Loss puts Marist in big trouble
The Palmerston North Marist men’s team’s position in the Central League sits on an even greater knife edge after they lost 3-1 at home to Stop Out.
Then one of their relegationthreatened rivals won for the second consecutive week yesterday further compounding matters as Wellington Olympic finally looked to get things right, beating Taranaki 2-0 in New Plymouth.
Marist’s loss leaves them anchored on nine points and back in bottom place. But instead of being just a point or two behind Lower Hutt and Olympic they are more than a win behind the two sides.
Lower Hutt’s consecutive wins taking them to 14 points along with Taranaki, who are still likely to lose three points for playing an ineligible player, while Olympic are on 13 points.
Marist have a week off next Saturday with Chatham Cup taking precedence, but then face a massive home game with Olympic the following week.
Marist coach Shane Rufer admitted his side was in a hole but they had enough games left to get out of it.
‘‘We’re only looking at one game at a time and that is Olympic,’’ Rufer said.
‘‘We have Wests away and they’re fighting for the league, then Wairarapa at home and finish with Wellington [United] away.
‘‘They’re all difficult games, but I think our chances of staying in the Central League are still in our hands and we all know what’s ahead of us.’’
Rufer admitted he didn’t have the depth of other clubs.
‘‘We’ve had a lot of injuries and everyone involved with the club is aware that without importing players as every other team does it’s very difficult to win games.’’
Marist started well against Stop Out, but then a naive piece of defending handed a penalty to Stop Out, who also added a second goal before Marist sprung into action with newly signed Wanganui player Jordan Joblin-hall scoring twice, only to have one disallowed.
The Marist women’s side will be hoping league leader Upper Hutt can be tipped over twice after their 1-all draw with them on Saturday left Marist four points behind Upper Hutt.
Marist coach Simon Lees was philosophical about the result.
‘‘I think if both coaches look back on the game we’ll both say we did enough to win,’’ Lees said.
‘‘We had three clear chances in the latter part of the second half and Molly [Woodhead] had a shot well-saved.’’
Lees said his side didn’t help themselves, conceding a goal in the opening minute. Moving the pacey Tilly James to the middle of the pitch paid dividends, outpacing the Upper Hutt defence to equalise in the 65th minute.
Woodhead continues to improve and along with Amber Phillips they’re one of the country’s premier central defence duos. James had another strong game while Leah Gallie back from injury and substitute Larissa Cable played well.
Lees said a number of his players were ill, including Phillips, while key midfielder Mikaela Boxall was too sick to play.
‘‘I don’t think I’ve ever seen and heard so much illness before.’’
In the Federation League, Marist Reserves were beaten 5-1 at Havelock North Wanderers, while Red Sox-manawatu lost 5-1 to Wanganui Athletic at Skoglund Park.