Central League Review - Round 1

 

However, United got the goal their effort deserved just minutes from time.  Eddie Mason�s tireless running up front was rewarded when he turned his marker inside the box and his cross cum shot was turned in at the back post by Will Smith.  Wests had a goal ruled out almost immediately when a clever chip from Darren Cheriton at the by line was turned in by Ben Feld with the referee spotting a push by the attacker.  The United players were jubilant at full time, Eddie Mason predicting a big night at the club.  Debutant Kieren Cunningham got through a power of work in a deep lying midfield role for United, while Darren Cheriton was the pick of the visitors and didn�t deserve to be on a losing side.

 

I sense an upset tomorrow as well, Miramar haven't been convincing pre-season and Olympic turned them over last Sunday.

Taranaki rues its lost chance for upset win

 

Team Taranaki was left to reflect on a lost opportunity after drawing its opening round Central League soccer match against Gisborne City 1-1 at New Plymouth's Yarrow stadium yesterday afternoon.

 

Taranaki had one of the favourites in the competition on the ropes for most of the game after a Nick Betteridge goal gave the home side a 1-0 lead 15 minutes into the first half. <br><br>The scoreline remained unchanged until inside the final 10 minutes, when Taranaki midfielder Hiroshi Tomonari flicked the ball back to goalie Michael Reive. <br><br>His clearing kick ricocheted off Gisborne midfielder Pomare Te Anau and the ball rolled across the line. <br><br>It must have been a gut-wrenching moment for a team that had fought so hard. <br><br>"So near yet so far," was player-coach Craig Graham's summing-up of the drawn match, which sees both teams gain one point. <br><br>A draw against Kevin Fallon-coached Gisborne is an encouraging start for Taranaki in its first year in the Central League after it won promotion last season. <br><br>"I thought we played well, we fought well and I'll take that as encouragement," Graham said. <br><br>Betteridge's goal lifted the Taranaki players, and the home team played with more confidence after a slow start. <br><br>The opening goal came when Taranaki attacked wide out. Graham knocked a high ball down and former national age group rep Mark Bland was there to fire it across the goal where Betteridge, standing unmarked, headed it home. <br><br>Taranaki's defence soaked up pressure keeping the visiting side outside the box for most of the match, forcing it to take long shots at goal. <br><br>Another top chance for Taranaki was Matt Goodey's failed attempt from just outside the penalty box and only the goalie to beat. <br><br>Graham's vocal motivation from the back throughout the match ensured the amber and blacks knew what was expected of them. <br><br>Standout player for Taranaki yesterday was Tyson Brandt. The diminutive national under-17 rep showed some great skills, while midfielder's Andrew Thomson and Mark Bland both had strong games. <br><br>Reive looks to have a bright future in the sport, the Francis Douglas Memorial College seventh former giving an almost faultless display in goal. <br><br>Toby Bird - Taranaki Daily News<br><br>