Controversial Loss for 1st Team

Sunday, 09 May 2010 01:13

BMAFC 1st Team conceded their first defeat of the season in AFF's Division 1 Championship, losing 2-1 to Papatoetoe AFC at Murdoch Park on Saturday.

A more hungry Papatoetoe side out-played and out-muscled Beachlands, who were without their inspirational skipper Ant Schomaker. Beachlands appeared content to sit back and watch the Papatoetoe players get to the ball first - the lack of confrontation allowed the home side to dominate much of the first half.

Photos courtesy Rex Bignell (click to open enlargement)

Controversy arose early in the match as a Papatoetoe player was yellow carded for failing to removed a necklace, following a pre-game warning by the referee that jewelery is not permitted. Shortly afterward, it was pointed out to the referee that the same player had yet another gold chain on, prompting the ref to issue a second yellow card and thus automatically earning his red card and premature exit from the game. With Papatoetoe reduced to 10 men the side lifted and played with more than enough starch to compensate for the disadvantage.

Despite Papatoetoe enjoying the majority of pressure and with more scoring opportunities than BMAFC the first half closed at 0-0.

As the second half drew out so did the deadlock. However with 20 minutes remaining in the match Papatoetoe's pace and overwhelming possession eventually took its toll on Beachlands Maraetai. With the ball not being adequately cleared from the visitor's danger zone a long shot was heaved back at Beachlands goal keeper Adam Kelway, who was agonisingly short of saving the first goal of the match.

Minutes later a clever turn of skill from Papatoetoe moved the ball out of the corner and back on the attack. Beachlands' defense was too short-staffed to cope with the break-away and conceded their second.

Ben Taylor pulled a goal back for BMAFC but time was running out and a late rush of possesion and sweeping wide play was not enough to force a draw.

Brian Preston claimed the man of the match award for his tireless organisation and work rate in defense.

Controversy erupted again after the match as an anonymous and disgruntled Papatoetoe player alleged that his side had fielded unregistered players in an attempt to 'stack' the game in their favour. BMAFC had been previously unbeaten and had not conceded a goal in all three league matches to date. The 'whistle-blower' had become disillusioned with his own team after he, as a fully paid up and registered player, had not had any game time in the match, while other players not registered with the club had claimed a spot on the field.

The matter is currently with Auckland Football Federation, who have been provided with evidence to support the claim, and a decision on the allegations will be made this week. The points for the match may yet be awarded to BMAFC for the illegal use of unregistered players by Papatoetoe - watch this space! UPDATE: BMAFC has been awarded the points for Papatoetoe's breach! View report here.

In the meantime, BMAFC retain their position of second on the ladder - ahead on goal difference but equal on points with Papatoetoe AFC and also Metro (BMAFC's previous victims), who were beaten 3-1 by competition leaders Western Springs.

BMAFC's next match is at home (Te Puru Park) at 2:45pm versus High School Old Boys (Papatoetoe High School, for those who are wondering!)