Match Reports

YoungHeart Manawatu versus Waitakere

Date: 26 March 2006
Match venue: FMG Stadium, Palmerston North.
Weather conditions: Overcast and cool, strong northerly breeze.
Crowd estimate: 600
Summary of match:

ANOTHER LAST GASP WIN FOR YOUNGHEART MANAWATU

For ninety minutes this game had “drawn” written all over it.  But with just a minute of extra time left, Benjamin Totori broke the two-all deadlock and gave YoungHeart Manawatu its fourteenth win of the season.  Otago United could justifiably feel aggrieved about the outcome; they led twice in the game and, had the game finished two minutes earlier, most of those watching would have conceded that a draw was a fair result.  However, YoungHeart Manawatu have won so many games this season in the dying minutes that they have to be given credit for doing it again against Otago.

The game kicked off in front of a good crowd in cool overcast conditions, with a strong northerly wind making playing conditions difficult.  YoungHeart Manawatu, playing with the wind, were quickly into their work and dominated the opening exchanges.  Otago’s game plan was immediately apparent – a stacked defence and midfield, with Caruso on his own up front.  After six minutes Sandbrook and Menapi created YoungHeart Manawatu’s first chance, but Menapi’s powerful volley from the edge of the area was blocked by Pfannenstiel.  Ten minutes later Maemae should have opened the scoring when he blasted over the top from point-blank range after Banks has created space for himself on the left, gone to the by-line and cut the ball back.

If YoungHeart Manawatu thought they were in for a comfortable afternoon, their illusions were rudely shattered in the 20th minute.  A free kick on the left was swung into the Manawatu box; the defence failed to clear their lines and the ball fell to Craig Dale, who drove it into the roof of the net.  Though the goal was against the run of play, it was just reward for an effective game plan being well executed by Otago.

YoungHeart Manawatu continued to dominate possession, playing patient, controlled football but they were largely ineffective against a well organised Otago side, who defended in numbers and gave their opposition little time to dwell on the ball.   However, in the 35th minute Sandbrook, Menapi and Banks finally cracked the Otago defence with a slick move that started on half way and ended with Banks firing a low shot past Pfannenstiel.  Neither team created any scoring opportunities in the next ten minutes, and the 1-all half-time score was a fair reflection of the run of play.

The sun came out at the start of the second half and this seemed to be the cue for the game to open up.  Manawatu continued to see more of the ball, but their persistence in attacking up the middle of the park played right into Otago’s hands, and the Otago defence were relatively untroubled keeping Manawatu at bay.  By contrast, Otago made good use of the wind and broke quickly when they had the ball, putting some pressure on the Manawatu back three.

Nevertheless, it was something of a surprise when Otago scored again in the 68th minute.  A fairly innocuous cross was played into the heart of the Manawatu defence from wide on the left.  Two Manawatu defenders appeared to have it well covered, but somehow the ball eluded them both and Caruso found himself alone on the six yard box with only Utting to beat.  Caruso doesn’t miss many from there, and he didn’t miss this time.

Seven minutes later YoungHeart Manawatu were back on even terms again.  Robinson battled away on the left of the Otago area and finally won the ball; he slipped it to Totori, who flicked it on to Banks.  The All White striker picked his spot at the far post and beat Pfannensteil with a low right-footed shot from the edge of the penalty area.

Both teams had chances to win the game in the remaining fifteen minutes.  Caruso should have put Otago ahead in the 80th minutes when he had a clear shot from the penalty spot, but his strike was blocked by Utting.  And, at the other end, Menapi almost snatched the winner right on full-time when he beat three defenders just outside the box, shot on the turn and hit the post with the keeper beaten.

YoungHeart Manawatu pushed forward in injury time and had Otago defending desperately, but with time running out it seemed that this game would complete a trifecta of draws between the sides.  However, one last Manawatu attack created a chance for Totori; his first shot was blocked by a defender but Totori controlled the rebound and fired an unstoppable shot past Pfannenstiel to break Otago’s hearts.

For Otago united, Michael Eisenhut worked very hard in midfield; he defended well and created problems for Manawatu when he went forward.  Uliks Kottri also had a good game in the Otago midfield, and Franco Caruso battled away up front with little support and scored a good goal.

For YoungHeart Manawatu, Their three strikers, Banks, Menapi and Totori, were the key to winning the game.  Campbell Banks scored two excellent goals and was skilful on the ball; although he was closely marked all day, he looked dangerous whenever he got the ball.  Though Commins Menapi didn’t score he showed his class and created several chances for his fellow strikers. Benjamin Totori was also heavily marked, but still managed to make one or two of his trademark blistering runs and scored the winning goal.

Goal scorers:
Campbell Banks, YoungHeart Manawatu, 35, 75
Benjamin Totori, YoungHeart Manawatu, 92
Craig Dale, Otago United, 20
Franco Caruso, Otago United, 68

Yellow cards:
Mark Tesar, YHM
Benjamin Totori, YHM
Michael Abbott, OU
Lutz Pfannenstiel, OU

Substitutions:
Otago United:
Webster for Dale, 80
Letts, A for Kottri, 85
Chisholm for Caruso, 90

YoungHeart Manawatu versus Waitakere

Date: 12 March 2006
Match venue: FMG Stadium, Palmerston North.
Weather conditions: Fine but cool, strong southerly breeze.
Crowd estimate: 700

Summary of match:

MIRACLE AT ARENA MANAWATU

Harry Houdini would have been proud of YoungHeart Manawatu on Sunday.  Down 2-nil at half time against a confident Waitakere United side, it looked as though Manawatu’s NZFC campaign was about to lose not only its wheels but its chassis, bodywork and upholstery as well.  However, three second half goals saw YoungHeart Manawatu pull off an escape act that would have impressed the master escapologist himself.

In fine, cold conditions with a strong southerly breeze blowing down the ground, YoungHeart Manawatu started very tentatively.   Waitakere pressured the Manawatu defence with a series of corners and free kicks that the home side struggled to clear.  After only three minutes Waitakere were rewarded when a free kick 30 metres out was played into the Manawatu area.  The kick was poorly defended by Manawatu, the ball bounced in the penalty area and giant Waitakere defender, George Suri, scored with a header from close range.

After this early setback YoungHeart Manawatu started to get back into the game, but for the most part were outplayed by a more committed Waitakere side.  Consequently, it was no real surprise when Waitakere went further ahead in the 21st minute.  Craig Wylie made a strong overlapping run down the left flank; his cross looked fairly innocuous and Shannon Cole’s volley on the turn looked very casual; in fact he didn’t hit it cleanly, but he got enough on it to beat Englefield at the far post.

Waitakere dominated the rest of the half.  They won the midfield, were tight at the back and looked enterprising and dangerous up front.  YoungHeart Manawatu had only one real chance; late in the half a good move set Robinson free on the left, but his powerful shot was well saved by Eaddy.  Throughout the half Waitakere looked more urgent and more committed, and they were well worth their two-goal lead at half time.

The start of the second half gave no indication of the excitement that was in store.  Waitakere began much as they had left off at the end of the first half and Manawatu continued to struggle to impose their pattern on the game.  The turning point was the introduction of All White, Campbell Banks, off the bench for YoungHeart Manawatu.  Banks, playing wide and fairly deep on the right for Manawatu, had an immediate effect on the game.

Two good chances, the first to Menapi, the second to Maemae lifted the Manawatu side, and for the first time in the afternoon it seemed possible that YoungHeart Manawatu might snatch something out of the game.  This possibility became a probability in the 61st minute.  A beautifully-weighted through ball from Nathan Hill allowed Totori to get behind the Waitakere defence.  Totori played the ball across the box into Menapi’s path and Menapi finished clinically.

Sensing that the tide had turned, YoungHeart Manawatu started to take control of the game, reversing the balance of control in midfield and finding holes in the Waitakere defence where none had existed before.  Several flowing attacks had Waitakere fully stretched on defence and an equaliser looked inevitable.  However, when it came in the 79th minute it was the result of a defensive error rather than a Manawatu attack.  A high ball was played towards the Waitakere penalty area; it looked as though it would be easily dealt with by the defence, but Campbell Banks put pressure on the last defender, a skirmish ensued and the ball squirted past Eaddie into the corner of the net.  Banks claimed the goal, but officially it was recorded as an own goal.

The last ten minutes of the game had the local crowd on the edge of their seats (and, as John Cleese will tell you, that’s a hard thing to do in Palmerston North).  Waitakere defended with the desperation of a team seeing defeat snatched from the jaws of victory for the second time in two weeks.  However, YoungHeart Manawatu were irresistible and their winning goal was a stunner.  With two minutes to go, Campbell Banks picked the ball up just over half way, on the right.  He looked up and then floated a magnificent 35-yard ball over the Waitakere defence to Commins Menapi.  Menapi showed all of his class and experience to bring the ball down, pick his spot and give Eaddy no chance.

This was the sort of game you tell your grandchildren about.   Waitakere came to play, and for 45 minutes were clearly the best side.  But YoungHeart Manawatu clawed their way back into the game and showed why they have only been beaten twice in 19 games this season.  As well as skill and flair, this Manawatu side has a lot of character, and it needed to draw on all of it to come back from the brink of defeat and beat Waitakere.

For Waitakere, Shannon Cole was skilful and aggressive and scored a nice goal.  Craig Wylie defended well and also made some incisive runs down the left, one of which lead to Waitakere’s second goal.  And at the back, George Suri, thwarted a number of Manawatu attacks, particularly in the first half.

For YoungHeart Manawatu, Commins Menapi continued his remarkable scoring record, taking his tally for the season to 16.  Campbell Banks played for only 40 minutes but was instrumental in turning the tide for his side; he manufactured one goal out of nothing and created the winner.  And, in midfield, Ian Sandbrook and Ian Robinson worked hard all day and eventually won the crucial battle in the middle of the park.

Goal scorers:
Commins Menapi, YoungHeart Manawatu, 61, 88
Own goal, 79
George Suri, Waitakere United, 3
Shannon Cole, Waitakere United, 21

Yellow cards:
Benjamin Totori, YHM
Chris Jackson, WU
Shannon Cole, WU

Substitutions:
Waitakere United:
Cardozo for van Rooyen, 21
Quansah for Cole, 57

Manawatu:
Banks for McElhanan, 51

YoungHeart Manawatu versus Hawkes Bay United

19 February 2006
Match venue: FMG Stadium, Palmerston North.
Weather conditions: Perfect: fine and warm, no wind
Crowd estimate: 400
Summary of match:

HAWKES BAY ROUTED BY YOUNGHEART MANAWATU

The gulf between the top of the National Football Championship and the bottom was cruelly exposed at Arena Manawatu on Sunday where YoungHeart Manawatu crushed Hawkes Bay United 8-1.  The result was never in doubt after the home side raced to a 3-0 lead in 17 minutes; the only question was how many goals YoungHeart Manawatu would win by.  Hawkes Bay’s cause was not helped by having defender Ben Murphy sent off in the 22nd minute, and, to their credit, Hawkes Bay kept their heads up and didn’t capitulate.  But on the day they were simply outclassed and overrun.

With Campbell Banks on duty with the All Whites, Colin Tuaa pushed Benjamin Totori forward to join his Solomon Island countrymen, Menapi and Maemae.   Twenty minutes into the game Totori had a hat trick and Hawkes Bay were on the ropes.  The first goal came in the tenth minute; Sandbrook brought the ball down on half way and slipped it to Menapi who split the Bay defence with a beautiful through ball.  Totori outpaced the defence and easily beat the keeper.

Two minutes later, a wide ball from Robinson found Hill overlapping on the right.  Hill cut in and shot accurately, his shot was parried by O’Brien but the ball fell to Totori and he tapped in his second goal.  Robinson was involved again in the 17th minute when he won the ball brilliantly in midfield and played it forward to Menapi.  Menapi flicked it on to Totori, who had too much pace for the defence and completed his hat trick. 

Things got worse for Hawkes Bay a few minutes later.  Totori’s pace caught the Hawkes Bay defence out again and Ben Murphy’s despairing tackle just outside the box saw him given a red card.  It wasn’t a cynical or particularly dangerous tackle, but Totori was clear and Murphy was the last defender so he had to go.  Perhaps not surprisingly, Hawkes Bay were struggling to make any impression on the game and when Jason Hayne won a free kick 40 metres out and on the touch line there didn’t seem any reason for YoungHeart Manawatu to be concerned.  However, Hayne floated his kick onto the penalty spot and Martin Akers was unchallenged as he scored with a powerful header. 

Unfortunately for Hawkes Bay this goal only reignited the Manawatu attack, and in the 28th minute Totori added his fourth and best goal of the day.  Receiving the ball on the edge of the Bay penalty area, Totori was surrounded by defenders, but with a mesmerising display of ball skills he beat them all, then drove the ball past O’Brien into the roof of the net.  Five minutes later a sublime dummy from Totori after a slick interchange of passes between several Manawatu players saw Commins Menapi free inside the Hawkes Bay area, and he curled a shot into the top right hand corner. 

Hawkes Bay were under siege for the rest of the half and could easily have conceded more goals, but hung on desperately to go into the break 5-1 down.

It was always going to be hard for the second half of the game to match the first, and so it proved.  Any hope Hawkes Bay had of stemming the flood of goals disappeared when Alick Maemae scored twice in the first fifteen minutes. Totori completed a very satisfactory aftenoon’s work when he notched his fifth and Manawatu’s eighth ten minutes from full time.

For Manawatu, Totori’s pace, skill and composure on the ball were a revelation.  He is a faster version of Commins Menapi, and opposition defences, who already had their hands full with Menapi, now have another class striker to contend with.  Menapi also played well, creating several good chaces for Totori and scoring himself, and the Manawatu’s third Solomon Islander, Alick Maemae, had one of his best games of the season.  Elsewhere, Ian Robinson was dominant in midfield, Adam Cowan also played well and Sanjay Singh looked fit and sharp in his first game for some time.

For Hawkes Bay, keeper Mitch O’Brien made a number of fine saves and couldn’t be faulted for any of the goals. Without him the score would have been in double figures. Graham Fyfe defended well and showed some nice touches, particularly when he moved into midfield. Martin Akers toiled away on his own up front and scored a good goal, and Nathan Holten added some enterprise and enthusiasm when he came on in the second half.

Goalscorers:
Benjamin Totori, YoungHeart Manawatu, 10, 13,17,28,84
Commins Menapi, YoungHeart Manawatu, 34
Alick Maemae, YoungHeart Manawatu, 56, 61

Martin Akers, Hawkes Bay United, 25

Yellow cards:
Sanjay Singh, YMH
Dean Johnston, HBU
Martin Akers, HBU

Red Card:
Ben Murphy, HBU

Substitutions:
Hawkes Bay United:
Jenkins for Hayne, 59
Holten for Akers, 59
Geary for Easthope, 69

YoungHeart Manawatu:
Cooksley for Hill, 64
Argyle for Robinson, 84

YoungHeart Manawatu versus Canterbury United

5 February 2006
Match venue: FMG Stadium, Palmerston North.
Weather conditions: Fine and warm but windy
Crowd estimate: 500
Summary of match:

MANAWATU COMPLETE TREBLE OVER CANTERBURY

YoungHeart Manawatu scored its third 1-0 win of the season over Canterbury United in Palmerston North on Sunday.  A strong wind made conditions difficult for the players, but both sides played some attractive attacking football and the crowd enjoyed a tight, competitive, entertaining game.

YoungHeart Manawatu started rather nervously and Canterbury dominated the opening exchanges. However, the inexperienced Manawatu defence weathered the early pressure and slowly the home side played itself into the game. YoungHeart Manawatu were a little unlucky not to score when a shot from Maemae rattled the crossbar with Canterbury keeper, Ballantyne, well beaten, and later when they were denied what looked like a penalty. But Canterbury also created chances and applied a lot of pressure, and nil-all at half time was a fair reflection of the run of play.

The second half started much the same as the first; Canterbury dominating territory and possession, but Manawatu defending doggedly and looking dangerous on the counterattack.  In the 56th minute the deadlock was broken by a well taken goal from Cheriton.  Banks received the ball about 30 metres from the Canterbury goal, after the ball had been played forward quickly out of the Manawatu defence. Showing good vision, Banks slipped a pass in behind the last Canterbury defender for the overlapping Cheriton to run on to.  Cheriton cut in from the left and beat Ballantyne with a low shot inside the far post. YoungHeart Manawatu 1, Canterbury United 0.

For the next 20 minutes Canterbury seriously tested YoungHeart Manawatu’s resolve and commitment. Kelly was on target with several powerful shots and Sigmund made a couple of penetrating runs into the heart of the Manawatu defence, but the young Manwatu back three of Wilson, Cooksley and McEllhanan covered well and generally forced Canterbury to shoot from outside the box.  Behind them Hayden Englefield had an outstanding game, making two or three brilliant saves on a day when the swirling wind made it very difficult for keepers.

Canterbury kept trying for the equaliser until the end, but in the final 15 minutes you had the feeling that they knew it wasn’t going to be their day. YoungHeart Manawatu started to see more of the ball, creating several good chances, and in the 80th minute could have put the issue beyond doubt when Banks, Maemae and Menapi combined superbly to create a chance for Menapi, who was only thwarted by a fine save from Ballantyne.  Canterbury threw men forward in the last few minutes and should have equalised when all Kelly needed was a touch on a ball that flashed across the Manawatu six yard box, but somehow failed to connect. Two corners in stoppage time saw everyone apart from the kick taker (including Ballantyne) in the YoungHeart Manawatu penalty area, however, the home side survived a couple of heart-stopping goalmouth melees and a last minute strike that Englefield palmed around the post, and hung on for a well-deserved victory.

Canterbury United will feel they deserved something out of this game; they played well, created some good chances and defended strongly, but unfortunately for Canterbury this season they can’t win a trick against YoungHeart Manawatu.  Canterbury kept YoungHeart Manawatu’s classy strikers Banks and Menapi scoreless, and then conceded the winning goal to a defender.  Meanwhile, at the other end, they found themselves confronted by a keeper who hadn’t played for three months but turned in a blinder.  It is hard to escape the feeling that, even if YoungHeart Manawatu hadn’t turned up, Canterbury would still have lost the game 0-1. Some things are written in the stars!

Having said this, YoungHeart Manawatu’s performance shouldn’t be under-rated.  Although Canterbury had more territory and possession, Manawatu worked hard to get men behind the ball, stayed composed and absorbed the Canterbury pressure. When they did have the ball, YoungHeart Manawatu attacked swiftly and incisively, and for the first time for several weeks, started to play with the sort of confidence and self belief they showed before Christmas.  This was an important win for YoungHeart Manawatu and they will take a lot of encouragement from it.

For Canterbury United, Stuart Kelly played well up front and would probably have scored against any other side. Sigmund had a good game in defence and also made several strong runs from the back, and Barron toiled hard in midfield.

For YoungHeart Manawatu, Englefield was outstanding in goal, making a number of excellent saves and taking every high ball that came into the area. Defenders Wilson, McEllhanan, Cooksley and Cheriton, all had fine games, and Sandbrook once again stood out in the Manawatu midfield.

Goal scorers:
Darren Cheriton, YoungHeart Manawatu, 56

Yellow cards:
Alick Maemae, YHM

Substitutions:

Canterbury  United:
White for Lucas, 66
Watret for Morris, 79
Moir for Pitman, 87

Manawatu:
Hill for McEllhanan, 57
Fraser for Totori, 63
Argyle for Cooksley, 87

WAITAKERE UNITED VS YOUNGHEART MANAWATU       

Final Score (Kickoff 3pm): Waitakere3 Manawatu 3
Halftime: 1 - 1

Scorers:
Waitakere (Stu Hogg 15, Marcus Phillips 74, Steve Cullinan 78 )
Manawatu (Commins Menapi pen 38, 56, Campbell Banks 80)

Live Updates

After 5 mins a tentative start by both teams but it the visitors that have started slightly the better with cances to Ian Robinson from a free kick and to Commins Menapi.

15 min - GOAL! Stu Hogg is on hand to hit home from close range after an earlier shot from Richie Cardozo is only partially stopped by Utting.

16 min - Manawatu go straight back on attack and receive a free kick 20 yards out. Robinson curls the ball in and Banks shoots wide.

22 min - Richie Cardozo has excellent chance to put Waitakere further in front but blazes his shot over the bar.

35 min - Steve Callinan blasts over from close range.

38 min - GOAL! Manawatu are awarded a penalty. Ian Robinson's shot is well saved by Eaddy but linseman Jan Hintz flags that Eaddy has moved off his line. Menapi then retakes the penalty to give Manawatu the equaliser.

40 min - Stu Hogg curls in a long free kick easily collected by Utting.

Halftime at Waitakere and a 1 - 1 score is a fair reflection of the game so far with both sides  not being able to control the game.

48 min - Manawatu awarded a free kick 25 yards out. Ian Sanbrook steps over the ball leaving it to Campbell Banks whose shot is deflected for a corner.

53 min - Sandbrook and Meamea again combine well down the left but Meamea's shot goes wide.

56 min - GOAL! A second penalty to Commins Menapi after he was brought down by George Suri.

58 min - Waitakere have their own appeal for a penalty for hand ball turned down.

60 min - A 20 yard piledriving shot from Dean Storey well saved by Utting.

71 min - Cardozo and Storey come close for Waitaker but Cardozo's close range effort is deflected for a corner.

74 min - GOAL!  Marcus Phillips beats Utting from 26 yards. Following a Mark Tesar foul on Cardozo Phillips steps up - the result never in doubt from the time it left his boot.

78 min - GOAL!  From a corner Cullinan converts from close range to make it 3 - 2

80 min GOAL! From a Menapi Corner Campbell Banks heads home after Eaddy comes but fails to collect.

84 min - Cullinan again comes close but hits wide from 8 yards.

86 min - Eaddy saves well from Menapi after Banks did well to get in behind the Waitakere defence.

88 min - Menapi again denied by Eaddy after some good defensive work by Quansah.

89 min - Defender turns attacker as Quansah fires a shot from 20 yards which forces Utting to tip the ball over the cross bar.

90 min - Adam Cowan sent off for a second yellow and from the free kick Marcus Phillips strikes wide.

In the 2nd minute of time added on Banks again comes close but Eady clears

Summary:

Round 13
Trusts Stadium, Waitakere
Waitakere Utd 3 (Stu Hogg 15, Marcus Phillips 74, Seve Callinan 78)
YoungHeart Manawatu 3 (Commins Menapi pen 38, 56, Campbell Banks 80)
Halftime: 1 - 1
Crowd estimate: 600
Conditions: Overcast and humid with light breeze.
Referee: Stephen Fletcher.

YoungHeart Manawtau vs Auckland City

5 mins - Liam Mulrooney times a challenge in the box perfectly to smoother-block a shot from Manawatu's Commins Menapi. Manawatu are making Auckland's defence sweat with debutant Benjamin Totori already showing out.

10 mins - Manawatu midfielder Ian Sandbrook blazes over from the top of thebox after good lead-up work from Cambpebll Banks and Ian Robinson.

13 mins - Keryn Jordan toe-pokes Auckland's first chance wide. Campbell Banks is making life difficult for Auckland's defence with his ability to hold the ball up and challenge in the air.

15 mins - Totori evades a couple of defenders in a run across the box but shoots weakly into Auckland goalkeeper Ross Nicholson's hands.

19 mins - GOAL! 0-1 Campbell Banks has put Manawatu ahead with a cracking team goal. Banks first played a one-two with Totori on the right flank, then a give and go with Menapi on the top of the box allowed the former Kingz striker to take a touch and blast past Nicolson.

20 mins Paul Seaman is booked for Auckland.

24 mins - GOAL! 1-1 Keryn Jordan has equalised for Auckland from the pnalty spot after Mark Tesar was judged to have chopped Grant Young down.

26 mins GOAL! 2-1 Keryn Jordan has given Auckland the lead, firing a shot across the goal into the far-side netting after a cross field ball ball Smith found Mulrooney who fed Jordan.

29 mins - Grant Young is substituted for Auckland with what looks like a left tight injury. Paul Urlovic comes on.

38 mins - GOAL! 3-1 Keryn Jordan has his second successive hat-trick afetr being released down the left by Smith, out-pacing Tesar into the box and blasting through the hands of the advancing Utting.

Halftime: 3-1. A classic example of route-one football over-coming Manawatu's patient and skilful buildup. Manawatu had more chances but Jordan has pounced to take all three of Auckland's.

51 mins - Ian Robinson blazes a chance high and wide. It's been a sedate start to the second half after the fireworks of the first.

54 mins - Auckland defencer Paul Vodanovich is denied by the crossbar after a goalmouth melee from a Neil Sykes corner.

55 mins - Menapi heads a chance just wide after Manawatu counter-attack.

58 mins - A weak Banks shot is easily saved by Nicholson.

60 mins - Steven Old whips in a shot from a short corner but has his goal-bound shot cleared by Auckland defender Neil Sykes.

65 mins - Auckland's second substiution with Chad Coombes on for Liam Mulrooney.

68 mins - Banks drags a shot wide from just inside the box.

69 mins - Paul Urlovic toe-pokes a chance wide for Auckland.

72 mins - GOAL! 4-1 Chad Coombes looks to have made the game safe for Auckland, controlling and volleying home from the right after buildup from Urlovic and Skyes.

74 mins - Manawatu's first substitution with Josh Smith on for Nick Roydhouse.

76 mins - Auckland make their final substitution with Ricki Van Steeden on for Paul Seaman.

77 mins - Paul Urlovic has a goal disallowed for offside.

82 mins - Manawatu make another substituion with Nathan Cooksley on for Darren Cheriton. The match is petering out.

86 mins - Paul Urlovic blazes a guilt-edged chance over the bar.

Fulltime: 4-1. Auckland go four points clear at the top of the table.

Summary
Round 12
Kiwitea Street, Sandringham
Auckland City 4 (Keryn Jordan 24 pen, 26, 38, Chad Coombes 72)
YoungHeart Manawatu 1 (Campbell Banks 19)
Crowd estimate: 1500
Conditions: Sunny, hot, gusty nor-westerly wind.

YoungHeart Manawatu vs Hawkes Bay United

18 December 2005
Match venue: FMG Stadium, Palmerston North.
Weather conditions: Fine and warm, with little wind
Crowd estimate: 650
Summary of match:

With a comprehensive 5-2 victory in perfect conditions at FMG stadium in Palmerston North, YoungHeart Manawatu destroyed any Hawkes Bay hopes of reviving their season at Manawatu’s expense. The win consolidated Manawatu’s position at the top of the NFC table, and their five goals confirmed the potency of their attack.

The game started sensationally when Martin Akers scored for Hawkes Bay in the second minute, meeting a low cross from the left with a volley on the turn the past Utting.  After their upset win over Waitakere the previous week, the prospect of another giant killing effort seemed a distinct possibility.  However, YoungHeart Manawatu gradually played their way into the game and, although it took a while, it was no real surprise when Campbell Banks equalised in the 41st minute.  Banks, who had not scored since the opening game against Canterbury, got on the end of a nice cross from Josh Smith and headed powerfully past O’Brien.

Just when it looked as though the teams would go in at halftime all square, Ian Robinson latched onto a loose ball, after a melee in the Hawkes Bay goalmouth.  Robinson’s shot nearly tore the net from its fastenings, and YoungHeart Manawatu went to the break 2-1 ahead.  Manawatu probably deserved their one goal lead at halftime; they had dominated the half and played some attractive football, without ever looking completely comfortable.  Hawkes Bay also played well and still looked to have a chance of causing an upset in the second half.

Unfortunately, the second half did not live up to the promise of the first.  Four excellent goals were scored, but the general standard of play was disappointing.  In the 56th minute Nick Roydhouse, making his debut in the YoungHeart Manawatu starting line-up, found himself with some space on the left-hand edge of the Hawkes Bay area.  Showing remarkable composure, Roydhouse beat his man brilliantly and fired a low shot into the far corner.  YoungHeart Manawatu 3 Hawkes Bay 1.  Three minutes later a beautifully-timed through ball from Josh Smith set Campbell Banks free, and the striker notched his second for the day with a lob over the keeper’s head. YoungHeart Manawatu 4 Hawkes Bay 1.

From this point on the game lost much of its intensity and became rather scrappy as both teams appeared to accept the inevitable outcome.  Manawatu lost concentration, dropped their intensity and gave away a lot of ball unnecessarily.  In the 67th minute Hawkes Bay substitute, Sam Jenkins, made Manawatu pay for their complacency when they failed to close him down in front of goal and he unleashed 35 metre shot that left Utting standing as it cannoned into the net off the upright.  YoungHeart Manawatu 4 Hawks Bay 2.

For a few minutes it looked as though YoungHeart Manawatu had a  fight on their hands, but a piece of Menapi magic in the 79th minute snuffed out any chance of an upset.  Menapi received the ball in Hawkes Bay area after a good run by Nathan Hill.  Menapi still had a lot of work to do, as they say in rugby, but he jinked and weaved and created a chance for himself that he finished with a powerful shot, giving the keeper no chance.  It was a class goal from a class striker. YoungHeart Manawatu 5 Hawkes Bay 2.

In the end, it was a good win for YoungHeart Manawatu, but the game will be remembered more for the quality of the goals than for the quality of the football.  Hawkes Bay played some attractive football and, to their credit, never gave up.  YoungHeart Manawatu will be pleased with the win and the fact that they dominated the game.  They will be less enamoured with the way they played; however, they have shown they can play well against better teams than Hawkes Bay and Colin Tuaa will be pleased with their performance in front of goal.

For Hawkes Bay, ex-Manawatu player, Jason Hayne, had a lively game, and he was well supported up front by the veteran Martin Akers.  Sam Jenkins only came on as a substitute, but did his chances of earning a permanent place in the Bay side no harm, and scored a cracking goal

For YoungHeart Manawatu, Campbell Banks made a welcome return to goal-scoring form and generally had a good game.  Nick Roydhouse fully justified Collins Tuaa’s faith in his potential with a good performance, including a well taken goal.  And Commins Menapi continues to impress with his pace, skill, strength on the ball and ability to score goals.

Goal scorers:
Campbell banks, YoungHeart Manawatu, 41, 59
Ian Robinson, YoungHeart Manawatu, 45
Nick Roydhouse, YoungHeart Manawatu, 56
Commins Menapi, YoungHeart Manawatu, 74

Martin Akers, Hawkes Bay United, 2
Sam Jenkins, Hawkes Bay United, 67

Yellow cards:
David Geary, Hawkes Bay United, 58
Brendon Kerr, Hawkes Bay United, 79

Substitutions:
Hawkes Bay United
Jenkins for Greatholder, 53
Stevenson for Akers, 61
Stanger for Geary, 77

Manawatu:
Wilson for Cheirton, 67
Hill for Roydhouse, 73
Sands for Banks, 79

YoungHeart Manawatu vs Canterbury United

YoungHeart Manawatu saved its best for last with Commins Menapi lashing a volley into the Canterbury United goal in the 88th minute. Until then it looked as though YoungHeart Manawatu would share the points in an enthralling encounter.

The game began at a frantic pace and it was the sharp reflexes of goalkeeper Michael Utting that kept Canterbury United scoreless before the half. The first of these fine saves occured when Canterbury United midfielder Glenn Collins struck a thunderous volley from the edge of the 18 yard box. Through a sea of legs Utting managed to deflect the ball wide to safety.

Five minutes later Utting was called upon again blocking a header from an imposing Brian Watret.

From this point YoungHeart Manawatu began to play with more control using captain Ian Robinson and Ian Sandbrook to initiate fast counter attackes. On a number of occassions YoungHeart got the ball out wide but the final cross to strikers Menapi & Banks was off target. In the dying minutes of the first half Alec MaeMae fired the ball to Menapi who should have really done better with his shot which was only dribbled to Canterbury keeper James Bannatyne.

So both teams went to the half at 0-0 with Canterbury probably feeling a little unlucky after finding Utting at his best form.

The second half began slowly with both teams happy to sit back and absorb the pressure. Coach Colin Tuaa would have been extremely happy with the defensive effort and had high praise for his back five. "We have worked really hard on our defensive patterns at training and I believe you will find no better centre back pairing than Mark Tesar and Adam Cowan in the NZFC. Michael showed today that he is capable of winning games for us with his shot stopping ability".

Chances in the second half were few and far between with the best opportunity falling to the dangerous Menapi. It was the Solomon Island connection who played a quick one two which released Menapi on a run towards goal. Instead of shooting first time Menapi tried to round Bannatyne who was up to the task making a splendid sprawling save at the feet of Menapi.

Most people in the crowd thought that would be the last chance of the game but Tuaa had other ideas. In a stroke of brillance he replaced MaeMae with Michael Sands, who with his first touch of the game flicked a free kick on to Menapi who let loose with a left footed pile driver into the top left hand corner of the goal.

It was an estactic Ian Robinson who said after the game, "I think we showed a lot of determination today. We were under the cosh for the first 10 mintues but soaked this pressure up with a strong defensive effort. Assistant coach Shane Rufer has installed into us how important a clean sheet is and that we have the players capable of scoring whether it is in the first or 90th minute of the game. A team that wants to win the league needs to take 3 points from games on the road and we are very happy with today's result."

Christmas could come early for YoungHeart Manawatu players and supporters with a win against struggling Hawkes Bay United which will see them enter the Christmas break at the top of the NZFC table.

In other results Hawkes Bay United and Waikato FC upset more fancied opposition in Waitakere United and Auckland City. The final game of the round ended 1-1 between Team Wellington and Otago United.

YoungHeart Manawatu vs Otago United

04 December 2005
Match venue: FMG Stadium, Palmerston North.
Weather conditions: Overcast & windy
Crowd estimate: 350
Summary of match:

In very blustery conditions in Palmerston North, Otago United started strongly with their striker Brad Scott, prominent with his strong running and crosses. YHM were pegged back in their own half for much of the first half with only intermittent attacks producing a couple of chances, a header from Sands and firm shot from Sandbrook. Despite Otago’s determined defence and midfield they really only produced a couple of genuine attempts at goal, one producing a fine diving save to his left from Utting.

The other chance occurred when a parry from Utting rebounded to Otago’s Caruso, who had had his shot blocked near the goal line.

So the first half was very much dominated by the windy conditions and strong defence by both sides with Cowan, Tesar and Robson showing out for YHM.

In the second half the game picked up as both sides started to find a little more space with YHM’s Menapi and Banks working hard up front and Robinson and Sandbrook gaining parity in midfield. At the same time Otago’s Eisenhuit was showing pace and skill on the left wing as he probed the defence. A series of free kicks for Otago culminated in a close shave for YHM when a dropped ball in the goalmouth resulted in a frenetic scramble to clear.

With about 20 minutes to go YHM seemed to find another gear and some welcome urgency.  With YHM’s introduction of Roydhouse on the left wing some extra width started to create chances and both Banks and Menapi were foiled by brilliant goalkeeping from Otago’s Pfannenstiel. The game continued  much in this vein with YHM pressing forward but being thwarted by some stalwart defence and the difficult conditions.  The final result, nil all, reflected the very close nature of the game.   

YoungHeart Manawatu versus Waikato FC

27 November 2005
Match venue: FMG Stadium, Palmerston North.
Weather conditions: Cold and windy
Crowd estimate: 400
Summary of match:
ANOTHER NARROW WIN FOR MANAWATU

Waikato FC threatened to rain on YoungHeart Manawatu’s parade when Stu Hogg equalised with 15 minutes to go at FMG Stadium in Palmerston. But, as they have done in previous weeks, the home side maintained its composure and scored a late goal to record its third 2-1 win in three weeks and maintain its place in the top of the NZ Football Championship.

Cold, windy conditions made life difficult for the players and produced a game with a lot of mistakes and only patches of flowing football.  YoungHeart Manawatu started confidently into the wind, with some nice, controlled passing; however, their attack lacked penetration against a determined and generally well-organised Waikato defence, helped, it has to be said, by Manawatu’s lack of width up front.  Waikato’s attack also lacked imagination and, apart from several dangerous looking runs down the right flank by Gardyne, Waikato’s tactics consisted mainly of long through balls that were easily cleaned up by the Manawatu back four. 

However, after 31 minutes YoungHeart Manawatu constructed a crisp, incisive move from inside their own half.  The attack ultimately faltered, but the ball was knocked out to Ian Sandbrook and the Manawatu midfielder lashed a stunning volley from 35 metres past Fulcher.  It was a moment of sheer class, that no team could blame itself for not defending.  Unfortunately for Waikato this is the sort of thing that happens when you are struggling in the middle of a losing streak.

Manawatu could have gone two-up four minutes later, after a slick passing movement involving Maemae, Robinson and Campbell created a good chance for Maemae, but Fulcher blocked Maemae’s shot.  At this point the Waikato defence was starting to look rather porous and another defensive haemorrhage seemed a possibility; however, Waikato rallied and defended grimly until the break, and the half finished with Manawatu still ahead by only one goal.

Manawatu dominated the second half, but the game became rather scrappy and directionless; with only occasional flashes of inspiration from either side.  After 30 minutes, Manawatu still had its one goal lead, and appeared to be heading for a comfortable, if not very impressive, victory.  However, Stu Hogg, who worked hard all game in the Waikato midfield, made a penetrating run at the Manawatu defence and was brought down about 30 metres out.  Hogg took the free kick himself and struck it nicely, over the Manawatu wall.  Utting in goal was well positioned to save the shot but in a ‘Minties moment’ somehow contrived to let the ball slip through his gloves and into the net.  One-all and game on!

In the final fifteen minutes Manawatu pressed hard for the winner.  Wakaito defended ferociously (but fairly) and to their credit also attacked when they had the chance.  With time running out, a beautiful through ball from Manawatu’s Dalin Wilson found Commins Menapi on the edge of the Waikato area.   Menapi shot powerfully on the turn; Fulcher got down well to his right but couldn’t hold the shot. Manawatu captain, Ian Robinson, got to the ball first and made no mistake with his trusty left foot to seal the win for his side.  Final score: YoungHeart Manawatu 2, Waikato FC 1.

This was a classic top of the table versus bottom of the table clash.  On paper, Manawatu should have won easily but in the end they will have been happy just to have won.  Nevertheless, these are the sorts of ‘ugly’ wins good teams have and Colin Tuaa probably won’t be too disappointed with his team’s lack of fluency.  Waikato will be disappointed not to have taken at least a point from the game, but heartened by a better defensive effort and the closeness of the final score.

For YoungHeart Manawatu, Ian Robinson displayed all his silky skills on a day when most players struggled with the conditions.  Ian Sandbrook, also had another fine game and scored a stunning goal; he and Robinson in the Manawatu midfield imposed themselves on the game and provided the impetus for Manawatu’s win.  Cowan was solid again in the Manawatu defence and Wilson continued his recent good form at right back.  For Waikato, the two midfielders, Hogg and Williams worked hard, were strong in the tackle and couldn’t be faulted for their commitment to the Waikato cause.  Up front, Gardyne looked the player most likely to open up the Manawatu defence.

Goal scorers:
Ian Sandbrook, YoungHeart Manawatu, 31
Ian Robinson, YoungHeart Manawatu, 82
Stu Hogg, Waikato FC, 75

Yellow cards:
Adam Cowan, YHM
Matt Williams, Waikato
Daniel Donegan, Waikato

Substitutions:
Waikato FC:
Donegan for Hookes, 45
Wilson for Hahn, 57
Sinkora for Robertson, 87

Manawatu:
Roydhouse for Tomomatsu, 61
Sands for Banks, 80

YoungHeart Manawatu vs Waitakere

20 November 2005
Match venue: FMG Stadium, Palmerston North.
Weather conditions: Overcast and windy
Crowd estimate: 400

Summary of match:
MANAWATU DOWN WAITAKERE IN THREE-GOAL THRILLER

In an absorbing match, YoungHeart Manwatu confirmed its potential as a serious playoffs contender with a solid 2-1 home win over Waitakere United.  In windy, overcast conditions in Palmerston North, the Manawatu side put in a defensive effort to match its potent attack and prevailed in a tight, competitive, entertaining game.

Playing with the wind in the first half Waitakere dominated territory and possession and had Manawatu under the cosh for the first 15 minutes. But the reorganised Manawatu defence, lead by Adam Cowan in the place of injured Mark Tesar, defended tenaciously, and with good support from Robinson, Tomomatsu and Sandbrook in midfield, Manawatu denied Waitakere space and forced them to shoot from well out.  Manawatu gradually came back into the game and were unlucky not to go ahead when Ian Robinson burst into the Waitakere area and beat Eaddy with a low shot that rebounded off the far upright.  Late in the half, Utting was fully tested by a rasping 25 metre free kick from Richard Cardozo, but was up to the task, and this looked like the last of the action for the half.  But Manawatu had other ideas and, with a minute left, an exquisite back-heeled through ball from Campbell Banks set up Commins Menapi, and he made no mistake from 10 metres, to notch his fifth goal of the season.  Half-time: YoungHeart Manawatu 1, Waitakere United 0.

The second half mirrored the first. Despite playing into the wind, Waitakere dominated the opening exchanges and their persistence was finally rewarded in the 66th minute when they were awarded a penalty. Richard Cardozo calmly converted the spot kick to bring his goal tally for the season to five.  For the rest of the half the game was in the balance. Waitakere played some nice, patient, patterned football but mostly in their own two-thirds of the pitch. They were much less effective in the attacking third where it really matters and where the Manawatu defence was quick to defuse most threats from their opposition.  Manawatu also played constructively and looked dangerous when they broke quickly, but apart from one or two chances didn’t really look like troubling Eaddy in the Waitakere goal.  However, with time running out and a 1-all draw looking a certainty, Manawatu midfielder Ian Sandbrook made a determined run into the Waitakere area and was brought down by a defender.  Manawatu captain, Ian Robinson, gave Eaddy no chance from the spot, and Manawatu held on for another well-deserved 2-1 victory. Waitakere would have been disappointed not to have come away with a point; but YoungHeart Manawatu coach Colin Tuaa gambled when he brought Michael Sands on up front with 15 minutes to go, took a defender off and played with three at the back in search of a win, and his gamble paid off.

For Manawatu, apart from taking three points, the most pleasing aspect of the game was the defensive performance of its midfield and back four, which denied Waitakere time on the ball and maintained its concentration and composure for the whole game.  Adam Cowan was outstanding in the centre of the defence, but he was well supported by Dalin Wilson, Nathan Hill, who is playing better every week, and 17-year old Academy player, Scott Robson, making his debut in the starting line-up. Michael Utting played well in goal and, when he got the ball, Yuki Tomamatsu ran at the Waitakere defence with some purpose.

For Waitakere, Richard Cardozo looked dangerous whenever he was near goal, but played rather deep for much of the game.  Hone Fowler and Craig Wyllie combined effectively down the left, particularly in the first half, and the Waitakere defence, with George Suiri prominent, made the Manwatu strikers work hard for every chance they created. 

Goal scorers:
Commins Menapi, YoungHeart Manawatu, 44
Ian Robinson (pen), YoungHeart Manawatu, 87
Richard Cardozo (pen), Waitakere United, 66

Yellow cards:
Marcel Isakowitz, WU
George Suri, WU

Substitutions:
Waitakere United:
Quansah for van Rooyen, 65
Steward for Limer, 65

Manawatu:
Sands for Robson, 77
Banks for Roydhouse, 84

YoungHeart Manawatu vs Team Wellington

13 November 2005
Match venue: FMG Stadium, Palmerston North.
Weather conditions: Fine but very windy.
Crowd estimate: 500
Summary of match:

MANAWATU SINK TEAM WELLINGTON WITH LATE WINNER
A strong nor westerly sweeping down the ground and a hard pitch made conditions very difficult for the players in this local derby. Both sides tried hard to play constructive, attacking football and occasionally succeeded, but much of the game was rather scrappy because of the conditions.  Nevertheless, it was an exciting game that kept the good crowd entertained until the end.

Graham Little scored for Team Wellington after 11 minutes, when he was put in the clear with only Utting to beat, after a mistake in the middle of the Manawatu defence; Little calmly lobbed the keeper who had come off his line to close the striker down. Five minutes later, Alick Maemae had a great chance to equalise for Manawatu after Campbell Banks won the ball and laid it back to him on the edge of the Wellington area.  But Maemae’s thumping shot was well saved by Hall in goal for a team Wellington, the first of several excellent saves made by the Wellington keeper. Both sides created several further chances, and Banks had the ball in the net for Manawatu just before half-time, but was clearly offside.  At the break, Wellington were still ahead 1-0 and this was a fair reflection of the run of play.

Manawatu started the second half with the strong wind behind them and more urgency than they had shown previously, and they were rewarded almost immediately when their Solomon Island’s striker, Commins Menapi, scored his fourth goal of the season.  And it was a cracker. Micheal Sands headed a clearance down to Alick Maemae; Maemae found Menapi with a nice through ball and Menapi’s powerful left foot strike gave Hall no chance.  For the rest of the half Wellington struggled to make headway into the wind, and Manawatu pressed hard but were unable to convert their wealth of possession into good goal scoring chances. Just when it looked as though the game would end at 1-all, Maemae picked up a loose ball and hit a high swerving shot from the right.  Hall, at full stretch, could only parry the ball and the rebound fell to Sands, who only had to nod it into an empty net. Manawatu survived a few anxious moments before running out deserved 2-1 winners.

For Team Wellington the little brothers, Bryan and Graham, were a constant threat to Manwatu, and didn’t deserve to be on the losing side, and goalkeeper, Dylan Hall, denied the Manawatu strikers several times with good saves when goals looked certain.  For Manwatu, Maemae, Banks and Menapi, all played well and looked dangerous in conditions that were not easy for strikers, and Micheal Utting in goal also played well.

Goalscorers:
Graham Little, Team Wellington, 11
Commins Menapi, YoungHeart Manawatu 48
Michael Sands, YoungHeart Manawatu 86

Yellow cards:
Mark Tesar, YMH
Nathan Hill, YHM
Matt Adams, TW

Substitutions:
Team Wellington:
Keat for McCormick, 76
Manawatu:
Sands for Tomomatsu, 45
Roydhouse for Menapi, 87
Robson for Maemae, 88

Youngheart Manawatu vs Auckland City

30 October 2005
Match venue: FMG Stadium, Palmerston North.
Weather conditions: Fine and warm, no wind, pitch in perfect condition.
Crowd estimate: 450
Summary of match:

AUCKLAND CITY EDGE OUT DETERMINED MANAWATU
In an open, free-flowing game, Auckland City edged out YoungHeart Manawatu at FMG stadium in Palmerston North. When Keryn Jordan scored for Auckland City after only two minutes, it looked like a long, hard afternoon was in store for YoungHeart Manwatu.  But the home side shrugged off this early setback and played their way back into the game. However, Auckland increased their lead in the seventeenth minute with a well-taken goal by midfielder Jonathon Smith.  Manawatu were very unlucky not to open their account after 35 minutes, when Solomon Island’s striker, Commins Menapi, picked up a loose ball in the Auckland area and rounded the keeper, only to see his shot rebound off the inside of the far post and along the goal line. The half finished with Auckland ahead 2-nil.

The second half was very even, with Manawatu more than holding their own against the classy Auckland side.  Both sides had chances, but it was Manawatu that scored in the 62nd minute.  An incisive interchange between Campbell Banks and Menapi created a one-on-one with Menapi and Ross Nicholson, the Auckland keeper. Menapi kept his composure, went round the keeper and scored.  Manwatu pressed hard for the equaliser but couldn’t break down the Auckland defence, and the game ended with Auckland 2-1 winners. Overall, an entertaining game with both sides playing good attacking football. Manawatu may have been a little unlucky not to have shared the points, but Auckland were more clinical in front of goal, and that was the difference between the two sides.

For Auckland City, strikers Kerryn Jordan and particularly Grant Young confirmed their class and were a constant threat to Manawatu.  Chad Coombes had a strong game in midfield and Paul Vodanovich was solid in defence. For YoungHeart Manawatu, striker Commins Menapi was man of the match.  He was strong, quick and creative and will trouble most defences in the league.  He was well supported by Campbell Banks. Nathan Hill had a good game wide on the right, and Mark Tesar played well in the Manwatu defence, as he usually does.

Goalscorers:
2.00  Keryn Jordan, Auckland City.  Simple through-ball split the Manawatu defence.  Jordan, under no real pressure, beat Englefield with a low shot into the corner.
17.00  Jonathan Smith, Auckland City.  Manawatu defence caught out again by a through ball; Englefield got a hand to Smith’s shot from the right but couldn’t prevent a goal.
62.00  Commins Menapi, YoungHeart Manwatu. Incisive interchange between Banks and Menapi created a one-on-one with Menapi and Ross Nicholson, the Auckland keeper. Menapi kept his composure, went round the keeper and scored.

Yellow cards:
James Pritchett, Auckland
Mark Tesar, Manawatu

Substitutions:
Auckland:
Urlovic for Young, 64
Cunneen for Vodanovich, 79

Manawatu:
Maemae for Wilson, 64