YoungHeart give top of the table a run for their money

By Casey Angland

The conditions were perfect as YoungHeart took to the field against Auckland City for their last home game of the 2009/2010 season. The previous encounters between the two have always been tight and today’s one all match was no exception.

YoungHeart kicked off and within minutes were making attempts at goal. The action was fast paced but very calculated and controlled, Manawatu very careful to maintain a strong defensive line up with heavy 5, 3, 2 formations making sure to deter Auckland’s attacks. YoungHeart’s midfielders and strikers worked in well together passing and using their numbers effectively to set up goal attempts and influence the control and flow of the game towards their goal.  Auckland City’s attacking game became noticeable stressed against Manawatu’s defence who worked with their midfielders to clear the ball from Auckland’s goal. As goals were prevented the aggression began to increase, after only 15 minutes YoungHeart’s Marco Paracchini was issued the first yellow card of the match. Auckland followed suit five minutes later taking away the second yellow card and granting Manawatu’s striker Campbell Banks a penalty kick and subsequently the first goal of the game.

Auckland’s composure slightly slipped after YoungHeart’s goal and through their desperation to equal the score line they gave up crucial free ball and penalty kick opportunities at goal. Manawatu began to fight harder on attack, striker Campbell Banks and midfielder Nobuyoshi Ishi passing well between each other producing many near goals in the final minutes of the first half. It was Auckland though, who ended the half with the goal finally breaking through Manawatu’s tight defence catching Ross Nicholson uncharacteristically off guard. The half ended one all, both teams evenly matched on the field and on the scoreboard.

Top of the table Auckland had their reputation and position to defend and came out firing on attack alot more aggressive in their goal attempts, resulting in another yellow card against them and a caution from the referee to both sides to “calm down”. YoungHeart kept their composer and heavy defensive formations pushing Auckland to make line up changes just 15 minutes in. Manawatu began to feel the pressure of Auckland’s defence in the final 15 minutes, making line up changes subbing out striker Campbell Banks for Des Fa’aiuaso. The pace and aggression of the game increased dramatically and YoungHeart looked set to step out in front in the last five minutes with an open goal shot by Nobuyoshi Ishi only narrowly missing.

The game ended one all, YoungHeart showing their equality and skill against top of the table Auckland City. It wasn’t a win but nonetheless a very entertaining and skilful display for the home fans to sound out the home season.