Late Capitulation for Senior Reserves

Monday, 11 April 2011 21:56

BMAFC Reserves lost 5-0 to Three Kings Dunas in their first home match of the Season, at Te Puru Park, last Saturday.

The home side clung to 1-0 deficit for the majority of the match, allowing Beachlands a sniff at pulling back a draw - or even victory - for all but the final 10 minutes of the match, where Three Kings' superior fitness took the game beyond doubt.

Kings enjoyed the lion's share of territory, playing much of the first half in Beachlands' end of the field. The sustained pressure took its toll after 30 minutes when less than committed defense offered the visitors a one-on-one chance with the Beachlands goal keeper. The chance accepted, and a goal in the bank for Kings.

Beachlands returned fire, showing patches of quality football but failed to trouble the Kings goal keeper too much. The first half ended with belief that the local boys' fortunes would change.

A gallant second half was punctuated by two key injuries to Beachlands, who were left to close out the match without any spare troops. Fatigue attributed to a double-whammy effect of poor footballing decisions and an inability to recover from lost possession. Ten minutes from full time, Kings scored their second and signalled the collapse of Beachlands. Smelling the blood in the water, Kings practically walked a further three goals in the back of Beachlands net before the full time whistle.

Reserves skipper and elder statesman, Brent Couper, earned a man of the match performance for his inspirational, boundless work ethic in the middle of the park. His contribution undoubtedly extended his side's competitiveness in the match.

Beachlands Reserves host an highly anticipated local derby next weekend, taking on Clevedon at Te Puru Park, 1pm kick off.