Top of the table clash to Waihi
So it all came down to the final day, top of the table clash at home.
Waihi v Te Awamutu equal on points and the final game of the season, a must win for both teams.
With the previous week a bye week there was plenty of time to rest the tired bodies and get the niggling injuries mended as a result of a long and hard season. What it also did though, was allow for excitement to build before the big game. On game day the weather put on a great day for us as we welcomed Te Awamutu to our patch.
The sidelines packed with supporters and more than usual so it was great to see so much local support for this event. Matty Mattich had the pitches looking top notch as always so the stage was set.
Kick off came and the pre match nerves soon settled as the team got stuck in to the job ahead. The team showed early on that it was the more dominant team on the pitch as they pressed high and tested their keeper three or four times in the first 20 minutes while camped in their half.
The pressure paid off as they conceded a penalty after a foul in the box.
Konnah Sas stepped up and took the spot kick and it was hit with some venom, however the keeper managed to finger tip it on to the bar and the score remained 0-0. Ten minutes before the half time break, substitute Ethan Baker crossed a perfect ball from out wide to Sam Malone on the edge of the box, who chested it pin point back out out to Konnah Sas who scored the goal of the season after he caught it on the half volley and rocketed the ball into the top corner of the goal, leaving the keeper no chance. Halftime score was 1-0.
The second half continued like the first, demonstrating that they can play the game the way its meant to played.
Moving the ball around with accuracy and speed with lots of movement as they had practised and very nice to watch. After creating several more good chances with Jamie Grey, Jack Matich and Sam Malone all being denied by a very resilient T A keeper, the break through came when Ben Hennessy picked the ball up in the midfield after some nice build-up play from the back and managed to sidestep several players and thump the ball home for Waihi’s second. A beautiful goal Ben.
That was to be the final score. Te Awamutu did create some good opportunities in the second half however were unable to convert as Joseph Burrell and the defensive line were just too strong as they have been all season. The team played to the game plan and it payed off.
Special mention to Jason Urlich who time and time again gives up his time to ref games. Also Matty Mattich for giving the best pitches in the Waikato, as they have been named by several travelling teams and managers.
Also, a big thank you to all you supportive parents, for providing transport and often your kind words it makes it so much easier to be a coach.
Last, to Hamish Brown and the boys — hard work pays off !