The boots polished, the grass clipped,
the chance of greatness can’t be slipped.
11 men stand united by 1 dream,
Burdened expectations for the strong team.
Hold your nerve, the calm before the storm,
a perfect day for legends to be born.
Do your duty, leave no regret,
those moments you never forget.
The inside of the post, the sigh of relief,
the rise and fall so bittersweet.
A dive to the right, a fingertip save,
In their hearts, fortune favours the brave.
The curl of the ball, the billow of the net,
they think it’s all over, but not yet.
The sweat on the brow, the lactic acid,
the gaffer’s message, don’t panic.
A collective gasp, the intake of breath,
the standing hairs on the back of your neck.
The step over, the flick, the faint, the trick,
time stands still for the penalty kick.
The crowd cheering, a celebratory dance,
the old foe, bewildered in a trance.
The knocking on the door, the picking of the lock,
a winning mentality of time long forgot.
The game is about the glory, a touch of heaven,
born were these kings of New Zealand’s Methven.
Hat trick hero seals the Double
Methven F.C 4 V Western AFC Generals 1
This was it, the finale to what has already been an exquisite season. Western are the only team to defeat the mountaineers this season and so it was fate that the two should meet in the final of the cup competition. Methven were granted home advantage for winning the league and a lovely sunny day, accompanied by a large crowd, made for quite an occasion.
Richard King, the longest serving player in the squad, led the boys out as the skipper for one last time.
The whistle blew, and the match began with a robust tempo. The two teams with contrasting styles of play; Methven with their gracious on the deck flowing, passing game; Western with their midfield bypassing long ball game.
Chances were fleeting in this end of season battle, but Methven were getting stronger as the game went on, incorporating their stylish play on their home turf. Nothing was held back as crunching tackles took place, left, right and centre. The Mountaineers had a freekick just over the halfway line. The ball was floated in, looking for the head of Liam Hett but in a turn of events the ball ricochet off the defender’s arm and a penalty was given. Up stepped Luccini to deliver from the spot in cool fashion, first blood to Methven, 1-0.
A topsy-turvy first half was brought to a close, with the away side feeling hard done by with some of the officials’ decisions. They were determined to use it as fuel to spur them on in the second period, in their attempts to get back in the game.
With twenty minutes still to play, Methven knew they needed to kill the game off. The chance came when Luccini picked the ball up, 30 yards out. The defence appeared to open up for him and invited the shot, which is not something you want to encourage this man to do. The Czech unleased his effort and the ball caught a deflection off a lunging defender, spraying the ball to the keepers right and wrong footing him, 2-0.
All that remained was to see out proceedings, however there would be late drama when Western were awarded a penalty kick. John Peneycad, had been through the wars in this game, twice refusing the stretcher, wild horses couldn’t drag him from this pitch. Unfortunately, it was his clumsy challenge, which led to the penalty and the striker took the opportunity, sending Wasley the wrong way, 2-1.
With Western now gung ho and sticking 3 strikers up top, there was always going to be gaps left at the back to expose. Luccini broke away down the left flank and delivered a delicious cross for the head of Torres to slot home, 3-1. The two goal buffer restored and a heavy sigh of relief was met with the well taken goal. Luccini still had more in the tank however and for the past 3 matches it has been his tradition to score direct from a corner. With the large crowd expecting his brilliance, he didn’t disappoint and added the gloss to this well polished performance, 4-1.
The match ended and Methven were victorious yet again, winning the double this season was on the shopping list from day one and they have accomplished it in style. A fantastic season has come to a close, but Methven will return next year with the aspirations of a repeat performance as they aim to climb the football ladder. Methven football club would like to thank the supporters, the volunteers and everyone else associated with the club and the help needed to make it such a special season.
See you all soon, Come on Methven!!!
Other Scores:
Hornby Utd AFC Pressies 4 V Methven Reserves 3
Mid Canterbury Utd 1 V Methven 15th Grade 4