BNU Thirds 2-1 Wainui - Back into the fray at Titahi Bay
Given the prolonged absence of our regular keeper, the gaffer organised for a replacement for this weeks game against Wainui’s 2nd team. Not only is Tony a experienced keeper whose dominating performance helped organise the back four as well see him pull off a number of important saves; more importantly it adds another Crystal Palace fan to the ranks! Positioning for a goalkeeper is all important and Tony had the opportunity to demonstrate his acute understanding of angles when he let a shot cannon back off the post and settle in his grasp without needing to move a muscle…impressive stuff.

It took a good 15 minutes to find our feet, where Wainui’s good use of the wide pitch meant we were reduced to the odd counter attack; however it was from one of those that produced the first goal of the game. Robbie, shifted out to right midfield following an early substitution after Ants was forced off following a late tackle, finishing off a good move to squeeze the ball under the advancing keeper. 1-0 was how it would stay until half-time.

The second half saw BNU extend their lead after the (excellent!)referee rightly awarded BNU a penalty. Daniel McCarthy dusting himself off after being hauled down by the keeper to blast the ball into the net. However the 2 goal cushion didn’t last long and Wainui got one back following a good header from a free kick (again rightly awarded from the even-handed referee!). 

The last 25 mins became a little tense as a third BNU goal somehow proved elusive, a number of chances on the break went begging as Wainui pushed forward for the equaliser. A few tetchy exchanges between our players towards the end gave an indication of the desire to secure our first win since the opening day of the season, but secure it we did. Happy Days.

Nigel Moore