National League / OCL

The WaiBOP United Thread

1997 replies · 271,691 views
about 14 years ago · edited over 13 years ago
well done declan and the boys...superb result that one
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about 14 years ago · edited over 13 years ago
Work in progress - was not a load of sh*t but the truth.

  Supporter For Ever - Keep The Faith - Foundation Member - Never Lets FAX Get In The Way Of A Good Yarn

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about 14 years ago · edited over 13 years ago

#%&*$!! ^%&*$#@ *&^%#!!@

I am really angry about a couple of things this week.

Firstly, Auckland City are another club that is a disgrace, going by the criteria clear-thinking Waikato haters posting here back at the start of the season.

The Auckland board should sack the coach and sack half the players, and then sack themselves if they can�t beat a Waikato team of underfed kids and a coach who is obviously just interested in � well, I�m not even sure what he is interested in any more � but we all know the job should really have gone to someone who could have spent loads of money and filled the team up with imports and ring-ins rahter than develop his own players.

If Auckland are not going to be serious about the ASB Premiership and treat it as a joke they should pull out now � along with Hawke�s Bay, Manawatu, and Otago - and allow a properly-run club/franchise to step in instead. How about, say, Metro, with Mick Byrne at the helm??

And I can�t believe how amateurish Auckland are. I mean, why didn�t they play Ivan Vicelich, Manuael Exposito, Albert Riera, Angel Berlanga, David Mulligan and Emiliano Tade for a game like this?

They did? Oh, sh*t.

Secondly, it is time we had a corruption probe in to the game here. We all know Waikato are a sh*t team made up of kids who can�t even get in their high school teams. So why are other teams going so easy on them?

It was the pits when Auckland couldn�t even be bothered to score a penalty.

This is now a very difficult time for all us Waikato whingers and Auckland know-alls who are desperate for Declan Edge to fail, lest his coaching methods spread like a cancerous oasis in the arid desert of our football development strategies in New Zealand.

So please, please, fellow moaners, don�t be disheartened by this latest setback. Take inspiration by going back and re-reading your very certain and uncompromising posts in October and November.

Ray Mysterio, Humbug, Intheknow, etc, don�t string yourselves up just yet. Start some ugly rumours or something. Do anything you can to undermine Edge�s efforts with Waikato. Whatever you do, don�t look at things with an open mind.

Buffon, UK Kiwi, you guys also please keep morale up by finding something negative to say about the game� I mean, Waikato are obviously crap if they can�t even beat a team like Auckland, right?

Let�s stick by each other in this, our darkest hour so far and hope like hell somebody out there can make our dreams come true and get the better of Waikato sooner rather than later.

Well, I�m off to kick the cat and fly into a rage with the missus.

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about 14 years ago · edited over 13 years ago
1000 points for sarcasm

Allegedly

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about 14 years ago · edited over 13 years ago
Waikato put up a very spirited display if not technical albeit enthusiasm,hard work[had to] and some luck[missed penalty],congratulations.Not bad for bunch of school kids against some pro's,age reps,AW's.They would have celebrated all the way home,good for you Declan and im not a fan of yours but had to salute you today.
Maybe we should have played some school kids to keep even playing field?
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about 14 years ago · edited over 13 years ago
well done Waikato, great result. 

E's Flat Ah's Flat Too

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about 14 years ago · edited over 13 years ago
Barcelona 0-0 Athletic Bilbao

Auckland has played a lot of games over the last week and they were tired, but their biggest problem was underestimating their opponents today. I wasn't surprised by the result because the young boys play with a lot of heart and their full-time training is paying off. Well done Declan and Waikato FC.

Exposito should not take penalties.
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about 14 years ago · edited over 13 years ago
My thoughts on the game:

We dominated the first half, Fulcher didn't have to make a save I recall.

Magnificent penalty save

Tyler Lissette, Jason Hicks, Michael Mayne and Fulcher were all superb.

Andrew Milne seems to be the rubbish guy everyone patronises.

And, if Chad Coombes can make the All Whites, why not Jason Hicks :). Always impressed by him.

We certainly are not a wooden spoon or even bottom 3 team, credit to the coaching staff and the players
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about 14 years ago · edited over 13 years ago
Jason Hicks is the best player you guys have and I don't know if he got approached to go to ACFC or Waitakere (being an Auckland lad) but you have to admire him for choosing game time over playing for successful side. I am not so sure he would be playing 90mins at the other two clubs based on various reasons but if I was Emblen, he would be in my starting unit at Waitakere. Would be a nice compliment and is a lovely little ball player.

Andrew Milne hasn't really kicked on since he came back. He was playing up front for ACFC but has found himself at LB when he has played in more recent times. Maybe he is suffering from not having a true position?

I think the doubters and knockers (and yes I have been vocal on my opinion of Declan) have been silenced temporarily and Mr Angry's posts show the vein of feeling leveled at Waikato from the start. Manawatu seem to have overtaken you for the spoon title which is ironic because most people would pick Stu Jacobs for being a better coach (and a nicer bloke). The key for Waikato is to kick on and not show this to be a purple patch of form. That then gives you a foundation to build on (which is what my main thrust has always been, how does this 'experiment' help Waikato long term). You would also think that those in Waikato whom have been very vocal about not financially sponsoring a side from Auckand in RYB colours would then put their money where their mouth is because their young Waikato team are getting results and doing it differently from the norm.

I guess it is a case of watch this space and Waikato have now probably made themselves the one side to watch to see if this is a sign of bigger things or just a glitch in the Matrix.

Grumpy old bastard alert

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about 14 years ago · edited over 13 years ago
Interesting game, pleased I went.

Waikato held them well in the first half. Nice save by Spoonley just towards the end of it.
Looking at the Waikato boys as they came off, you could see they had been working hard, looked stuffed each one, except the goalie, he was very relaxed. I wondered if they could last the 2nd half

Auckland dominated the match then but just didnt have it to score. I wasnt sure that the challenge on Vicelich was inside the box, [edit, saw the highlights he was inside, so fair]  but it was a great penalty save, and didnt surprise me. Fulcher Man of the match, he was superb.

Waikato were defensive in the second half, fair enough They had some good opportunities to  press on the break, I thought theie forwards were a little unconfident and gun shy. Noticed that they didnt line up to get the ball in the box from corners, almost as if they didnt think they could win it in the air. Simlar from some free kicks. Wasnt sure who was who (programmes had sold out when I arrived), there were some solid players there. Just read it was Hicks who forced the Spoonley saves, he was good, a bit of a lone ranger up there tho.

Thought Declan was pretty good on the sideline. He was talking to his players often about positioning, getting the lines right. Had a go when the ref missed a foul and then 4th off called the ref to talk to him when there was a break in play. But it wasnt over the top at all.

I found it interesting that Tribulietx called out instructions in Spanish to some, which means that the Kiwis in the team dont know what is going on. I wasnt sure who the playmaker was for Auckland, noone took charge. Ivan was excellent at the back.

Interesting last minute action. The ref thought that the goalie had received a backpass and picked it up, and so gave an indirect free kick. It was being lined up and a wall formed when somehow a minute later he got the call (from the 4th official they were miked up) that it wasnt a backpass, and gave a dropped ball instead. Plenty of confusion all round.

Would like to have seen Waikato work the ball better in front of goal. Will be a confidence booster for them, whether Auckland were tired or not.


hepatitis2012-01-23 16:34:30
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about 14 years ago · edited over 13 years ago
Watching Waikato this year reminds me of Arsenal, constantly yelling at them to shoot, but obviously it isn't part of the game plan. I don't think Fulcher has taken a goal-kick long many times at all this year :)
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about 14 years ago · edited over 13 years ago
Jeff, was that you at the clubrooms end of the grandstand?
 
Hepatitiis, was that you above the coaching bench?
 
N-Bomb, was that you on the pitch after the final whistle?
 
Mr Angry, was that you getting in Terry Maddaford's ear?
 
Your secrets are safe with me.
 
 
https://www.facebook.com/groups/nzsportsprogrammes

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about 14 years ago · edited over 13 years ago
Jeff, was that you at the clubrooms end of the grandstand?
 
Hepatitiis, was that you above the coaching bench?
 
N-Bomb, was that you on the pitch after the final whistle?
 
Mr Angry, was that you getting in Terry Maddaford's ear?
 
Your secrets are safe with me.
Huh? I didn't go to the game as I was occupied with the grandkid up from Wellington.
Jeff Vader2012-01-23 13:04:04

Grumpy old bastard alert

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about 14 years ago · edited over 13 years ago
LOL,   Bruce was that you by the beer tent in the 29th minute  ??
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about 14 years ago · edited over 13 years ago
Mr Angry wrote:

#%&*$!! ^%&*$#@ *&^%#!!@

I am really angry about a couple of things this week.

Firstly, Auckland City are another club that is a disgrace, going by the criteria clear-thinking Waikato haters posting here back at the start of the season.

The Auckland board should sack the coach and sack half the players, and then sack themselves if they can�t beat a Waikato team of underfed kids and a coach who is obviously just interested in � well, I�m not even sure what he is interested in any more � but we all know the job should really have gone to someone who could have spent loads of money and filled the team up with imports and ring-ins rahter than develop his own players.

If Auckland are not going to be serious about the ASB Premiership and treat it as a joke they should pull out now � along with Hawke�s Bay, Manawatu, and Otago - and allow a properly-run club/franchise to step in instead. How about, say, Metro, with Mick Byrne at the helm??

And I can�t believe how amateurish Auckland are. I mean, why didn�t they play Ivan Vicelich, Manuael Exposito, Albert Riera, Angel Berlanga, David Mulligan and Emiliano Tade for a game like this?

They did? Oh, sh*t.

Secondly, it is time we had a corruption probe in to the game here. We all know Waikato are a sh*t team made up of kids who can�t even get in their high school teams. So why are other teams going so easy on them?

It was the pits when Auckland couldn�t even be bothered to score a penalty.

This is now a very difficult time for all us Waikato whingers and Auckland know-alls who are desperate for Declan Edge to fail, lest his coaching methods spread like a cancerous oasis in the arid desert of our football development strategies in New Zealand.

So please, please, fellow moaners, don�t be disheartened by this latest setback. Take inspiration by going back and re-reading your very certain and uncompromising posts in October and November.

Ray Mysterio, Humbug, Intheknow, etc, don�t string yourselves up just yet. Start some ugly rumours or something. Do anything you can to undermine Edge�s efforts with Waikato. Whatever you do, don�t look at things with an open mind.

Buffon, UK Kiwi, you guys also please keep morale up by finding something negative to say about the game� I mean, Waikato are obviously crap if they can�t even beat a team like Auckland, right?

Let�s stick by each other in this, our darkest hour so far and hope like hell somebody out there can make our dreams come true and get the better of Waikato sooner rather than later.

Well, I�m off to kick the cat and fly into a rage with the missus.

 
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about 14 years ago · edited over 13 years ago
Jeff, was that you at the clubrooms end of the grandstand?
 
Hepatitiis, was that you above the coaching bench?
 
N-Bomb, was that you on the pitch after the final whistle?
 
Mr Angry, was that you getting in Terry Maddaford's ear?
 
Your secrets are safe with me.
 
 
 
You weren't lining them up with your sniper rifle jokes lol
 
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about 14 years ago · edited over 13 years ago
Waikato need a better CDM i think. Maybe Declan should look into signing Dan Looker. Quality Tauranga player, just come back from injury.
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about 14 years ago · edited over 13 years ago
Tell us more, ASUS...
 
Waikato have gone unbeaten in their past four outings and are starting to look quite settled, but nothing wrong with keeping an open mind on players.
 
I understand Dan Looker was a member of Waikato's youth squad, so it is not as if he is completely unknown.
 
But fill in a few blanks... In what way has Looker impressed, and at what level?
 
Indeed, what is his overall track record in senior football?
 
One of the ciritcisms levelled at the selection a number of the Waikato squad was, that they had not yet made their mark at senior regional level.
 
The counter argument was however that they were full-time in the game in terms of training and academy work, and were developing at a rapid rate as a result - which we have duly seen in recent weeks.
 
I'm scratching my head but don't recall Looker's name mentioned at all at senior level. Is he also working in the game full time?  Has he been to any Waikato trainings?
 
Why exactly should Declan be looking at signing him?
 
It's been too quiet on here since Mr Angry scared off all the critics, so this would be a good point of discussion. Over to you. Let's chew the fat on your man Looker.
 
Do a sales job on us. Indeed, is he a looker?  (Jeff V will call you out if it ain't bang on.)
 
 
https://www.facebook.com/groups/nzsportsprogrammes

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about 14 years ago · edited over 13 years ago
Bruce I put my hand up and gave it my apology and scoffed some humble pie. Fair play to Waikato and as I have always said, no issue with what Waikato is doing, just question how it benefits the region long term and that Declan is an idiot. If that's not good enough and you want to take pot shots, that's fine. I haven't had any at you but more than happy to open up on you if you like.

In answer to Dan Looker, don't know him, but he could be working in the game full time at a different academy. That would put him on par with the other kids so why should he be eliminated if he has done the same amount as the others at senior level as you point out?

Grumpy old bastard alert

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about 14 years ago · edited over 13 years ago
Declan i think should be judged on next years results - by this stage his younger players would have had another years coaching in his programme and been exposed to NZFC for a full season and will know what to expect.
 
It might be interesting to see if one or two of the Waikato players are picked up.
 
Declan is an interesting one, no one denies it, but he is beginning to deliver what he said he would.
 
Personally i like the fact he's playing youth - get them match toughened against men, that way if they get trials overseas or make age group teams and go to the world cups etc they'll be more likely to succeed.
 
SURELY REGARDLESS OF WHO COACHES - WE ALL WANT THAT!
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about 14 years ago · edited over 13 years ago
Dan looker was part of the 2010 waikato U19s squad that made went undefeated in pool play and made the semi finals. He got injured at the end of 2011 so couldnt play youth last year. Very talented player. Big and strong, hits a hell of a free kick. Has a massive jump from playing volleyball, strong in the air. Would slot in alot better than Harry edge.
Say does anyone know where Reece Edmonds has gone? Use to play waikato a few years ago with woods and rojas. Was very talented, had alot of potential.   
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about 14 years ago · edited over 13 years ago
Hi ASUS,
 
To get back to my question: Has your man Looker played any senior football at all?
 
These days the best kids tend to get their northern league first team starts from about 16. Just asking.
 
Reece Edmonds last seen playing at Tauranga as far as i know. He dabbled at Wanderers for a bit. He was quick, but didn't have enough to go with it to make a lasting impression at northern premier league level. Just my view, mind.
 
Jeff, not having a pop at you. I'm actually full of admiration for posters who can provide a level of scrutiny and then proceed to substantiate their case. I think your input actually adds a degree of rigour. I like it when you call people out. It often adds to our collective knowledge.
 
Of course Looker shouldn't be eliminated, but if someone is bigging him up, they should at least say if he has ever been active in the senior game - or has any track record of involvement at any level beyond schoolboys and a truncated youth campaign.
 
ASUS, before anyone decides to have a pop at Harry Edge again, you should be aware the facts show Waikato have never lost when he has started. He is now very much part of the Waikato unit. On Sunday he was up against the likes of David Mulligan and Albert Riera, and I thought he was worth his place. I'm a big fan of volleyball, and like a jump as much as anyone. But a massive jump would not appear to be among the core qualities Waikato are looking for from their midfielders under their current game plan. Again, just saying.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
https://www.facebook.com/groups/nzsportsprogrammes

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about 14 years ago · edited over 13 years ago
Unfortunately Bruce Harry is going to be a target because:
 
1: He is a bit ungainly. This is because he is young and still growing into his large body. Ethan Galbraith was much the same about 8 months ago and now looks a lot better in his own skin. Because he looks a bit ungainly/unco-ordinated, he does not look athletic or like a footballer. He has all the grace of a sea lion on land.
 
2: Because he is Declans son. When you take point 1 and then the fact that the coach is his Dad, then thats where the charge of nepotism comes in. In fairness, if he was a bit more silky smooth, say perhaps like a Daniel Jones or Sam Mathews (I didn't pick Premiership players deliberately) then he possibly would not get the flack for being Declans kid (and the nepotism charge that comes with it) because he would at least look like a footballer.

Grumpy old bastard alert

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about 14 years ago · edited over 13 years ago
I was always a bit suspicious of Declan's boys, basically for that reason only, I wanted to see whether they deserved their spot in the team, and from what I've seen so far they've done well, very tidy, fit in nicely with the team's style obviously.

As for supposed CDM failings, I thought that was Micheal Mayne's role? Nothing wrong with how he has been going
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about 14 years ago · edited over 13 years ago
I watched Harry Edge on Sunday and thought he did ok. Not out of place at all.

Understand your point JV and in some ways it means the son of the coach has to be better than usual to avoid those charges, but on the evidence of that game, he is in.
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about 14 years ago · edited over 13 years ago
I don't really have an opinion on Harry Edge one way or another from the one time I have seen him so I wasn't saying he didn't deserve to be there or anything like that. I was just stating why I think he would be a target for critics.

He is Declans kid and that's been pointed out and I think he is not a natural athlete yet. He is still young and once he grows into his body, adds some balance, co-ordination and some muscle who knows what he could be. I think Adam Thomas is starting to realise a bit of potential and unusually for him, its playing football and not chopping people down. He looks a lot more at home at centre back than where he was playing for ACFC and U20s. Again he is someone that needs a little bit more muscle mass and he could be quite a useful centre back.


Grumpy old bastard alert

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about 14 years ago · edited over 13 years ago
Waikato play Tyler Lisette and Josh Greene at centre back.
 
Adam Thomas played at left back v Auckland. He previously played in midfield for Waikato. has two good feet, is very quick, and can play anywhere.
 
He is a finalist for Waikato young sportsman of the year next week.
 
 
https://www.facebook.com/groups/nzsportsprogrammes

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about 14 years ago · edited over 13 years ago
Just a reminder that the Waikato FC vs Canterbury game on Sunday is a 12.30 ko at Porritt Stadium
 
 
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about 14 years ago · edited over 13 years ago
Not sure if u can describe Mayne as a defensive CM as in Declan's system there's not really such a position. Mayne did a fine job v Auckland - as well as giving the midfield some bite in the tackle, he's also comfortable on the ball. Only late in the game when they had tired legs did they start to give the ball away.
As mentioned, since Harry has begun to be a regular part things have improved. He works well as a link man in that diamond formation and with the likes of Hicks/Boyd/Thomas.
Was interested to see Adam Thomas play as a left wingback type v Akl. Was exposed a few times with his defensibe positioning, allowing Auckland to overlap and asking Ryan Thomas to a lot on defence is a little realisitic. However, he did show a real turn of pace getting forward. Am not sure yet what his best position is.
       
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about 14 years ago · edited over 13 years ago
Just watched the hi-lites on YouTube - what an awful decision for the penalty. Remember watching it at the time and I was following Vicelich's wayward shot when I heard the whistle go and saw Conger pointing to the spot. When Kramer dives in - which he has a tendency to do that will be fixed over time as he gets more used to being a fulltime defender - he's still miles away from Vicelich and his challenge has stopped and the ball is flying out for a goalkick when Ivan falls over Kramer on the ground.
Justice done by Fulcher's top-drawer save.
 
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about 14 years ago · edited over 13 years ago
Mate that is a deadset penalty. It was so late that he may as well have timed his tackle to the Auckland train system. If you are going to jump in the box like that (studs showing, big lunge) then you are asking for it and especially as he had absolutely no show of getting it and time to pull out such was the lateness then he should get a big D for his hat as well (clue: it rhymes with Bunce)

Grumpy old bastard alert

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about 14 years ago · edited over 13 years ago
Agree  with Jeff, it was a deadset penalty and a silly challenge by the lad. Any later and they would have taken the goal-kick. Hicks seems to be the danger man and the highlights seem to back that up. Thought he should have put the RB/RM through for his last shot as you had a 2 v 1 for a second. Won't be their tomorrow due to work but it would have been nice to see how the Waikato project has progressed since November. Hopefully for the next  90 minutes not to well.
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about 14 years ago · edited over 13 years ago
I am a long time reader but a first time poster. I just wanted to say how much I have enjoyed following this discussion about Waikato and am disappointed it seems to have stopped.
 
I particularly enjoy the contributions of Jeff and Bruce and am interested in views on why the other clubs don't generate such interesting viewpoints or have more than one sentence to say about anything, because I would be interested to read of views of other fans as well.
 
Also, does anyone know if Declan Edge reads this disucssion? I generally support what he is trying to do. I think it is fantastic from what I understand. I was at the game on Sunday and didn't think Waikato played as badly as the news reports suggest.
 
But don't flame me, I'm pretty new to this.
 
 
 
 
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about 14 years ago · edited over 13 years ago
hi orlando and welcome!

i agree with you; it's a great thread, certainly a favourite thread of mine

i reckon declan probably does read this, there have been a few comments offered up by him which have referred to his team's online/community critics

360footballnews.com

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about 14 years ago · edited over 13 years ago
Heartbreaking defeat today for the hosts with Fenton grabbing the winner in the 92nd minute after Imray tipped over Pedro's volley at the other end a minute earlier.
Highly entertaining, well fought match, Lissette and Adam Thomas the standouts for Waikato, who continue to improve.
Very poor crowd #s, Waikato football fans should be ashamed...
  
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about 14 years ago · edited over 13 years ago
Yes, it can be a cruel game at times! Waikato and Wellington both had chances in the second half, and I thought a draw would have been a very fair result, but that's not the way it works! Enjoyed the contest, none-the-less. Those who didn't turn up missed out.

Some photos of today's game may be seen here

http://www.flickr.com//photos/75938953@N03/sets/72157629179367753/show/

Sorry if they're a bit Waikato biased!
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about 14 years ago · edited over 13 years ago
Although gutting, it is progress - Team Wellington are a good side on thier day and Fenton seems to be getting a lot of support out Wellington.
For those of you there can you pass comment on the quality of Ricky Zucco?
 
He trialled with the Nix a few weeks ago, got alright reviews but came from the Illawarra league which can't be of a very high standard.
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about 14 years ago · edited over 13 years ago
Ricki Zucco didn't do much other than the goal (which was a cracker) Out on the edge of the edgeand curls its around the keeper. He has good body shape, touch and balance but just was not in the game enough. Got subbed for someone.

Waikato played a reasonable level of football and if you were looking at a % rating of whom had more of the game, it would have been an almost even 50-50 split. At times Waikato were under the pump, at times Wellington were chasing shadows of players that had gone past them. Both teams had moments, both keepers pulled off some good saves. Waikato could feel hard done but but I think if you looked at whom had to make more saves, Imray had about 3, Fulcher had about 6 then perhaps while the 3-2 score line would not be fair, it was indicative of whom had the more meaningful shots on goal.

Grumpy old bastard alert

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