Chatham Cup - Preliminary Round

Five Central Football teams went into battle for Preliminary Round matches in the Chatham Cup. On Saturday we had two seven goal thrillers in local Taranaki derbies while on ANZAC Day Gisborne Thistle entered the Northern/WaiBOP pool due to the continued roading situation after Cyclone Gabrielle. New Plymouth Boys’ High School came out on top 4-3 away to Peringa United AFC with Fergus Young scoring a 89^th minute winner after both sides netted a goal each in the previous two minutes. A Connor Oliver-Rose brace including a 77^th minute winner got FC Western over the line 4-3 away to New Plymouth Rangers AFC after Rangers had tied it up 3-3 in the 75^th minute. Gisborne Thistle had the tough away trip to Papakura City FC and unluckily went down 3-2 after a 90^th minute penalty was scored against them. 

Lotto Central Federation League – Round 3

An amazing 13 goals were scored in ALH Limited Gisborne Thistle’s 7-6 away win at Bluewater Stadium against Thirsty Whale Napier City Rovers. Jimmy Somerton netted a hat trick for Thistle to move him up to second on the Golden Boot table with 4 strikes so far this season and David Ure bagged a brace including the 95^th minute winner. Harry Mason scored a consolation brace for Rovers to extend his lead in the Golden Boot, he now sits on 6 goals for the season. In the other match Watson Integrity PN Marist FC picked up their first win and points of the season when they defeated Bayleys Palmerston North United 2-1 in the local derby at Arena Manawatu with all the goals coming in the first half. Taradale AFC had the Bye and sat Round 3 out. 

Women’s Federation League – Round 1 Catch Up Game

Havelock North Wanderers Women’s Feds have picked up their first win in the competition after knocking over Kitchens By Healey Palmerston North United 4-1 at home thanks to all four goals being scored by Olivia Wallis. This was a catch up game as the league paused for the Kate Sheppard Cup so no other teams played over the weekend as all Central Football teams had a Bye in the National Cup. 

Weekly Football Review for Manawatu 21st – 23rd April 2023 

YORB HORIZONS PREMIERSHIP 

PNBHS 1st XI welcomed GJ Gardner Homes Whanganui Athletic Reserves to the Arena Manawatu for Friday Night Football. In what was a very hard-fought battle it was an 18th minute Xavier Coleman goal that ended up proving the difference here as Boys High held on to claim a 1-0 Victory.  

At Donnelly Park Levin AFC Hosted Advance Electrical Palmerston North United. An Early first half brace from Quinn Grainger giving United a 2-0 lead at half time.  Jacob Riley made it 3 in the 53rd minute. Levin kept on fighting though and Oliver James pulled on back in the 84th minute however it would only be a consolation as Palmerston North United held on for a well-deserved 3-1 win.  

At Wembley Park Wanganui City took on Longchill Takaro Jokers. City took an early lead when Mason Mcgahey netted in just the 3rd minute of the game. The score stayed that way until the 68th minute when Dylan Welch equalised for Takaro, and it was game on. The match seemed to be heading for a draw, but Welch had other ideas and he grabbed a late winner in the 90th Minute to snatch victory for the visitors as they held on for a thrilling 2-1 away win.  

At Timona Park in Feilding Teamlewis Innovation Feilding 1sts welcomed Youm Marist Reserves for what turned out to be an exciting match. The Visitors got off to a great start as they jumped to a 2-0 lead thanks to goals from Dylan Barry and Lachlan Robinson. The hosts then responded through Drew Gaskin and Michael Whitmore to make it 2-2 at the break. Youngjae Lee put the hosts in front in the 60th minute before an Own Goal in the 75th minute extended their lead which they were able to hold on to as they came away 4-2 winners against a determined Marist side.  

Game of the round (5): 

1v2 as Longchill Takaro Jokers take on the unbeaten Teamlewis Innovation Feilding. This is sure to be an exciting match and neither side will be wanting to give the other an inch.  

HORIZONS CHAMPIONSHIP 

At Donnelly Park the Levin Reserves welcomed Palmerston North United Development. Neither side were able to trouble the scorers in the first 45 minutes and went into the break all locked up at 0-0. The second half seen the match spring into life and Kurtis Medcalf opened the scoring for the visitors in the 53rd minute. Further goals from Konrad Kiefersauer and Tyrone Brown extended the lead for United. Levin kept fighting until the end and managed to pull one back in the 87th minute via a United Own Goal and the match ended 3-1 to the visitors.   

At the Arena it was PNBHS 2nd XI up against Linton FC 1sts. The match was decided by a 52nd minute Ethan Tran goal as Linton claimed 1-0 victory to get their first win of the season. 

At Timona Park Team Campbell - Harcourts Feilding Utd Reserves took on Isles Construction Marist Inter. Inter took a 2-0 lead into the break thanks to goals from Max Plouviez and Tim Seaholme. Soon after the break Plouviez made it three with his second of the day. Sergio Mendez then reduced the deficit with a 55th minute strike for Feilding. However, any chance of a comeback was eventually extinguished when Charlie Parker claimed a late brace to make it a 5-1 scoreline to clinical Inter side.  

Game of the round (5): 

Linton v Levin Both sides are on the same points and in what is looking like a very close league both sides will be wanting to grab maximum points here.  

MANAWATU DIVISION 1 

At Donnelly Park the Levin Colts welcomed the Massey University Good Guys. It was a tough day at the office for the home side as they ran into a rampant Massey side. 12-1 the final score in this match. Goal scorers for Massey: Liam Wells (3), Stefan Heasman (2), Cole Freeman, Paul Stewart, Sam Christophers, Connor Tunnicliffe, Michael Hilson, Connor Bryce, and an Own Goal.  Lachlan Trask picking up the goal for Levin.  

In the Takaro Derby between Jhapa United and Chillmax Rebels it was the Rebels who jumped out to a 2-goal lead thanks to a Thai Human brace. Jhapa pulled one back just on halftime thanks to Muhammad Khairul-Noramin. Ayrton Smith extended the lead for the Rebels in the 57th minute and then Andrew Grubb netted their 4th in the 65th minute. Samar Baniya pulled one back for Jhapa at the 70th minute but any hope of a comeback was ended when Human completed his Hattrick in the 78th minute to round out a well deserved 5-2 victory for the Rebels.  

At Celaeno Park North End Old Boys took on Freedom Plus Marist Bulldogs. Craig Porter putting the Bulldogs in front after only 5 minutes. James Kelly then drew the Old Boys level from the penalty spot in the 18th minute. Quick goals from Scott Robson and Josh scales gave the Old Boys a 3-1 lead at the break. After the Half time spell the old boys picked up 3 quick goals through Scales, Matt Wallace, and Dave Millward to extend their lead further. Sam Roebuck then pulled one back for the Bulldogs with a classy finish in the 81st minute.  Garry Hodge then popped up at the far post to join the scorers list for North Ends final goal. Bulldogs kept fighting and were awarded a penalty in the 90th minute which Goalkeeper Jayden Green stepped up to take and slotted home expertly. 7-3 the final score in this one. 

Also, at Celaeno Park Red Sox Wrinklies took on Smartphone Repairs Marist Celts.  The Wrinklies came out of the blocks firing and took a 4-0 lead into the half time break thanks to goals from Sammy Lee (2), Benjamin Pitcher, and Andrew Roydhouse. The wrinklies then made it 5 soon after the break thanks to Kurtis Edwards. The Celts however were not going to go down without a fight and responded with goals from Sagar Mohan and Brandon Holdt as they went on to win the second half. Final score in this match 5-2 to thew wrinklies.  

Game of the round (5): 

Chillmax Takaro Rebels v Red Sox Wrinklies both sides are coming off strong wins and will be looking to extend their winning streak in this match.  

MANAWATU DIVISION 2 

At Celaeno Park N&R builders Marist Park Rangers welcomed Dannevirke Rangers. Liam Outtrim gave Marist the lead at the 30th minute mark as they went into the half time break with a 1-0 lead. The second half started well for the home side as Ta Eh Hser netted a brace to extend their lead before Amotai Scott-Kawana, Zubair Ali, Pah Eh Say, and Jani Shofi joined the scorers to round out an impressive 2nd half and secure a 7-0 victory.  

At Timona Park McDonalds Feilding Development took on the North End Vets. North End jumped to a 3-0 half time lead thanks to Kuda Ngwerume, Yann Mountou, and Christopher Lelievre. Midway through the second half Lelievre made it four before Noah Leavesley pulled a goal back for Feilding.  An unlucky own goal made it 5 late on and North End took a 5-1 win on the road.   

At the Ashhurst domain 2 first half goals proved to be the difference as The Mad Butcher Takaro Fury came out 2-0 winners against CAC Marist Greenies. Damian Schilling and Ayrton Smith picking up the goals for Takaro.  

At Hokowhitu Park it was the Red Sox Derby between the A’s and the Saints. Charlos Walker gave the Saints an early lead before Michael Barbour equalised on the stroke of half time for the A’s. It was not until the 62nd Minute when the deadlock was broken again this time it was Elijah Houlahan putting the saints back in front. Griffin Auer made it 3-1 before Barbour picked up his 2nd of the match and the A’s were rite back in the match.  However, a late David De Jonge brace erased any hope for the A’s and the Saints went on to win 5-2.  

At the University Massey Rigs hosted Levin Sports. In a thrilling match it was the Rigs leading 3-2 at half time. However, the visitors came out firing in the second half and claimed an exciting 4-3 win away from home. Levin Scorers: Brendan Howell (3), and Michael Collis. Rigs scorers: Zahn Fielder-Beaumont (2) and unknown.  

Game of the round (5): 

Red Sox Saints take on N&R Builders Marist Park Rangers. Both sides are 4 from 4 so far this season and will be wanting to make it 5 from 5 who will come out on top.  

MANAWATU DIVISION 3 

At the Ashhurst Domain Takaro Bua United took on Levin Social. Nischal Prasad putting Bua in front after 7 minutes.  Levin responded and took the lead with goals from Joseph Yan, and Tetoa Talia. Salend Prasad then drew Bua back level and it was 2-2 at the break. An Own Goal gave Bua the lead just after half time before Sandeep Mudliar, and Prashant Chand rounded out the scoring. 5-2 to Takaro Bua the final Score.   

Groombridge Electrical Feilding C Team were too strong for the Drillco North End Socials as the shared the goals round in a comfortable 5-1 win. Kayden Bremmer, Luke Groombridge, Gamied Fredericks, Marc Williamson and Gary Jones collecting goals for the home side. North Ends Scorer unknown.  

At the domain the Chillmax Takaro Glory and the Woodville AFC 1sts went to battle. Joel Thompson gave Woodville the lead in the 36th minute.  Kpaw Shee equalised for Takaro in the 66th minute and from there the sides could not be separated 1-1 the final score.  

At Hokowhitu Park it was Red Sox Hustlers up against the Manawatu Plunderers. Hustlers went into the half time break leading 3-1 and were able to hold on until the final whistle to hold off a determined Plunderers unit and take a hard earned 4-3 win. Unfortunately, Goal Scorers for the Hustlers are Unknown. Plunderers goals were scored by Denis Finn (2), and Ryley Liddington. 

Also, at Ashhurst Domain the JRM Automotive Marist Royals took on Post Office Hotel Pahiatua FC.  Pahiatua have started the season well and continued their great form here in this match as they went on to record a convincing 7-1 win over a strong Marist opponent. Caleb Henderson (4), Liam Williamson (2), and Cory Jensen picking up the goals for the visitors. Marist scorer was unknown.  

Game of the round (5): 

Post Office Hotel Pahiatua FC welcome Groombridge Electrical Feilding C Team to Bush Park for a top of the table clash.  This match is sure to be a good one. Pahiatua will be looking to make it 5 from 5 whilst Feilding will have other ideas.  

MANAWATU MASTERS DIVISION 

Marist Banshees welcomed Levin Vets to the Ashhurst Domain. Levin took the lead through Greg Mitchell-Kouttab. Before Rhys Mckinlay levelled for the Banshees in the 40th minute and the sides went into the sheds all level at 1 apiece. Steven Rowlett put the Banshees in front in the 70th minute before Mckinlay bagged his 2nd in the 80th minute to put the result beyond doubt. 3-1 the final score.   

At Hokowhitu Park in very wet conditions the Red Sox Old Boys and the Resonant Marist master’s went to battle. Marist started well and were looking most likely. However, it was Old Boys who managed to get the opening and what turned out to be match winning goal in the 21st minute when Cam Hadfield got on the end of a Stevie Lee through ball to slot home. Red Sox although down to 10 players by the end of the match managed to hold out a determined Marist side and take a very hard fought 1-0 Victory.   

At Wembley Park Wanganui Marist Wanderers hosted Jennian Homes Feilding Masters. Feilding jumped out to a 3-0 half time lead thanks to goals from Mike Lewis, Ross Thomson, and Kameron Greenlees. A second half brace from Corey Kotuhi capping off a great day for the Feilding side as they claimed a well deserved 5-0 win on the road.  

At the Ashhurst Domain MKM Marist Shamrock Rovers took on Red Sox Legends. Chris Osborne gave Red Sox the lead with a 17th minute goal. Gant Rudman equalised for Marist in the 70th minute. However, that was the wake-up call Red Sox needed and a flurry of late Goals from Jason Baylis, Sam Miratana, and Samuel Hill seen them take a 5-1 win in the end.  

Game of the round (5): 

1v2 Marist Banshees v Red Sox Legends both sides will be looking to get one over the other and give themselves a buffer at the top.  

TEAM ROBINSON MANAWATU WOMEN’S 

Chapple Architecture PN Marist Mayhem took on Rosco's Bulk Yard Feilding Utd AFC Women's 1st's at Hokowhitu Park.  Stacey Gunn gave Marist the lead in the 2nd minute before Alevya Skerrett doubled the lead in the 37th minute.  Sara-Jane Cooper pulled one back for Feilding in the 41st minute. The second half belonged to the Marist side as Alevya Skerrett picked up another 2 goals to complete her Hattrick whilst Bryony Large also netted to round out the scoring as Marist Mayhem started their season with a 5-1 win against a tough Feilding Side. 

In the Takaro derby it was the Harlequins vs the Avengers at Hokowhitu Park. The Avengers were too strong on the day as they ran out comfortable 7-0 winners thanks to goals from Sarah Cowan (5), Monique Roberts, and Learne De Vries.  

Also, at Hokowhitu Park it was Chillmax Takaro X-Force up against Tranzit Marist Mysteries. Kowhai Enyon-Hudson (3), Mikaela Bradley (2), Kara Perigo, Zoe Adams, Alana Holroyd, Maria Gurney, and Renee Scott collecting goals in this match as the X-Force scored a 10-0 win over a spirited Marist Mysteries side.  

At the Dannevirke Showgrounds the Dannevirke Valkyrie welcomed Isles Construction Marist Development. The development side came out firing and scored early goals through Lily Rodgers, Lisa Ford, Jordan Highstead, and Aimee Ford as the took a 4-0 lead into half time. 2nd half goals from Aimee Ford, Lisa Ford and Maire Te Ata Walker completed the scoring as Marist came away 7-0 winners on the day.  

At Massey University the Golden Girls hosted the Marist Evergreenz.  Evergreenz took a 1-0 lead into the break thanks to a 35th minute strike from Karene Whitley. Jane Archer and Kelly spencer added to the Evergreenz tally as they jumped out to a 3-goal lead after 70 minutes.  Massey never gave in though and were rewarded with a wonderful consolation goal from Sarah Stewart in the 87th minute as the match ended 3-1 to the Evergreenz.  

Also, at the University the Massey Reserves welcomed Levin AFC. Neither side were able to break the deadlock in the first half and went to the sheds all locked up at 0-0.  Leah Dixon managed to break the deadlock and gave Massey the lead with a well taken goal in the 55th minute. Levin never gave up and kept fighting all the way and they were rewarded for their determination when Kirsty Kiri pounced on a loose ball to slot home in the 75th minute to bring the scores level at 1-1 and that was how it remained.  

Game of the round (3): 

Isles Construction PN Marist Development vs Chillmax Takaro AFC X-Force both sides had convincing wins in round 2 and will be looking to continue that form in Round 3. This is sure to be a great match.  

Article added: Wednesday 26 April 2023