Whakatane Bay 2 vs Ngongotaha

STOPPAGE TIME THRILLER SEES WHAKATANE BAY 2 THROUGH
 
The Eastern Bay Podiatry team booked its place in the semi-final of the CNS Bowl with the last kick of the game. Trailing Ngongataha 0-1 with 10 minutes to go Whakatane came back strong to win 2-1.  Although a close finish, the game could of been anything but with a dominate first half display by the home side.  The first chance came in the opening seconds when Matt Fraser rose to a Mark Pickles cross which the keeper saved at the far post.  The ever energetic Ryan Connelly dominated the left side creating chances aplenty but nothing found the back of the net.  Unfortunately the little pressure that Ngongataha created in the first half resulted in a goal from a deflected free kick.  The second half was in stark contrast with the first for Whakatane. With a first half goal, Ngongataha, found confidence and started to dominate possesion but fortunitely not creating to many chances.  The closest they came in the second half was a strong shot across the face of goal. With 15 minutes to go a disallowed goal from Rob Connelly for 'off-side' compounded the bad luck that hung over the Eastern Bay Podiatry team. This was soon forgotten when Ben Miller put the ball in the back of the net with 10 minutes to go. Not happy with 1-1 90 minute result to go to extra time Whakatane pressed and found their second goal in the 1st minute of stoppage time when Fraser recieved a flick on from Gavin Rothwell and chipped it over the advancing keeper.  Heart break for Ngongotaha but emense joy for Whakatane as they advanced to the semi finals.  The McDonalds Men of the Match went to Gavin Rothwell and Matt Fraser.