Westland United vs Marist, battle ends in draw
There were close results this weekend in the men’s football competition.
Westland United and Marist met at Westland High School and were both keen to get some points on the board. Marist started quick out of the blocks, stringing together some nice passing. Westland settled and both teams had chances to get on the board first. Marist’s Juan Lawrence capitalised after Westland failed to clear their lines to softly push the ball past the Westland keeper for the first goal of the match. Strong defence and a great showing from both goal keepers kept the advantage to Marist until Callum Cadigan finished off a great through ball with a cracking shot into the top corner of the net. The first half finished even at 1 all.
The second half saw both teams continue to press forward and test each other’s defences. A nice play from the back saw Westland advance down the left, finishing with a precise cross in to Dima Tarnov, only to be denied a goal by a Marist hand ball. Cadigan stepped up for the penalty and coolly put Westland in the lead.
Marist refused to give up and continued to press and trouble the Westland defence, with Westland’s Daniel Noah having a commanding performance at centre back to earn him Player of the Day. A slick ball through by Marist saw Josh Larsen calmly chip the keeper to level the scores with 15 to go.
The game finished end to end with both teams desperate to score and claim the 3 points. A great save from the Marist keeper saw Westland’s Tony Thrupp denied the winner in the closing minutes. Marist’s goalkeeper was named Player of the Day.
Both teams will be disappointed with the draw, given the chances they had but failed to finish.
Paroa hosted the Westport Cos at Arthur Fong. With Paroa being the only undefeated football team this season and Westport sitting at the top of the table for the main competition, it was a hard fought game. Goals scorers were Marty McDonald and Matt Wakeford for Paroa and Westport’s David Evans. Westport still hold the lead in the competition but Paroa have a game in hand to try to take the top spot back.
Grey United had a bye.Next week, Grey United will have to work hard to get their first points for the competition against a quality Paroa team at Arthur Fong at 2:00. Marist will travel up to Westport for a 2:00 game and Westland United have the bye.
In the women’s 9-a-side league, all teams had a bye. To keep fitness up and get on the field, a friendly was held with players from Westland High School, the Dragons and Westland United Women all participating. It was fun for the women to play with others who are normally on the opposing side of the field and to stretch out on the larger 11-a-side pitch.
Next week, the Dragons play the Goblins for the 12:00 kick off at Arthur Fong followed by the two top of the table teams, the Comets and Westland United Women at 1:15.