I've got a couple of mates in the Burnside team, one of them would have been hobbling round on the sideline. He tore lateral ligaments in his ankle a couple of weeks ago. Probably one of their better players. The other guy I know usually plays reserve league football and isn't up to Mainland standard yet. Would've been a young guy playing in the middle of the park. Could you comment on how he went Luis Garcia? Will provide me with some banter next time i'm up in chch.
I'm not too sure who exactly the player is you're talking about?
Just hope he wasn't the red head on the end of a free kick straight to the stomach. Nelson were clearly a better team, opened up their defense all throughout the game but probably didn't control the midfield. So if your mate is a midfielder he probably did alright. Burnside barely threatened though, one screamer from outside the box which took a fantastic save to stop and their goal were the only chances I can recall. If Nelson had a decent finisher they could've ended up in double figures, but two of their strikers have gone overseas midseason. The keeper for Burnside had a shocker. Couldn't catch the ball and most goal kicks in the first half went out past the sideline. Did improve in the second half though.
I don't whether it's the fact they'd have to quit their job and move to Christchurch but I'm curious as to how no Suburbs players were in the Canterbury NZFC squad.