Pullar Builders Whakatane vs Claudelands

Pullar Builders Whakatane are back on track with a 3-2 win over Claudelands Rovers giving them the much needed three points that has alluded them in their last two fixtures.

Playing at Claudelands on a bumpy and boggy pitch made it difficult for Whakatane to play good football and so the first 30 minutes wasnt great to watch with lack lustre efforts in tackles and players lacking urgency in moving forward. Claudelands would have thought they were going to run away with it after spending most of the first 30 in the Whakatane half. During this time they managed to conjur up a few chances and had it not been for poor finishing and some great saves by Whakatane's goal keeper and player of the day, Derek Woodworth, Claudelands may have been up by 3 or more. A goal finally did arrive for Claudelands when they recieved a penalty when one of their players was brought down in the box. It was well taken to give the homeside a 1-0 lead.

Thats what Whakatane were waiting for and from here the game changed. Whakatane dominated the last 15 minutes and started to attack with conviction and sure enough, a long punt upfield was nodded on from Caleb Hyndman for Terry Stilgoe to head into the top corner for the equiliser. halftime 1-1.

As the second half began Whakatane continued where they left off and kept harrasing the Claudelands goal. Brendan Mitchel was threatening down the flank while in the middle Mark Burgess and Michael Simms were geting stronger and stronger. On the 55 minute mark it was Stilgoe who crossed a ball from way out wide into the path Hyndman who cut inside his defender and managed to volley the ball from outside the 18 yard line into the top left corner. A stinging shot that gave the keeper no chance and Whakatane a 2-1 lead.

However, Claudelands were not out and only moments later they equilised when their forward lobbed the ball over the advancing keeper and into the net.

Whakatane did not let up and again were back in front after some good football was played. Ben Mc Pherson took a throw in and then continued to run in behind the opposition. Carwyn Evans recieved the ball and slipped the pass between two players back into the path of McPherson who then passed it out wide to Stilgoe. Stilgoe again crossed the ball and Hyndman was again able to get a slight touch to it glancing the ball into the far corner.

With 20 minutes remaining in the game there was still plenty of time for more goals, however with Claudelands starting to show frustration and Whakatane showing more determination in defence, the 3-2 scoreline stayed. 

A tough match that saw Whakatane claim the three points to put them back near the top of the ladder with games still in hand over the other teams.

Next week Whakatane are at home to Hamilton Wanderers 2:45pm.