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Disappointing start to 2010

By Csaey Angland

The conditions were superb as NZP Young Heart kicked off the devastating 3 nil loss to Otago United, not the expected outcome for the first home game of the 2010 season.

From the first whistle Young Heart showed their superiority on the field controlling the action and pace of the game. Within the first five minutes YoungHeart were making close attempts at goal showing off their highly skilled and improved attacking game. The two strikers Seule Soromon and Campbell Banks working in notably well with midfielder Cory Chettleburgh; stealing alot of ball and passing well, making good breaks to set up potential goals putting great pressure on Otago’s goalkeeper and defensive line up. 

Throughout the first half Otago seemed to play to YoungHeart’s tune, any possible breaks quickly spoiled. YoungHeart’s defence remained tight as always, with their attacking and in possession game particularly firing. YoungHeart midfielders and strikers maintained much of the control and action of the match, despite the considerable amount of free ball given to Otago United.

Regardless of YoungHeart’s stylish control and skill the half ended nil all, Manawatu proving unable to follow through and make their attempts count.

Within minutes of the starting whistle of the second half Otago United was celebrating the first goal of the game. This gave them the confidence to become more aggressive and pronounced against YoungHeart’s defence, who were notably shaken by the early and unexpected goal. The game became more heated and frantic as each team worked for the win. YoungHeart let the stress in and lost some of their previous control, Otago quickly took advantage of this tightening their defence and rattling YoungHeart’s attacking game, that at times lacked numbers to close the goal attempts when it counted.

After 20 minutes of each team battling Otago’s 18, Nathan Knox, struck again claiming the second goal of the match giving his team a secure two nil lead. This further ignited the fire within Otago who become more aggressive with their attacking game causing YoungHeart to somewhat lose their composer and play into Otago’s hands. Last minute subs for YoungHeart weren’t enough to save them from the third and final blast from Otago 30 minutes into the second half.

While it was an upsetting loss for YoungHeart, Manawatu was certainly the team with superior style and skill, their slips unfortunately providing Otago with their three lucky breaks at goal. Not the best start for the 2010 season, but a game to learn from and improve on before the next home match against Team Wellington on the 17th of January.