The PlaceMakers PNBHS 1st XI kicked off the return leg of the regular season against Feilding United. Having tussled with Fielding for the top step of the ladder for the last few weeks, the result of this game would go a long way towards confirming the top contenders for the division. PNBHS did not make it easy, however, Feilding came away with the all-important points: Feilding winning 3-2.
Right from the kick-off, both teams showed strong intentions, but the ball never quite bounced right for either team with very few shooting opportunities presented themselves. Midway through the first half PNBHS blinked first, and with a Feilding long ball causing grief for Brooklyn Browne playing high, Feilding took the lead and Brooklyn took a knock to the head for his efforts, ending his game early. This brought Jack Knightbridge off the bench for his first-team appearance. The half ended as it had begun – strong defending from both teams hampering scoring opportunities.
The second half saw PNBHS with a little more fire in their bellies, looking to chase down the deficit early. They did not have to wait long, with Jaiden Meyer driving the ball into the attacking third, before firing a square ball across the goal to Xavier Coleman. A touch was all that was needed and PNBHS were back in contention. Feilding made the most of an attacking corner a few moments later to take back the lead. Not settling just yet, Jayden Simpson tidied a loose corner ball of their own, playing into the feet of Daniel McDougall, who notched up the equaliser. In many sports, the crucial time to defend is just after scoring. In a mere twenty seconds after the restart, Feilding put themselves back in front with a pacey surge forward.
The result sees PNBHS take a small tumble down the ladder, but with only four points separating the top five teams, there is certainly an opportunity to rebuild. Congratulations to Mohammed Tamin and Jack Knightbridge for making their first appearances for the PlaceMakers PNBHS 1st XI. Also, congratulations to Daniel McDougall and Jaiden Meyer who played their 50th game for the PNBHS 1st XI.
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