Whakatane Reserves 2007 in review
Whakatane Town FC 2nd XI kicked off their 2007 season at the rearranged time of 12.45, against, what promised to be a fine curtain raiser to the Federation game, a team that finished clear winners in last season Bay Division 2; OLD BLUES.
The 2nds were endowed with a wealth of talent which made selection difficult yet a mouth watering prospect for the new player coach, Lee Barton.
Old Blues showed glimpses of there title winning abilities to begin, yet it was Whakatane that had the better of the clear chances with Carwyn Evans and Michael Simms carving open a number of shots on goal, which forced the keeper to make good saves and on one occasion the ref assisted Old Blues in keeping the score at nil all after Evans found the back of the net on the 18 yard line only to be awarded a free kick instead of a goal..
It was against the run of play which led to Old Blues opening the score sheet; a cross came to the Whakatane keeper who, under a challenge allowed the opposing forward to tap the ball in for a soft goal. The heads dropped but the fight didn’t, more attacks evolved from the home side, in an attempt to claw back a goal.
Claw back they did only a few minutes later after conceding, with what could be the goal of the season from Evans, Bevan Jones crossed a tempting out swinging corner which was met on the full by Evans to send a bullet into the top right hand corner. A volley that wouldn’t look out of place on the premiership highlight show! No more than the home side deserved, but it remained one a piece until half time.
HALF TIME 1 – 1
One change at half time saw Chris Lawson come on for Phil Goodman down the left flank. The opening exchanges were physical with both teams aiming to stamp down their authority on the game, either side could have scored but it wasn’t until half way through the second period that another Jones out swinger from the set piece caused all sorts of problems for the Old Blues team, and finally slotted home by the enigmatic Grant Johnson.
More Old Blues pressure continued as they looked for the equalizer, and could have got it if it wasn’t for some dogged defending led by the captain Jason Puller. It wasn’t until late in the game after a classic cameo role from Will Rouse up front that released George Dalgity down the right flank, which in return popped up for Evans to hit a looping first time shot high over the keepers head into the old onion bag, earning him player of the day.
3-1 and game over, Whakatane defended their lead well and didn’t allow Old Blues to get back into the game. This was the ideal start to what will be a long season with much hard work ahead, Whakatane will take a great deal from this game with some nice football played at times, although next week is just another game. Away to Rotorua United, this will be no easy pushover in any sense.
FULL TIME: WTFC(2ndXI) 3 v 1 OLD BLUES
Whakatane Reserves vs Rotorua United
Whakatane 2nd XI travelled to the International Stadium in Rotorua to face Rotorua Utd, in a sun basked Bay Division 1 fixture. Whakatane felt confident after their opening victory against Old Blues and Rotorua needed to improve after their dismal defeat against Otumoetai. Improve they certainly did!
Both teams huffed and puffed and made heavy work of what should have been a simple case of letting the ball do the work, on a beautiful turf with much width to be exploited. Early defensive errors from Whakatane almost cost them, but Rotorua lacked imagination and fire power to make anything count.
For the first ten minutes, it was Whakatane that were still cozily tucked up under their autumn duvets waiting for a cup of tea to be delivered to them. Once, they had realised no one was on hand to bring them a brew, they finally began to make in roads into playing football. Although any effort to attack the opposing goal was few and far between, as the slippers were still on!!
The first 45 had little to talk about other than a couple of half chances which produced box standard saves from the keeper. At the other end Whakatane were forced to defend a handful of corners that posed no real problems for Whakatane.
HALF TIME: ROTORUA UTD 0 v 0 WHAKATANE
Whakatane came out looking hungrier and attempted to play football, where Rotorua were clearly content in clearing their lines and hoping for the best. The tackles began to get reckless and it wasn’t going to be long before the ref showed a card.
All the football in the world wasn’t aiding Whakatane and it was attempting to play their way out of trouble deep in their own half that cost them dearly. A loose pass played across the 18 yard box never met its intended destination but was cleverly dummied by an opposing player allowing a Rotorua midfielder a first time strike from the edge of the box. A shot, well taken giving Scott Holmes in goal no chance.
Whakatane continued to play football searching for an equalizer but any shot on goal seemed destined for the keeper’s gloves. The drama erupted half way through the second half when a Rotorua midfielder had a sudden rush of small man syndrome! He felt the urge to kick a man (quite hard!), whilst he was down. The ref had no choice other than to show him his early shower ticket.
Could Whakatane capitalize with the extra man?
No!
Although, Whakatane did put up camp in the opposing half for the remaining 20 minutes, they failed to break down the Rotorua defence which were still content with the mighty hoof. Wave after wave of Whakatane attacks, sink after sink, cup of tea after cup of tea (which should’ve been drunk before kick off) was thrown at the Rotorua back line. All to no avail, Whakatane were about to learn a very important lesson.
By losing 1 nil to a team, that played the lesser of the football with Whakatane trying to be too flashy in zones, that, sometimes the mighty hoof is the better option.
Finally an appreciation of the three simple moments in football would come in handy.
- Moment 1: When you have the ball
- Moment 2: When you don’t have the ball
- Moment 3: When you are trying to get the ball
It’s just what you do with the bladder when you get it. A simple game made difficult by complex people!
Onwards and upwards, a team needs to stomach defeat before they can taste victory! Bring on Kati Kati and the social. An outstanding effort from Matt Dalgity and player of the day went to Jason Puller.
FULL TIME: ROTORUA UTD 1 v 0 WHAKATANE 2nd XI
Whakatane Reserves vs Kati Kati
The reserves escaped the torrential rain in the Eastern Bay to a much more inviting climate of sun in Kati Kati, for this Bay 1 fixture. Kati Kati were back at home after a good 2 all draw with Old Blues and Whakatane were still licking their wounds after going down 1nil to the 10 men of Rotorua!
Whakatane started a little shaky allowing Kati Kati to form a couple of useful attacks, but nothing resulted. Whakatane looked strong and were still looking to play football from the back; unfortunately an injury to Grant Johnson meant a reshuffle with Matt Dalgity coming into central midfield. This allowed Justin Nichols with his energy and pace show his worth down the left flank.
Kati Kati had a couple of key players running the show for them, and a tackle on one of them from Lee Barton on the edge of the box put them in a strong shooting opportunity. Minutes later another chainsaw like tackle from Barton left the same player screaming like a banshee as he dropped to the ground like a pinus radiatus! Barton was left sweating for several minutes awaiting his punishment; a yellow card was rightly handed out leaving the deservedly punished player the knowledge that any further tackles like this would see that it would be his turn for the early shower. The chain was blunted and the two stroke removed, Barton needed to play a different style of football.
Midway through the first half a strong low shot was drilled in from Chris Lawson which hit a Kati Kati player, who then felt it necessary to kick the ball as hard as possible into the derrière of one of his own players. It bounced beautifully off his backside straight back into their ‘own goal’, leaving the Kati Kati keeper wondering ‘which silly arse hole had done that’!
HALF TIME: Kati Kati 0 v 1 Whakatane 2nd XI
Kati Kati looked to get things back on level terms but rarely troubled the orgainised Whakatane defense with Scott Holmes controlling proceedings well from goal. Chris Lawson took on a new role up front and worked hard for what scraps he could feed on. This allowed Michael Sims a chance to experience life on the right flank and engaged in a good battle with their dangerous left midfielder. Sims won this battle forcing his opponent to switch wings, it was Nichols’ turn to enter into the ring and also won the fight. Not disappointing with strong challenges in the air and plenty of passion for the club.
The second half tapered out into a scrappy affair with Whakatane looking to protect their 3 hard earnt points, even with 6 minutes of stoppage time added, the points were finally and safely tucked away in the bag!
Whakatane will need to dig much deeper and show more grit and determination against another tough opposition in Opotiki next week, back at home.
FULL TIME: KATI KATI 0 v 1 WHAKATANE 2nd XI
Whakatane Reserves vs Opotiki
Whakatane 2nd XI hosted the local derby Bay Division 1 game against Opotiki, who after a 4 all goal feast at home to Old Blues were looking to get back on winning terms against a Whakatane side which had clawed out a 1 nil victory away to Kati Kati.
This fixture has always been a tenacious affair with Opotiki over recent years having the upper hand. Today was set to be a similar match and the large crowd at Rex Morpeth was set for a fine game of football, with Whakatane ambitious to ensure the home record stayed intact and the fortress wasn’t broken.
Whakatane started a little shaky with Opotiki feeding their front man through, who turned his marker and was in on goal but couldn’t finish. The home team soon began to settle into their rhythm and started to knock the onion around nicely, but couldn’t create any clear cut chances. Player coach Lee Barton had an optimistic shot from well outside the box which sailed wide of the goal. It was at the other end that Barton was forced to make a goal saving clearance after the Whakatane defense were left wanting as the Opotiki forwards skipped past a number of tackles and had the keeper beaten, but a fine clearance from a goal bound shot saw the ball go out for a corner.
Wave after wave of attack from the home side could not break the dogged Opotiki defense; the Whakatane midfielders enjoyed good possession looking to knock the ball around in what was becoming a game of chess between the two teams. Graham Sims went on a hikoi up front shooting from distance, sadly going above the cross bar. Either team could have scored yet neither had the killer touch.
HALF TIME: Whakatane 2nd XI 0 v 0 Opotiki
Whakatane set out with further possession football, yet still couldn’t break the deadlock. It was Opotiki that seemed to be holding their ground well and determined to ensure there barracks were not broken.
Both teams made changes midway through the second half with Matt Anderson replacing Chris Lawson for the home team. Anderson immediately began to show excellent determination with good defending from up front and also looking to play to feet with attacking football.
Still, no goals.
Justin Nichols replaced Matt Dalgity on the left flank and wasted no time in putting himself into the mix with some true passion. Despite all of the home team’s possession it was Opotiki that looked like they were going to steal the day by attempting to catch Whakatane on the break. Until something special happened; on 83 minutes Wouter Vullings conjured up some magic from his box of tricks allowing Anderson a short burst into the box which resulted in a low ball cutting across the box passing Michael Sims straight into the path of Nichols. Showing good composure, he simply passed the ball, first time, with his right stick into the back of the net. Jubilation followed!
Clearly knocking the stuffing out of an Opotiki side, that probably fancied heading back down the road with at least a point for their efforts, it was now Whakatane that was in the driving seat.
Within 3 further minutes a moment to savour followed. A similar passage of play emerged, a neat combination of triangle football which set the impressive Jamie Cory on his way down the right side, allowing him to place an inch perfect ball into the box inviting Barton to launch himself through the air, meeting it with pace and accuracy to slot home a screaming diving header straight past the keeper.
The fortress was safe for another day, the draw bridge lifted and the hatches battened down. It was a solid performance from the men in white which left a big crowd on tender hooks until the closing minutes. Barton picked up player of the day; Arthur Dominick was also in the running with a solid performance along with Captain Jason Puller pulling off a string of fine tackles at the back.
"Great things are not done by impulse, but by a series of small things brought together."
Vincent Van Gogh
FULL TIME: WHAKATANE 2nd XI 2 v 0 OPOTIKI
Whakatane Reserves vs Otumoetai
Whakatane Town 2nd XI traveled over to the western bay to face Otumoetai, in what was going to be a tough battle against a team that were sitting pretty at the top of the table having scored plenty of goals and conceding very little.
On paper Whakatane had what promised to be a very strong starting line up, but paper is very different to grass!
The opening seconds could not have been any worse for the men in white, in less than 2 minutes Richie O’Reagan pulled up with hamstring problems, which has seen the first team midfielder out of action for a number of weeks. This forced change brought Grant Johnson back into midfield after a week out with a niggling calf problem himself.
Despite winning the toss and opting to play with the wind Whakatane struggled to create chances and it was the home team that were clearly up for the challenge more than Whakatane. The first goal came against numerous screams for offside, but the desperate pleas were to fall on deaf ears from a ref who had forewarned both teams, that due to an injured linesman (who couldn’t keep up with the pace to make the offside decisions), it would be the man in the middle who would make the calls, from 20 yards away struggling to keep up with the pace himself! Whakatane felt robbed.
Despite the goal Whakatane still looked to attack and showed good character in doing so. As with previous weeks Whakatane played attractive football in patches but could not open up too many clear cut chances, several corners won failed to be pounced on and the Otumoetai back line were given plenty of time to pick out their midfielders with balls to feet.
It wasn’t until deep into the first half where Whakatane’s task became a whole lot harder as Otumoetai scored a second goal, it was a well earned goal and just deserves for the pressure piled on by the home team.
HALF TIME: Oturmoetai 2 v 0 Whaktane 2nd XI
Whakatane came out looking hungry, they pushed Otumoetai hard and at times the home side was content with rash clearances whilst the travelers looked to compete more for the scraps. Disaster with 10 minutes gone occurred when a stumble from Arthur Dominick with an Otumoetai player gifted the home team a penalty. They seized the opportunity and converted the spot kick; it was going to take something special to take any points back to the eastern bay!
The score remained the same for much of the second half; Justin Nichols replaced Michael Sims up front and immediately began to push hard on the back line and more chances were created with Johnson through on goal and only the keeper to beat but ballooned the shot over the cross bar. Nichols made some good runs but on one occasion was caught offside by the same injured linesman who had made a miracle recovery, to make every offside decision in the second half, whilst Whakatane were attacking.
Whakatane were running out of time and building up the fines with Lee Barton picking up a yellow for a sloppy challenge and Graham Sims also picking up his first of the season. With only seconds left on the clock Sims went shoulder to shoulder with the Otumoetai striker and lunged in with a tackle conceding a second penalty. The penalty was the last kick of the game and the final nail in the coffin for Whakatane.
Whakatane were second best but allowed Otumoetai to pile on a score line that wasn’t reflective of their performance. Whakatane will have to work even harder now to push for a top place finish with Otumoetai gathering momentum and six points clear at the top. This will not deter the men in white working hard in training and looking to take all 3 points from a good Tauranga Boys College outfit, back at the fortress next week.
FULL TIME: OTUMOETAI 4 v 0 WHAKATANE TOWN 2nd XI
Whakatane Reserves vs Tauranga
After the dumping that Whakatane were dished out a fortnight ago against Otumoetai, the boys in white had to wait a while before they could attempt to put the bad memories aside.
The mood was good prior to kick off with plenty of banter and team camaraderie, optimism was high and the sun was shining. Although, an injury hit side struggled with numbers, 12 to be precise, the starting line up was consistent with previous fixtures against the age and experience of Tauranga City Utd.
Sadly though, the away day blues were about to hit Whakatane once again. Tauranga came out of the blocks faster and sharper; they showed excellent movement off the ball and highly effective accurate passing. They created endless chances and if it wasn’t for some fine saves by Scott Holmes in goal, Whakatane could quite easily have found themselves heading back to the Eastern Bay with their tails between their legs and with an embarrassing deficit of goals.
Whakatane had only one thing going for them during the first half and that was the tail wind, which couldn’t even assist them in their endeavors to create anything other than gifting Tauranga with more opportunities to pummel the away team’s goal.
Whakatane lacked passion, commitment, imagination and the urgency required to score goals. It was purely fortune that kept the sheet clean.
HALF TIME: Tauranga City Utd. 0 v 0 Whakatane Town 2nd XI
After a shake up during the interval Whakatane came out with more conviction than in the first half. There was clearly more effort in scrapping for the ball, and Tauranga began to be their own worse enemies with numerous foul challenges that disrupted their pattern and flow, giving Whakatane the chance to get back into the game.
The early encounters were more evenly shared with Whakatane looking to drive forward and force Tauranga to track back and defend, but after the stalemate Tauranga finally broke the deadlock and sniffed a goal, it was a soft goal to give away as the ball slowly trickled past Holmes and snuck in past the upright.
Despite the setback Whakatane didn’t lie down, they still attempted to get back on level terms, but it was hard to see where the goals were going to come from. Especially with such a young forward line up in Chris Lawson and the debutant Joseph Cairns, who to their credit both worked hard, but at times, struggled against a very experienced Tauranga defense.
After 65 minutes Whakatane made their first and only change with Cairns making his way off the paddock for George Dalgity, who was under the instructions to get a goal as he made his way up front.
Not long after the change Lawson showed some excellent determination and made his way into the box and created total havoc, then the ball ended up at George Dalgitys feet with an empty goal in front of him he simply side footed the ball home, leveling things.
With tails up Whakatane began to show belief and looked good for at least a point, if not all three. Tauranga looked tired and Whakatane were beginning to play good attacking football, but Tauranga were about to get the last laugh.
Not long after they had put the ball into the back of the net, which was over ruled by a correct offside decision, they went ahead with an even softer goal than the first, as the number nine slipped through, unmarked, onto a ball which was heading safely into Holmes’ hands. Unfortunately for Holmes he dropped it allowing the attacker to bustle his way to the ball and put it home.
This was to be the last goal and killer goal. Whakatane will have to work a lot harder if they are to win more games in this league and they can ill afford to show the lack of courage displayed in the first half, despite a better second half show a great deal of hard work is yet to be done if any one is to catch Otumoetai.
FULL TIME: Tauranga City Utd. 2 v 1 Whakatane Town 2nd XI
Whakatane Reserves vs Old Blues
Whakatane Town 2nd XI were in desperate need to get a result away from home against pervious league winners Old Blues. Welcome Bay was not so welcome with chilly wintry conditions and showers promised, sure to make playing conditions tricky.
Whakatane were forced to make some changes in the line up with various personnel availability, Jamie Cory came into a more attacking role with George Dalgity deserving a start at right side of midfield after his substitute performance the week before. Andrew Mitchell came into the defense, all three knowing they could command there spot for weeks to come.
However, it was Old Blues that were doing the commanding from the start, they piled on attack after attack causing a number of openings, but few chances. They almost went ahead after 15 minutes from a corner which saw a goal bound header cleared by George Dalgity on the line using his head to do so.
Kicking up the hill and against the wind Whakatane struggled to get the ball past the half way line, but when they did it was clear that the young attacker Joseph Cairns was not going to make it easy for the opposition defenders, he constantly harried and upset them. Cairns was definitely showing the determination which has been lacking by many in previous weeks and putting his hand up for player of the day selection.
The first period dissipated into a goal less affair with Old Blues having the majority of possession but lacked any real goal bound efforts, it appeared Old Blues had the same problem as Whakatane; good football but no goal scorer.
HALF TIME: Old Blues 0 v 0 Whakatane Town 2nd XI
After the half time rally, Whakatane new they were still well in this game and in search of some much needed points. They started well and finally discovered some urgency in their tackling and competing for the 50/50 balls. Whakatane attacked well down the right flank with George Dalgity constantly showing and threading Cairns in up front down the flank. Whakatane defended well and managed to get the ball up front but lacked any killer ball into the box, therefore seriously lacking shots on goal.
Old Blues forced a couple of good saves from set pieces and it was clear that they were very orgainised from the free kick. One of which almost cost Whakatane dearly, as Scott Holmes slipped on the moist surface making his way across the goal to make a very late save pushing the ball one handed out for another corner. It was from another corner that Holmes pulled off a point blank save and kept Whakatane in the game.
As the game went into the final quarter all of Whakatane’s possession was starting to show on the Old Blues as they began to get frustrated and the tackling became desperate, numerous late challenges with studs showing soon meant the ref had no choice but to get the cards out. The first being for back chatting, Whakatane did well to not be drawn into such chit chat and focused on the job at hand.
Sadly the focus slipped for a moment as the Old Blues sprung the off side trap and fed through their midfielder to go one on one with Holmes in goal, Holmes came out of his goal well to close the angle but forgot to close his legs as the shot went through them taking Old Blues into the lead. The goal scorer lifted his shirt over his head to the jubilation of the crowd on the bank and was smothered by his team mates knowing that could be the killer goal, but the ref had the final say by awarding the scorer a yellow for enticing the crowd with his celebration, petty, maybe; maybe not?
Whakatane had to show a great deal of courage to get back into the game and with the time slipping away it was not going to be easy, but as the Old Blues tired Whakatane pushed forward in search of an equalizer and the courage was awarded when a free kick was spilled by the Old Blues keeper and landed in front of substitute Bevan Jones who smashed it into the empty net.
Whakatane didn’t stop there as they pushed harder for a winner, and it came from an unlikely source when Lee Barton received the ball in the box and was awarded a penalty for a challenge which took his legs away as he pushed the ball past the defender. Up stepped the cool headed captain Jason Pullar who side footed the spot kick into the goal, showing great leadership in doing so.
Whakatane should have defended the lead and looked to put the ball into the far corners, but deep into stoppage time they gave away another free kick in a dangerous position. It was almost the last kick of the game as the ball floated over the Whakatane defense and met three unmarked players at the far post, one of which nodded the ball into the goal unchallenged in doing so.
It was late disappointment for Whakatane who have struggled away from home all season, but to be fair a point was probably the best result especially for Old Blues who had better chances and forced some fine saves. Nonetheless, the boys in white can build on this result and if they increase the determination shown at times they will certainly get goals and will continue to be a difficult team to beat.
Outstanding players for Whakatane were Cairns up front, Mitchell in defense and player of the day George Dalgity who always showed for the ball and competed well deserving his award.
FULL TIME: OLD BLUES 2 v 2 WHAKATANE TOWN 2nd XI
Whakatane Reserves vs Rotorua United
Whakatane Town 2nd XI was finally back at the fortress after four weeks and a mere one point from a possible nine that were on offer. A win today was a must against a lowly Rotorua Utd who had only managed a meager three points from their entire season to date, and they took those from Whakatane back in week two.
Whakatane came out with all guns firing showing excellent passion in doing so; the ball was being pinged around the park giving Rotorua no options other than to make desperate tackles and wishful clearances. The first noticeable chance fell to Lee Barton who after a dash up front to support Grant Johnson on the right flank was released by Johnson and Barton unleashed a 30 yard shot which failed to make the target but certainly got the crowd ooing and his team mates fired up.
Bevan Jones created havoc down the left flank as he cut in a number of times to get shots on target and cause endless defensive headaches for Rotorua. Joseph Cairns up front worked like a man possessed offering generous helpings of pure passion, whilst his striking partners Johnson and Jamie Cory played the dynamite lines and angles. Johnson should’ve been in the running for the golden boot (GB) with a couple of good chances, one of which was blasted against the keeper, who was going to be a busy young man this afternoon as Whakatane went hunting for goals.
It was Cory however who opened the account with another splendid run down the left side as he went one on one with the keeper and he played the ball against the keeper where it ricocheted off the goalie and flew into the far side of the sack, Cory insisting he had the final touch off his shin, a goal nonetheless even if Mr OG was possibly now in the running for the GB!!
After the goal Whakatane went off the boil and even started to look a little disturbed at the fact they had actually scored a goal and were in front, Rotorua gained a little momentum and enjoyed a cluster of attacks rewarded with a number of corners and free kicks. All of which were dealt with by a staunch Whakatane defense.
HALF TIME: Whakatane own 2nd XI 1 v 0 Rotorua Utd
Whakatane new they needed more goals to keep things safe but looked decidedly average for long periods in the second half, they couldn’t seem to find their flow or rhythm shown in the first half and allowed Rotorua’s style of play to dictate the proceedings.
After a succession of poor passing and desperate tackling Whakatane finally found a little will power and after making an attacking change with the introduction of Chris Lawson for Johnson they began to go goal hunting. Whakatane were awarded a number of free kicks around the box yet none of the crosses could deliver a goal, but the Rotorua keeper was certainly earning his supper!
Further introductions with Matt Dalgity replacing the injured Jones half way through the second period; however it was Lawson who was looking the more dangerous as he latched onto a Barton cross which hit the post. Lawson soon started to upset the visitors as he engaged in a war of words after a dubious challenge, which earned him a one to one with the ref.
As the minutes ticked down Whakatane grew in stature and it was only a matter of time before they ground down Rotorua’s resilience. Matt Dalgity found himself on the right flank boxed in by two defenders but still managed to cushion a short pass to Barton who whipped in a first time cross beating all defenders before being smashed home on the volley by Cairns. A fine goal and just deserves for a player who had stood out.
This was how the game ended, Whakatane will wonder how they didn’t score more, but if it wasn’t for a cluster of saves by the Rotorua goalie the score line would’ve been higher. Stand out players for Whakatane were Arthur Dominick and Barton in central midfield, George Dalgity had an impressive performance and Cory upfront showed some glimpses of magic. It was by far the most deserved that Cairns upfront claimed player of the day with his endless running and superb goal, if the other players for Whakatane can emulate his effort the boys in white will be a tough team to beat…..bring on Otumoetai next week, at home in the Tasman cup.
The golden boot is now hotting up to be a nine horse race!
FULL TIME: Whakatane Town 2nd XI 2 v 0 Rotorua Utd
Whakatane Reserves vs Otumotai
Whakatane 2nd XI were hosts to the unbeaten Otumoetai team, on a sunny but cold day for the first round of the Tasman cup.
The previous time these two teams met Whakatane were dished out a four nil thumping and today needed to be better, especially with the home team attempting to preserve their unbeaten home record.
Whakatane started brightly and certainly let Otumoetai know they were up for the challenge. Chris Lawson found himself goal bound, but a poor left footed shot didn’t trouble the keeper. Otumoetai rarely troubled the makeshift keeper Will Rouse sporting a lovely shiner from his Thursday training.
Otumoetai gained a couple of corners which were dealt with well defensively, but Whakatane struggled to put enough pressure up front to create any further chances. Otumoetai thought they had broken the deadlock when they put the ball into the goal, but was over ruled for offside. The first half was heading towards a goal less affair until disaster struck on the stroke of half time. Graham Sims seemed to have dealt with a lingering cross but slipped on the moist surface and under pressure allowed the ball to roll onto his hand. The penalty was taken well and gave Rouse in goal no chance.
HALF TIME: Whakatane 2nd XI 0 v 1 Otumoetai
The second half started well again for the home team as they searched for the equalizer. Joseph Cairns moved into a more attacking role which saw Jamie Cory move onto the left side of midfield. Cairns made an instant impact working hard to trouble the defenders. Whakatane stood up well in defense with Jason Pullar having to make some great tackles with Andrew Mitchell and Sims both doing their man marking jobs well.
As time ticked away Otumoetai started to get tired and Whakatane had patches of excellent football, but it was all in midfield and the killer pass wasn’t evident. All the home side’s possession wasn’t enough to break the table toppers well orgainised defense. Lawson made way for Matt Dalgity up front who immediately brought some much needed hunger along with Justin Nichols replacing Grant Johnson.
Whakatane probed hard for the goal which would take the game into extra time and if it wasn’t for a desperate tackle to stop Cairns from releasing a shot one on one, Whakatane’s cup dream would’ve stayed alive. Again, it was hard to see how Whakatane were going to score and with less than ten minutes to go the result was made final when a back pass to Rouse in goal, who had ample time to control and play the ball back out, unfortunately had his attempted pass intercepted allowing the striker to get on the score sheet.
The home side’s valiant efforts had come to nothing on another day when they gave the ball away to easily and lacked the imagination to create enough chances and failed to get any shots on target. Player of the day went to Graham Sims who did a sterling job at the back.
FULL TIME: WHAKATANE 2nd XI 0 v 2 OTUMOETAI
Whakatane vs Katikati
Whakatane 2nd XI welcomed Kati Kati from the other side of the Bay of Plenty for this division one fixture.
The home team had made a number of changes with Justin Nichols finally rewarded for many weeks of hard work getting his first start up front. It was Nichols in the early encounters that looked the most dangerous, with a couple of well timed and calculated shots forcing the keeper to make saves. Jamie Cory playing in the centre of midfield unleashed a lethal 30 yard thunderbolt which just flew past the upright.
Whakatane delivered attack after attack and it looked like Kati Kati were going to be more like a bunch of Kitty Kati’s that had no response or ideas to the mighty roar that the boys in white offered. However, it was the kitty’s that tamed the lion with the first goal, completely against the run of play. Cory and Lee Barton in midfield allowed their opposite numbers to escape marking and up popped one to slot the ball home, with Graham Sims desperately attempting to clear the ball off the line. It was a truly sloppy goal to give away and gave the away team hope and belief in their performance.
Whakatane certainly kept their heads high and continued to play quality football with Phil Goodman and Chris Lawson ripping shreds on the flanks. Joseph Cairns and Grant Johnson worked hard to feed off any scraps and across the park the whole team looked to play good, simple and quick football, but the score line simply didn’t match!
Another zippy attack brought about the equalizer with Cairns slotting home amidst a great deal of uncertainty. The Kati Kat keeper appeared to have saved the shot but the lines man had to convince the referee to award the goal, adjourning the ball had in fact crossed over the line. This now puts Cairns in joint first spot for the golden boot.
HALF TIME: Whakatane 2nd XI 1 v 1 Kati Kati
Whakatane came out roaring again and threw everything they had at them; Lawson looked like a crazed wildebeest as he skipped over countless tackles and continued to feed the ball into Cairns and Nichols up front. Johnson made way for Matt Dalgity and Goodman made way for Arthur Dominick. Whakatane continued to press for a winner and had a number of shots and good chances, but couldn’t seem to break down the opposing defense.
It was at the other end that almost sealed the result with a mix up in the Whakatane defense, Graham Sims almost ensured that a back pass would be the undoing of Whakatane two weeks running, but the Kati Kati striker with only Scott Holmes to beat put his shot over the cross bar, much relief for the boys in white.
With 10 minutes remaining Barton competed with his opposite in the air and received an elbow to the forehead for his efforts, the large egg that appeared left Barton looking more like a unicorn from the Chronicles of Narnia than the mighty Aslan!
Will Rouse came on for the injured Barton and the game gently simmered away to goal less second half, although Whakatane did almost slot the ball away in a goal mouth scramble but to no avail as the keeper pounced on the ball as though it was a mouse for dinner!
Whakatane played some extremely good football and should not be too disappointed at dropping a couple of points, because with a further work rate of this nature they will be sure to win them more games than not. Andrew Mitchell picked up player of the day for his continuing solid performances.
FULL TIME: Whakatane 2nd XI 1 v 1 Kati Kati
Whakatane Reserves vs Opotiki
After a weeks break due to the down pour of rain, Whakatane 2nd XI took the short trip down the coast to Opotiki, the home of the mighty mud slide and possum hunting.
The home team had sadly forgot to pay the shepherd and his flock of sheep had been left up the hill, rather than grazing on the paddock at Opotiki College, too say the grass was long was an understatement. Not only that there was a fierce wind blowing in with a feel of snow to it. The sheep had the right idea, stay away; for the conditions were not conducive for good football, at least it wasn’t raining!
Whakatane were explosive for the first 35 minutes, they piled on intense pressure on the home side attacking down both flanks with verve and fashion and up front Matt Dalgity, Joseph Cairns and Justin Nichols were all strutting their stuff!
However, it was the fiery Arthur Dominick working down the left flank that was causing the real threats; he consistently showed for the ball and quickly released it to the front men as they ran the defense ragged. It was Dominick that deservedly opened the score account for the day with a burst into the box, finishing low and hard giving the keeper no chance. Just deserves for a player who has been reliable and consistent all season and grabbed his first goal of the season.
Not long after the goal there was a clever piece of play from Nichols who laid the ball back into midfield, Jamie Cory in centre midfield cushioned a pass to Lee Barton and from the half way line the player coach hit a first time pass for Nichols to apply pressure on the keeper who fumbled his attempted save allowing Nichols to score the second.
Who said the grass was too long to play football!?
Within 30 minutes Whakatane scored their third and highest tally to date, again Nichols, running around as though his life depended on it sniffed out another, a dodgy back pass gave him the opportunity to sneak in and fetch his brace!
Whakatane could sense a cricket score, but too many individuals felt they could score the next and the final 10 minutes of the first period they lost their shape and attempted to run through the long grass with the ball at their feet, which more often than not was lost allowing Opotiki to slowly get back into the game.
HALF TIME: Opotiki 0 v 3 Whakatane 2nd XI
Whakatane needed to make sure they found the secret blend they had shown during the first 35 minutes of the game; a clean sheet was a must and sensible football at the utmost.
Yet, complacency set in and although there was no urgency to score more, Whakatane searched for their tempo but a beat was missing and Opotiki started to look the hungrier of the two teams, but the football was not pretty. The soggy jungle of a pitch started to sap the energy out of the legs of both teams, none more so than the right peg of Cory which resembled more of a sand wedge, as he probed all areas of behind the goal, than the goal itself. Out of his seven attempts several balls scared possums in the trees, one came back with a dusting of snow and another was returned by a lost sheep!! The Opotiki keeper was starting to wish he’d played up front, it would’ve been less running!
None the less Cory was an outstanding individual today who created endless chances, but it wasn’t his day to get on the score sheet.
Dalgity made way for Chris Lawson and George Dalgity replaced Nichols, who had worked hard to grab his hat trick, but only got a dirty elbow to the jaw for his efforts. As the game drew to an end tired legs really showed on both teams with poor passing and lazy tackles the only points to note.
Although Scott Holmes keeping for the boys in white had very few saves to make he did get quite excited as some local tangata whenua broke into a domestic off the field, possibly forcing Holmes to become a little agitated and he started to get rid of the ball extremely quickly from both the floor and his hands. One goal kick almost knocked captain, Jason Pullar’s head off as he gently trotted back into shape.
There it was a boggy, cold, sheepy affair that delivered Whakatane with three much needed points. Phil Goodman was outstanding down the right side, Barton defended sternly, Graham Sims just wanted to play up front and Andrew Mitchell forgot to sniff his caffeine pills pre match!
Player of the day went to Justin Nichols for his excellent effort in scoring two goals and putting him in pole position for golden boot.
FULL TIME: OPOTIKI 0 v 3 WHAKATANE 2nd XI
Whakatane Reserves vs Papamoa
After a decent victory against Opotiki, the 2nd XI travelled across to the Western Bay to face lowly division 2 side Papamoa in the first round of the Tasman Bowl.
After the postponed version of this fixture a fortnight before Whakatane should’ve made the most of the opportunity to build on their recent form, this could not have been further from the truth. Papamoa looked like a team that intended on making something of their season, whereas Whakatane simply looked lost!
After 20 minutes the home side penetrated a total lack of concentration down the Whakatane left flank and the resulting cross was met by an unmarked Papamoa player who finished well.
Whakatane tried to stamp some authority onto the game but Papamoa held their ground well, winning every 50/50 ball in the process. Papamoa pressed onwards for further goals and strung a succession of corners together in the process. Whakatane looked unorgainised and lack luster and on their path to an embarrassing defeat.
HALF TIME: Papamoa 1 v 0 Whakatane 2nd XI
After a half time pep talk Whakatane looked a little brighter in the second period, they attempted to knock the ball around and started to create some chances.
The best chance fell to Grant Johnson but after bringing the ball down well with his chest the shot missed the target. A long range effort from Jamie Cory forced a good save but the rebound again missed the target.
The minutes ticked by and the Papamoa defence held its ground well, when the final whistle eventually put Whakatane out of its misery the home side cheered as though they had just one the FA cup. Whakatane ambled off the field as though they had been beaten by a team who were bottom of a division below them, which they had.
Whakatane will have to perform a million times better next week against top of the table Otumoetai or they will be severely embarrassed again. Player of the day went to the uplifting Carl who never stepped onto the field.
FULL TIME: PAPAMOA 1 v 0 WHAKATANE 2nd XI
Whakatane Reserves vs Otumotai
Whakatane 2nd XI paid host to table topping Otumoetai on a damp and drizzly day, both teams entered into this fixture on the back of defeats. This clearly meant both teams would be desperate for a good result and more important for Whakatane, a better performance than the poor show in Papamoa.
Whakatane fielded an experienced line up which initially struggled to compete with the clinical passing of the league leaders, Whakatane panicked all to often in the opening encounters and struggled to keep possession with Otumoetai unleashing attack after attack. Whakatane just managed to keep the sheet clean but needed to survive a number of corners in the process. When Whakatane finally pieced together an attack they rarely troubled the opposition’s keeper. The one noticeable attack came from Arthur Dominick who unleashed a scorching shot which just flew over the cross bar.
Further sloppy passing was soon to cost the home team when midway through the first half Otumoetai walked through the defensive ranks and got there just deserves with a well created goal. Whakatane had spent a long time holding out but lost their shape a number of times, and sadly it was another sloppy goal to give away.
Whakatane managed to hang in until half time without conceding any more goals, but where they were going to get a goal themselves was clearly uncertain and they desperately needed to pull their socks up in the second half if they were going to salvage anything from this fixture.
HALF TIME: Whakatane 2nd XI 0 v 1 Otumoetai
A half time grilling was required and a change was made with Thomas Davison replacing Grant Johnson up front. The change made an immediate impact with the leadership and direction that was lacking in the first half.
Whakatane began to compete for the ball with a great deal more passion and a number of players finally found their voice and actually started to call for the ball, although their was still a select few that were not so keen top open their mouths. However the change in verve had an immediate impact on the opposition, Whakatane played football and this upset the table toppers rhythm, they resorted to panic clearances and created very few chances.
Justin Nichols played with way more composure and passion for the ball, always showing and screaming for the ball. Lee Barton and Dominick in the centre battled for every scrap available and held a better shape in doing so. As the rain increased the conditions got harder with the ball skidding across the surface and players sliding around for challenges.
Just over half way through the second half, a classic piece of passing put in Joseph Cairns and left the Otumoetai defence looking like rank amateurs as he shot low and hard beating the keeper with a beautiful goal. No more than the boys in white deserved for there constructive efforts.
Whakatane pushed the opposition hard for a winner but it was Otumoetai that began to look more dangerous during the final moments which forced a string of brave saves from Scott Holmes in goal to keep them out.
The final whistle came and the result was a fair one. Scott Holmes got player of the day but the real winners were the whole Whakatane team that showed great determination in earning their point.
FULL TIME: WHAKATANE 2nd XI 1 v 1 OTUMOETAI
Whakatane Reserves vs TBC
Whakatane 2nd XI travelled to Tauranga Boys College to play on the tiny paddock known as Southey Park. This was the first time the two teams had met this season and the opposition for Whakatane was a somewhat unknown quantity. The Boys College had certainly shown their worth to date with a mid table placing but with a number of games to catch up on.
Whakatane have been hit by a player crisis with personnel leaving or injuries affecting the team. A welcome return to Will Rouse was the only substitute with several players carrying knocks going into the game. Most noticeably was the Captain Jason Pullar.
Despite Pullar’s sore calf the size of the pitch seemed to suite his injury and the opposition made his job easy with lots of long ball footy. In the early encounters the home side piled on a number of attacks but seriously lacked the killer touch in front of goal, where as Whakatane struggled to piece together any decent passing.
The first half was a story of lack of composure for the boys in white, although when they broke quickly from defense they did begin to look dangerous. Just over half way through the first period a delightful glancing header from Joseph Cairns on the edge of the 18 yard box fell perfectly into the path of Grant Johnson who struck a first time volley thundering past the keeper who had no chance. It was a cracker goal, from a couple of players which have a great deal to offer the team.
Both teams seemed content with the score line for the rest of the first half and the only real chance fell to Justin Nichols who forced a fine save from the keeper, a string of corners at both ends rarely threatened but Whakatane certainly need to address some poor marking, which on another day with better finishers more goals would be witnessed.
HALF TEAM: Tauranga Boys College 0 v 1 Whakatane 2nd XI
A forced change to Whakatane with Pullar having stood still for too long during the break, gave Rouse his chance to show his worth at left back. The captain’s arm band was handed to Graham Sims as well as the responsibility of organising the defensive line up. Then it was all Tauranga Boys, they still resorted to the long ball but this upset the Whakatane boys.
Whakatane struggled to find any cohesion and this just added to the frustration on the field. The real frustration to the half was the consistent stoppages forced by the ref, some of his calls were rightly so but others were quite plainly ridiculous. The game lacked any flow and from a spectator’s point of view would’ve been quite painful. The home team supporters finally got something to cheer about when a shot from way outside the box glanced off the head of Sims forcing the ball to loop right into the top right hand corner of the goal. It was probably just deserves for the home side who had piled on a lot of pressure on Whakatane.
It was only as a result of the equalizer that Whakatane began to push forward and as the minutes ticked down a sense of urgency increased, this urgency cost player coach Lee Barton his 3rd caution of the season with a stupid tackle from behind and later goal scorer Johnson picked up his 2nd year, his was not so justified.
Into the final 10 minutes Whakatane turned into a team that wanted a result creating more possession and finally a couple of chances, the killer blow came from a shot palmed down by the Boys keeper which eventually fell to Nichols who scored a superb goal on the volley, this now taking Nichols into the golden boot leading with four to his name.
The goal put an end to a valiant effort by the home side who will probably feel a little disappointed with the result, but Whakatane have everything to play for next week against Tauranga City United back at the fortress.
Player of the day was awarded to Graham Sims for standing up to his new found responsibility as captain.
FULL TIME: TAURANGA BOYS COLLEGE 1 v 2 WHAKATANE 2nd XI