2007 year in review
Pullar Builders Whakatane kicked off their 2007 Federation league in style with a comprehensive display verses an out of sorts Ngongotaha.
The first Team squad has had a few little changes this year but generally the core has returned. Adam Munro & Dean Butterworth have returned to club after overseas excursions and spells with other clubs while Terry Stilgee joined the club while spending a year on a working holiday from the UK. These players along with a couple of youngsters, gave head coach Gavin Rothwell the luxury, yet uneasy task of choosing his squad for their first match.
From the outset Whakatane dominated, Jamie Beharry’s pace allowed him to get behind the defence and create a couple of chances within a few minutes. It was Beharry who became provider for the home side’s first goal after only 4 mins when he used his pace again to get to the touch line and square a ball back to Javier Aylwin who with his first touch left the keeper wondering what was hitting them. Continued pressure resulted in a number of corners, on the 14min mark the Ngongotaha keeper failed to secure a corner ball, it fell to Alywins feet leaving a easy tap in for a early 2 nil lead. The next 20mins Whakatane settled into the match and started playing the ball about a little more creating many chances. Ngongotaha had a couple of half chances but only through defensive lapses.
Approaching half time the home side again exerted pressure on the visitors defence which allowed Adam Munro to latch onto a loose ball and tuck it home to make it 3 after 37mins. Munro’s 2nd came 5mins later in similar fashion. This time he rounded the keeper leaving an empty net to give Whakatane a well deserved 4 nil lead a half time.
After the Break Whakatane continued their dominance. 3mins into the half Aylwin secured his hatrick when he controlled the ball inside the box, beat 2 defenders, turned and gave the keeper little chance to make it 5. Whakatane then looked to have started crusing, and at times allowed Ngongotaha to play a little them selves. Again the visitors threatened little, with only the odd corner giving the home keeper some action. 78 minutes had passed before Whakatane found the net again. Terry Stilgoe netted his first for the club after he curled in a shot from outside the box. The lead up play also pleased the Gaffer, some exquisite one touch football involving 4 other players. Final Score 6 nill
Beharry himself could have been on the score sheet a number of times throughout the match, but unfortunately it wasn’t to be his day. So all in all it was a great start to the Federation campaign. What was pleasing for the Coach was the way the team gelled for only their third game. But like most Coach’s, he was’nt entirely happy!!!!!
“There is always Room for Improvement” he says……
Whakatane have a bye next week, next home game 28 April
Pullar Builders Whakatane vs Cambridge
Pullar Builders Whakatane Town have continued on the winning ways by beating a tough Cambridge side.
Whakatane started with their normal fast pace but delivery of the final pass let them down. After 10 mins Scott Marrow came close to giving the home side the lead, when he broke through the defensive line, disappointingly he lashed his shot into the side netting. Another chance was again missed by Marrow midway through the half. Once again his pace helped in beating defenders but like his earlier effort, he missed the target.
Whakatane were finding it tough to break down a determined visiting side. A strong showing from Mark Thompson, Hayden Marrow and Keith Fraser at the back were keeping the home sides goal from any action.
Javier Alywin goes in for a tackle. Keith Fraser puts a foot in.
Half Time 0 – 0
The Second half continued much the same with Whakatane desperately trying get a deserved lead, the chances were there but again lacked the final pass and composure in front of goal. This left everyone asking would a goal arrive?
On the 65 min mark Whakatane gained there deserved lead. Adam Munro collected a ball in the centre of the park; he ghosted past a few midfielders, linked in with fellow striker Javier Alywin with a lovely one-two to get in behind the defensive line, and then showed the composure required to knock it past the Cambridge keeper.
Whakatane’s second came 10mins from time when the visitors keeper miss-timed his run to a bouncing ball. He failed to gather it cleanly with Jamie Beharry on hand to collect the loose ball and simply touch it into an empty net.
Final Score 2-0 to Pullar Builders Whakatane
Player of the day was a tough one with the Defence keeping any attack under control, it went to Adam Munro in the end for is tireless effort up front and later in Midfield.
Player of the day, Adam Munro.
This was a tougher contest than the opening fixture but one that has shown the 'Gaffer' areas that need to be worked on if they want to beat defending champs Taupo this weekend.
Keith Fraser on the ball. Terry Stillgoe.
(photos courtesy of the Whakatane Beacon)
Pullar Builders Whakatane vs Taupo
Pullar Builders Whakatane have drawn with Taupo 1-1.
With Whakatane playing a strong and fast pitched game they managed many attacking oppurtunities, ruining a number chances, but went into the lead on the 65th minute when a cross was met well by Javier Alywin. With an unusual amount of added time on play and with most 50/50 calls going the home side way, they then managed to equalize at 99mins when a lob through the middle wasnt cleared and the goal was tucked away.
Whakatane vs Otorohanga
Pullar Builders Whakatane have come home with three points after travelling to Otorohanga.
With both teams on the same points before the game, it was always going to be a close match.
However, Whakatane kept up its fast paced game and spent most of the first half attacking the opposition goal.
The first goal coming after 15 mins when Adam Munro crossed the ball to the far post for Dean Butterworth to head home.
The second goal came just 10 minutes later when the Whakatane Keeper, Derek Wordworth, kicked a ball upfield for the striker to chest down into the path of Butterworth who passed a great ball through to Jamie Beharry who finished well from 18 yards.
Going into half time with a two nil lead the boys seemed to slow down when the second half resumed.
Maybe it was the long grass or perhaps the long trip over, but Otorohanga got one back when a defensive error saw the ball pass by the Whakatane defenders and into the path of the opposition player who scored from a yard.
However, this time Whakatane battened down the hatches and kept further opportunities at bay to keep the win.
Player of the day went to one of our youngsters, Brendon.
Pullar Builders Whakatane vs Claudelands
Pullar Builders Whakatane have won 2-0 at home to Claudelands.
It was a match where Whakatane dominated most of the game but couldnt capitilize on scoring opportunities.
And again, a lack of feet football also saw the ball often being thumped up field by both teams.
A couple of new faces were in the Whakatane side with several key players missing from the starting line up.
It was in the 15th minute that Whakatane scored their first goal. A corner kick found Brendon on the far post and he arced a long header back over everybody to find the far corner of the net. It was hard to believe from both teams but a well taken goal. Whether it was intentional or not, who knows.
The rest of the game continued with the odd Claudelands attack, but it was Whakatane who clearly had more chances, even missing an open net on one occasion after one of their players rounded the keeper only to put it wide.
The homeside sometimes managed to put together more than 3 passes but it was this part of the game as well as the basic last pass that kept the scoreline down.
Finally with only 10 minutes remaining in the game, it was Scott Marrow who was able to make a run down the right flank and lob the ball over the advancing keeper to secure the win and the three points.
An unimpressive win that saw the Player of the day award go to Sean Henderson.
Next week Whakatane will have to lift their game if they are to stay on the top of the table as they travel away to rotorua United.
Pullar Builders Whakatane vs Rotorua United
Pullar Builders Whakatane have drawn with Rotorua United 1-1.
Playing away from home at Rotorua International Stadium under very tough conditions, the Whakatane side struggled to create clear cut scoring opportunities.
The pitch was covered in water and didnt allow for passing along the ground with most players gaining more yards on their ass rather than their feet.
It was Whakatane who scored first with 15 minutes gone when Brendon Mcullum managed a ball through for Shem Clarke to get on the end and tuck away past the advancing keeper.
However, United scored just 5 minutes later when a clearance came back into the Whakatane box and was belted home off the backside of one of the whakatane players.
United managed a few more attacks that saw Whakatane's keeper Derek Wordworth pull off a couple of great saves to keep them in the game.
20 minutes into the second half and Whakatane found the back of the net but were disspointed to hear that it was ruled off side.
Not much else eventuated apart from a red card for the United Captain who coudnt control himself in the slippery conditions.
Final score 1-1
Pullar Builders vs Matamata
Pullar Builders Whakatane have lost 3-1 to Matamata. They have also lost a chance to play the season undefeated and have now conceded goals at home on Rex Morpeth Park. Also gone is the fear that other sides in the competition had when due to play the usually consistent Whakatane side.
Matamata had most of the game with Whakatane only sometimes showing what they are capable of.
Questions will be asked as to why the homeside under performed. Maybe it was simply because Matamata wanted the win more or perhaps the experienced and physical nature of the opposition was too much for the young Whakatane team.
Pullar Builders Whakatane vs Huntly
Whakatane at least secured 3 points when they travelled away to Huntly, winning the game 1-0.
It was in the first 5 minutes that Whakatane took the lead when Jamie Beharry finished well bending the ball around the advancing keeper after another of his flanking runs down the left of the field.
Whakatane could have had a 2-0 lead 20 minutes in when they were awarded a penalty. However the chance was not taken and Huntly remained in the game right up until the final whistle.
With a chance to add a bundle of goals to their tally, it was once again another case of "we could have and should have done better".
Player of the day went to Adam Munro.
Pullar Builders Whakatane vs Te Awamutu
A penalty in the first half and a mis-kick in the second half cost Whakatane dearly, going down 2-1 to Te Awamutu. After a great start to the season, Whakatane have let themselves down and will now need to claw there way back into contention for any titles this season.
Whakatane vs Ngongotaha
Pullar Builders Whakatane have won 3-0 at Ngongotaha, taking home three vital points that may keep them in this competition.
In next to freezing conditions, but on a good playing surface, the Whakatane side took it to the hosts from the start.
With time on the ball, they managed to play good football around the opposition which often lead to chances at goal.
Flanking runs from Jamie Beharry and Scott Marrow were only stopped when the players themselves were brought down.
It was from one of these runs that Whakatane scored their first goal. With 10 minutes gone it was Beharry who made another run down the right flank all the way to the base line then passing the ball back inside to Carwyn Evans who was waiting at the edge of the 18 yard line. With his first touch, he beat the defender, flicking the ball behind him then smashing it home on the volley.
With most of the possession and territory it seemed more goals would flood in, however Whakatane can only blame themselves when they went into halftime with just the 1 nil lead. With many first half two on one attacking oppurtunities it was the simple last pass that failed to appear which would have lead to certain goals for Whakatane on at least three more occasions.
As the second half began the game continued much the same as the first half with Whakatane dominating most of the ball and on the recieving end of a number of
dodgy tackles. These lead to inuries and yellow cards so it was with some relief when Whakatane scored their second goal. Jamie Beharry was put through for a one on one at goal and this time he made no mistake, rounding the keeper before calmly slotting it home to put the visitors up 2-0.
With more attempts at goal either hitting the woodwork or being saved by their busy keeper it was towards the end of the match that a third goal was finally scored. Young Brendon Mitchell isnt afraid of having a crack at goal and his 80th minute strike from outside the box took a deflection to hit the back of the net, securing the three points.
Player of the day went to midfield player Sean Henderson.
Next week Whakatane have a buy.
Pullar Builders Whakatane vs Cambridge
Pullar Builders Whakatane have had to settle with a 2-2 draw with Cambridge after slugging it out in a mud bath.
In miserable playing conditions it was obvious from the start that Whakatane didnt have their mind on the game to come at all. So it was withen the first five minutes that Cambridge opened the scoring after a half hearted clearance bounced off a Whakatane player and into the path of a Cambridge striker who finished well. Waking up, Whakatane soon had most of the possesion and territory opening up several attacking opportunities. And so it was with a brilliant Jamie Beharry strike that finally breathed life back into the Whakatane side. Running at goal and using a couple of Ronaldo stepovers to allude the defenence then firing a left footed bullet into the back of the net from 20 yards.
Things got even better for Whakatane only minutes later when their goal keeper, Derek Wordsworth kicked upfield almost reaching the goalie at the other end. The Cambridge keeper raced out of his goal to meet the ball but was beaten to it by Whakatane striker Carwyn Evans who tucked it away.
Up 2-1 at halftime it was a chance for Whakatane to bag some more goals and three points which would keep them in the competition. However it was extremely dissapointing to see clear cut chances being wasted with the last pass not going where it should or the shots off target.
And so instead of going ahead and finishing Cambridge off, Whakatane let them back in the game when a corner kick found their man who glanced a header into the goal to level the score.
Player of the day went to Jamie Beharry.
Pullar Builders Whakatane vs Taupo
Pullar Builders Whakatane have lost 4-3 at home to Taupo.
An entertaining game that saw plenty of goals, but left Whakatane with little chance of any rewards at the end of the season.
Taupo are now in the drivers seat and look very much like claiming the league title.
Both teams played well, passing and competing for everything, however it was Taupo who opened the scoring in the 15th minute.
A stupid tackle from one of the Whakatane players gave Taupo a free kick just outside the 18 yard. The result was a well placed strike that saw Taupo go ahead 1-0.
With only minutes remaining in the first half, Whakatane were able to equalize when Richard O'regan headed home from a well placed cross.
Almost immediately they took the lead when Jamie Beharry took on the defence and crossed it into the path of Dean Butterworth who easily finished from 2 yards. Amazingly, while the whakatane side celebrated, the ref (who was centre of attention throughout the game) decided to start the game just as the Whakatane players crossed the halfway line on their way back to the restart. The result was a boot upfield to their striker who turned, shot and scored to level the game at 2-2 halftime.
As the second half continued, Taupo began to play better football around the home side and soon had a deserved lead when a number of passes allowed in a sloppy finish which bounced its way over the goal line to give Taupo a 3-2 lead.
The rest of the game panned out much the same until the linesman ruled an infringment on a Whakatane player much to the suprise of the home crowd and disgust of the Taupo side. The resulting cross heated up the game when Scott Marrow got a toe on the end of the ball to flick it over the line and once again, level the scores. With minutes remaining it was Taupo who went wide and crossed the ball back into the box to see a well placed header give them back the lead and the win. Once again , another great game played between these two top BOP sides.
Next week Whakatane are at home to Waikato side, Otorohanga.
Pullar Builders Whakatane vs Otorohanga
Pullar Builders Whakatane have beaten Otorohanga 2-0 at home in wet and muddy conditions.
A first half goal to Jamie Beharry and second half goal to Carwyn Evans helped secure the vital 3 points that keeps Whakatane in the running for 2nd place.
In front of a good crowd, considering the weather, the home side were unable to play the fast paced game that has become their trademark as of late.
Poor playing conditions meant the players had to stick to the basics to prevent the ball from skidding off in all directions, although It took a while for the players to realise this .
After a three hour trip, Otorohanga looked like they were a bit jet lagged in the opening 15 mins. So with most of the territory and possesion it wasnt long before Whakatane opened the scoring. It was Jamie Beharry who chanced a shot from 20 yards and was rewarded, seeing it bend into goal on the far post.
With a number of chances going begging it was just a 1-0 lead that Whakatane had at halftime.
As the second half began it was again Whakatane who dominated, this time playing much better football around the park. With 60 minutes gone on the clock, it was Keith Fraser who crossed a delightful ball behind the defence for Carwyn Evans to head at goal. The resulting strike saw the ball stopped by the keepers foot, however as he attempted to keep it away from Evans he accidently knocked it back into the goal. Unfortunate for Otorohanga who at this stage were still in the game.
Otorohanga created a few chances for themselves but only once threatened the home goal when a headed attempt came off the Whakatane cross bar.
Numerous attacks for Whakatane were dissapointingly put wide of the goal keeping the score at 2-0 at fulltime. Player of the day went to Hayden Marrow for his strong defensive game.
Pullar Builders Whakatane vs Claudelands
After having a player sent from the field on the 30th minute, Whakatane were happy to go home with a 3-0 win. Goal scorers were Sean Henderson, Jamie Beharry and Scott Marrow.
Pullar Builders Whakatane vs Rotorua United
Pullar Builders Whakatane have drew 1-1 with Rotorua United losing the three points when the last kick of the ball found the back of the net to give Rotorua the draw.
Pullar Builders Whakatane vs Matamata
With almost a completely different line up from the first time these two teams met earlier in the season, it was always going to be a difficult task for Whakatane to go to Matamata and take home the three points. Several new faces in the starting line up and some players getting a taste of competitive senior football for the first time meant Whakatane were pushing @#$% up hill with a rake.
An early soft goal in the game took most of the wind from the players sails and they cruised through the rest of the match, although unfortunate at times not to score themselves.
Pullar Builders Whakatane vs Huntly
Pullar Builders Whakatane have started the spring season with a 2-1 win over Huntly.
In perfect playing conditions and in front of a large home crowd it was Scott Marrow who opened up the scoring when a nicely crossed ball from player of the day, Joseph Cairns, was well met in a diving header from three yards.
With most of the possession and territory, it was expected that more goals would come, however it wasnt until the second half that Thomas Davison scored the second from a Dean Butterwoth corner. A well met header again, this time from 15 yards.
Next week Whakatane travel to Te Awamutu.
Pullar Builders Whakatane vs Te Awamutu
On a field that didn't allow Whakatane to play their natural passing game, it is of no surprise we would struggle for major parts of the game. First half performance was less than satisfactory. We created a couple of chances, one of which the Te Awamutu keeper pulled out the save of his life to deny Scott Marrows powerful header from close range. 10 Minutes from half time Whakatane were reduced to 10 men when a player was sent off for a second yellow card. Making a tough situation tougher.
3 or 4 seconds into the second half (yes that's right seconds!!!) Richard O'Regan put the visitors ahead when straight from kick off let fly from half way dropping the ball just under the cross bar. Whakatane played a lot better in the second spell getting used to the ugly bounce and started stringing a few passes together One pass led to a shot off the cross bar by Dean Butterworth mid way into half.
Te Awamutu equalised with 15 to go with a shot from on the edge of the box.
With 5 mins to go Whakatane scored a gain after O'Regan headed the ball to Shem Clarke who blasted it off the keepers face into the net, but unfortunately for Clarke and Whakatane he had strayed into an offside position
Player of the day again went to young Joseph Cairns for his efforts and running all day
Final Score 1 All
Pullar Builders Whakatane vs Tauranga City
Pullar Builders Whakatane have won 3-2 at home against Tauranga city.
In their last home match of the season the Whakatane side went into the half time break 3-0 up courtesy of some fine first half strikes from Joseph Cairns, Dean Butterworth and Richard Oregan. In the 10th minute, Cairns was put through on the right and did well to lob the ball over the advancing keeper from outside the 18 yard line. Only minutes later the ball was cleared from the box with Butterworth able to hit it first time straight back and into the onion sack. Oregan then had his goal when he turned from 30 yards and chanced a shot which found the top corner. Jubilation for the home side but although the goals were taken well, they came from nothing and Tauranga were'nt about to let the game go. They came out in the second half and managed two good goals, so with luck on their side it was with some relief when the fulltime whistle blew, leaving Whakatane in front by 3-2 and therefore taking third place on the table.
Player of the day went to Hayden Marrow who along with his twin brother Scott, will be sorely misssed from next seasons squad as they like many other young Whakatane players are off to pursue their football careers in higher competitions....Good luck lads!
Sponsors Cup
Pullar Builders Whakatane were lucky to get away with a 1-1 draw after a challenging sponsors cup match against Gary Fowell Builders Edgecumbe.
In saying that, Edgecumbe were lucky not to concede a bag full of goals as the Whakatane players struggled to find the back of the net. Poor shooting decisions and excellent goal keeping from player coach, Christian Wetting kept them in the game. Showing determination it was Edgecumbe who suprised the homeside when in the 50th minute, their striker got behind our defence and ran at goal, drawing the keeper and slipping the ball past him on the near post.
A well taken goal that caused panic in some of the Whakatane players.
Whakatane continued to attack the Edgecumbe goal creating numerous chances then often wasting them with a shot attempt from outside the 18 yard line.
Finally with 15 minutes remaining it was Hayden Marrow who stepped up from the backline and made a run at goal. Short, sharp passes from himself and Jamie Beharry saw him through with a one on one opportunity. Shooting low and wide of the keeper he found the back of the net scoring his first goal for the club.
A tense few minutes remained and Edgecumbe were unlucky when late in the game one of their players was brought down in the Whakatane box. The result was an indirect free kick. A puzzling decision leaving the Edgecumbe side feeling hard done by.
Player of the day for Whakatane went to Paul Taylor.
The 1-1 result means Whakatane keep the cup.