Match Report: Brooklyn 2 - Stallions 0

The weather gods certainly weren’t smiling as the top of the table clash between the Stallions and BNU Reserves kicked off at 2.30pm.  Torrential rain may have eased but hurricane force winds were still blowing directly down Happy Valley 1 towards Owhiro Bay and there were areas of standing water in the centre of the pitch.

The Stallions pre-match talk had focussed on not playing long ball tactics with the wind, which went (were blown) out the window directly from kick-off when a shot was attempted which caught the BNU keeper off guard but sailed narrowly wide.  That set the pattern for the half with the Stallions kicking away most of the ball we managed to win while BNU played an attractive passing game using their skilful and mobile midfielders to good effect.

Our attacking chances were limited by and large to set pieces which struggled for direction due to the wind, while BNU made several decent attacking forays.  The highlight of these was when BNU’s 10 year old left winger nutmegged Paddy in the box and went on to smash a shot against the cross bar with the Stallions left helpless.  Highlight of the half for the Stallions was Tangi’s tireless defensive efforts which culminated in a heroic sliding tackle on our own left fullback when Tangi grew frustrated with Chris’ delay in clearing the ball.

Half-time 0-0.

The Stallions made a tactical tweak at half-time to go to one up front allowing us to three in the middle of the park to counter BNU’s main strength.  This proved reasonably successful with the Stallions playing some decent passing football although not making any clear cut chances, and still being vulnerable to being caught on the beak.

BNU had some semi-decent shots from distance but these were either wide or reasonably straight forward for Paul in goal.  The decisive break through came about 20 minutes from time when a BNU corner was headed down and one of their players was quickest to the loose ball to turn it into the net. 1-0 BNU. 

The Stallions re-gathered and picked up the intensity but still struggled to literally make headway into the wind.  We committed large numbers forward in search of an equaliser but unfortunately five minutes from time were caught on the break and a (suspiciously off-side looking) BNU player ran through un-marked to make it 2-0.

That was the final score, which resulted in BNU leap frogging the Stallions to go top of the table.  Disappointing for the Stallions 5 game winning start to the season to come to an end but on balance the better side won.  The Stallions put everything into the game but BNU were more comfortable on the ball and created more chances.  Stallion – Tangi for an all-round determined and disciplined defensive effort.  Pony – Paddy for the clinical nutmeg from the child left-winger minutes after having his own nutmeg effort thwarted.