Friday nights under lights make for an exciting football atmosphere. Playing at CET Arena, the Placemakers PNBHS squared off against Massey University Reserves in the final round of the Horizons Premiership. PNBHS kept a clean sheet and took out the game 4-0.
The artificial turf again provided a fast-playing surface for both teams. The first 10 minutes were played at a furious pace with both teams sharing equal possession and chances. Aadesh Ganugapati had the best chance for PNBHS but picked out the keeper. Consecutive defensive corners were well defended by PNBHS, using each success as a chance to transition and spring an attack. Matt Draper’s long ball was again effective, picking out Mohammad Tamim, who with a delicate touch on the side of the foot, put himself into a gap and into the clear – the layoff to Aarsh Dutt rolling over the striking foot and skyed. Keiran Giddens and his defensive partners made light work of shutting down the Massey attack and kept the ball at the other end of the pitch. Pressing high, PNBHS forced Massey into an error. A lazy pass through to the keeper was intercepted by Adarsh Dutt leaving only a tap-in required to go ahead. Using the scoring momentum and pressing again, another intercepted ball and layoff to Jaiden Meyer was converted to make the lead comfortable. The third goal for the half came by penalty, as Jaiden Meyer was tackled late in the box – a yellow card for Massey and a successful penalty by Jaiden.
The action resumed 40 seconds into the second half. This time Ben Mori being clipped from behind and Kieran Giddens was given the honours. Striking hard and low, Kieran successfully notched up his first goal for the PlaceMakers PNBHS 1st XI, making him the 13th goal scorer of the season in his 13th game. Ben Mori’s own attempt on goal was met by the stiff resistance of the Massey goalkeeper, as was Adarsh Dutt’s header, coming from the wide cross of Jaiden Meyer. Darren Juru nearly drove home the 5th goal, however taking a deflection from an offside player, the goal was ruled out. Continual PNBHS pressure, ball retention, and multiple transitions forward into the attacking third made for pleasant watching as PNBHS wound down the clock without putting themselves under any unneeded pressure.
The team now awaits results from a catch-up game being played next weekend to reveal their final placing for the season – second or third. Either way, there is much to be said for how the team has played this season. Scoring 60 goals in 18 games, 26 players from an extended squad of 32 young men represented the school's 1st XI with great pride while being exposed to premiership football.
Thank you to our 1st XI Football Sponsors
