Keep on keeping on!

 

Methven 7 V Selwyn 0

 

The league season has finished and so the Cup competition begins with the new format of a 4 team group phase before the knockout stage.

Methven went into this match in high spirits, having already won the league and already thrashed their Christchurch based opponents twice in the league campaign.

A nice sunny day with a cool wind was the setting for this affair. 

From the kick off, the Mountaineers controlled the game, dominating possession, denying Selwyn the ball and leaving them chasing shadows, as the spectre of their two previous encounters looked set to haunt them.

Midfield magician Hugo Smith had already sent out warning shots in the early minutes; before he finally got his just deserts with a sweet strike across goal to the keepers right; adding the cherry to a fine move, 1-0. The Englishman was definitely in the mood today and was hungry for more goals to sink his teeth into. He demonstrated just why so many regard him to be the cream of the crop in Methven, when with mad desire and lungs bursting he sprinted unmarked into the box, to latch onto Angus square ball into the six yard box and grab his second within minutes of his first, 2-0. 

Last weeks hero, Luccini wanted in on the action and joined the party halfway through the first half in a near carbon copy of his free kick last week; only this time it was from a corner. His initial delivery was cleared by the defence but the Czech got a second bite at the ball, wrapping his left peg round the piece of leather from an extremely tight angle. The cross, come shot alluded everyone in the box, more so the keeper as he was rooted, watching the vicious effort smash in off the far post, 3-0.

Second half commenced with the home side continuing to maintain the lions share of possession as Methven roared on, except for keeper Wasley who remained lonely in his goalmouth. The shot stopper could be seen jumping up and down on the spot in a desperate attempt to stay warm. More wonderful approach play would follow and soon it was 4 when another spectacular move was assisted by Luccini, threading a delightful through ball to star striker Angus, whose tidy finish via the keepers open legs was a joy to behold. 

Smith still had fire in his belly, hellbent on grabbing his hat-trick. Opportunity knocked when Methven were awarded a free kick 25 yards out. The redheaded genius took responsibility and delivered a delicious strike into the top corner at pace, which his hero and hair sake, Paul Scholes would have been proud of, 5-0.

Another goal was added again after a fine move from the left wing as leftback Smithers found himself in uncharted territory deep in the Selwyn box. 

The initial shot from the powerhouse was too hot to handle and was parried back to him. The Australian unselfishly cut the ball back to the waiting Torres, who gladly slotted home from close range, 6-0.

With moments left on the clock the home side got themselves a penalty thanks to a blatant handball in the box from

the Selwyn defender. Many would regard this as disrespectful but Methven called on their veteran goalkeeper to take the kick. The journey man rolled back the years with his enormous run up from his own box. A little fatigued by the time he reached the spot but he calmly placed his shot deep into the corner, sending the keeper the wrong way in fantastic style; demonstrating true composure, which any striker worth his salt would be delighted with, 7-0.

Wasley would be called upon in the dying moments too as he brilliantly pushed a goal bound effort round the post to protect his clean sheet bonus. 

The final whistle blew, putting the away side out of their misery and sending them back to Christchurch with their tail firmly between their legs.

However this fantastic result did come at a price as the mountaineers will have to sweat as they await news about John Peneycad's hand scan and a possible fracture.

 

Methven go again next Saturday 4th August, against Burwood AFC, 2:30pm kick off at Methven Domain.

 

Other scores: Banks Peninsula 2 V Methven Reserves 6

Methven 15th grade 6 V Parklands 0