1st XI 2-3 Suburbs Seals
Location: Wakefield Domain
Goals: Jack Keogan, Mackenzie Manaton
Match MVP: Will Ford
Backing up from a stirring Chatham Cup weekend, the blue army was back in action midweek in the lush green pastures of Wakefield town to face an old enemy. Suburbs Seals recruited heavily in the offseason in preparation for this very encounter, pulling some famous & historic Nelson names in.
The match started rough, with TFC conceding early after a goalmouth scramble from a corner to put the Seals 1 up. Tahuna slowly built their way into the game though, stringing together a number of well-constructed moves and pressing forward well as a team.
The pressure paid off as halfway through the first, Jack Keogan banged in his third goal of what's shaping to be a prolific year for the youngster. An intricate move swept across the field, which then saw Keogan slotted in by a delicious through ball to coolly finish with the second biggest toe. Discussions continue on whether it was deliberate.
To the anguish of travelling fans, that incredible work was undone moments later as a tidy move from Seals criss-crossed the TFC defensive line and had GK Robertson one v one, narrowly escaping the fingertips. Headed into the sheds down 2-1 but with the game still up for grabs.
Once again the halftime speeches appeared to hit the mark perfectly, or the oranges were laced with something, as Tahuna came out for the 2nd full of energy and passion. There were chances on both sides, but the game swung from end to end with no further goals until some inspired personnel changes saw spaces open up and the blue (well.. pink) army flooding forward again. Another well-timed run saw new Tahuna cult hero Mackenzie Manaton beat the offside trap, drawing the keeper 40 yards out of his own goal to set up the chance. 'King Kenny' then punched the ball over the onrushing Yates to score right down the middle, a magnificently taken finish.
Tahuna didn't stop pressing and squared up to take the W. Chances rained at both ends with some great defensive efforts keeping the game level.
An emphatic return surprised everyone (particularly medical professionals) in the last 7 minutes, with the returning #7 Seth Watson thrown in the mix to bag the winner. It was nearly the dream return, with Watson almost latching on to a cross in the dying stages to send the crowd into a frenzy, but the big giraffe couldn't quite get the desired touch. More chances would come but the football gods failed to bless the pink army on the night, gifting Seals one last nudge on the final whistle. The goal was scored, everyone looked to stand-in linesman (& TFC president) Jesse Wilson to raise his flag and secure the points for Tahuna. But the boss did the honourable thing and kept his arms by his side.
Thus the game finished as a 3-2 loss, which took the likes of Tim's Garden a long while to come to terms with. However, a strong display from the boys and the style of football we've been trying to find has arrived. Man of the match - the big tree Will Ford, who stood tall against a strong & robust Seals attack. Honourable mention going out to Fred Gordon for a dominant midfield display and an incredible engine, likely covered as many K's as a trip from Wakefield to Blenheim. Well done lads, back in there on Saturday with the same attitude to take all 3 points.
Thanks to our amazing support who made the trip and our sponsors. Up Up!
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