As previously mentioned Sam Mason-Smith started for Olympic on Friday and got an assist, with Luca Barclay coming off the bench. Karori had Dafydd Spratt making his debut after moving up from the reserves and Island Bay have signed James Murdoch-Gibbs.
Came to check out Petone since they’ll be my new “local” when I move out to the Hutt next month.
It started off well enough - I got there just in time for the final whistle of the WCL game (Petone 4-0 over Moturoa), and Petone had the better of the first half of their men’s CL game against Western Suburbs, even hitting the woodwork a couple of times.
I don’t know what Western’s coach said to his team at halftime, but they came out firing and the word “dismantled” comes to mind - they were up 5-0 and nearly made it more, but Petone kept fighting and got one back right near the end (to a triumphant shout from the clubrooms of “no clean sheet for you!”).
So a bit of a chastening start but I’ve bought my Petone scarf and I’m hanging around to watch their U20 men take on the Vic Uni Reserves under lights. Guess this’ll be my new home away from home.
Edit: FIFA+ has highlights and the full replay. Also fun fact, in both Petone games I watched they scored in the 90th minute (the U20s snatching a 1-1 draw with Uni).
Wellington Olympic have made another signing with John Reynolds joining from Western Suburbs. In return Western Suburbs have picked up Ryan Harrison from Karori and Reilly Marlow-Jones from Miramar.
Nix get 2 red cards en route to losing to Miramar 3-2. First one for 2 Yellows, second for a late brain explosion, kicking out at Bueno while he kept the ball in the corner to run down the clock.
Some interesting signings for Miramar Rangers, as well as Tomas Alvarado they also gave Louis Fenton a run off the bench. North Wellington have got in Fletcher Pratt from the Nix Academy and even got a big win over Petone, who had Luca Siegel making his debut in goal.
Also Richie Smyrnis made his debut for Upper Hutt and Luc Saker has rejoined Karori.
Karori and Petone looking fragile. IBU and Nth Wgtn found some new life?observerfromuh
3 points between 6th and 10th with five rounds to go.
Karori IBU Petone Upper Hutt NW
Interesting relegation battle coming up.
Well doesn't help UH when Rory Fallon played 28 mins for them. No matter their squad situation you shouldn't have your 43 yo coach playing mins in CL.
i'd be genuinely interested to know if you saw him play or have seen him play over the last season or two?
43 years olds playing central league is not unprecedented
I have. Not a fan of how he 'motivates' his players and this is another example (playing himself) and I don't care for the approach.
Then again that did get the team promoted last year, so what do I know.
This all seems to be about his personality. Is he any good?
I can see a World where he is, given the level he played at and this level. I did speak with a couple of coaches who were up against him last year in Prem who said he was very effective and difficult to manage when he would bring himself on. One said they went so far as to plan for and roll out tactical plan B, designed around how to deal with him.
