MARAUDERS RAIN ON PORIRUA PARADE
Fold brace at the seaside
DATE: 3rd April 2011
VENUE: Kura Park, Titahi Bay
KICK OFF: 1.30pm
TEAM: Josh A; Adam F, Nick O, John C, Fred M; Adam W, Fabio, Fold, Cam; Stephen, Mark.
SUBSTITUTES: Ben, Mike.
REFEREE: Pedro
CROWD: 15 (including Porirua’s substitutes)
Porirua were brought back to earth with a 4-1 defeat at home to their rivals the Marauders in Sunday's derby game. Fold bagged a brace as the Marauders demonstrated their ‘DOUBLE’ credentials against their title rivals. The in-form winger, who scored high praise from his Saturday coach in a recent game at Te Whaea, showed his teammates just what he has to offer in the 2011 quest for the Holy Grail, the League and Cup DOUBLE.
The Porirua men entered the 1.30pm kick-off fresh from their triumph over there Working Mens Club competitors at last weeks WMC get together, but failed to carry that form back into the game against their Sunday Premier League rivals and fellow title contenders.
But the Marauders more than proved their strength in attack, as they ran out with their second win in three pre season games.
Threatened
The Porirua men no doubt had revenge on their mind as since the Marauders inception, they have never scored a victory against the blue and yellow. They got off to the perfect start when they were the lucky beneficiaries of some comical Marauders play. An innocuous pass back from Nick, which to all in attendance looked to be a well played and well waited pass back to the Marauders gloveman Josh. However, a bizarre attempt at controlling the ball by the unpressured Josh saw it roll under his foot and towards the open goal 1 metre away. A desperate attempt at making up for a comical error saw Josh sprawling as the ball crawled over the Marauders goal line to give the home side an unexpected lead. Porirua 1 – Marauders 0.
The home side only briefly threatened to press home the advantage, but Nick and Adam led the defensive line with some timely tackles which were always well cleaned up by the composed presence of Fred and John. Inventive
The Marauders looked far more the inventive team, with their front two of Mark Anderson and Stephen Thomas impressing as a partnership.
It didn’t take long for the Marauders to settle into their ‘total football’. The Marauders started to get a foothold in the game and an error by Porirua’s, Johnsonville Warehouse Security Guard almost proved costly for the ‘Rua’ as his misdirected pass was seized on by Cam. The wide midfielders low shot beat the dive of the Porirua Goalkeeper, Roy, but flew just past the far post.
It fell to Stephen to level the ledger and the young striker ran onto a precise Wilson through ball and made no mistake in the 18th minute, unleashing a stunning finish past the quickly advancing Porirua goalkeeper to net his fourth goal in 2 games. Porirua 1 – Marauders 1.
The Marauders then brought on Mike and Ben (making his debut) with both making an instant impact. Mike in particular showed his full repertoire of skills, demonstrating that he had more knees than an octopus, with his constant knee volley clearances. Ben showing sublime subtlety in his game with some particularly mazy runs into the opposition final third.
Just before the end of the first period, Porirua should have regained the lead when Noumea was sent racing clear but his flashing drive was tipped over the bar superbly by Josh. Spark
Shortly into the second period of play, Mark missed a golden opportunity to double the Marauders lead after Fabio got the better of his man. Following his strong run down the right hand flank, he floated over an inviting cross to Mark, unfortunately the Marauders leading all time goal scorer (probably) went into his shell (literally).
Four minutes later Wilson collected a ball in the middle of the field and after a brief surge played a through ball between the Porirua defenders for Fold to slot home his first of the game. The finish was sublime as he nipped in round the back of the Porirua defence to hit first time past the advancing Porirua keeper. Porirua 1 – Marauders 2. Controversy
The midfield battle intensified and after Fold and Ray collided, Fold was spoken to for verbal language that was contrary to the Marauders spirit. Fine style
At this point Porirua were at sixes and sevens. Unable to break the Marauders defensive wall which was well marshalled by Nick et al, all afternoon With 3 minutes remaining the Marauders were 2 goals to the good as Wilson made it 3-1. Porirua failed to pick up Wilson just outside the box and following a squared pass by Ben, his first time strike powered into the back of the Porirua net leaving the keeper with no chance. Porirua 1 – Marauders 3. Better opportunities
Into the third stanza, it was the Marauders who again had the better of the opportunities in a lively opening.
Fred found himself clear in the area again after Fabio gained possession but opted not to shoot, unfortunately for the ever excited Belgian he was ruled offside. It seemed no amount of finger wagging from Fred was going to change Pedro’s mind. The visitors had another chance when Mike’s drive rebounded off the post to Fred but the Marauders favourite Belgian fired into an unfortunate positioned Cam.
Fold then finished the home side off following a through ball from Stephen, with a powerful right foot strike from a tight angle which bamboozled the hapless Porirua custodian. Porirua 1 - Marauders 4
The win, the Marauders first against rival Sunday Premier League opposition, sees the Marauders give their own hope for an unbeaten season an always welcome boost.
Man of the match: Fabio gets the award for several decisive crosses a top overall performance.
Goal of the match: Fold’s wonderful finish from a through ball from Adam followed some wonderful one touch passing from way out and it was coolly placed into the right hand corner of the Porirua goal.
Save of the match: Josh Aldrich had to be alert in the second period to parry away a Porirua header from point blank range.
Moment of the match: The first goal of the game. An own goal scored by the Marauders in comical fashion. Nick played a confident and well timed ball back to the Marauders goalkeeper Josh, who bizarrely decided to let the ball run under his foot under no pressure.
Talking point 1: Who claims the own goal… Josh or Nick? Although the former never actually made contact with the ball.
Talking point 2: 3 games played and yet still no hamstring strain/pain for John.
FINES:
· Everybody over the age of 18 for not joining me for a beer with our hosts post game.
· Josh ….
· Nick – For lacking faith in his goalkeeper following the gaffe and failing to pass him the ball x 2.
· Fold – ‘C bomb’ usage or at least the first 3 letters anyway. Never has such abomination been thrown at our friendly Sunday League Premier opponents.
Gents, good luck in my absence. I trust the Marauders DOUBLE dream intentions to be well and truly made public by my return.
Ciao for now,
Adam.
The Marauders Football Club
Wellington
New Zealand
