YoungHeart's struggle in the rain

By Casey Angland

The weather was dark and damp, as was YoungHeart’s spirits after the must win game against Waikato FC. The final result was another disappointing 2-3 loss for NZP YoungHeart.

Manawatu started off the fast paced and physical game well, stealing alot of ball and using their passing to control the flow of the game. Within the first 15minutes attempts were being made by YoungHeart, who used their numbers on attack well to outnumber and apply the pressure to Waikato’s defensive line up. YoungHeart’s 4, 3, 3 formations were tight, rattling Waikato’s defence allowing midfielder Daniel Benson to take away the first goal of the game 15minutes in.

This gave Manawatu a boost in confidence which also boosted YoungHeart’s footwork and ball handling skills outshining Waikato’s, whose’ attacking game became frantic and scrappy in attempts to even the score. YoungHeart’s defence, particularly defender Scott Robson, continued to push Waikato with impressive steals and breaks. Waikato’s attack becoming more heated against the resilient defence resulting in the first yellow card of the game against YoungHeart defender Nathan Cooksley.

The action predominantly progressed towards YoungHeart’s goal, firing attempts at breaking Waikato’s rattled defence, who after 40minutes were awarded the second yellow card of the game. The speed and skill of striker Seule Soromon proved no match for Waikato, as he secured his teams two nil lead in the final minutes of the first half.

Waikato came out firing in the second half, forcing alot more action down their goal end. YoungHeart’s defence remained tight, but a lack of concentration in the first minutes resulted in Waikato producing their first goal of the match lifting their confidence. The match became more physically and verbally heated as both teams, on and off the field, lost some composure pushing to secure the win. Scott Robson continued to set up goal attempts for his team applying good pressure on the opposition. Waikato fought back hard eventually evening the score line 20minutes in, only minutes after Waikato again struck the rattled Manawatu defence taking the lead with the third and final goal.

YoungHeart’s game became more frantic and at times sloppy, losing the control and composure of the first half. Last minute subs and goal attempts proving futile as the now rattled Manawatu was unable to make it count.

The must win game for YoungHeart ended in a disappointing loss. The next home game will be against top of the table Auckland City on the 28th of February.