Wednesday, August 22nd 1973

Thistle Avenges Defeat

Baranyai Cup

Following a first game defeat by 6 goals to 4, Huntly Thistle A.F.C. came from behind to beat Ngaruawahia United A.F.C. by 3 goals to 2 on Saturday. This was the second match in the Baranyai Cup series between Ngaruawahia and Huntly.

The weather and ground conditions deteriorated as the game progressed on Centennial Park in Ngaruawahia on Sunday. Neil Gorman chased every through ball coming his way for United. In one such move it was the quick thinking of Tom McAuley, in goal for Huntly, that saved a goal. Shortly afterwards Neil robbed Tom of the ball and slipped it out to Mike Liddle to cross home to give United first blood. It was at this stage that United saw the weakness of the Huntly defence – a through ball. However not the best use was made of it.

Neil Gorman notched the second United goal by cheekily slicing it past keeper McAuley, who seemed to be expecting a cross. At the half it was 2-0 to Ngaruawahia.

The United defence of Nightingale, Frankhouser and MacDonald worked well and kept out the Huntly strikers Malone, McInally and Snapes in the first half.

The weather worsened in the second spell and the pitch became greasy and deceptive. Doug Snapes moved forward from his berth in the halves to notch two goals for Huntly. His first shot was under the advancing form of keeper Nightingale. His second came when he mis-kicked and the ball forced its way under the United keeper and into the net.

Many other solid drives were parried and smothered by Nightingale who was in exceptional form. Huntly’s match-winner came when Colin Clinch chipped a dangerous ball towards the top left corner of the goal from the right wing to have the keeper palm it into the net.

Player of the Day for United was undoubtedly Rex Nightingale. It was hard to pick out the Huntly Player of the Day. If it went by the least amount of mud, Ngaruawahia were pleased that Huntly won the second game as it now gives a purpose for the third match of the series to be held in Huntly on September 8, at 2.00 p.m. The winner on the day will take the Baranyai Cup for 1973.

Weekend Results

Second Division: Te Awamutu 4, United 1 (Ian Todd). Fourth Division: Claudlands 3, United 1 (Steven George).

Clubrooms Planned for Centennial Park

As the season nears its close much of the efforts of the club members are being channelled into the new clubhouse being planned for the club at Centennial Park. Money-raising is under way and the club is confident that,  with the active support of its members, both social and playing, the building will be completed and ready for the 1974 season.

The present hollow-block building will be converted into a small shower and changing block with the proposed clubhouse being the social centre of the park. It is hoped to raise enough funds to erect a small building 25′ x 50′ with members having the advantage of comfortably viewing the games from inside in inclement weather.

Although not tax deductible, donations will be gratefully receipted if sent to The Secretary, N.U.A.F.C., 2 Albert Place, Ngaruawahia.