Falcons’ chances thwarted
Up for runner-up
Sunday’s 2-1 loss to Manawatu United looks to have ended the Nelson Marlborough Falcons’ hopes of winning the ASB Youth League, even though just two weeks ago they were top of the table with five wins from five games.
The frustrating loss, which saw Manawatu United score two first half goals before Falcons’ substitute Matt Tod-Smith snatched one back in injury time, leaves the Falcons six points behind league leaders Waitakere United.
Coach Mark Johnston acknowledged they are now playing for second place.
‘‘The way Waitakere is playing they might lose one but for them to lose two or three isn’t looking likely. We knew this was like a cup final and unfortunately we’ve lost that one, ‘‘ he said.
Waitakere United have won seven straight matches. The previous weekend the Falcons lost to bottom of the table Hawke’s Bay United. Last Sunday at Trafalgar Park, the Falcons needed to win to keep within touching distance of Waitakere, but Manawatu had other plans.
Jerram Tuck hammered the first nail in the coffin, racing down the right hand side of the field past Dion Keetley, then Zac Muir and then slotting the ball past Coey Turipa in the 26th minute.
Just two minutes’ later Manawatu were awarded a free kick and an unmarked Dominic Milne was able to head the ball past Turipa.
Tod-Smith scored a consolation goal in the dying stages of the match, but with just two minutes of injury time left the Falcons were unable to steal a point. Johnston said the loss was tough to take. ‘‘A team has been able to win a game in 10 minutes which is frustrating.
‘‘Unfortunately if you make two mistakes a good team will punish you. They had about two opportunities all game and they took them, ‘‘ he said.
Bertie Fish, playing in his final game, was handed the captain’s armband for the match. He is heading over to the UK for trials and to spend Christmas with family. Johnston said he would be missed.
‘‘We’ve got guys who can fill the void but he’s a huge loss. He’s been everything for us in midfield,’’ he said.
The Falcons will be back at Trafalgar Park this Sunday, with Southern United making the trip from Dunedin.