Stallions and Sangham line Capital Football's pockets

The Stallions and Lower Hutt Sangham fought out a fairly even but bad tempered 1-1 draw at Kelburn Park.

Expecting to have 14 men I was gutted to be informed by Aaron's mate Tang that there would be no rolling subs as per a new Cap Football directive. This was followed by further advice that the Club would be fined for the lack of corner flags - apparently this is a FIFA directive, good to see their priorities are well and truly sorted. As it would turn out there would be plenty of further fines to come...

Alas the 14 men did not eventuate as Panda turned up and "didn't fancy playing", Spence was late as previously advised , and Graham ... more of that to come. Having only 11 men solved some selection dilemmas (not to mention the rolling subs issue) and we lined up in our new preferred 4-5-1 formation hoping to use the same formation as against the Accies to achieve the same result. Unfortunately KP was not quite Te Whaea, a fact which would trouble both sides.

The game started reasonably evenly with both sides struggling in the heavy conditions. The only real thing of note was the constant off the ball niggle from Sangham. Slowly Sangham began to get their passing game going and created some half chances well saved by Paul. The Stallions tended to favour the "quick" break with our clearest chance falling to giant Rob at the back post who closed his eyes and turtled a perfect cross from Tristin over the bar.

About 20 mins in Stallions took the lead. A 60m punt from Paul was mis-headered by a defender directly to me. Being old and slow there was no way I was going to try and run 40m, so spotting the Sangham 'keeper off his line I hit a speculator whcih looped over his head and in. Possible assist to Paul?

Both sides traded attacks for the rest of the half (occasionally on goal, and occasionally on each other) but Sangham's forays were superbly snuffed out by the outstanding Stallions back 4. Half time 1-0 Stallions. With Aaron leaving at half time for work, the recently arrived Spencer came on and Panda was ordered to kit up. No sign of Graham...

The second half largely degenerated into a running verbal battle between the sides with both skippers spoken to several times. Logan was booked for swearing as was Tristin although I'm not 100% certain for what (potentially for being shoved by an opponent). A couple of Sangham players were also booking leaving the Cap Football accountants rubbing their hands.

Lloyd was having a stormer in the middle and along with Logan combined to make some decent openings.

About 15 mins in I shot from the right hand touchline with the 'keeper only a couple of metres away from me hopelessly out of position. The vball curled, dipped, and landed flush on top of the crossbar and out for a goal kick. Tristin may have been in front of an open goal in the middle I'm told...

20 mins in and Stallions were awarded a penalty for another blatant handball. Logan stepped up and I'm told (I couldn't bear to watch) missed by about 15m. On the subject of handball, you'd think that a team who handled the ball so much would be better at throwing it in. There must have been at least 15 foul throws by Sangham.

80 mins Graham arrives.

A great save by Paul who tipped a shot onto the post kept it at 1-0 but the Stallions were starting to defend deeper and deeper and Sangham were having more of the ball. With 5 mins left they made the pressure count when an unmarke dplayer at the far post scored with a header from a corner. 1-1.

Stung into action the Stallions attacked with renewed vigour with decent chances falling to me, Rob, Panda, and Jason but Tang blew for full time and 2 points had been dropped. Or had they? I reckon it was a damned good point which keeps us right in the hunt, especially with Petone losing again.

All in all I think everybody had great games, and we were all completely shagged at full time. Special mentions to Mike who had a great game and lasted the full 90 despite barely playing all year, Tangi, Jason, Corey were outstanding, as was Paul, and Lloyd who played like it was 1996 all over again including a 360 degree turn.

Pony - Graham. I don't think a person has ever been pony when they don't actually play but getting the wrong time for kick off and turning up 10 mins before the end seals your fate. Logan thanks you... I would have aksed you to write the match report but that's pretty fruitless even when you've been at the game!

Very hard to call on the MVPs but my picks would be

Lloyd 3
Tangi 2
Anyone from Mike, Corey, Paul, Jason for 1