Ngaruawahia Away to Mangere United

Last weekends visit to Mangere in Auckland’s South revealed a club low on luck but high on spirit. Having suffered the loss of their clubrooms to a fire, they continue to be hampered with the recent theft of their dugout enclosures from the  number 1 pitch.

With a very diverse collection of ethnicities they have banded together to promote a club spirit and community atmosphere that strongly suggests that are not about to bow down to a couple of pieces of misfortune – which is great to see.

A more compassionate visiting club may have felt more sympathy for their recent plight and offered a generous share of the spoils (6 points). Pleasingly, from a Ngaruawahia perspective that club does not wear green!

The A team once again offered a real effort to retain possession and develop play for long periods and to enter the break 2 – 1 down was a little disappointing.

Wayne Robinson

Pleasing contributions were made by all 14 players, but special mention should go to Andrew Smith playing in the unfamiliar role of sweeper and continued efforts from the Hamilton Boys quartet, Chris Gilchrist, Tim Kukutai, Alex Barlow and Ben Latham.

The first team were farewelling our resident Gypsy, Nicolai Helwig who is heading back to Australia for work and mention should be made of his playing contribution and also the humour value he added. No doubt he will be back, although a precise date is less likely than the lotto numbers.

Set against another accomplished footballing outfit, the threat discussed before kick-off was the dead ball threat of national league player Miro Major (pictured left). It subsequently transpired to be the sole score sheet posting in the first half, an effort that was possibly admired by everyone involved in the game.

Aside from the goal, Mangere enjoyed the Lion’s share of possession and only a combination of weak finishing and tenacious defending kept the game within reach.

A second half equal in opportunities finally produced a goal on the stroke of fulltime to the ever dependable leader in Gordon Glen Watson. A trademark header from a set piece, delivered in superbly by David Firisua. One-all was a good reward for the all round efforts of the Green Machine.

Gordon Glen Watson

On reflection, four very valuable points were quickly boarded on the bus. The parting impression of an after-match function held in fading light outside a small, but practical showering block (appropriately painted green) was a humbling reminder about what is important and makes this game so special – the people! 

Thank you to our traveling supporters and backroom staff (including Sandy) who always make the day so much more enjoyable.