Island Bay United AFC

On Saturday Island Bay boarded the bus, ready for the long haul trip to Marist's Kilbirne Park, for our first Chatham Cup tie of 2009. How ironic we should draw Marist first up. A derby for sure, and it was a beautiful still day. Just perfect for kickball! :)

We knew we were in for a tough match against Marist, who would be looking to put on a good show and prove that their Premier relegation last season was more bad luck than poor performances. They started better than we did, moving the ball around quickly amongst lots of showing players meant that Island Bay's defense was forced to shift smartly if we were to plug all the holes.

An unfortunate dipping cross from a Marist player outwitted the outstretched arms of our Keeper, and we were down a goal before we could settle into our style of play.

We did settle down though and began to play some football in the dying moments of the first half, but Marist's players were on a high and determined not to let their lead slip. Both teams made chances, but neither could complete that final killer ball in the first 45. 1-0 at halftime.

We had hoped that Marist would tire in the second half, and continued to probe their defense looking for a breakthrough, which finally came in the last 15 minutes of the game, when a desperate lunge from Marist to clear the ball out of the 6 yard box was ruled handball and up stepped Richard Steel, to calmly (as always) SMASH it into the corner.

1-1 at Full time meant playing extra time, which, given a late start time, almost meant night soccer, without lights.

It seemed we were set for penalties, as neither team could turn any of their build up play into goals, when Mr Paul Muollo decided it was up to him as Captain/President to put us through to the next round, first using his fabled left foot to poke the ball goal ward from 4 yards, then using his slightly less fabled right foot to smash the ball into the roof of the net, making the score 2-1, and setting up an easy cup tie against Miramar Rangers (Winners of this, that, and everything else at some stage) on 16/17 May.

We'll be at home on Shark Park, and you can guarantee Island Bay will do their best to come out on top despite their underdog status.

Go Sharks!

Labels: away, chatham cup, marist, won

Sundays match report for the match against Western Suburbs is summed up using imagery, as most of my written text would most likely have been censored.



For those of you who did not participate at the pictionary world champs.
[Down 2, 10 Men after, 5 minutes = A POUNDING]

It was a tough ask of the ten players left on the pitch to hold a bottom placed team who were desperate for points, and at home for 85 minutes of football.

The remaining guys ALL showed a gutsy determination to keep a point at the very least, but after Wests had scored one [typically, we had just nearly scored at the other end], we had no choice but to chase the game, and this resulted in being caught out twice more as Wests extra man advantage told in the last twenty minutes of the second half.

The League is now even closer than before, with Tawa and Stop Out joining Island Bay at the top of the table.

This weekend is a Chatham Cup round, with Island Bay playing Marist away at Kilbirnie Park

Go Sharks!

Labels: away, lost, western suburbs

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

Easter is upon us, and Saturday saw the start of our double header weekend, with Island bay looking to get the best start possible to what's sure to be another long season, full of tough games.

Despite half of Island Bay United's players being out with pulled Holidays, (Holidays, during Footy Season?!?) and management having to strategically pick players to cover the top three teams, we started well, matching Lower Hutt's physical approach, and scored early on, when Steve Davey whirled around in the box to deliver a neat cross which Luciano Colucci calmly slotted into the near corner.

Lower Hutt scored an equaliser before half time thanks largely to the wind, which turned a clearing header and deflection into a lob over our Keepers outstretched hand.

The second half saw Island Bay pull away from Lower Hutt, who's physicality turned into numerous yellow cards and an eventual red (it wasn't the right player, Ref) and this let us dominate the young side in most areas of the park.

David Rutherford saw his charge down inside the box converted into his first goal of the 2009 campaign, and after Steve Davey bruised the keeper with a point blank shot, substitute Mitchell Lee slammed in the final nail in Lower Hutt's coffin to end the match 3-1, and give us a good follow up from our Tawa game last weekend.

On Monday we have on Top-o-the-Table clash (I know we're only 2 games in!) playing away to Stop Out at 2pm.

Go Sharks!

Labels: home, lower hutt, won

On Saturday Island Bays Premier squad had a show down with Tawa, who were going to come out onto Redwood Park fresh off a Hilton Cup Final win, and looking to avenge their 2008 season (we won and drew with them which hampered their push for 1st place).

In blustery condition, neither team could dominate, with possession, and composure, swinging both ways constantly during both halves of play.

Numerous offsides, and slicing clearances by both teams re-iterated that it was the first game of the season. Each team tested the keepers a few times, but we entered half time locked at 0-0.

In the second half, Island Bay seemed to cope well with Tawa's re-invigorated attacking prowess, and created many chances of our own, just lacking the final killer ball in Tawa's final third. It seemed the game was destined for a draw, but then a deft cross was met well by one of the Tawa players, and it took a line clearance by Mike Jessitt to keep Island Bay's head above water.

A few substitutes later, and into the final ten minutes, a dangerous through ball to David Rutherford was met with a clumsy sliding tackle, leading to a spot kick for Richard Steel to smash into the corner in his usual calm style, finally breaking the deadlock.

Tawa's late push for a draw in the dying minutes tested the resolve of the Island Bay defensive system, but it was not to be Tawa's day, and the Referee blew full time at 96 minutes to a joyous victory cry from the Squad and Bay Faithful!

Next weekend is Easter, with Island Bay hosting Lower Hutt City on Saturday, and playing away to league newcomers Stop Out on Monday. Come and show your support as we try and win six more points!

Go Sharks!

Labels: away, tawa, won

This weekend sees the kick off for 2009. The club hopes that this season shows a vast improvement in weather, so that everyone gets to play some decent football, on grass laiden parks, and on most weekends!

We wish all of our teams playing with a Shark on their chest the very best of luck. Get out there and enjoy the beautiful game!

The Capital Premier side kicks off against the Newly crowned Hilton Cup Champs, Tawa, who also came a close second to Wairarapa in lasts years Premier league.

Sure to be a tough game and an immediate test of our pre-season build up. Game kicks off at 2:30pm out at Redwood Park.


Go Sharks!

Labels: notices