Reserves Open 2011 with Draw
Saturday, 02 April 2011 18:36
Beachlands Maraetai AFC opened their 2011 season with a hard-fought 2-2 draw against Three Kings United Sea Cows at Keith Hay Park on Saturday.
The visiting side opened the day's scoring - however not in a good way - when a Beachlands' defender misdirected his header over the top of his own goal keeper's reach and found the top corner of the goal. Three Kings followed up soon after to capitalise on another Beachlands defensive blunder to stretch their lead to 2-0, where the first half finished.
The sluggish start had cost Beachlands dearly, however the side never felt out of the match and began the second spell with renewed vigour. The fight-back began with much sterner defense but luck also played its part as a number of close calls went beggin for Three Kings' attack.
Beachlands ultimately left the goal scoring too late to steal three points but managed to salvage a draw and one competition point thanks to midfielder Mark Laidlaw. Three Kings provided Beachlands with their first real opportunity of the match when their striker was foulled in the box. Laidlaw made no mistake from the penalty spot.
Minutes later Laidlaw struck again from a well constructed play which began on half way, and finished when Kings' goal keeper failed to stop the 25 yard bolter.
Beachlands' second goal capped their best period of play of the match as Kings pressed hard at the end of the match to reclaim their lead. Time and resolute defending -- read: J. Irvine was lucky not to be sent from the field :p -- kept the home team at bay. Kudos must also go to man of the match Kevin Walker in goal for Beachlands, who certainly did his bit to kept his side in the game.
Next Saturday Beachlands Reserves face off with another Three Kings team - one of four from the club in AFF Division 3 - Three Kings Dunas at Te Puru Park, 2:45pk kick off.
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