2008 Year In Review
Pullar Builders Whakatane vs Tauranga City
1st.XI game in Tauranga - 06 Apr 2008
April 5,2008
Pullar Builders Whakatane have travelled to Tauranga City Utd. Reserves and lost 4-2.
In a game that was going to be a difficult assignment for Pullar Builders Whakatane, was compounded by an 11th hour reshuffle of players between the first and second team.
With this aside, Whakatane started brightly and took control of the opening stanza. Playing with width, Whakatane were able to carve several incisive attacks on the Tauranga goal. Brendon Mitchell was particularly potent on the right flank.
However this period of good play was soon halted when in the 16th and 17th minutes, Tauranga were able to score two goals. A 40 yard strike which left the Whakatane keeper with little chance and a simple wall pass, which the Whakatane midfield did not react to and defence were left flat footed.
The concession of the two goals triggered a tactical change and Sam Dunn was brought into the game.
This change created more solidity within the back line and gave the Whakatane team a strong platform from which it could attack. It paid dividends almost immediately, after a corner was conceded by Tauranga and Jason Pullar was fouled in the 18 yard box.
The resulting penalty was converted by Werner Rechsteiner on the 22 minute mark.
The rest of the half played out with Tauranga able to hold onto the ball for short periods of time and Whakatane countering well.
The second half started well for Pullar Builders Whakatane. Within 5 minutes of the restart they were on level terms with Tauranga, when Werner Rechsteiner received a pass just outside Taranga's 18 yard box. He managed to jink pass two defenders and slot home in the right hand corner of the goal. This goal gave whakatane the ascendancy in the game and for a period of 10 minutes the game was there for the taking.
Everything changed shortly after when a Tauranga player was sent from the field. This should have been the end for Tauranga, however it was quite the reverse. Whakatane seemed to fall asleep, losing their structure, and Tauranga seemed to find another gear.
Two defensive errors cost Whakatane and both times Whakatane goalkeeper Derek Woodsworth was left one on one with a striker. The result leaving Whakatane 4-2 down and very disappointed.
A number of positives can be taken from this performance and sure that coach Werner Rechsteiner will gain enough encouragement to have a well prepared side when
Pullar Builders Whakatane take on Melville Reserves at Rex Morpeth Park this Saturday, 2:45pm.
Special mention should go to Keith Fraser for his defensive work and also Daniel Sharp who made his debut and got his first league appearance as a substitute. Daniel is certainly a talent to watch over the coming years.
Also congratulations to Wouter Vullings, who was the Player of the day. Some very good work in an unfamiliar position.
Pullar Builders Whakatane vs Melville
12 April 2008
Pullar Builders Whakatane Town have lost 1-3 to Melville.
Pullar Builders Whakatane started this game with great confidence and determination. Right from the first whistle Whakatane were in control of this game. Their passion and hunger to be first to the ball paid dividends in the 17th minute when Brendan Mitchell was able to score the first goal after some sustained pressure and good interchange of passing between the midfield and strikers.
For much of the first half the game continued to be controlled by Whakatane with a number of chances being created. Both Grant Johnson and Brendan Mitchell coming close to adding another to the Whakatane total but were denied by some desperate Melville defending.
Pullar Builders Whakatane Town started the second half trying to recreate the first. With the ascendancy in the game the idea would be to pile on more pressure and extend their lead further. However the reality was something very different. Meville were the team that started the brighter and within 10 minutes they were on even terms with Whakatane.
A lapse in concentration lead to a half hearted back-pass from a Whakatane player, the Melville striker was able to latch onto this pass and score from close range. This led to a period of play where both teams were fighting for goal that would go a long way to securing the 3 points.
Melville were the team that were able to score next when they broke down the right wing and some individual play led to their left winger scoring from just outside the Whakatane 18 yard box.
To add insult to injury, Melville was awarded a penalty in the dying stages which was converted to take the score to 1-3.
Congratulations to Brendan Mitchell who put in another man of the match performance for Whakatane and also Arthur Dominick, Shem Clark and Keith Fraser for a committed display.
Pullar Builders Whakatane Town will feel they have missed a prime opportunity to kick-start their season after starting so well in this game. They will have an opportunity to right the wrong when they take on Otorohanga next week.
Pullar Builders Whakatane Town vs Otorohanga at Rex Morpeth Park 2:45pm Saturday 19 April 2008.
Pullar Builders Whakatane vs Otorohanga
Pullar builders Whakatane have won 3-1 at home to Otorohanga.
After going down 1-0 from a spot kick in the first 5 minutes Whakatane continued to play like *&%$
Eventually things started to go right after 25 mins when Brendon Mitchell managed to poke home from the edge of the 18 yard line.
Luck was on the Whakatane side with their 2nd goal as the Otorohanga keeper was ruled to have carried the ball over his own line after an easy catch.
Into the second half and it was young Daniel Sharpe in the 70th minute who managed to beat the defensive line and the keeper with a well taken goal and his first for Whakatane and senior level.
Player of the day went to young sharpe for his efforts.
Pullar Builders Whakatane vs Rotorua United
26 April 2008-04-27
Pullar Builders Whakatane Town have lost 1-4 to Rotorua United.
Whakatane Town travelled to Rotorua Stadium with a quiet confidence after their previous weeks win.
This confidence showed from the outset with Whakatane taking control of the first 30 minutes and producing 11 shots on goal to Rotorua’s 1. However it was only going to take one mistake from the Whakatane team to put them under pressure, and that mistake came in the thirty second minute when a Whakatane player gave away possession in his own half with a wayward pass. Rotorua pounced on the opportunity and duly made Whakatane pay.
This goal signalled the end of Whakatane’s dominance and the start of what would become a very scrappy affair.
The Whakatane team went into halftime 1-0 down.
The second half started poorly for Whakatane. Within 2 minutes of the restart Whakatane was a second goal down and scratching their heads on how they found themselves in that position.
The next 10 minutes played out like a bad game of forceback with neither team able to construct any meaningful sequences of passes, or sustained pressure. Then, from what looked like a foiled attack on goal, Grant Johnson found the back of the net to get Whakatane into the game. This triggered a good five minute spell for Whakatane and they looked the more likely of the two sides to score. Starting to hold possession and physically match the opposition, Whakatane pushed forward for an equaliser, but Rotorua was able to take advantage of a fragmented backline and score a third late in the game.
Rotorua’s fourth was scored in injury time to leave a very flattering scoreline to the hosts and a Whakatane team needing to ask some very serious questions of themselves.
Congratulations to Paul Taylor who was Whakatane’s man of the match.
Pullar Builders Whakatane will play their next game against Claudland’s Rovers at Rex Morpeth Park, 2:45pm Saturday 03 May.
Pullar Builders Whakatane vs Claudland Rovers
Pullar Builders Whakatane Town have won 3-1 against Claudland Rovers at Rex Morpeth Park.
Whakatane started this game as they intended to go on. Right from the outset Whakatane took control, dominating possession and playing some of their best football to date.
The first half was characterised by some good build up play from Whakatane and poor finishing which had the home crowd wondering whether it was going to be their day. Their fears were further increased, when, in the 43rd minute Claudlands broke down the centre of the park and scored with their first shot of the game.
A stunned Whakatane Town went into the half-time break 1-0 down.
During the break, Whakatane were able to re-group. The message from coach Werner Rechsteiner, was to keep playing the same way and the results would come.
Whakatane didn’t have to wait long. In the 57th minute they broke down the right wing and the resulting cross was met by a Claudland Rovers hand in the penalty area. The penalty kick was duly awarded by referee Dave Taylor,and converted by Werner Rechsteiner, putting Whakatane back on even terms.
Whakatane’s second came 10 minutes later. After another penetrating attack it was Werner Rechsteiner who ended up with the ball in the Claudland’s penalty area. A clumsy tackle by a Claudland’s defender left Rechsteiner on the ground and referee Taylor pointing to the penalty spot again. This time Keith Fraser stepped up to take the penalty kick and made no mistake, burying the ball in the back of the net.
Being 2-1 up Whakatane weren’t happy to sit back and defend their lead. Whakatane pushed forward in search of a final goal that would secure the 3 points and cap off a very good performance. That goal came only a few minutes from full time when Ben McPherson broke free down the left wing, cutting into the penalty area he laid on a perfect cross for Brendan Mitchell to score and make the game safe.
Congratulations to Keith Fraser who was named Man of the Match.
Pullar Builder’s Whakatane Town will next play Hamilton Wanderer’s away on the 10th May 2008. The game will be played at Porritt Stadium, Hamilton.
Pullar Builders Whakatane vs Hamilton Wanderers
10 May 2008
Pullar Builders Whakatane Town have won 4-1 against Hamilton Wanderers at Porritt Stadium.
Whakatane started the game well on a pitch that resembled a bad cow paddock. 3 minutes into the game Whakatane were 1- 0 ahead, when Grant Johnson latch onto a ball and neatly tucked it away in the back of the net.
The next 30 minutes were dominated by Whakatane who showed the greater urgency to win the loose ball and counter attack with more passion. Both the defence and midfield made some telling tackles leaving a young Hamilton side in two minds every time they would challenge for the ball. However as the half progressed, Whakatane let Hamilton back into the game. Hamilton started to push forward and made some good half chances.
Whakatane went into the half-time break 1 – 0 up.
The message at half time was for the Whakatane side to keep their shape and the results would come their way. The results did come, and especially for young Ben Mc Pherson.
Ben scored the first of his three goals after a good build up by Whakatane was halted just outside the Hamilton 18 yard box. The ball seem to pop free and a Whakatane player was able to head it over the Hamilton defence for Mc Pherson to run onto and calmly slot in the right hand corner of the goal.
His second, and Whakatanes third goal of the game came not long after. A quick counter attack by Whakatane, found Mc Pherson played in again. A nicely weighted ball over the Hamilton defence found Mc Phersons feet. Taking one touch to control, he buried the ball in the back of the net.
At 3 – 0 up, Whakatane felt the game was well within hand and let Hamilton have too much room with the ball. Hamilton made Whakatane pay as they conceded their first goal of the game.
The 3 goal margin was restored not long after when Mc Pherson made a good run down the flank for a ball to be played into his path. Not having much angle to work with Mc Pherson smashed a thunderbolt of a shot at goal. The ball ricocheted off the far right hand upright and nestled itself in the back of the net. This was a spectacular end to a very convincing performance from Pullar Builders Whakatane.
Congratulations to Ben Mc Pherson for scoring the first hat-trick of the season and also being awarded the man of the match.
Pullar Builders Whakatane next game is against Otumoetai at Rex Morpeth Park at 2:45pm 19th May 2008.
Pullar Builders Whakatane vs Otumoetai
Pullar Builders Whakatane was out of the starting blocks very quickly this week. They creating several chances and making some telling tackles in defence.
Whakatane’s first goal came in the 24th minute, after a good interchange of passing down the right hand side the ball found Werner Rechsteiner free on the edge of the 18 yard box. Rechsteiner showed good poise to coolly slot home the opportunity and give Whakatane a well deserved lead.
The second goal was scored 9 minutes later, when after a piece of scrappy play, a ball was played over the Otumoetai defence. Again it was Rechsteiner who found himself free on the edge of the opposition’s 18 yard box and with perfect technique buried the half volley in the back of the net.
For the last 10 minutes of the first half, Whakatane let the opposition back into the game and were made to pay for their lack of urgency during this period. From a corner, Otumoetai were able to scramble a goal which sent the two teams into a halftime break knowing there would be a lot to play for in the second half.
The second half started much like the first, with Whakatane dominating the opening exchanges, but unable to find the back of the net. The half produced some entertaining football for the ever increasing home crowd, but both teams seem to cancel each other out. It was not until the last five minutes that the game found an extra gear. Otumoetai threw players forward in hope of securing an equaliser, and found Whakatane scrambling to defend their lead. After some heart stopping moments, it was a relief for the Whakatane team and supporters to hear the referee’s whistle for full time.
Congratulation’s to Sam Dunn who was named Whakatane’s man of the match.
Pullar Builders Whakatane will next play away to Matamata at Matamata Domain.
Kick-off will be 2:45pm.
Pullar Builders Whakatane vs Matamata
24 May 08
Pullar Builders Whakatane Town have won 1-0 against Matamata.
Travelling away to top of the table Matamata was always going to be a tough assignment for the Whakatane team. It was compounded even further, when on arrival Whakatane found a pitch that was lumpy and would not be conducive their usual free flowing football.
The first half started slowly for both teams. A feeling out period for the first 10 minutes produced some very unattractive football with either side unwilling to make a defensive error. However it was not long before the game kicked into gear and it was the home side of Matamata that took charge with some good periods of possession and incisive attacks on the Whakatane goal. It would be fair to say that Whakatane could of, and should of been 2 goals down by half time had it not been for some poor finishing by the Matamata strikers and some good goalkeeping by Scott Holmes.
Whakatane were relieved to go into the halftime break at 0-0.
The second half started much like the first. The tempo of the game seemed slow and both sides seemed to prefer a safety first approach. As the half progressed Matamata seemed to find the ascendancy again, playing some good football without testing the Whakatane goal, they looked the more likely of the two sides to gain a result.
Whakatane weren’t out of the game and with 20 minutes to go they pushed forward in search of a goal that would claim a hard fought victory. That goal came in the second minute of extra time, when after some sustained pressure Brendon Mitchell was hacked down from behind in the penalty area. The referee duly awarded a penalty for the offence which was put away by Werner Rechsteiner. The full time whistle was soon to follow, leaving Whakatane with a feeling like they had just stolen the crown jewels and got away with it.
Matamata must be disappointed to have so many chances and still lose. In desperation they even resorted to using the Whakatane box as a swimming pool. However the old saying goes – Only goals win games – Whakatane are now starting to show the heart and tenacity it takes to win even if their performance is well below par. This is the sign of a good team that will challenge any side in the league.
Congratulations to Scott Holmes for his outstanding effort in goal and being named man of the match. Special mention must go to Keith Fraser and Jason Pullar for their efforts in defence.
Pullar Builders Whakatane next play Huntly at Rex Morpeth park 2:45pm on Saturday 31 May 08.
Pullar Builders Whakatane vs Huntly
31 May 08
Pullar Builders Whakatane Town have won 6 - 2 against Huntly.
Whakatane had the worst possible start to their game against Huntly, when, within 6 minutes Whakatane found themselves 1-0 down to a well placed Huntly free-kick.
Reeling from the shock of having to play catch up, Whakatane kicked into gear and started to play attractive, free flowing football, cutting the visiting Huntly defence to pieces.
In the 15th minute Whakatane was rewarded for their enterprising play when Brendon Mitchell was able to convert one of the many opportunities that had been created. Back on even terms Paul Taylor was next to get in on the act. After Whakatane split the Huntly defence apart, the ball was laid back to Taylor on the edge of the 18 yard box who struck home to put the Whakatane side ahead. On the 28th minute Grant Johnson was rewarded for his hard work up front when he was able to bundle in Whakatane’s third. Then one minute later it was Brendon Mitchell with his second and Whakatane’s fourth.
Whakatane maintained the pressure on the Huntly goal for the rest of the half and probably deserved to be further ahead had it not been for some poor execution and perhaps some over eagerness to get on the scoresheet.
The message at half time was for the Whakatane team to keep their shape, and their composure, and the rewards would come. Whakatane did neither of these things.
The second half started poorly for both sides. While Huntly was never going to pose a serious threat to Whakatane’s lead, they were able to pull a goal back in the 55th minute.
The game seemed to meander after the Huntly goal, with Whakatane unable to recreate the fluent football of the first half and unable to prise open the Huntly defence, the scores looked like they would be locked at 4-2. This all changed in the 78th minute when Daniel Sharp shocked the Whakatane side back into life scoring Whakatane’s fifth after being played in by Brendon Mitchell. This goal was the wake up Whakatane needed and all of a sudden Whakatane found the form that had been missing for most of the second half. The culmination of finding this form was a superb goal created by Werner Rechsteiner and finished by man of the match Keith Fraser.
Pullar Builders Whakatane next play away to Ngongotaha, 2:45pm 07 June 2008.
Pullar Builders Whakatane vs Ngongotaha
07 June 08
Pullar Builders Whakatane Town have won 7 - 1 against Ngougotaha.
Starting slowly it was Ngongotaha that looked the better of both sides, with Whakatane failing to find any rhythm the home side was able to construct some nice passing movements (if not a little unstructured) through their midfield and apply pressure to the Whakatane defence.
This pressure was short lived and Whakatane soon found their footballing stride.
It was Cawyn Evans that struck the first blow for Whakatane in the 9th minute. A deep corner kick found Evans in space at the far post and he powered a header home leaving little chance for the Ngongotaha keeper. 4 minutes later Whakatane were on the score sheet again when a Ngongotaha player was adjudged to have handled the ball in his own penalty area. Werner Rechsteiner stepped up to take the resulting penalty kick and made no mistake sending the Ngongotaha keeper the wrong way and slotting home to put Whakatane 2-0 up. Rechsteiner had his second goal of the game in the 29th minute, after receiving a ball from Evans on the edge of the box, he looked up and chipped the ball into the right hand top corner of the goal.
Ngongotaha were the next to score in the 40th minute. They were able to break through the Whakatane defence leaving Whakatane keeper Derek Woodworth with two opposition players and little chance to keep a clean sheet. This goal sparked a reply from Whakatane that would prove to be their best passage of play in the game. Keith Fraser, Richard O’Regan and Werner Rechsteiner passed the ball with control, purpose and movement down the right hand side of the field that left the opposition standing still until Rechsteiner passed to Cawyn Evans in the Ngongotaha penalty area. Evans held the ball up with ease and laid a pass on for O’Regan to finish in the bottom left hand corner.
The second half was no different to the first as Whakatane looked to extend their lead and make sure they didn’t concede any further goals.
That lead was extended in the 54th minute after Cawyn Evans received a pass on the edge of the Ngongotaha penalty area. In one swift movement he controlled and volleyed a left footed shot with such power that the opposition keeper could not get his hands to the ball. The ball cannoned off the keepers face and into the path of Richard O’Regan to score his second and Whakatane’s fifth.
Number six for Whakatane came from a free kick being played into the Ngongotaha penalty area. O’Regan was able to get his head to the ball in the hope of flicking it on to a team mate. The result was the ball skying straight up into the air. O’Regan was first to react, heading home for his hat-trick.
The seventh goal came in the 83rd minute for Whakatane. O’Regan was able to receive a pass in the Ngongotaha penalty area; turning his marker he slotted home a left footed shot that left the keeper with little chance.
Congratulations to the whole team for a very good display and also Richard O’Regan for his four goals and being named man of the match.
Pullar Builders Whakatane vs Ngaruawahia
21 June 2008
Pullar Builders Whakatane have won 3-1 away to Ngaruawahia.
Returning from a bye weekend it was imperative that Whakatane start the game well. The reality was Whakatane conceding a goal within 2 minutes of the kickoff. A defensive error let a Ngaruawahia player slip free and he finished well to give Ngaruawahia the best possible start.
The rest of the first half was punctuated by short spells of good play by Whakatane, but a determined Ngaruawahia side was always able to foil the Whakatane attacks and counter well to put Whakatane under pressure.
Half time score 1-0 to Ngaruawahia.
The second half started with greater urgency for the Whakatane team. Right from the whistle Whakatane exerted more pressure on the home side and created several scoring opportunities which were scrambled clear by a backpedaling Ngaruawahia side.
The equalizer came in the 70th minute after a Whakatane player was fouled outside the 18 yard box. Werner Rechsteiner delivered a pinpoint free kick that was headed home by Richard O’Regan.
Whakatanes second came five minutes later. After more sustained pressure, a corner was forced by Whakatane. The corner managed to evade everyone and fell to Jose Gonzzlez at the far post. Gonzzlez controlled the ball well and drove his shot into the top right hand corner of the goal.
Whakatanes third goal was scored in extra time. Brendan Mitchell was able to break free down the left hand flank and cut into the Ngaruawahia penalty area. Mitchell placed his shot to the left hand side of the keeper and looked it like it was going in, only to be partially cleared by a Ngaruawahia defender. Mitchell reacted quickly to the clearance and made no mistake with his second attempt.
Pullar Builders Whakatane vs Te Awamutu
28 June 08
Pullar Builders Whakatane Town have won 3-2 against Te Awamutu.
Pullar Builders Whakatane put the poor starts of recent weeks behind them to exert immediate pressure on what looked like a very shaky Te Awamutu defence. Within minutes of kicking off Whakatane were presented with a number of chances to score, not only from their enterprising play, but also from an over confident passing game from the Te Awamutu defence.
Whakatanes inability to finish must have given the Te Awamutu side hope and after 20 minutes it was Te Awamutu who scored first. A 25 metre chip found the Whakatane keeper off his line, and all he could do was watch as the ball dipped under the bar.
Whakatane’s reply was immediate, and it was Grant Johnson who was able to score from a goal mouth scramble to add number 5 to his seasons tally.
Johnson was able to repeat the goal on the stroke of halftime after a Paul Taylor pass played the centre forward in for his second.
The second half started well for Whakatane. From the out set they seemed in control of the game, creating chances with numerous attacks and defending with purpose, it was only a matter of time before they would break down the Te Awamutu defence once more.
Whakatane’s third goal came 16 minutes from the restart. Richard O’Regan was able to deliver a low cross which was met by Cawyn Evans at the near post. Evans neatly tucked it away to give Whakatane a 2 goal buffer.
Whakatane should have scored a number of times after their third, and were almost left regretting that they didn’t as Te Awamutu were awarded a penalty 7 minutes from full time. The penalty was put away, and this left a tense final few moments for the Whakatane side to survive.
Congratulations to Shem Clark who was named man of the match for an exceptional defensive display.
Pullar builders Whakatane have drawn 0 - 0 with Taupo at home. A cold and wet day saw both teams play a game of two halves with the goal keepers ensuring the game would remain scoreless. Match report coming soon. Match photos available here.
Pullar Builders Whakatane vs Claudelands
19 July 2008
Pullar Builders Whakatane have drawn 1-1 away to Claudeland Rovers.
After a hard fought draw against Taupo the week before, Whakatane were looking to get back in the winning groove. However a serious test faced them traveling away to a very wet Claudelands home ground.
The first half started well for Whakatane, gaining the ascendancy in the game Whakatane was able to string together a number of incisive attacks on the Claudelands goal, only to be thwarted by a very resilient Claudelands backline and more so a keeper in fine form between the posts.
At the other end of the pitch Whakatanes backline was functioning to its usual high standards, not allowing the Claudeland strikers to settle on the ball and committing to every tackle. Apart from one goalmouth scramble which was defused by Whakatane keeper Derek Woodworth, Claudelands struggled to threaten the Whakatane goal.
Even though Whakatane had the lions share of the first half, they failed to convert their chances leaving the scores locked 0-0 at half time.
The second half started much like the first for Whakatane, taking control of the opening exchanges it appeared it would not be long before they would threaten the Claudelands goal again.
The opening goal of the game came from a mistake by the Claudelands left back. A long through ball by Werner Rechsteiner was met by the Claudelands player who tried to head back to his keeper. The header was wide of the keeper and Richard O’Regan was able to beat the retreating defense to the ball and finish from a tight angle.
Whakatane seemed to find another gear after the goal and went close to adding another moment’s afterwards, however they could not sustain the pressure and Claudelands battled back into the game.
With 20 minutes to play Claudelands found the luck that they had toiled hard to create all game. A Claudelands player was adjudged to have been brought down in the Whakatane penalty area, much to the dismay of the Whakatane players. The penalty was taken well to level the scores.
The next 15 minutes was dominated by Claudelands with Whakatane only able to counter attack, but without much force. The Whakatane side had seemed to let a number of incidents on the field ruffle their usual calm approach and Claudelands almost made them pay, had it not been for Whakatanes man of the match, goalkeeper Derek Woodworth.
Desperate in the last five minutes, Whakatane pushed forward and went close to taking the three points had they not had better execution from several corners and a very good shout for a penalty turned down.
Final score 1-1.
Whakatane next play Otumoetai away at Fergusson Park, 2:45pm, 26 July 2008
Pullar Builders Whakatane vs Hamilton Wanderers
Pullar Builders Whakatane have won 1-0 against Hamilton Wanderers.
Having the previous weeks game postponed due to adverse weather conditions, Pullar Builders Whakatane were happy to find Rex Morpeth Park in the best condition it has been for some time.
The opening exchanges between the two teams were comprised of some entertaining football. The young Wanderers side was able to keep possession without threatening to score, while Whakatane was happy to counter attack, which should have paid dividends early on had it not been for some poor execution of the final pass.
Half time score 0-0.
The second half started with more intensity for Whakatane. Right from the whistle Whakatane’s game tempo increased and the young Hamilton Wanderers side found themselves back pedaling at a rate of knots.
Several chances were spurned by the Whakatane attack within the opening minutes of the half. It wasn’t until the 65th minute that Whakatane found the back of the net. It was Werner Rechsteiner who received a ball just outside the 18 yard box. Running at the defence, he beat the defender and calmly chipped the advancing keeper to give Whakatane a deserved lead.
Having secured the lead, Whakatane were able to grind out the remainder of the game without having their goal seriously threatened.
Congratulations to Grant Johnson who was named man of the match.
Pullar Builders Whakatane next play Matamata at Rex Morpeth Park 2:45pm this Saturday 09 August 2008.
Pullar Builders Whakatane vs Matamata
Pullar Builders have lost 2-0 at home to Matamata.
An important match for both teams saw Whakatane and Matamata lock horns for what should be a very interesting match.
It was Whakatane that had the better of the first half, creating scoring opportunities that either went wide got saved by the Keeper or hit the crossbar. The home crowd enjoyed what looked like was going to be another good display by the home side this season.
So with 43 minutes gone it was totally against the run of play when Matamata earned a free kick outside the box. The cross was well met by their striker who headed the ball to the far post and into the goal.
This immediately sparked the Matamata side into the game and they started a spell of good football for the remainder of the half while Whakatane seemed a bit shell shocked that they were down 1-0.
The second half began and shortly into it Whakatane made a couple of changes to bring on fresh legs on both wings.
The game seemed like it could go either way. Both sides continued to play the ball around the park with few sure attempts at goal being created.
In the 83 minute was a Matamata player able to turn on a Whakatane defender and put a through ball into the path of his fellow striker who made no mistake in scoring his second.
Humble in their defeat the Whakatane side remained on the park after the match to shake the hands of the opposition and give them the three cheers that has long been a tradition in NZ sport.
Congratulations to Graham Sims For being named the Bella Designs and Video Ezy player of the day.
Pullar Builders Whakatane vs Rotorua United
15 August 2008
Pullar Builders Whakatane Town are again in contention for the league title after they won 5-1 against Rotorua. Former League leaders, Matamata lost 4-1 at home to Hamilton Wanderers putting Taupo in first place on the table while Whakatane sits just behind in 3rd place.
In what would be considered a 6 point game for the 3rd and 4th placed teams, it was not surprising to see a slow and cagey start. The first 10 minutes was dominated by the midfields from both sides, with either side unable to fashion any real opportunities on goal.
It was Rotorua that broke the deadlock in the 14th minute when a Whakatane player was dispossessed just inside his own half. A long ball over the top of the Whakatane defense found a Rotorua player who managed to beat the offside trap, controlling with a great touch, he clinically finished his chance. This sparked the game into life and it wasn’t long before Whakatane were back on equal terms.
After some good build up play, Terry Stilgoe found himself played in at the far post. Instead of taking the opportunity to shoot, he selflessly headed the ball back across goal where Grant Johnson was on hand to 'tap' in the equaliser.
The timing of Whakatane’s second couldn’t have been better. With time winding down in the first half, it was Stilgoe again who produced something special. Played in down the left hand touchline, Stilgoe glanced up to see the Rotorua keeper off his line, and without hesitating, fashioned a shot that left the keeper stranded and Whakatane heading into the halftime break one goal up.
The second half began like the first. Both teams tried to wrestle the ascendency and after 25 minutes it was Whakatane that produced the knockout blow. Graham Sims found himself ranging forward on the left hand side of the park. He neatly played a ball square to Richard O’Regan who inturn threaded the ball through to Brendan Mitchell. Mitchell made no mistake with his shot, to give Whakatane a two goal buffer.
Mitchell found himself on the scoresheet again only seven minutes later. A Whakatane player was fouled just outside the Rotorua penalty box. It was Mitchell who stepped up to take the freekick and with perfect placement left the Rotorua keeper flapping at thin air.
Brendon Mitchell completed his hat-trick moments later from yet another Whakatane raid down the left hand side. A good ball into the Rotorua penalty area found Mitchell free on goal again and able to finish comfortably.
Congratulations to Brendan Mitchell for being named player of the day and for his first hat-trick of the season.
Pullar Builders Whakatane next play Tauranga at Rex Morpeth Park, 2:45pm 22 August
Sponsors Cup
Pullar Builders Whakatane vs Edgecumbe
Pullar Builders Whakatane have won 4-0 at home against Gary Fowell Builders Edgecumbe in the annual Sponsors Cup.
Whakatane managed to show the difference between these two sides who although play in different leagues are usually evenly matched. With a good crowd on hand to witness this always competitive local derby, it was Whakatane who started the game with a number of attacks at goal and with some relief they opened the scoring after 15 minutes. Several attempts were made at goal from both sides with some great saves being made by Edgecumbe Goalkeeper Christian Wetting to deny Whakatane striker Carwyn Evans. However, Evans soon found himself on the score sheet after a ball was lobbed into the danger zone and bounced off another player, into the path of him. He volleyed the shot on the edge of the 18 Yard line and into the goal.
Rangers were unlucky to lose a couple of players to injury in the first 45mins and Whakatane continued to play most of the game in the oppositions half. Keith Fraser and Rick Scotsman were playing at right and left back for Whakatane and constantly made running attacks into the Edgecumbe half linking up with midfield players Terry Stilgoe, Paul Taylor, Ben Mcpherson and Brendon Mitchell.
Whakatane's Brendon Mitchell was having a great game at left half and almost managed to score himself when another attack resulted in him beating the keeper and shooting at goal only to be denied by a desperate clearance from an Edgecumbe player. Mitchell soon became provider with a great run down the left flank and steering the ball back into the path of Evans whos first time shot hit the back of the net for his second.
Half time Whakatane 2 - Edgecumbe 0.
The second half began with a number of changes on the Whakatane side, opting to bring in Richard O'regan up front to have two strikers and play Mitchell in the centre midfield. Rangers were unlucky not to get one back when an attempt at goal from Caleb Hyndman unfortunately flew over the crossbar. On the 60 minute mark, O'regan made his presence felt when he collected the ball on the left flank and made a run which led to a great cross into the box which was well met by Evans giving the goalkeeper no chance and Evans his hat trick.
Two of Whakatane's youngest players Daniel Sharpe and Debutant Connor ........ were now occupying the flanks and both players got involved to create more chances for the home side. On the 75th minute it was young Daniel sharpe who put in a great cross for Carwyn Evans to Dive and meet with a well placed header. This was Evans' fourth goal of the game and earned him the Bella Designs Player of the Day award. Whakatane winning the game 4 - 0. Overall, the crowd were treated to a great team effort from the homeside, with Edgecumbe showing a good team spirit in their never say die attitude. A big THANKYOU to Pullar Builders and Gary Fowell Builders for their support over the years. Click here for match photos