Ok, here's my opinion, not that it counts for a lot - I thought it was a fairly even game played in very trying conditions. That wind was a real killer as the smoke bombs and ground sprinklers before the game can testify. Both sides contributed to a midfield battle with not a lot of attacking in that final 3rd for most of the game.
VAR gave a very good argument for abandoning the idea completely from the game. More time was spent reviewing things than actual injuries, including the goal scored one. That looked like a season ender to me. But rather than enhance the game, it slowed it down and I felt for the players. No wonder Durante wanted the ball so much, it kept him warm in between waiting for VAR decisions to be made.
Only major disappointment for me was Sydney happy to watch us revert to previous seasons tactics of playing the ball back and forth across our back line too much before doing the very predictable long ball to our wings. It made the crowd quite restless towards the end of the game when we really needed to score. I do question our penalty in that I thought the goalkeeper was not allowed to move until the ball had been kicked? That goalkeeper was bouncing around like a kid being given a large sugar rush.
The biggest highlight for me was the attendance. Despite being a midweek game and the crappy wind, to get 8k is excellent. I actually think the figures were fairly accurate this game. Well done to those whom made the effort. Including the Wanganui attendees, the Waiarapa ones and our Tauranga fan/s. Quite a few from Sydney made the effort too and I wish to acknowledge them and their good sportsmanship.
A chance missed by us, hopefully a calm Saturday and 3 points for us. We need fear no one. But we need to win this one for sure.
goal keeper can do what he likes as long as feet on line when kick taken..a half step or so off his line is pretty much ok
