4 July 2026

Jul 6
7 min read

Division 1: Sprig + Fern Tahuna 1st XI Division 2: Sprig + Fern Tahuna 2nd XI Sprig + Fern Tahuna 3rd XI Division 4:

Sprig + Fern Tahuna 4th XI

Women's Premiership: Sprig + Fern Tahuna Womens XI Masters Football: Sprig + Fern Tahuna Masters

1st XI 2 - 2 Golden Bay Mountain Goats

Location: Tahunanui S1

Goals: Jepo, Thangaa

Match MVP: Luc

A frustrating afternoon of football at the beach ground saw the firsts share the spoils with a refreshed Golden Bay side.

The game started in terrible weather conditions, but it wasn't long before the Goats took the lead due to a heavily deflected free kick, giving Tom Dunn no chance of getting to it. Tahuna started to make way into the Golden Bay box creating multiple chances, it was up to the Skipper to finally get the equalising goal, lobbing the goats keeper from a 30 yd free kick. Shortly after Thangaa Vanuk, bent the ball around the crowded goats defense to put the Tuna 2-1 up at the half.

Against the wind in the second half, the beach boys played some great football and created numerous chances through Ethan Skinner and Thangaa, but unfortunately the much needed third goal never came, and in the 85th minute a needless free kick was given away to the goats. From 40 yards away they swung in a huge free kick that turned into a goal mouth scrabble with the goats poking the ball home for an equalising goal. Tuna tried their best to get a winner but ran out of time. Final score 2-2. Match report by Dave

2nd XI 1 - 0 FC Nelson Development

Location: Tahunanui S1

Goals: Paddy

Match MVP: Will

The weather held up just long enough for the fans to enjoy another beautiful day of football at KFC arena, the Tahuna side facing off against FC Nelson Reserves - the away team looking to settle the score after going down 2-0 at Neale park last round. Tahuna had at least 8 keen and available mostly unbroken players from the normal line up, so luckily the club seniors had a day off due to default from their opposition and were able to give support to the thin 2nd XI.

2 Masters up front and one or 2 in the middle to take a firm hold of the game at the start with some brilliant ball to feet football. Less than half way through the first half, the away team keeper gifted Paddy a ball so sweet to feet, not even his own team could have managed it. Without hesitation or too much lean back he smashed into the back of the net.

The rest of the half was well played with plenty of help from the remaining 7 players from the masters team. After the break Nelson were much more cohesive as a team, and kept the ball moving well, with opportunities appearing at both ends. With 70 minutes of play and the weather threatening to turn rather ominous, a pressing forward from FC managed to steal a pass at the Tahuna back line, through, and one on one with the fortress Will Murphy in goal. They both threw legs and bodies at the bobbling ball, legs collided and the goal was saved, one man’s face turned greyer than the weather and made sounds that you’d rather hear from your lover. Will you absolute legend, after three weeks on the side line cheering us on, after a nasty head knock, and you take one more for the team with a broken leg to both bones. We were all absolutely gutted for you mate, and hope you make a fast recovery.

The game was called off after 70 minutes of play with 1 goal to Tahuna. MoM DoD and fine for not appearing at the pub goes to Pres. Don’t worry man, someone else will do the write up for you. If any one knows a keeper that comes with insurance and body armour - we’d like to hear from them before Fridays Matariki game.

Match report by Dan the man Smith

3rd XI 0 - 7 Suburbs Seals

Location: Saxton Fields Goals:

Match MVP:

Tahuna 3rds went down to Saxton S2 with the aim of causing an upset against the table topping Seals.

What happened was not that.

Within the first 15mins Tahuna found themselves 2-0, both goals were deflections and it did not get much better than that. Some good passages of play between Stu, Juan and Wayne up top was one of the bright sparks of the game. Seals were just the far better team and by half time the score was 3-0.

The 2nd half did not get much better as Seals went on the attack not allowing the 3rds out of their half, the experience showed as they went on to put another 4 goals past Tom Dunn who by all accounts did a brilliant job and did make some class saves.

No excuses the 3rds were poor and they made the Seals look better than they actually were. The positives were that the 3rds have big Lukey Nev for the remainder of the season who was a force at the back. Wayne continues to improve up top. No one got booked which is always a bonus. All in all a game already put deep in the recesses of the memories of all involved.

Next up a Matariki Friday away game against Nelson Development.

The 3rds also wish our president Will Murphy a speedy recovery after his harrowing injury.

Match report by Stu

4th XI 2 - 1 Richmond Brockies

Location: Tahunanui S3

Goals: Ryan, Gabe

Match MVP:

England 3 ooops wrong game. Tahuna 2 - Richmond 1 - Best game of the season, haven't seen such resolve to get the points all season. We kicked off after a nice warm up and the usual reminder, play your game and play with a smile.

So we were off and everything was going to plan, we were pressing pretty good and had a few go's at their goal. Then against the run of play they got a free man in our box and he smashed one home...1-0 down. The lads weren't phased and it showed, we got on with the business and controlled the game for most of the half but couldn't score. 1-0 down at the end of the half.

We had a bit of a chat just to remind them they were on top and it was just a question of time, so be patient. We were patient, the hard work across the pitch started to show in the last 20 mins. To be honest I don't remember the goals only the celebration on the sideline, Rollo jumped and hugged me then Killdozer picked me up like a toy doll. So I think Ryan got us level and then Gabe put us in front with about 5 mins to go.

There was a twitchy few minutes before the whistle, Iggy made a fingertip save and some last grasp defending saw 2 close shots within a few seconds of each other blocked by outstretched legs and desperate bodies (RIP Zach's good ankle). But we saw the game out and got the 3 points. Absolute top quality performance from the squad, we are working our formation and game plans better. The attitude was spot on and will to win played it's part too.

Man of the match - Reuben (but it was close, so many contenders) Great job lads, see you on Weds to work out how we'll beat Mot.

Match report by Cole

TFC Womens XI 7 - 1 Richmond Swans

Location: Jubilee Park

Goals: Aimee (2) Vi, Roxy, Ej, Bailey, Hannah

Match MVP: Bailey After two outstanding performances over the past fortnight, the Tahuna women were determined to prove it was no fluke and complete a hat-trick of impressive displays. The team was also keen to put on a great game for our two esteemed visitors, Miho and Sayaka.

With rain threatening and the wind picking up, Tahuna took to the field ready for a tough contest. The opening 30 minutes saw Tahuna relentlessly pressure the Swans' defence, but despite creating plenty of chances, the visitors held firm. The breakthrough finally came when Bailey burst down the right wing and delivered a perfectly weighted cross for Aimee, who calmly chipped the ball past the keeper to make it 1–0.

Still full of confidence, Bailey struck again just four minutes later. Racing down the right wing once more, she sent another superb cross to Vi, just outside the 18-yard box. Vi controlled the ball, pivoted, sidestepped three defenders, and delicately chipped the keeper to double Tahuna's lead.

The first half ended with Tahuna leading 2–0 despite the challenging conditions of blustery winds and driving rain.

At half-time, the coach's instructions were simple: use the wind down the right wing and play the ball across the face of goal. Like all good advice from a "mere male", it was promptly ignored!

Just five minutes into the second half, Aimee charged down the left wing, cut inside near the corner of the penalty area, and unleashed a stunning strike into the top-left corner.

Not wanting to be outdone, Roxy appeared to think, "If Aimee can ignore the coach, so can I!" Picking up the ball in midfield, she weaved her way through the Swans defence on to the left wing before firing from around 20 yards out, lifting the ball over the keeper for another superb goal.

At the other end, the defensive unit of Hannah, Rebecca, Marjike, Alysha and Bonnie were outstanding, protecting Taylor in goals and denying the Swans any real opportunities despite their determined attacks. With confidence flowing through the back line, Hannah carried the ball from deep inside Tahuna's half before finding EJ on the right wing. Finally following the coach's advice, EJ used the strong tailwind to her advantage and was rewarded with a fantastic long-range goal.

Soon after, EJ delivered a beautifully flighted corner that Bailey attacked perfectly, powering a well-placed header into the back of the net to make it six.

The Swans never stopped competing and were eventually rewarded with a well-worked goal after a perfectly timed run through the defence.

With just five minutes remaining, Hannah was awarded a direct free kick approximately 25 yards out. She sized up the defensive wall, picked her spot, and struck a powerful shot over the defenders and into the back of the net to complete the scoring.

The final whistle capped another fantastic team performance in difficult conditions. Players and supporters alike were more than ready for a warm drink and some hot food before the team presented Sayaka with a gift basket and enjoyed catching up after the match.

Player of the Day deservedly went to Bailey for her outstanding work down the right wing, creating numerous goal-scoring opportunities and capping off her performance with a well-taken header.

Well done, team. Another excellent performance in trying conditions.

Happy... "but still not listened to"

Match report by Cris