile Jorgensen almost busted up the comeback with a long shot that was well saved by Conor Tracey who was able to gather up the extras before Schnell could get there.
Vale saw a long shot drift wide. Brotherton produced a ripping header but Rodic was again up to the task. Kilkolly got onto a Tade flick but Rodic saved that too. It was corner kick after corner kick for Auckland City, just relentless pressure. But every second that elapsed was one second closer to Birko grabbing a famous win. If only they’d been able to account for Emiliano Tade...
Absolute scenes indeed. From the dramatic 94th minute equaliser to the shirtless celebration. Hilarious seeing the sent-off Cam Howieson under the balcony letting loose on the fans above him. Someone drops a pump bottle on his head if you watch closely. The fella next to Howieson also throws up a couple two-fingered salutes by the looksee... while the girl alongside was having a right old giggle.
Bottom line: Auckland City are a machine. Two goals down with a red card and only fifteen minutes left and they still came back to get a 2-2 draw. Gotta say that Rodic, who’d been unbelievable in the latter stages, made a mess of his positional awareness for the Tade goal but it was a decent strike. Don’t wanna sleep on what a good finish Brotherton’s was either. That goal is what opened the door for the comeback. Not a good performance from ACFC overall and they’re going to miss Howieson big time next week while he serves his suspension. But once again they found a way. Astounding.
Although... Birkenhead did still get a draw, making this only the third time that Auckland City have failed to win this year in any competition (a draw vs Hamilton Wanderers early on and a loss to Auckland United in their final dead-rubber Northern League game). This result not only boosts up Birko but it might give a few other teams some confidence too.
Birko were brilliant in how they executed Paul Hobson’s game plan. Corban Piper was superb in midfield. All their defenders played great but especially Dino Botica and Nick Forrester. Burfoot and Schnell of course. And Silvio Rodic was almost a heroic man of the match until that last goal skimmed in. Birkenhead stay top of the table on goal difference after this result and although the comeback will sting this was a belter display from them.
Napier City Rovers vs Miramar Rangers
Rovers have been the surprise package of the first two weeks. They had to battle for both but a 1-0 win over the WeeNix and a 1-1 draw against Christchurch United had them undefeated and playing with maximum commitment. Rangers meanwhile struggled mightily in their first game but despite the loss to Birkenhead last week there were signs of rediscovering their old selves. Just perhaps a bit too much inexperience out there in key positions... but every game a wee’un plays is one more game’s worth of experience than they had before.
Bluewater Stadium in Napier was the venue. Only one change for the home side and that was the return of Fergus Neil in the back three. Fetuao Belcher moved to wing-back with Jonny McNamara in turn moving infield to the number ten role and Cam Emerson dropping to the bench. 38yo player-coach Bill Robertson with another start. Very settled look to the home team.
In contrast there was a funky name right off the bat in the Miramar line-up: NZ U19s goalkeeper Joseph Knowles popped up between the sticks as an injury replacement. He’d been first choice for Eastern Suburbs all year, including starting the Chatham Cup final. Seems weird you can still make transfers at this stage but okay. Elsewhere there was no Hamish Watson. Big blow. Sam Dewar and Scott Midgley also unavailable (Midgley got hurt in last week’s game). That led to four changes with Harry Chote, Max Falconer, and Jorge Akers joining Joe Knowles in that regard.
Rangers let in four goals in each of their first two games. The obvious thing for game three would have been to focus on tightening up at the back... so not the best that they were 1-0 down after only four minutes. Liam Schofield with a long ball over the top from the left. Jonny McNamara latched onto it. As he set himself to shoot, in slid Josh Rogerson to try and stop him... succeeding only in popping the ball into his own net for an oggie.
Both teams had back threes and both teams wanted to target the space outside them. Yet for the most part it was the midfields that were winning out. Limited action in the first twenty minutes. Even the goal that was scored didn’t come from a shot. There was a Spencer Cameron strike easily saved for MR and a Schofield drive past the post. That’s about it.
In the absence of Hamish Watson, Sam Mason-Smith was going to have to be massive for Rangers. From the outset you saw him dropping and drifting and seeking ways to get involved. Then 25 mins in he almost scored the equaliser when Akers put a low ball across only for Oscar Mason to make a strong save with his left arm by staying big. Then he also saved the instantaneous follow-up attempt from Cameron although not sure either of them knew too much about it.
That was better from Rangers, although two can play at that game so Bill Robertson nearly nodded in from a corner five mins later and McNamara’s tricky feet were always a danger. In fact Jonathan McNamara should probably have doubled the lead after 39 mins when he was picked out on around the penalty spot by Sho Goto... only to smash his shot off target. Minimal hope of saving that had it been on target. Seconds later Mason-Smith sliced a shot from a similar spot up the other end, albeit not quite as open. Ah well, a miss each way. A Belcher drag-shot was then touched on by Leaford Allen and somehow headed over the top to safety by Akers on the line. 1-0 at half-time and thankfully this game was finally opening up.
Quick pause before the second half kickoff to fix up the nets. Shout out to that flimsy white plastic chair for its selfless service...
The second half got going with Mason-Smith testing Oscar Mason’s handling out but soon afterwards Christian Leopard shot just wide for NCR. Then Leaford Allen hit the post on the spin after the ball had conveniently ended up at his feet. So close. Sho Goto pinged one wide as well. Good spell for the home side. Rangers had to rally and they did with some decent attacking possession and a long ranger from Wilson Souphanthavong that hit the top of the crossbar. Mason-Smith forced another save with a snapshot.
Then Leaford Allen managed to roll his marker eight yards out with a lovely first touch but his shot was saved by Joe Knowles staying upright. Tell ya what, we saw a pair of teenaged goalies in this game – both part of the U19 Oceania Chapionship squad – and they were both fantastic. Kees Sims has said he wants to go to the U20 World Cup (he’s currently playing over in Sweden) and it was Henry Gray who got the bulk of the starts at the U19s... so there’s a chance that Mason and Knowles are competing for one squad spot at next year’s tournament. You got the feeling they knew it too.
The physical stuff ramped up with the result still very much up for grabs. A few angry yells and some extra pressure on the referee. Andrew Abba and Sam Lack came on for NCR while Rangers threw on James Murdoch-Gibbs then Michael Kennedy. Both teams in search of the next goal. Mason-Smith thought he had it with ten to go but his header struck the crossbar – those goal frames were getting an industrial workout this arvo.
Another goal had to come eventually... and it did in the 84th minute. The perseverance of Andrew Abba allowed him to escape with the ball through a crowd and slide it wide to Christian Leopard, then the Central Districts cricketer/National League footballer slammed past Knowles at his near post. Sharp finish. 2-0 to Napier City Rovers. Another heroic effort from that lot... supposing they could close it out.
Yeah nah. All that time spent wondering how the hell there hadn’t been any further goals then a bunch come all of a sudden. Rangers could have crumbled when they conceded the second, instead they went straight onto the attack and won a few set pieces. Then Andy Bevin curled a gorgeous cross towards Mason-Smith whose header was brilliantly saved by Mason sliding across his line... but James Murdoch-Gibbs was right there with him to nudge in for 2-1 in the 87th minute.
Rovers tried to slow things down in the corners. Bill Robertson was involved in a head clash, blood spilling from the nose, which took some time out of the game. It also led to him swapping to a clean number 9 shirt which the ref eventually noticed and didn’t appreciate. So they subbed him off two mins into injury time. Rangers won a free kick and as the ball went into the mixer it struck the hand of a Rovers defender. Penalty kick. Oscar Mason did save a penalty last week... but this week Sam Mason-Smith sent him the wrong way to make it 2-2.
2-0 down after 84 minutes, 2-2 final score. Handy mahi from Miramar Rangers. Mason-Smith deserved that goal for being their best attacking option throughout and having to deal with some top saves and pesky woodworks. It’s a first point for them and achieved in the kind of fashion that should spur them onwards. Joe Knowles was also excellent on debut in goal. Saul Milovanovic did well in midfield too.
Brutal way for Napier City to do it but this does mean they remain undefeated after three games. Ta Eh Doe was outstanding in the midfield getting stuck into everything. Leaford Allen and Jonny McNamara are going to worry most defences. Already mentioned what a strong game Oscar Mason had. Not much fun when you blow a 2-0 lead and concede the equaliser from a stoppage time penalty but you get the feeling this is a resilient lot.
Auckland United vs Christchurch United
Keith Hay Park was the setting as Christchurch United travelled north to face Auckland United. The home side were without the suspended Ross Haviland after his red card last week – so the hirsute Billy Jones got a go alongside another ex-WeeNixer Kurtis Mogg at CB. The rest of their team was as per... except up front where Nicolas Zambrano and Hiroyoshi Kamata were rewarded with starts after coming off the bench to spark that two-goal comeback against the Phoenix in round two. Christchurch United only made one change after a solid performance in a 1-1 draw against Napier last week (which, had they taken their chances – including a missed penalty – they should have won). Juan Uribe Sepulveda returning to the midfield with Joe Hoole to the bench.
Zambrano flicked one on target at the near post after a Reg Murati overlap and cross but Scott Morris was well positioned to snap it up. That was five minutes in. First hint of a chance for either team. Christchurch were using their width very well, stretching the field, and Jordan Spain almost showed how it’s done with a shot narrowly wide after dashing into the area. Eddie Wilkinson had a shot on target a bit later. Auckland had the comfortable edge in possession but Chch were a bit quicker to turn their ball into attacking moments.
That didn’t necessarily change... but Auckland Utd did begin to carve a few more things out. Zambrano and Oli Fay were full of tricks and flicks. Reggie Murati nodded a corner delivery onto the near post. As for CU, it was very obvious that once again Eddie Wilkinson was going to be the key man... just a matter of getting enough support around him. Will Pierce tried to do his bit by running across Mack Waite but he forgot to wait for the contact before falling over.
Curiously, Will Mendoza was subbed off for Andrew Blake after only 34 minutes. Didn’t look to be an injury so it may have been more about putting a second defensively minded midfielder in there to try stop Chch from being able to run at them so much. Or to collect the ball off the centre-backs who were often having to simply pass it back and forth amongst each other. Jose Figuiera saw something he didn’t like, anyway.
Will Pierce might’ve done better than merely getting a save out of Waite late in the half but nah scoreless at the break. Plenty to think about for both teams. Wilkinson drew another save early seconds though AK Utd were finding better angles with their quick-passing in the attacking third, getting closer and closer. A Kamata lay-off to Zambrano should have at least ended up on target but it wasn’t long before the home side eventually did put one away... and it came from a rare defensive mistake. Riley Grover slipped as he tried to clear and the ball fell for Hiroyoshi Kamata who buried it. 1-0 to Auckland United after 61 minutes.
Take note of the ball boys amongst the celebration, lol...
Except that three minutes later we were back to where we began after Eddie Wilkinson did a bit of this...
Caught Mack Waite out expecting a cross. Thunderous finish. It was going to be Ed Wilkinson if it was going to be anybody. That was one mean goal. Unless it was a cross in which case it was a fluke... but surely he’s hit it too hard for that to have been intended for a teammate.
Kamata cramped up soon after and had to step out as the yarns continued. Mika Rabuka tried his luck from distance. Blake Weston had a snapshot into Waite’s gracious arms. Christchurch looking for cracks in the armour. Then Auckland Utd flipped it around with Regont Murati playing a one-two to get into the area, seemingly the magic moment... until a heavy touch took him wide and he could only hit the side-netting. Oli Fay had a late chance. Wilkinson had an even later one. Ultimately 1-1 was about right as the two sides settled for the draw.
Neither team had enough game-breakers to split things – although Eddie Wilkinson did his best. He’s had a wonderful start to the Natty League scoring both of Chch’s goals so far. Overall... not the best game you’ll see this season. However a lot of is a credit to the high quality of the defenders; guys like Kurtis Mogg, Billy Check, and Blake Weston all had strong games. We already knew that both these teams are dominant at the back, their winter form proved that beyond all doubt (well, maybe a little doubt for CU given the ease with which they and Cashmere Tech disposed of the Southern League). We still know that now.
Wellington Phoenix Reserves vs Melville United
Another early kickoff on a Sunday arvo for the WeeNix who once more raised the curtain for the A-League team. Looks like they should get one more of these Sky Stadium games on Nov 13 when they face Wellington Olympic although their other two home games will be at Fraser Park. Coach Chris Greenacre talked about prioritising defensive structure at training after the Nix blew a 2-0 lead against Auckland United a week ago. It was an unchanged XI seeking to find a ninety minute performance this time.
Melville United lost a last-ditch game to Auckland United in week one then got demolished by a flawless Welly Olympic side so they were in search of their first point... and also their first goal. Only one change to the team from week two and that was Ryen Lawrence replacing Quinton Kipara in midfield with a further tweak to the system as Stafford Dowling dropped a bit deeper with Josh Galletly, two tens behind one nine to bulk up the middle of the field.
The system was king in this game, especially early on. Two well-coached teams with firm ideas on how they wanted to play... leading to an impasse. The WeeNix passed it around from the back, building things up, Noah Karunaratne had a couple nice touches, but they couldn’t get any attacking penetration against a Melville team built to absorb pressure with their back three and their triggered press. Not to mention a physical approach that was always gonna be an advantage against an U20s team.
Stafford Dowling gassed his way into the Nix penalty area for one chance but the angle of his strike meant a simple enough save for Alby Kelly-Heald. Oli Colloty also managed to beat a defender and ping one on target but that was saved by AKH as well. Meanwhile Isaac Hughes produced a fine header for the Nix but these chances were all few and far between. Unlike the fouls that Karunaratne keeps winning. No kidding, he might be rivalling Garbhan Coughlan as the best dude at drawing contact and earning a free kick in this league.
Matty Sheridan stabbed a cross over for Josh Tollervey but that header was saved. The Nix were getting plenty of crosses into the danger zone but Melville were mostly eating them up. Tollervey would be replaced after 36 minutes following a knock – Kaelin Nguyen his replacement up front. Riley Bidois flicked a header over the top from another Sheridan ball into the box. Extremely goalless at the half although the WeeNix did re-emerge with some brighter signs of progression, more ball speed and all them things. Karunaratne made a few slick passes into the area with no takers. Adam Supyk had a volley blocked. And they should have scored when a Fin Conchie free kick led to a brilliant Max Tommy reaction save off Bidois’ header followed by Karunaratne blasting over the top.
The niggle got amplified as the game grew in tension – it wasn’t only Karunaratne getting fouled now. Melville’s game plan did involve copious aggression but with the Nix speeding it up they kept getting caught a split second too late. Finally the Nix capitalised. 66 minutes gone. Dan McKay with the gorgeous no-looker through ball and Adam Supyk dashed forward to supply a mint finish. It had been coming. And McKay and Supyk were amongst the Nix’s very best so no surprises they were involved.
Supyk then almost set up a second with a drilled cross that was partially blocked and Riley Bidois smacked it over (via a slight deflection) on the spinning volley. Now that Melville were down their lack of goals didn’t exactly suggest a comeback was imminent. They did nearly score a random one as a clearance was punted into sub Quinton Kipara and only just ended up wide. But creativity remained a worry.
However the Nix have faded later in both games and with the Waikato side entering desperation mode a few sparks began to fly. Kipara had a shot blocked (intentionally this time) while Colloty spun onto the rebound but couldn’t get the power he desired. Time for that defensive structure of the WeeNix’s to earn its stripes as Melville went more and more direct. Off came Karunaratne and Bidois, their two best attackers, in an indication that 1-0 was enough for Chris Greenacre.
But it wasn’t because in the 90th minute a Josh Galletly ball into the mixer led to Isaac Hughes trodding on Colloty’s foot and a penalty was awarded. The second result-altering stoppage time penalty awarded this round. Oli Colloty dusted himself off and calmly sent the keeper the wrong way from the spot for his club’s first goal of the campaign (drawing him level with Kian Donkers whom he shared the U19s Oceania Champs golden boot with). 1-1 the final score thanks to that late drama.
Guts to the WeeNix who probably deserved the win. They got great value out of Fin Conchie and Dan McKay in the midfield once again. Adam Supyk had a fantastic game at left back, including scoring the goal. And Noah Karunaratne looks more at home with each subsequent week. Maybe just lacking that clinical finishing to reflect how they’re playing.
But it’s not a coincidence that Melville hung around like they did. That’s a strong team with plenty of heart. Sean Liddicoat was immense in the back three. Max Tommy made some wicked saves. And Oli Colloty never stopped trying up top (funny having his old Christchurch United coach Paul Ifill on commentary talking about how he told OC he didn’t see a place for him in his team as a starting number nine so he left for Melville... but as Ifill said it’s worked out for everyone – they’re both in the National League). First goal of the season for Melville after 270 minutes of trying plus they’re on the board with a point – meaning that three weeks into this competition every team has at least one point.
Cashmere Technical vs Wellington Olympic
Finally we ventured down to Christchurch’s English Park were Canterbury United Pride were beaten a day earlier by Northern Rovers in the WNL, now Cashmere Technical were aiming to do a little better against a visiting Wellington Olympic side. These were the two teams who’d each given Auckland City a scare over the first two weeks as well as winning comprehensively in their other fixture. It’s a short season for the fellas and only two teams make the grand final. After this round we’re literally already a third through. This game had the potential to be rather decisive in the championship quest.
Cashy Tech made one change to the team that took on Auckland City with Jake Richards in for Declan Tyndall, not to be mistaken for Sam Richards who’s started all three games. Otherwise as anticipated for Dan Schwarz’s team. However Welly Olympic made three changes with Justin Gulley not in the squad and Kailan Gould rested on the bench. Tamupiwa Dimairo dropped back into CB with Jonty Roubos in at left wing-back. Connor Gaul got a shot from the start after coming off the bench in both NL games to date. Nati Hailemariam also swapped in for Theo Ettema.
Funky wee match-up here because Cashmere Tech’s best stuff tends to involve springing out of a very solid defensive structure whereas Olympic love nothing more than activating the afterburners and attacking at speed. Hard to do that against structured defence. As to which strategy would win out, well, it wasn’t a great sign for the home side that Sam Richards was booked for taking down Jack-Henry Sinclair after only about 40 seconds.
Then again, Garbhan Coughlan also got to running with the ball at pace and after ghosting past a few defenders he fired a low shot that was excellently saved by Scott Basalaj. Just what we wanted to see. Hailemariam had a blocked shot from a corner – he was getting plenty of touches as the deep-lying playmaker for Olympic. As was Sinclair who drew a save storming into the area at speed and his outside-of-the-boot second attempt wasn’t far off either. Hailemariam then punted a volley just wide. Gotta say Olympic did produce more of the fun stuff though Technical’s narrow defence was holding firm.
Bit of a scare as Coughlan stayed down injured but he recovered soon enough and was back to thumping a shot slightly over the bar from what was a deeper position for GC this week. Leaving Aidan Barbour-Ryan to himself up front, an extra body to keep the ball from getting through the midfield area.
So far none of the miracle shots had flown in and thus it was a matter of which defensive unit would leak first. For forty minutes neither did. Sinclair had a chance trying to lob Danny Knight on the bounce from out on that right wing after the keeper had rushed out of his area to head away a through ball. Coughlan managed to get a strike away through a crowd just outside the box but it was straight at Basalaj. Nothing doing yet.
Then in the 42nd minute of this game we finally witnessed a goal. Jesse Randall shaped up against Andrew Storer. That meant it was stepover time followed by a jaunt to the by-line. Randall then stroked a pass across the six yard box and Jack-Henry Sinclair’s pace got him there in time to bunt it home. Too fast, too direct.
That was followed by some very strange scenes as the players all of a sudden started getting low like Flo Rida. Legend has it that a swarm of bees (or some sort of insects) had taken up temporary residence at English Park. Only lasted a few seconds but it made for a weird screen shot...
Gaul nearly scored a screamer before the half after taking the ball down at pace and cutting in to shoot but he had to settle for a corner. 1-0 at the break. Soon after the resumption JH Sinclair, who is in dazzling form, made a mess of a run into the area by getting caught between shooting and crossing... yet these were worrying portents for Tech. Even more so as Kailan Gould was subbed on.
Good to see Kian Donkers introduced with more than half an hour still to go – Cashy had only looked like scoring when Garbhan Coughlan was involved so a handy idea to diversify their attacking interests. Still it was Olympic the more likely to score next. Bouzoukis set up Randall but he couldn’t get there. Then GB had hacked unsuccessfully at a loose one in the area himself. Hence at 1-0 going into the last twenty minutes this one remained in the balance.
Donkers had a crack that went over the bar. Finish wasn’t there but the work to get onto a long ball and then slice his defender for just enough room to shoot was slick. A reminder to Olympic that they were far from safe. They were gonna need another goal to be sure of these points. Sam Mitrakas almost provided one with a drilled shot that struck the crossbar. Then Gianni Bouzoukis really did provide one with a textbook header off a pearler of a cross from Sinclair. Pick that one out, the both of them.
Soon enough it was triples when Alex Palezevic lifted one over the top from inside his own half and Jack-Henry Sinclair dashed through to deposit a strong finish across the keeper and inside the far post. Still enough time for Gould to rattle the bar as well. In the end a 3-0 win was about right as Wellington Olympic continue to march onwards. They’re looking excellent. Plus being literally the only team to win a game this week means they’re only one point off first despite that earlier loss to Auckland City.
Jack-Henry Sinclair was fantastic with two goals and an assist. He’s an early season MVP candidate for sure. Gianni Bouzoukis added a fourth to his season tally keeping him at the top of the goal-scoring pops. The back three all played well but Tam Dimairo gets the most credit for ensuring that this sentence is the first mention of Lyle Matthysen all write-up. Jesse Randall was very good. Tor Davenport-Peterson and Nati Hailemariam were strong in midfield. You get the idea.
Cashmere Tech did have Garbhan Coughlan doing fine things... but for the second week in a row they were held scoreless (admittedly by two of the best teams). Hard to make the final from here although you never know. Andrew Storer was typically good at the back. Big ups to teenaged midfielder Alex Ballard too, looks more confident with every week.
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