Hard-fought win for Federation 2
Logan Allen became an instant hero for Tokoroa’s Fed 2 team when he broke a 510- minute drought by scoring the first goal in a hard fought but deserved 2-0 win at Strathmore Park against rivals Matamata.
After absorbing a 20- minute onslaught, the home team began to take control and led by Thomas Duncan and captain Gareth Williams they were able to dominate the remainder of the match.
The return of Des Phillips from reserve grade, the pace and trickery of Issac Mohammed and Allen were a constant headache for Matamata.
Billy Manthey looked more comfortable on the ball and the pass- ing showed a lot more quality and precision than in recent weeks.
The introduction of substitutes Dave Wright Jnr and Roman Marsters proved crucial as they combined to set Mohammed up for the decisive second goal.
Tokoroa’s fifth clean sheet in their last seven games was finally rewarded with a solid all round performance. Tokoroa were dominant in the aerial exchanges with Duncan, Williams and Dean Tereu winning everything.
The introduction of the younger players into the Challenge Round matches has been successful and has sent some clear messages to the rest of the squad heading into next season. Tokoroa Reserves Challenge Round play has certainly agreed with the Reserve side as they made it three from three after routing Hamilton North Debacles 4-1 in Hamilton on Saturday.
The home side scored early with a well taken free kick but Tokoroa responded by playing the type of football they are capable of but on a much more consistent basis.
Sweeping moves on the back of some accurate passing went unrewarded as two great first time strikes were thwarted as they crashed against the under side of the bar and away.
Minutes before the break, a pinpoint Michael Fitzpatrick free kick cross allowed Eddie ‘‘Eagle’’ Waterhouse to score his first of the season and draw the teams level.
Fitzpatrick and Waterhouse combined again in similar fashion early in the second half and Eagle grabbed his second.
Striker Piripi Mahu’s speed and touch proved too much for the home side’s defence and when fouled on a goalward surge central defender John Reid added their side’s third from the penalty spot.
Not to be undone, Fitzpatrick later showed his wizardry with a similar run from the right, a second foul in the box and Reid completed the scoring with his second spot kick.
Coach Keith Lancaster was delighted at the result but more importantly the determined and controlled way his side had played. Special mention was made of Waterhouse’s efforts, Colin McLean’s fill-in role in midfield and player of the day Steve Sims.
Fixtures: Saturday, September 1, Mens Federation 2 v Rotorua United, away, 12.30pm. Tokoroa Reserves v Cambridge 1, Strathmore Park, 2.45pm.
Sunday, September 2: Tokoroa Women’s side play Ngaruawahia United B Division side at Gower Park, Hamilton, at 11am. The underdog status adds determination and steel to a side that has dominated the C Division league.