Buca Juniors v Kiwi FC

Buca Juniors v Kiwi FC (Win 4-2)
Saturday 4 November 2006
Wandsworth Common 14:00

Kiwi FC continued their winning streak at the weekend with another fine second half performance to take all 3 points. Twice the Kiwis came back from a goal down to record their third 2 goal win in a row.

The match started without an official referee so Kiwi FC provided the ref from their own ranks. Again though they started the game on the back foot and allowed the opposition to control the play in the opening exchanges. Buca were well organised and Kiwi FC realised that despite their opponents propping up the bottom of the table, they were not to be taken lightly.

So it was that Buca took the lead with the first goal that Kiwi FC had conceded from open play in 3 games. After that however Kiwis started to find their shape and controlled the ball well, building attacks from the back. Steve Mc and Robbie were making some sharp runs down both flanks and getting the team into good field positions. It was from one of these good positions that the Kiwi equaliser came from. “Run off Gav” was the call from Steve Mc as he launched a throw into the Buca box. It was a great call and there can be no more reliable than Gav to win the ball. He did just that and headed towards James at the six yard box, the keeper called for the ball but James got there first and nodded in, Kiwis were back on level terms.

The play continued in a relatively even manner throughout the first half. Kiwis fashioned themselves a few more chances but were unable to take the lead. Buca as well secured plenty of territory but Scott, Brendan, Cappy and Dave denied them any real scoring opportunities. Cappy’s head must have been sore after the game as he got to so many high clearances from the keeper. Buca did manage to take one of the chances that came their way and Kiwi FC went a goal behind again. That is the way it stayed until half time.

Confidence amongst the Kiwis though was still high and there was much talk of last week’s scintillating second half. Kiwis knew they could do it and they started the second half brightly. They controlled the ball and dictated the play, Gav was a workhorse in midfield as usual and Kiwis gradually wore their opposition down. The equaliser came as a result of some constant pressure in the Buca goal area. Gav, with his back to goal, swivelled and hit a shot that had the keeper well and truly beaten; he was unlucky and saw his ball bounce back off the post. Nick O was on hand and his quick reactions ensured he buried the rebound in the back of the net. It was 2-2 and Kiwis hadn’t finished yet.

Kiwi FC continued to dominate the game, the opposition were tiring and Kiwis’ superior strength and stamina gave them the advantage. Kiwis continued to create chances for themselves but were possibly a little wasteful in front of goal when they should have taken the lead.

Take the lead they did though, and when they did it came in the most spectacular of fashions. Brendan had made a lovely jinking run down the right, he made acres of space for himself and the Kiwi attackers swarmed into the box. From out on the right, Brendan cut back on his left foot and sent the ball into the box. Was it a cross? Was it a shot? Who cares, because it sailed into the top left hand corner of the net for a goal that Ronaldinho would have been proud of. For the first time in the match, Kiwi FC had the lead and from there, they didn’t look back.

Kiwis continued on in the same fashion, dictating play and keeping the ball down the Buca end, they were looking for the goal that would give them that 2 goal cushion. Nick O had come on at half time and he was playing a barnstorming second half, he controlled the ball well, made space for himself and others and he worked tirelessly. He had already rattled the net once, and he would do so again. Kiwis were again pressuring the Buca goal and a shot was parried by the keeper. Nick picked his moment and charged into the box, he was first to the ball and emphatically fired a venomous shot into the net. It was just rewards for his splendid second half contribution.

4-2 was the way the score-line stayed and as the full time whistle blew, Kiwi FC knew they had secured a deserved victory. Cheers to Steve A and Nick P for donning the gloves in the absence of our keeper. Cheers as well to the Duck for £2 pints from 5-7.