Selwyn no show again 

 

Methven Reserves 4 v Universities AFC Presidents 4

 

It’s hard to believe but this is now the fourth match to be called off because of the away side forfeiting. The Methven first team were notified at the eleventh hour, just after their warm up that Selwyn Utd wouldn’t be making the trip.

 

There was however the Reserves match that would go ahead. The only dilemma for the manager was whether or not to use some first team players to support the cause. A few were typically picked but early signs were not good as a lack of cohesion and character, spawned disastrous results. The visitors were controlling the game with relative ease, working the ball well and running rings around the hosts.

Three quick fire goals were scored of the highest calibre. The panic button was pressed and on came plenty more first team reinforcements. The visitors, despite their apparent lack of fitness were still dominating against a so called superior opposition, which at times was torture to watch. Methven did get themselves back into it, in the second half. Nick Eden proving too much for the over weight centre backs; sealing his hatrick and bringing the score to 3-3. The tables turned ever so slightly and an easily avoided own goal was conceded by the Presidents, 4-3. Justice did prevail, however with University scoring an audacious half volley, in off the underneath of the bar. The final whistle sounded, ending in 4-4. Overall, fielding better quality players should have been enough to win comfortably, however there were too many individual poor performances and a distinct lack of team work. On the positive there was some guts a fight demonstrated by getting themselves back into the game, resulting in one point earned. 

 

In the early kick off Methven 14th grade triumphed 2-1 winners over CBHS 14th Grade Blue. The result means that the youngsters win their 4 team pool mini league, with a game to spare. The victory was made all the more impressive with the youths playing the majority of the match with 9 players.