Island Bay United AFC

Easter Monday came around all too quick for my liking, considering only 48 hours prior we'd had a physical encounter against a youthful Lower Hutt side. Still, it's the same for both sides, and both Stop Out and Island Bay turned up at Hutt Park Raceway determined to put in a good showing despite the windy weather.

We started in to the wind, and tried to play Football by keeping the ball on the deck. We took some time to get into our flow, but once we had settled down, we played some great football in difficult conditions.

Ian Paterson reacted quickly to a soft clearance off a Richard Steele super throw, superbly rifling the ball in the top left hand corner (over several defenders), only to be (somehow) denied by the linesman's flag.

Stop Out began to use the wind to good effect, slotting nice balls in between our defense, and we were saved several times by last minute desperation tackles, great saves from David Plowright, and some poor finishing.

With about 10 minutes to go before half time, Ian Paterson decided to step up his game, and bet 3 players on his way down Stop Out's Goal line, before slipping the ball back for Luciano Colucci to slot in the near corner from 10 yards out.

At half time, we were convinced having the wind behind us was worth at least a goal but were still conscience that Stop Out would be all out to tie up the game, and accordingly, both teams battled end to end until Stop Out went down to 10 men after a straight red for a tripping off the ball (but in front of the Ref :S).

Even down to 10 men, Stop Out played some great football which had us stretched all over Hutt Park, and might have evened the scoreline, had it not been for the great attitudes and commitment shown by all of the Island Bay players.

Several sets of fresh legs came on from both teams, but it was a cross into the box which saw substitute Mo Terlau fouled and let Richard Steel notch up his 2nd from the spot in 3 games to give us some breathing room. The game ended at 2-0, and sees Island Bay take up a 3 point lead on the league ladder after 3 games.

Lots of the 2009 season left, and 10 hungry teams looking to win the league, so it'll be a tough ask to maintain first place for the next 15 games. I trust (And Expect!!!) Island Bay to show their character, take nothing for granted, and front up to every game with 100% commitment to walk away with 3 points, while enjoying playing good football at the same time.

This week we are playing away at Western Suburbs, and as such will play on SUNDAY out at Endeavour Park.

Go Sharks!

Labels: away, stop out, won