Match report - Brooklyn 2: Stallions 1

I really should keep a better eye on this blog.  Turn away for a minute and there’s an entire thread agreeing that you’re Pony. 

Anyway, the sun was shining and the wind was brisk, like it always seems to be for us at Wakefield.  Heath, self-declared at “80%” and was drafted straight into the starting line-up – the perils of having 11 people at kick-off.  In true Stallions defeatist spirit, the pre-game chat with the opposition was wishing them the best of luck in Div 3 next year. 

That view seemed justified in an opening set of exchanges where we struggled to impose ourselves.  Heath quickly went from 80-3% attempting an ambitious shot from outside the box.  Mercifully, by that stage, Moose had turned up so our proud record of playing games with 10 didn’t continue.

Brooklyn took a deserved lead midway through the first half.  All it took was a turnover in midfield, an incisive pass, a smart left-right run and an indecisive keeper.  We weren’t getting humped, but it would misleading to suggest that their keeper was busy.  The Brooklyn defence was fast and powerful - and our moves appeared to break down in efforts to get the ball to outnumbered strikers.

Still, halftime was reached with no further incident and we took the opportunity to uphold a strong Stallions tradition by talking over each other for the few minutes before we started all over again.  We began the second half with as bit more about us.  Without creating a lot of chances, we did create a lot of pressure and Brooklyn were clearly uncomfortable with that.  A deflected free-kick and Paddy had an angled header drift onto the post (curse that Island Bay breeze).

Eventually we got the leveller we possibly deserved.  A neat ball put Rauru through – he got a toe to it just before the keeper cleaned him out.  Up stepped Milky “I don’t miss penalties” Davey to do his thing.

It all evened up a bit after that.  Brooklyn got what seemed like an endless stream of corners.  One came across and caught Milky flush in the face.  “Which one of you pricks ducked?”.  Classic pony moment.  Oh wait, that bit’s coming from the next corner.  I had visions of my decisive punch clearing the ball from danger.  Instead it grazed off the underside of my hand straight into my well-proportioned snout.  Another corner – this time there was some pinball, the ball dropped kindly for Brooklyn, who lashed a shot that deflected and somehow managed to avoid a series of flailing limbs.  2:1.

The closest we got after that was the keeper’s generous attempt to even things up by throwing the ball into the net.  As the ref pointed out, our one-paced strikers failed to capitalise. 

I thought we played really well in the second half.  Our previous promotion seasons have been punctuated by relatively undeserved wins against Brooklyn.  It wasn’t to be this year but I don’t think a draw would have flattered us.  Particular props to the D.  I might be Pony but it wasn’t my busiest game and I think that’s thanks to a great team effort from the front back.  Special mention to Moose, who did an amazing job filling that Tangihaere-sized hole in the centre.  Nice work fellas – time to focus on KCU.