Luckless 1st Team Lose Again

BMAFC 1st Team suffered a frustrating 2-0 defeat today versus Metro FC at Eastdale Reserve in Avondale.

Playing with the low Western sun at their backs in the first half, BMAFC were all over their opposition who struggled to string more than three passes together. In contrast, Beachlands were playing scintillating possession football and found themselves hot on attack for the majority of the first half. Chances were seemingly generated at will but the football gods just weren't smiling on the visitors - not less than six clear opportunities drifted off target or were cleared by Metro before the half time whistle.

Against the run of play, Metro grabbed the advantage in the first half from a free kick about 30 yards out. A perfectly weighted shot climbed over Beachlands' defensive wall to the right and beat keeper Adam Kelway, finding the top left corner of the net.

While they maintained a clear advantage in possession and territory they once again failed to translate their dominance into goals, and communication within BMAFC's ranks suffered as a result.

Turning around at the half way point, Beachlands never manage to recover from the frustration of the first half - their spirits falling along with that afternoon sun. And playing into that sun was like playing in the dark, with communication continuing to be a stumbling block for Beachlands. Despite the self imposed difficulties Beachlands managed to continue their dominance until just the second shot of the day for Metro saw Beachlands' goalie slip on the soft turf and fumble the ball through his legs, the ball spinning agonisingly close the goal line before finally crossing to confirm Metro's second goal.

With 25 minutes remaining there was enough time on the clock for Beachlands to pull the game out of the fire but it was not to be. The visitors resorted to long shots, which never troubled Metro, and when they got right in the danger zone luck was against them in a match where for the first time this season BMAFC were unable to record a single goal.

The result sees the side drop to third place following High School Old Boys 4-2 victory over Fencibles. Beachlands next fixture is at Te Puru Park against arch rivals Papatoetoe on July 17, 2:45pm kick off. Come down and support the boys and help them get their campaign back on track!