Island Bay United AFC

Island Bay Premiers had the chance to exact revenge on Western Suburbs for kicking us out of the Chatham Cup on Monday, even if it was West's second team.

Even though they have been struggling in the Capital Premier League so far this season, it was a must win for us if we want to be in the running come the end of the season, and as the table is so close, every point we can take is vital. We had won all our home games so far, (scoring at least three in every game) so we had a lot to play for.

Wests started well, lifted by the inclusion of senior players Rupert Ryan, and Neil MacDonald, who's experience and touch gave Wests more possession than they would have enjoyed without them. We attacked down the flanks and delivered the ball into dangerous areas without causing them too many problems, until 30 minutes in, when a corner was delivered perfectly to Zac, who headed the ball into the man on the near post, and was deemed to let the ball entirely over the line before clearing it. A year ago we would not have had this sort of decision go our way, but luck is actually bred from attitude and self belief, two components which have come a long way this season. 1-0 at Half time.

The second half carried on in much the same vein, see-sawing football, and neither team playing particularly well, when a slow clearance led to a good tackle from a Wests striker, who on his next touch slammed the ball home from 20 metres and tied the game up at 1-1 in the 70 minute.

The realisation that we were in danger of giving Wests their second point in 8 Games finally woke us up, and from then on it was all Island Bay. Lucci pounced on a nice through ball, and drove the ball into the area, giving the Wests defender no option but to attempt to clear, unfortunately powering his header past his own keeper and into the net.

5 minutes later and a poorly timed tackle 25 metres out gave Hicham a chance to flex his calf muscles, lashing a fierce drive into the far netting, and giving us a safety cushion.

3-1 the final score, but Wests will start taking points of teams if they continue to play like that. This week marks the start of the second round, with Lower Hutt hosting us at Fraser Park.

Go Sharks!

Labels: home, premier, western suburbs, won