Honeymoon period over

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Burwood fc 3 V Methven FC 2

Methven FC first team were finally back in business, however the two week layoff certainly had an effect and the newly promoted side were definitely not their usual self.

The early exchanges saw them gain the upper hand of possession, but with the deepest respect they weren’t facing a team that would on another occasion not pose any sort of threat. Halfway through the first half and it was 1-0 thanks to a grand delivery from Gareth Saltimer, who had found himself in a wide area to deliver the ball, beautifully into the box where Liam Hett provided the connection to send the ball home with panache.

The second half immediately saw Methven on the back foot and were punished in the second phase from a corner transition, which saw the hosts midfielder swipe a hopefully effort at the visitor’s goal. The result of course was devastating as the unsuspecting Wasley was caught unawares and the equaliser buried to the far left of him. Methven soon picked up the pieces and got back to a semi moderate rhythm and on the balance of play got their just deserts when the Burwood keeper parried a speculative free kick into the path of the approaching Hett to double his tally, 1-2. Halftime came and went, and Methven still looked lethargic, finding it hard to string even simple passes together. They almost saw the game out, without threatening, before disaster struck. An in swinging corner appeared to be claimed by the jumping keeper, James Wasley but the shot stopper failed to get enough purchase and in the confusion the ball ended up in the back of the net off the thankful striker’s head, 2-2. 

The visitors huffed and buffed but alas appeared to be more blowing rather than striving to win the game. 

Wasley’s nightmare afternoon wasn’t finished there either. The veteran split a tame effort to the feet of the Burwood striker. The front man pirouetted without grace and shanked his shot, which trickled its way into the bottom corner. The ugliest of goals to conclude an extremely disappointing performance from the mountaineers. They will need to pick themselves up and bounce back next Saturday when they play host to Christchurch United Presidents at Methven Domain, 2:30pm kick off.

 

Late fightback not enough

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Hornby United Pressies 3 V Methven Reserves 2

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An easily forgettable first half finished 0-0 with both sides making mistakes with sloppy passing and failing to retain possession. During the interval both sides appeared to have received a stern team talk and after the break came out with much more passion and aggression. A long hopeful ball caused panic in the Methven rear guard and the Hornby striker managed to get on the end of it, unchallenged and finished off the exchange with a goal, 1-0. The hosts soon doubled their lead when Methven were caught in possession along their backline and keeper, Cam Holmes was left stranded, 2-0.

With their backs against the wall, the reserves side may have succumbed to defeat but these boys are made of tougher stuff and instead they went for broke and got their reward when goal machine Juan Fissore clawed one back, 2-1 and game on. Now with the fire in their belly the reserves continued to press with more effective passing, spawning better chances. Moments later they were back on level terms with Dylan Sheer applying the finishing touch to make it 2-2. Unfortunately, the turnaround was not to be completed and nervy mistakes crept in again when they were on the cusp of glory. The visitors gave away a soft goal in the dying moments, killing off their spirited comeback. Despite the score there were plenty of positives to take away and the reserves will return again next Saturday at Avonhead Park, to do battle with FC Twenty 11 Army.

 

Youngsters bury Demons

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Selwyn United FC 14th Black Demons 0 V Methven FC 14th 9

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Fortunately for Methven football club, pride was insured in the early kick off with our youth team running riot in Selwyn; destroying the home side with 9 goals. Parker got himself a hattrick, Patrick netted 2 and the rest of the goals were shared amongst Xavier, Dan, Diego and Andrew. An outstanding performance from the youngsters as they hit the ground running in their league campaign.

Their next match will take place after the Easter break on 27th April, when they take on Ferrymead Bays 14 Blue at Methven Domain, 10:45am kick off.