Wednesday March 26th 1975

Huntly Wins Soccer 5-3

Pre-Season Matches

Referee, Greg McLuckie’s timely blasts on the whistle prevented Ngaruawahia from leaving the friendly soccer match against Huntly Thistle with a draw or maybe even a win.

Needless to say the hosts, Huntly Thistle, came away with a 5-3 win under their collective belt. Arrangements had been made to play two games but a last minute change saw Huntly field only one team, that of their 3rd division, with a couple of seniors to strengthen the defence.  Ngaruawahia brought some members of both their junior and senior squads through and played mainly juniors in the first half and mainly seniors in the second. Huntly maintained the same team throughout and it was this that drew them to the win.

Most of Ngaruawahia and many of Huntly supporters could not fathom out Greg McLuckie’s interpretation of the off-side law when he was heard to repeatedly nip some dangerous Ngaruawahia forays in the bud.

John McCullum (2), Wayne Towner, Anthony Fisher and Jim McNeil found the hack of the net for Huntly with replies coming off the boots of Jeff

McLaughlin, Garry Smith and Charlie Gorman. Wayne Towner was lucky enough to miss a late penalty.

John McCullum had a good day for Huntly and well deserved his two goals. Some good ball was had by Snapes, Clinch, McNeil, Liddle, Brunning, and Bullivant.

The man of the match as voted by the players and spectators was unanimously Greg McLuckie.