A Dogged Performance

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Christchurch UTD Dogs 1 V Methven FC 2

With the season drawing to its conclusion every point count as the Mountaineers seek not only promotion but winning the competition.

There had been some silly predictions earlier in the week that the match would be a walk in the park, however it was anything but as the Dogs proved to have a lot of bite, accompanied with the large pitch and hot temperature, it was a tough afternoon for all involved.

A cagey start from both sides meant there were few chances created and neither keeper was disturbed. Methven’s backline sat far too deep for large parts of the game, causing the midfield to work overtime. The most notable effort on target came from youngster Limbo, who’s swerving effort could only be parried by the keeper, with no one following up. The hosts gave as good as they got but the mountaineers managed to keep the Dogs strikers on a tight leash and Keeper Wasley enjoyed working on his tan in the bright sun. With the game deadlocked and approaching halftime Methven turned to their Czech wizard Jan Luccini and in time he proved to have the key to indeed pick that lock. Methven were on the assault, a packed box and a teasing cross from the wide right from Luccini was met at the back post by Josh Burrows, who in turn bundled the ball into the unguarded net, 0-1.

The second half saw the away side demonstrate an extremely disciplined tactical approach, frustrating the hosts and denying them space, feeding off the mistakes and hitting them on the counter attack. The second goal never came, and the game was on a knife edge, one mistake could prove all the difference. The watching fans of the Dogs were left drooling at a delightful cross into the box, which the Methven rear guard made a hash of clearing and instead keeper Wasley ended up tangoing with Darcey Taylor and in a bizarre turn of events the ball bounced off the defenders head and into the goal, 1-1. The Dogs certainly had their tails up now, but Methven reacted well and 5 minutes later they were awarded a penalty when Luccini used all his experience to put his body in the way of pressured defender, hopelessly taking out the Czech. The Dogs barked at the ref to overturn his decision, but it was all in vein and Liam Hett converted the penalty emphatically, 1-2.

The Mountaineers almost added to their score through Nick Eden, with a glorious solo run but the post was to deny him at the finish. The game ended with a sigh of relief and a vital 3 points.

Methven return to their home next week to take on Western AFC Generals in what could turn out to be the championship game for both teams. Kick off 2:30pm, Saturday at the domain.

 

In other business the Methven Reserves were unfortunate to come away empty handed as it took 2 wonder goals from CTFC Newbies to run out 2-3 winners at the domain. In the early kick off, Methven 14th grade won in style smashing CBHS 14th grade Blue 4-0.