Only saw bits & pieces around the kid's bedtime routine, but yeah equally impressed by the confidence of the young Academy lads. This time last year I'd never really heard of LK-H or Hughes. So you feel that last night 2-3 hopefully announced themselves in the same way for this season.
Real shame conceded that early goal. Had read pre game that SM were mostly a counter attacking team, but I expected more from them as the best VIC NPL side, well into their season, against basically a scratch Nix team. After the goal AK-H was barely tested. That 5th min goal just allowed SM to park the bus from pretty early on.
As Chief said at Welly Airport it's been a very disrupted pre season to date. Players only recently returning from OFC U19 champs in Samoa, others only returning from the Olympics a few days ago, Petre, Payne, Rufer & presumably Ball not yet ready to travel & play. Italiano basically juggling trying to win the tie, around player welfare and availability.
To me the Nix look very sound & stable for the new season. Just need a few exciting visa players now. GK & striker, both possibly on loan.
Real shame conceded that early goal. Had read pre game that SM were mostly a counter attacking team, but I expected more from them as the best VIC NPL side, well into their season, against basically a scratch Nix team. After the goal AK-H was barely tested. That 5th min goal just allowed SM to park the bus from pretty early on.
As Chief said at Welly Airport it's been a very disrupted pre season to date. Players only recently returning from OFC U19 champs in Samoa, others only returning from the Olympics a few days ago, Petre, Payne, Rufer & presumably Ball not yet ready to travel & play. Italiano basically juggling trying to win the tie, around player welfare and availability.
To me the Nix look very sound & stable for the new season. Just need a few exciting visa players now. GK & striker, both possibly on loan.