Boca Seniors vs Kiwi FC

Boca Seniors vs Kiwi FC
Saturday 7 October 2006
Raynes Park 12:00

A sunny autumn day saw the black and whites of Kiwi FC take to the pitch at Raynes Park against Boca Seniors. The match was delayed by 15 minutes due to the late arrival of the opposition and the Kiwis felt confident their pre-match preparation and readiness would give them the advantage from the off. This however turned out not to be the case as Boca Seniors took the game to the Kiwis in the first 20 minutes; the game was played mostly in the Kiwi’s own half. Some resolute Kiwi defending and a couple of tidy saves from Grog between the posts saw the Kiwis weather the early storm and the score line remained even.
The Kiwis were starting to frustrate their opponents and starting to build up attacks of their own. Sure enough with almost their first foray into the Boca goal, Kiwi FC capitalised. A fizzing shot from outside the area from Steve, could not be held by the goal keeper; Nick was first to react on the rebound and emphatically fired the ball past the prone keeper. 1-0. Advantage Kiwi FC.

Kiwi FC now had control of the game and continued to mount pressure on the Boca defence. They should have made it 2-0 shortly after; another cracking shot from Steve in central midfield. It certainly deserved a goal but, with the keeper beaten, the ball struck the underside of the bar and bounced out; Robbie was first to get to the rebound this time, but unfortunately headed narrowly wide.
Boca Seniors must have felt themselves quite lucky not to be 2 goals down and took the chance to swing the game back in their direction. A goal at the other end brought the score back to 1-1 and there it stayed until half time.

The Boca players were spluttering a few smokers’ coughs after half time; the Kiwis were running down hill for the second half and sensed they could win. They started to control the game in the second half and it wasn’t long before they were back on top. Winning a free kick just inside the Boca half; the Kiwis sent men forward. Nick swept in a lovely free kick, sending the ball straight to James’s head, who nodded towards goal. The ball beat the outstretched arm of the goalkeeper and went in. 2-1, it was nothing less than the Kiwi’s deserved.

Boca Seniors saw they would have to do more if they wanted to overcome the mighty Kiwis; they pushed more men forward and laid siege to the Kiwi penalty area. Again more outstanding Kiwi defence saw the goal line remain uncrossed. With more men forward, Boca left some holes open at the back and sure enough, the Kiwis capitalised. Making a run from inside his own half, James ran onto a perfectly timed through ball from Gav. He charged at the Boca goal, held off 3 defenders and coolly slotted past the goalkeeper at the near post. 3-1

From there Boca didn’t let up on their pressure on Kiwi goal, hearts were in mouths once or twice during one or two goalmouth scrambles. Strong desire from Kiwi defenders to keep the ball out ensured the score line stayed the same. Grog had a man of the match performance in goal with a string of fine saves, showing his bravery and commitment to the side.

The Kiwis had a couple more chances at the other end but couldn’t extend their lead and 3-1 remained the final score. It was a well deserved victory from Kiwi FC in what was their strongest performance of the season thus far.