Reserves Move Like Jagger v Ellerslie

Wednesday, 03 August 2011 17:02

For Beachlands Reserve team, last Saturday provided amazing weather and the prospect of being the first team to play on the new number 1 pitch at Te Puru.

It was a resolute BMAFC Senior Reserve team that took the field to face up against top of the table Ellerslie, who had not lost a game to BMAFC in 4 seasons. Mindful of the slow starts in the past few games the boys were gee'd up by a buoyant rendition of "Moves Like Jagger" by Mark 'Sweaty Jock' Laidlaw in the changing rooms. The dulcet tones and dance moves must have worked some magic because the opening stanza of the game was completely dominated by BMAFC.

Taking advantage of the width of the new pitch, the game plan was to stretch a very strong and big Ellerslie back four with plenty of wide play through to the Szopa twins on each wing. The pressure was obvious on Ellerslie, and Caid Szopa was unlucky to hit the post with a shot over the keeper as he stumbled to get back from a poor clearance.

There was plenty of fantastic play through the BMAFC back four, switching the point of attack and playing through a hard working midfield of Mark Laidlaw and Paul Startin. Ellerslie had no answer to the direct and accurate passing and - after one of the MANY poor tackles from bad-spirited Ellerslie players - a cross came over and through the keepers hands for (player of the day) Paul Startin to knock home from six yards out. It was a well deserved goal for all of Paul's graft in the first half. There were numerous opportunities to knock in other goals, but shots were missed and the teams went in to half time with BMAFC up by 1-0. The call at the break was for the intensity levels to increase and push Ellerslie even harder.

Ellerslie had other ideas however and increased their own intensity levels which tested the metal of the BMAFC back four and other player of the day, keeper Kevin Walker. There were some amazing saves from Kevin, and in conjunction with Mark Bignell and Justin Irvine controlling the middle of the park, each attacked was closed down and sent back. Tim "Sergio Ramos" Alderdice made some scything runs through from the back and supported Mark Laidlaw well in playing through the left hand side. The rest of the half was a see-saw affair with shots on goal by both sides.

A dramatic free kick save from Kevin Walker from a goal-bound shot came 5 minutes from time put the icing on the cake and BMAFC battled through and entire 2nd half of late challenges from Ellerslie to knock over the Division Champions from last year.

The sheer joy was evident from the guys who clearly showed the potential the Reserve team has as a unit. Appreciation goes out to the supporters and 1st team who watched and buoyed us through a tough 2nd half. BMAFC head to Waiuku this weekend with aspirations of posting a big win and making a push for a top 4 finish, which would be a great finish after losing key players up to the first team to fill gaps left by injuries.

By Justin Irvine

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