A Spirited Performance
Coastal spirit Pressies 1 v Methven F.C 3
This was always going to be a totally different game to Methven's previous match as this time they were up against a well drilled, experienced side. Therefore it was no surprise when the home team started strongly and controlled the opening ten minutes. A speculative ball over the visitors defence found the back line static and two free strikers inside the box ready to pounce and hopefully score. 'The governor' Peneycad made a last ditch clearing header but was adjudged to have gone in too strongly and a penalty was awarded much to the teams dismay. Up stepped keeper James Wasley to make a name for himself. The striker unleashed a low drive to Wasley's right hand side and the keeper magnificently got a strong hand to keep it out and avoid a disastrous start.
This proved to be a wake up call for Methven who now began to grab hold of the game and control proceedings from then on.
If it wasn't for the Coasters keeper they may have been 3-0 up by half time but the shot stopper was in fine form; most noticeably denying Hugo Smith a sensational volley half way through the first half and another goal bound effort he managed to tip over the bar.
There was to be late controversy when Methven thought they had taken the lead. Jan 'Luccini' won the ball on the half way line and sprinted intensely towards goal, with only the keeper to beat he played the percentages and opted to square the ball for Angus to simply tap in. However the referees whistle blew for an apparent offside and the goal was chalked off.
The second half began and the home side were on top again attempting to plant Methven with a sucker punch for not taking their chances. However the mountaineers defended admirably and soon the tables turned and they began to control the game again. Finally the deadlock was broken when a corner lead to disarray in the Coasters defensive ranks, star striker Angus was able to slot home with his second attempt at goal after the keeper frantically got a hand to the first effort, 0-1.
It wasn't long before the visitors were caught up in their own controversy when Thabs Khabu found Angus on the edge of the six yard box, who comfortably finished it off. The Coasters appealed with rage, calling for offside but the referee was not to be swayed and the goal stood, 0-2.
The home side soon got themselves in deeper trouble when they gifted Methven with a free kick on the edge of the box. New boy Hugo Smith despatched the kick with ease into the bottom right corner, leaving the keeper wrong footed, 0-3.
Methven looked set to see out the game but unfortunately with the remaining minutes depleting, the clean sheet wasn't to be there's. A wicked corner was swung in catching veteran keeper Wasley off balance and only able to get a finger tip to the ball as it and he nestled into the back of the net, giving the hosts a consultation goal, 1-3.
Overall this was a fine performance from the determined mountaineers and a fantastic early scalp, which come the end of the season could prove all so vital in their quest for silverware.
Methven go again next Saturday 21st at 2:30pm, Methven Domain against Western Generals.