Youngheart

Spoonley did have an absolute shocker. Did pull off one very good save I remember though.

I've finally got my breath back. That was the best performance I have seen from a Manawatu team for a long time. A combination of brilliant execution on defence and attack and gritty determination when down to 9 men. And a bit of luck thrown in here and there too. Auckland were poor (in no small part due to our fantastic defensive effort) but I'm not complaining. Hard to pick a player of the match as they all played well. On reflection I'm sure Gus and Raf will regret their actions. Their unavailability will make the return leg that much more challenging. That said, we have played without Raf previously and the players called in have really stepped up.  

zizoustainrod2009-03-19 22:41:59

Well we dared to dream but just couldn't see it through in the end. That was torture to watch today as Auckland dominated us throughout. I thought we would struggle without Gus and Raf and so it proved as we never got a hold in midfield or put any pressure on their defence.

To all of those involved in the YoungHeart Manawatu franchise - I would like to take this opportunity to eat my words (and yes I will have sauce with that!). Before the start of the season I was highly critical of the preparations for the new season. What followed has been a veritable feast of high drama, spectacular goals, amazing saves, Manawatu footballing folklore and no shortage of skill. It has been a delight to be part of it. The lads didn't do themselves justice today - they've been far more entertaining than what we saw on the tv this afternoon.

Ross Nicholson has signed for Manawatu (Manawatu Standard).
Is the chant:

"He's fat, he's round
He bounces off the ground
Nicholson, Nicholson"

still appropriate?

Apparently we had the option of Chris Marsh back again but preferred Nicholson. I thought Marsh played pretty well for us last season and I didn't think his distribution was too bad.

I would say that it's VERY appropriate

I think you'd be much better off with Nick van Hattum than either Marsh or Nicholson.

wow arnt you sweet!

ps herd ross was just flying in for games and not training? if he hasnt/ is not going to be training then he will bloon out

Well to be honest our back 5 should be a 'shoe in" for them, well actually the same thing should happen to our midfield as well as our strikers...!!!!!

Would a midfield three of De Gregorio, Barbarouses and Halikias be competitive against a midfield of Peverly, Barron and Cheriton?

Pverley, Barron, Bale...

Still go okay I reckon, although I'm no Bale guru.

Barbarouses was one of the best in TeeDub midfield before he went overseas so don't know what you're on about.   Was good enough to start for us before not sure why he wouldn't be now. Smithy2009-09-24 17:12:32

Pretty sure I was sober tho

What position did Alick Maemae play for you? Also where can he play i.e what other positions can he play?wellyphoenixfan2009-10-01 12:44:57

Yeah, Ross is flying in for each weekend match. Mind you, it'd be hard to balloon out much more!

Upon his return last season he played left midfield.
In 2006/07 he played in a central role just behind the 2 strikers where I believe he was more effective.
Why do you ask?

What is this about a game against the nix at the Couldron?

YHM squad in the paper on Thursday. Seemed a bit light on defenders and once again the side lacks height. Let's hope they make up for it with "heart".
Great to see Raf back and Campbell Banks will be an interesting signing. A lot of players in there that I don't know a lot about. Hopefully they can gel quickly and kick on for the sprint that is the NZFC.

far out, campbell banks must be getting on a bit. Yea a lot of young lads coming through which is good. Hope they can gel well with the young guys that know each other well and the overseas guys

We need some more youngsters in the team. Maybe pop like a Richard Gray upfront. Hes powerful and scores goals. Just what we need. And he's Manawatu born a breed.

4-0 win for the boys! Excellent signing, obvisouly!

Yeah, he looked good for Hawkes Bay last year and his partnership with Campbell Banks will be interesting this year.

Banks looked good.

1. James Bannatyne (c)

1. Ross Nicholson

2. Adam Birch

2. Nobuyoshi Ishi (56)

4. Chris Bale

4. Colin Falvey

5. Michael Winsauer

6. Matt Kennedy

6. Chris Davies

8. Nathan Cooksley

7. Cole Peverley (59)

9. Seule Soromon

9. Greg Draper

10. Adam Cowan (c)

12. Bryan Little

14. Marco Parracchini(90)

14. Darren Cheriton (71)

18. Takayuki Omi (67)

18. Trent Watson

21. Cory Chettleburgh

19. Andy Barron

23. Campbell Banks

Substitutes

Substitutes

11. Jyler Noviello (59)

gk Matt Borren

13. Karl Whalen

11. Scott Robson (90)

17. Gary McDermott

16. Raf de Gregorio (67)

20. Richard McClay (71)

20. Jimmy Haidakis (56)

23. James McPeake (gk)

22. Daniel Benson

Whoa, knee-jerk much.

I wasn't questioning their "Manawatu-ness". 

Shame really.  Marist weren't terrible this year, and if they could inject Cowan, Chettleburgh, and a couple of others into that lineup they'd be good.

McDermott played the season with Wests though didn't he ?

Played season with someone but isn't really 'local'.

Takayuki Omi played for Onehunga Sports in the northern prenmier league over winter.