Men’s Fed 2 in scoreless game

Men’s Federation 2

The Men’s Fed 2 team were looking forward to the mid-table clash with Te Awamutu at Strathmore Park on Saturday and the opportunity to climb one more place on the league ladder.

Ninety minutes of football was unable to separate the two sides and the score finished 0-0, an identical result to their first-round match.

The results epitomised the strengths and style of play for both sides that rely heavily on their defensive qualities. Tokoroa Youth A full strength Tokoroa Youth team played host to second-placed Cambridge and provided the local support with a free-flowing end-to-end encounter.

Tokoroa opened with some of their best football of the year but it was Cambridge who opened the scoring on 20 minutes against the run of play.

Ironically the Cambridge goal galvanised the Youth and Connor Wood beat his man, drove into the box and found the far post to lock up the score and it was game on.

A foul on Cody Chesterman in the box led to a penalty and Darren Manthey converted to give Tokoroa a 2-1 lead at the break.

Jesse Taylor came off the bench with instant success. His speed and strength enabled him to beat the defence and finish well to give the lads some breathing space at 3-1.

Cambridge managed to score a late consolation goal but the young team held on to take the 3 points. Tokoroa Reserves The highs and lows of football were reinforced when the Reserve side foundered away to bottomplaced Otorohanga 4-0.

The game was in the balance by the odd goal until late in the second spell but was decided as Otorohanga finished with a flourish.

Playing out of position, left back Riaz Akhtar battled strongly and was rewarded for his determination with man of the match honours.