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 : Marlborough Rangers - Match to be rescheduled
Location: Tahunanui S1
Goals:
Match MVP: Cameron Thomas
On the back of two brilliant performances, at home to title chasing Suburbs, and FC Karenni, the lads went into this weeks match up against unbeaten, top of the table Rangers, surprisingly confident of getting something from the game.
With the injury and absentee list slowly starting to shorten, for the first time in two years, TFC names an unchanged starting lineup.
The game got underway at some speed, with both keepers tested within the first 2 minutes. First the visitor’s, when IT’s pinpoint cross found Cam at the back stick. His goalbound header flapped away by a sprawling dive as the ball bounced toward the top corner.
Joe was then tested when a deflected shot ricocheted high, looping onto the crossbar, bouncing off the back of Joe’s noggin before eventually being cleared. The pace of the opening exchanges maintained, with the speed of Blenheim’s attacking players causing the boys from the beach problems, and Tahuna’s persistent pressure creating chaos in the Blenheim box.
The deadlock was broken from a set piece, an outswing corner powerfully met by the visitor’s young central midfielder, his header flying into the top corner, just below the upright.
Blenheim doubled their lead in controversial fashion, a penalty awarded despite the challenge being a clear foul on Heyden. Although the penalty was smartly saved by Joe, he could do nothing to prevent the rebound finding its way in.
Another big decision going against the lads.
On the stroke of half time, Tahuna thought they had halved the deficit, when IT whipped an effort in at the near post off his weaker right peg. A late flag for offside put any celebrations swiftly on ice, though.
The second half was short lived. A nasty collision involving Cam and a young Blenheim defender saw Shoey come off worse. The game was paused initially to allow treatment and assessment to be done, before being abandoned some 40 or so minutes later. It was later confirmed that Cam had suffered a nasty fracture, and will require an operation to realign the broken bones. All the lad’s thoughts are with ‘Shoey’, wishing him a speedy and uncomplicated recovery. Huge thanks go to the spectators who came across to assist prior to the paramedics arrival.
Thanks to Cam sacrificing his only good limb, the boys will now await a replay, and the chance to make amends for the score as it stood. For his effort, in what is likely his last game of footy, Cam gets MOTM and a hefty dose of ketamine.
Match report Seth Watson
2nd XI 4-0 FC Nelson Reserves
Location: Ngawatu Recreation
Goals: Raimond, James, Till, Gary
Match MVP: Ross
Tahuna Football Club's 2nd XI shifted out to Ngawhatu in the penultimate game of the season against FC Nelson Reserves, coming away with a 4 - 0 victory.
The game began with Tahuna creating early pressure, and could have gone ahead early if not for an unlucky bobble which saw Dan fore one over the top from close range. FC Reserves stuck to their plan and knocked the ball around well in parts but rarely troubled Joe in goal who was filling in for Will. The game was tight until Dan found some space down the right and picked a pin point cross for Raimund to get pn the end of and make it 1 nil. The rest of the first half was a close battle with both teams having chances but there was no change going into the sheds.
After the break, Tahuna found their rhythm, playing with more composure and building pressure. Their efforts paid off a free kick on the edge of the box made it 2 nil with Tahuna never looking back.
The back 4 stepped forward and dealt qith any trouble with Joe making one outstanding save from a free kick. By the time the 3rd goal was calmly sloted home the game was all but over.
To their credit FC Reserves kept to their plan and played some good football without reward, while Tahuna put in a dominant last 20mins from the whole team to finish of the game.
Gary Walker iced the game with a run from left back to get on the end of a fantastic through ball and calmly score the 4th goal.
Ross was named Man of the Match for his commanding defensive performance, showcasing great skill and composure on the ball. Gary also looked right at home shifting to left back early on.
The team will be looking for 3 more points in the last game of the season to finish the round on a high.
Match report by Munday.
3rd XI 0-3 Locomotive Steamers
Location: Tahunanui S1
Goals:
Match MVP: Josh
A tight game in the first half with both teams finishing the half 0-0.
Loco showing their experience and understanding of each other well in the 2nd half meant their decisiveness in the opponent's box was rewarded with several goals.
Great unity from our forwards, with some work to get more cohesion going in the backline and overall more comms across the pitch.
The 3rds were playing some nice footy and can be pleased with how we’re developing, just need to put the polish on some of the finer details.
Man of the match was Josh Hindrup who was all over the field and left everything out there.
Match report by Rhys.
4th XI 2-0 Golden Bay Gladiators
Location: Takaka
Goals:
Match MVP:
Match report by Zach.
TFC Breakers 1-2 Golden Bay Shield Maidens
Location: Takaka
Goals: Sayaka
Match MVP: Michelle
This week saw the team travel across the Takaka hill to verse Golden Bay on their home ground.
The game was always going to be a tough challenge with both teams getting stronger as the season progressed. From the very start the game was both physical and fast paced, with both teams putting everything on the line.
The first was a strong contest of attack and defend from both sides, both goalies were tested with many shots taken at the goals. The first half finished with a 0-1 score after GB scored in the 35th minute.
The second half started strong with GB testing our defense once again to score in the 55th minute. With 10 minutes remaining Sayak made an excellent run through the middle to weave her way in and out of the GB defense to take a shot at goal and put Tahuna on the scoresheet, the team dug deep in the last 10 mins to try and even the score line, unfortunate the clock was against us and the game finish with a 1-2 result.
Both teams played well, and the game was yet another great spectator performance. MVP went to Michelle Hay for adapting well to positional changes and being a strong defensive player, chasing down the opposition. Match report by Cris.
TFC Masters 1-2 Suburbs FC Masters
Location: Tahunanui S2
Goals: Dave Horncastle
Match MVP: Gaz
This game was dedicated to Marty, a Tahuna player who passed away on Wednesday.
We didn't get the result, but we played with heart and worked hard till the final whistle and I think Marty would have been pleased with our performance.
We were a bit under the pump for the first 10, but coping with it. Then we started moving the ball around well and pressing. We created a few chances and we scored 1. Dave got on the end of a cross, he kinda jumped and then waited in the air for the ball and scissor kicked it past the keeper into the open goal. That was 20 mins in and we played out the rest of the half more or less under control.
We started the second half well but I think it was always going to be hard to score with one up top. Then they scored early in the second half and it was game on. I think Batty did well, and got some service into the box and also forced a few corners. He also did a lot of defensive work....natural wing back. So we battled on but couldn't score. Then they got another, so with 10 or so minutes left we brought on an injured Dave and put Gaz up front for a final assault. But it wasn't to be and we lost 2-1.
Can't fault the commitment and effort, everyone left it on the pitch. I think most us enjoyed the battle despite getting beat. Who put the Ball in for Dave's goal? Man of the match Gaz (solid at CB)
Match Report by Cole.
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