Going down to the wire

 

Western AFC Generals 2 V Methven 1

 

With only a point needed to fulfil championship glory, Methven entered this match full of confidence. 

However it was obvious from the start that the uneven surface and boggy condition of the pitch, on which Methven were invited to play, were not going to be conducive to the on the deck, slick passing game for which Methven are rightfully renown. So it proved right from the opening exchanges with control and movement of the ball being all but impossible as both teams struggled to provide entertaining, quality football; and were unable to prevent the match becoming a scrappy uphill struggle.

Methven did get to grips eventually and started to show exactly why they are top of the league, using the flanks well and stretching the home sides defence. 20 minutes in they drew first blood when Czech sensation Jan Luccini delivered a telling cross into the six yard box, which begged for a touch to guide the ball home. Callum Angus, prolific all season and on his birthday no less got his head to the cross and sent it flying past keeper, 0-1. 

Five minutes later, winger Darcey Taylor danced his way into the box, only to be upended by the misplaced tackle from the defender and a penalty was awarded. Unfortunately the chance to double the lead was not taken and Angus will be disappointed with his execution not finding the net.

The score remained the same as we reached the interval with the away sides defence rarely threatened. 

Straight from the restart it was clear the remaining forty-five minutes would provide a different story as Western changed their tactics, adopting a different approach and bypassing the midfield by launching long balls up to their pacy striker.

The mountaineers began to lose their foothold in the game as the home team grew in confidence resulting in the away backline being under considerable pressure as they struggled to retain possession.

It was a case of weathering the storm, however the turning point was to occur when injury to centre back Richard King forced the substitution and on came new signing Liam Hett. Shortly after the equaliser came when a through ball to the seemingly offside striker left keeper Wasley committed to come charging out to stop the one on one situation. The veteran did well to force the striker wide but was eventually rounded and the shot from the angle deceived both defenders on the line who desperately tried to prevent the ball trickling into the net to no avail, 1-1.

The tide had now shifted in Westerns favour and more pressure was applied. Methven's defence was to be caught in disarray yet again when several attempts to clear their lines ended with the ball being presented to the awaiting striker who gladly seized on the opportunity and unleashed his shot into the top corner, 2-1.

Methven left it late to change their tactics, which was perhaps to be their downfall but as soon as they did, wave after wave of aggressive attacks would follow, in a desperate attempt to level proceedings. 2 failed penalty shouts fell on deaf ears, a heroic save from the keeper and goal line clearance were to follow and the ever resounding feeling that this wasn't going to be Methven's day hung over them like a black cloud ready to rain on their parade. 

Despite a gallant effort they were to be denied their late goal and the match ended 2-1. This was a wake up call for the mountaineers, with the league title postponed hopefully for another week but their invincible season was not to be, with their first defeat.

 

Methven go again next Saturday the 21st July, against Christchurch Utd Presidents at Methven domain, 2:30pm kick off. 

We welcome everyone to come and show their support and potentially witness Methven make history.

 

Other scores:

Methven Reserves 4 V Banks Peninsula 1