Up the Reserves
Western AFC Celtics 1 V Methven Reserves 2
With the seniors game cancelled due to Burwood forfeiting for reasons unknown, all eyes focussed on Methven's second team in division 7.
Just off the back of a superb win last week, the mountaineers went into this match full of confidence, looking to make it two victories on the bounce.
The game started scrappily, neither side taking the initiative to control possession, however the deadlock was broken when last weeks hero OJ Dodson was left exposed at the back post, faced by two strikers who had ghosted behind the defence. Keeper Cam Holmes could do nothing to prevent the shot going in, 1-0. Holmes was later wanting to investigate what had happened to his defence.
Methven restarted the game but soon decided changes were required and brought on the dynamic Cam Manson to provide width and a killer ball into the box.
Now Methven began to apply pressure on the Western goal, constantly knocking on the door, which eventually opened and an in swinging corner from Tumme was welcomed by Josh Burrows, who duly headed in 1-1 with halftime approaching.
The second half brought more chances and the away side were now settled and only rarely disturbed by the odd long ball. Tevin perked up the midfield with some runs from deep, while Tumme continued to probe for chinks in the Western armour.
Their patience was rewarded in unorthodox fashion when a square ball into the box was met by King. With no keeper to beat and an easy finish to be applied, he managed to make a meal of it, upending himself but in that one motion the ball hit his head and trickled over the line, 2-1.
Spectators scanned the area for a possible sniper but all was well when king returned to his feet and celebrated the goal he had hardly riffled in. Taking the lead triggered a more confident approach as the Reserves were able to see out the rest of the match and they were well benefited by the fit again, voice of the team, Marc Davies.
The Reserves go again next Saturday 11th August against F.C. Twenty Dads Army, 2:30 kick off at Methven domain.
The seniors take on Christchurch Presidents at Spreydon Domain, 2:30pm kick off, on Saturday; in their crunch match to see who makes it to the final of the Cup competition.
Methven 15th grade triumph!!
After a long and sometimes hard season the 15th grade have accomplished what they set out to do and have sealed the league title.
The youngsters have been in fine form this season, guided by manager, John Peneycad.
St Andrews 3 V Methven 15th grade 2
They were in action this Saturday as the Cup competition began. This was going to be the toughest test for them as they have been put in a group with the elites from the division above. In st. Andrews are a team of winners and have yet to taste defeat this year.
The game kicked off with the home side enjoying most of the possession in the early exchanges. However they had underestimated the mountaineers and were playing a high backline; leaving them exposed to Methven's quick counter attacks. The pendulum swung in the away sides favour and by half time they had a deserved 1-0 lead curtesy of striker, King.
The second half was a different story and Methven had the chance to double their lead, when the keeper cheaply conceded possession. But the glorious chance went begging as Jones skewed his shot wide.
Methven were to rue their chances of putting the game to bed, when a St. Andrews sweeping attack resulted in the equaliser, 1-1.
The turning point in the match came on the 80th minute, when St. Andrews were awarded a penalty for an adjudged handball. It was a close decision, which on another day might have gone the other way
The kick was converted and the momentum was shifted. The away side didn't have much time left on the clock to dust themselves down, lift their heads up and find an equaliser. Though determination and persistence sometimes pay off and Burrows on a one man mission took it past two defenders before converting into the top corner. This was justice for the young team and far truer reflection on the game, 2-2.
However disaster would strike again when the home side won a corner. The initial kick was recycled into the box where it was met by an outstretched foot of the attacker, beating the despairing keeper, Dove and shattering Methven's hopes of a point, 3-2.
That brought proceedings to a conclusion and the young lads will feel depressed by the results; but their spirits were soon raised when they were reminded how far they have come this season. Winning the league championship and going toe to toe with an unbeaten division 3 side is a fantastic feat in anyone's book.