BMAFC Limp Through Chatham Cup Loss

Tuesday, 26 April 2011 20:48

The Chatham Cup, New Zealand's longest running cup competition provided Beachlands Maraetai AFC their chance to put right the wrongs of a poor start to the season. Unfortunately for everyone involved at the club, Beachlands delivered a sub-par performance on and off the field.

The mental strength of the team is once again in the spotlight after facing a University of Waikato team that was there to play. It was quite obvious to all who were watching that Beachlands did not look at all themselves for almost the entire match. A distinct lack of both communication and a winning mentality again hampered Beachlands' attempt at a match that was there for the taking.

From the opening whistle Beachlands were on the back foot, while the Uni team flooded the midfield with five attackers who seamlessly opened up the Beachlands defense with a flurry of through-balls and decisive passing into the final third. Beachlands remarkably held on partly due to the steely resolve of a makeshift back line, and Uni's inability to finish off their chances.

For the entire first half Beachlands were unable to retain possession for more than three passes due to a hungry Uni midfield and a lack of creative options for passing that the whole team should take the blame for.

Uni were marking tight on the available Beachlands players and forced mistakes. Beachlands' running off the ball was woeful and the team as a whole lacked energy and creativity. 

The second half started off in the worst possible way with Uni finally converting their 10+ shots on goal into points on the board. In the opening 10 minutes Beachlands found themselves 2-0 down with their back firmly against the wall. The addition of play makers Anthony Schomaker, Matthew Henny and defender James Gibbs at half time bought a much needed spark to the game and Beachlands at last retained possession for long periods and finally started to play their own game.

However Uni stayed strong in defense and Beachlands' attack could not penetrate or find decisive passing, and were unable to create shots on goal. Credit must be given to Uni as they were hungrier and more organised than us, and gave 100% across the field.

When the final whistle blew confirming a 2-0 result to Uni, A disheartened Beachlands team limped back to Auckland with there tails between there legs and a lot of soul-searching to do after a performance which exemplified everything that has been plaguing the team this season.

Pride, commitment, atttitude, passion and a want to be winners for club and team need to be looked at, and every player is guilty of lacking in one or more of these area's.

Its time for the players to wake up and take accountability for their actions. We are blessed to have some of the best players in the league however that is proving not enough to win games for BMAFC.

Many thanks to University of Waikato for hosting the match, and to the Beachlands team of trainers, coaches and players who showed up on time ready to play.

By Ben Taylor

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