Senior Reserves grind out win

Monday, 14 June 2010 19:15

Saturday saw the start of the second round of matches in AFF Mens Div 7, with Fencibles coming out to Te Puru for the 1st round rematch that was drawn 1-1 at Riverhills. The back line saw the return of Luca Goy and Miles McCarthy, which was well received as the lads sured up the back line again with their young legs.

With the strikers put on notice due to a large number of missed opportunities of late, player of the day Paul Startin responded in the best way to the challenge laid down by management by slotting a fantastic shot on the turn to give BMAFC the lead early in the first half. The first half was dominated by a BMAFC midfield that controlled possession and field position, with Ross Murphy and Chris Wood combining well with wide players Shane Gardner and skipper Mark Laidlaw. The pressure soon told, and after the front men hit the posts and a number of near misses, Chris Wood finished a lovely run into the box with a well placed shot into the far corner to beat the Fencibles keeper.

The second half saw a change of referee’s and then a number of “questionable” calls. Fencibles pulled a goal back in a goal mouth struggle early on. One of the interesting refereeing calls by the Fencibles ref saw stand-in keeper Josh Irvine penalised in the box for a legitimate clearing of the ball. Needless to say this didn’t sit well with big brother and team manager, Justin Irvine who eloquently told the ref and player that dived, what he thought of the decision. At this point there is some contention as to whether it was Josh Irvine’s wookie like physique, or Justin Irvine’s robust approach to penalty taking advise, however the Fencibles striker missed the penalty and justice was served.

The rest of the 65 min second half was an end to end affair with the wind making the accuracy of passing difficult and neither team really controlling possession of the football. In the end BMAFC ran out deserved winners 2-1. As previously mentioned, Paul Startin was player of the day for scoring more goals than he missed and rising to the challenge set out by management.

Next game for the reserves is a critical away game at HSOB, that could see them go as high as third if they take away the 3 points.