1-1 (HT 0-1)

Readers with long memories or empty lives will recall that the report of the first-round game against Wests (http://www.bnu.org.nz/sca-match-reports/16-masters-3/173-bnu-masters-3-v-western-suburbs-4310) ended with the warning that the return match would be tighter. And so it was, even though Wests are the only team below us on the table - their defence was much better organised, their keeper was in that position by choice, and one midfielder in particular caused us a lot of trouble in the second half.

One of the highlights of this match was that the ref they provided was both qualified and consistent, and called a number of fouls which often go unpunished in the 'social' grades (although he was a little harsh with the warning to Cliff for taking out their big central defender after slipping). The other highlight was Mike R's keeping, especially in the second half when Wests were pressing for a second goal. He took a great diving catch off a well-hit shot that had gone through a pack of players and was going just inside the post, and a finger-tip save of a low shot across goal, as well as coming off his line to get to through-balls ahead of their speediest striker.

Overall, it was an even game with each side having periods of domination. Wests started more strongly as we were a bit too slow to go for loose balls - maybe this was a hangover from the first few weeks when the hard grounds meant that the ball rolled away from runners, whereas it was now holding up. They managed a few attacks that ended with half-chances, while we had a few breaks down both wings without creating any shooting opportunities. About half-way through the first half, their striker finally got behind our central defence and took an early shot with Mike R coming out at him, and hit it well enough to still go in after Mike got some contact on it. Our play improved after that and we moved the ball around nicely in midfield, kept possession for decent periods, and went close to scoring - Mike O got on to a ball played through their defence but had his shot saved, and Ian tried a lob from wide on the right which the keeper palmed around the post.

The second half started with us continuing to play a good passing game, but without threatening to score, and it looked like we just needed one bit of luck to break through for a decent chance. Dave R got a volley on target but not enough power, and Paul G almost got onto a fumble by the keeper. Wests worked their way back into the game, with one guy in particular getting very involved from the midfield and making dangerous runs. They started getting opportunities, though nothing too easy, and hit the crossbar twice. Mike R kept us in the game during this time, and then we made them pay for not having used their chances. Paul B worked hard down the right and kept their midfield and defence busy, and it looked like they were tiring. About 10 minutes from the end, Ian received a pass from the wing, turned toward goal and away from his marker, and hit a low curling left-foot shot which started wide and snuck back inside the post. There was a cascade of clunks as Wests' heads dropped. We pressed for a winner, Ian having another half-chance with a first-time volley which dropped over the bar, and we forced a few corners but couldn't make much of them.

It was a good enough result for us, the first point in 5 games, that we were in a positive mood for the evening's mid-season strategic planning meetings at a series of rigorously selected venues.

Ian Smart