Division 1: Sprig + Fern Tahuna 1st XI Division 2: Sprig + Fern Tahuna 2nd XI
Division 3: Sprig + Fern Tahuna 3rd XI Division 4:
Women's Premiership: Sprig + Fern Tahuna Breakers Masters Football: Sprig + Fern Tahuna Masters
1st XI 2-2 Rangers AFC
Location: Tahunanui S1
Goals: Mackenzie, Keiron
Match MVP: Danny Ross
The boys welcomed the Rangers from over the hill for this replay tie after the first attempt was abandoned a few weeks back. Overcast and wet under foot, the perfect day for some footy! The visitors came into the game, needing a point to claim the title, and also looking to stay unbeaten with 2 games to the end. However the home side were up against it from even before the kick off whistle, injuries, sickness and absentees meant we were down to 10. Luckily for us, Gary, Dan and Austen from Seconds kindly helped us out, cheers lads and well played to all of you!!
The game started as spectators would expect, with the visitors on top, using their pace upfront to work their way in behind. After many attacks, the Tahuna Defense stood strong, making tackles, saves and blocks to keep the scores level, somewhat frustrating their opponents. Shoutout to Kieron for getting his big forehead in the way, to make it three goalline blocks in as many weeks. Some nice ball work saw TFC legend Jamie Floyd through on goal. His effort though saved by the shoulder of the onrushing keeper, hitting the post and rebounding back into play - much like how he assisted his goal last week! After a quick goalmouth scramble the ball fell to Macca whos shot was tipped onto the post. 2 hits of the post in less than 10 seconds left the boys feeling hard done by, heading into the sheds for oranges not long after.
After some positive chats in the dry and some more tactical talk from Coach Jepo, the boys were ready to go and grab a goal, keen to spend more time on the ball this half.
We got what we wanted, spending more time passing the ball around and less time defending, but it was the visitors who broke the deadlock. Joe raced out to clear a through ball, only for the speedy Marlborough attacker to get his foot in the way, the ball skidding towards goal from 30 yards out. A slice of misfortune had undone all the good defensive work for the boys. Determined not to let this affect the mood, the home side continued playing good football, until a run from the ex Tahuna winger resulted in a top corner finish, 2-0 to the league leaders. With less than 5 minutes to go, a result was looking far from likely. Until a pinpoint IT freekick landed on Kieron's foot, and into the back of the net, game on in the 88th minute! The visitors kicked off, obviously not ready for the huge team press from the boys in blue. Possession was won back quickly and before long Macca found himself at the edge of the box with the ball at feet. Somehow the team's top scorer managed to curl the ball through the forest of legs and into the back of the net, 2-2 in the 90th minute!! The game ended with the home side taking away a huge point from a very tough opposition and the away side confirming the league title win, well done Rangers on a great season!
Yet again mammoth efforts all over the park from everyone, especially in that backline, countless blocked and saved shots kept us in the game right til the very end, but the MOTM pint went to Danny Ross. A class effort at an unfamiliar position as he locked up that left side of defense. We go again next week for our last game of the season against Richmond FC away, hoping for a repeat 10-0 Win, which will see us leapfrog them into 6th place. Match report by Joe Robertson.
2nd XI 3-4 Suburbs FC Colts (Friendly)
Location: Saxtons Field S1
Goals: Munday, Sam x2
Match MVP: Sam Haaland
Last weekend, the Tahuna 2nd XI faced off against the Nelson Suburbs Colts in a friendly match that marked the return of Will Matthews after a year-long absence due to injury. His constant enthusiasm and all round pleasant demeanour was sorely missed this season, with his comeback a welcome boost to the team. With several players away, the team was bolstered by a handful of 4th XI heroes who stepped up to the plate and delivered.
The game was a closely contested affair from the outset, with both teams creating scoring opportunities. Tahuna's defense, anchored by the tireless efforts of Brad and Dan on the right flank, held strong against the Colts' young and promising attackers. However, a lapse in concentration allowed the Colts to break the deadlock in the first half, a perfectly weighted ball over the defence allowed a Colts striker nip between Ross and Will to connect with a header that looped into the net. The Colts soon doubled their lead after a defensive mix-up allowed a striker through on goal. Will made a smart save, but the rebound fell kindly for the Colts, who managed to scramble it over the line despite Ross's desperate attempt to clear it. Tahuna fought back, with James Munday showcasing his signature move of "The Munday Shuffle™" before unleashing a rocket that found the back of the net.
The second half followed a similar pattern, with both teams creating chances but unable to capitalize. Austen had a few opportunities with his head, but the Colts' remained resolute.
A substitution by the Colts introduced their top scorer from their Division 1 team, who quickly made an impact, forcing a save, a narrow miss and then scoring a fantastic goal from a quick counter attack in the space of about 2 minutes. Colts soon extended their lead to 4-1 after a sloppy backpass allowed their striker collect and to round Will and find the net.
But Tahuna wasn't done yet. A series of substitutions saw Sam move from centre back to midfield and then up front. And boy, did he make an impact! Sam showed the usual forward line how it's done with two quick-fire efforts that found the back of the net, reducing the deficit to 4-3. With time running out, Will (now playing up front) had a chance to score but was denied by the Colts' keeper. Austen also had another opportunity at the death but couldn't quite connect with another fine cross from Dan Smith.
The game ultimately finished 4-3 to the Colts, but it was a highly entertaining affair. A big shout out to Jonny Lewis, Braddy Long Legs, and Zach from the 4ths for their efforts.
And as for Man of the Match? It has to go to Sam, who, despite only playing up front twice in eight years, has managed to score four goals. He'll be quick to remind everyone of this and we look forward to hearing about it over pints in The Sprig + Fern for many years to come.
Match report by Will.
3rd XI 3-4 Richmond FC Thistle (Friendly)
Location: Jubilee Park
Goals:
Match MVP:
4th XI 0-3 (Friendly default)
Location: n/a
Goals:
Match MVP:
Big thanks to the 4th Division guys who helped out our 2nd XI and 3rd XI with their friendlies on Saturday. Sounds like everyone had great games and a few of you could potentially step up next season.... :p
Cheers, Abbi.
TFC Breakers 2-2 Mapua Cougars (Friendly)
Location: Tahunanui S2
Goals: Hannah, EJ
Match MVP:
TFC Masters 3-1 Motueka Masters
Location: Tahunanui S2
Goals: Gaz, Matt, Daz
Match MVP: Daz Fitzgerald
Good game, great result.
We started well putting them under pressure from the whistle. Pretty soon Gaz got onto a pass from Matt....could have been a shot....anyway Gaz put it away 1-0.
We played some awesome football in 20/30 mins and were all over them, resulting in Matt getting another one 2-0. They came back at us toward the end of the half, but we held solid and finished the half 2-0 up.
The second half started a bit 50/50, and we couldn't really control it like we did the first half....so it got a bit scrappy. Then after 20 mins or so they scored making it 2-1. This gave them a boost and they started to get at us. But we held out and after a very twitchy 20 mins when they could have equalized, birthday boy Daz smashed one home to kill the game at 3-1. Great job.
I'm going to give Pete a special mention as this is the second game in a row that he played almost all of it. Despite being out paced he used his experience and brought a sense of calm to his area.
Also big thanks to Waz for stepping up in goal and the sick note crew on the sideline supporting our team.
So 1 more win and we finish 3rd.....I'm happy with that for a first season, especially with the injuries and absences we've had.....Great job Kev........never an easy task managing a bunch of old know it alls so big thanks for that.
Hopefully Suburbs don't forfeit the last game and me Patty n Kev get a bit of a run.........if not us 3 get the goals and assists for the 3-0 default.
Match Report by Cole.
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