PNBHS 1st XI Football Super Eight Tournament v New Plymouth Boys' High School
The PlaceMakers PNBHS 1st XI played their last Super 8 Pool A match against New Plymouth this morning. PNBHS were playing to top the pool, while New Plymouth needed a win to secure a spot in the semi-finals. New Plymouth came out firing and secured the win, PNBHS losing 2-1.
Another frosty morning and the low-hanging sun made conditions difficult for both teams. The first ten minutes of play was end-to-end football, however, New Plymouth showed more sting in their attacks, claiming two early corner kicks, but PNBHS successfully defending them. Transitioning to attack swiftly, a long cross from New Plymouth found an opener runner who nodded in to put them in front at the twenty-minute mark. Countering this, a direct drive towards goal saw Adarsh Dutt beating two players before edging a shot past the keeper to level the scores. In a similar fashion to their first, New Plymouth nodded in a second near the end of the half to take back the lead.
The second half saw PNBHS with more time on the ball and longer spells of attacking play. Thomas Bell made every effort to connect with Adarsh Dutt but was beaten by the keeper. At the other end, a diving save from Brooklyn Browne and a follow-up shot subdued by Jayden Simpson kept PNBHS in touch. Fresh legs from the substitution bench added more speed over the park and PNBHS spent more time pushing forward than retreating. Free kick opportunities in the dying minutes saw 10 PNBHS players in the box looking to secure an equaliser, and Bay Shi attempting to take the direct route, skimming and second free-kick off the outside of the upright. Unable to claw one back, the referee’s whistle ended the fixture.
Our follow-up game this afternoon will be against the top team from Pool B; Tauranga Boys’ College, where a win will see PNBHS into the final.
Thank you to our 1st XI Football Sponsors
