Goals piled on in women’s football
There was plenty of goals this weekend in the women’s games. The opening game saw Westland United face off against the Goblins. After losing their opening game of the main championship, Westland were keen to get some points on the board, especially against a depleted Goblins team that was forced to play with seven players.
Westland put the pressure on right from the beginning and had many chances, but great goalkeeping from Eve Findlay kept the game scoreless. United finally broke the deadlock with a nice effort from striker Ngawai Tahi. Shortly after they had a second, with Kat Curnow powering home despite the keeper getting a hand to it.
Shortly after the kick off in the second half, Tahi got her second goal. The Goblins were able to put some pressure on Westland in the second half, but the Westland defence was solid and they were unable to convert any chances. In the last minute, Celine Stokowski made it four for Westland, after a fine cross from Tahi set up her chance. Ngawai Tahi and Meg Glancy, both on their debuts for Westland, put in great performance up front, with Tahi getting Westland’ player of the day. Niamh McGuigan also put in an outstanding performance in central midfield.
Great credit to the young Goblins team who put in a great performance despite the numerical disadvantage, especially in defence, right through the whole game. The Goblin’s player of the day was Eve Findlay.
In the late game, the Dragons played the Comets. This was an aggressive game, however the Comets, due to the efforts of their forwards, ended up winning the game 8-2, to keep their spot at the top of the table. Nikita Stevenson always seemed to be in the right place at the right time, scoring a hat-trick. The Comets did have one injury before half time, leaving them with eight players, but they were able to keep the pressure on. Kate Campbell earned the Comet’s player of the day, with an outstanding performance in defence. Rosa Cooper and Lammie Lamason both contributed two goals to the Comet’s tally. The Dragon’s certainly didn’t go down without a fight, and Amelia How added another two goals to her season’s tally, keeping her well clear as the leading goal scorer. Shannon Gordon earned the Dragon’s player of the day, for her great defensive work.
Next week, the Goblins face the Comets in the 12.30pm kick off, with Westland United facing the Dragons in the 1.15pm game.
The men’s main championship kicked off with several teams aiming to get off to a good start. Grey United hosted Westport Cos at Arthur Fong. This was another competitive game between these teams. Grey United were slow to get going in the first half and Westport were able to capitalise on some poor defending, with David Evans scoring twice in the first half. Credit to Westport for putting the Grey United defence under pressure, and Evans finished well both times. Grey United got themselves into some good positions and after some great work down the wing from Blake Hodgson before putting the ball right across the face of the goal for Daniel Horridge to finish from close range.
Grey United put more pressure on after the half time break and created a few more chances. Anton Merkushev had two good chances for Grey United, but was unable to finish. Westport were always dangerous, especially young Josh Roche, who put in a man of the match performance with his running and pressure in the Westport attack. Grant Smith went on a great run out the Westport defence, the length of the field before setting Roche up for a simple finish. James McLean earned the Grey United player of the day, and worked hard with Merkushev in central midfield. Westport will be happy with more away performances like this, as they will always be hard to beat at home.
In the other game, in Hokitika, Westland United were finally able to hold Paroa to a draw, with the game finishing 1-1. This is the third time these teams have played each other already this season and Westland have improved each time. It is also the first time this season that anyone has been able to prevent Paroa from winning, showing that away games in Westland will always be difficult for the travelling team. Harvey Rubbo got the goal for Paroa and Pete Te Rakau scored Westland’s.
Next week Paroa have a bye, so Westland United and Westport will both be keen to put some points on the board before Paroa host Westport on the 25th June. Westland will travel to Westport for a 2pm kick off, with Westport also defending the Sarah Clearwater trophy. In the other game, Marist get their main championship under way against Grey United, at 2pm at Arthur Fong.