ASB National League
Dunedin, 2011-12

Otago Turn the Screw
Rab Smith

Otago United turned the screw on Hawkes Bay at Tahuna park in Dunedin, and transformed what was an equal first half into a merited 2-nil win for the home side.

It was two contrasting debuts for two coaches, as Chris Greatholder took over from Matt Chandler, and Otago’s assistant Andy Duncan filled in for Richard Murray.

And two good young sides did their best to please, in a flowing first half which had Hawkes Bay launch a string of shots at the Otago goal. But in form keeper Peter Evans handled the long shots easily and went on to make a couple of match saving reflex stops in the second spell.

Yet while possession was roughly equal, Otago showed an ability to get behind Bay defenders as Regan Coldicott scorched up the left wing and unbalanced centreback Bill Robertson’s defence.

Not just Coldicott, but Harley Rodeka also put in quality miles around central striker Ant Hancock, and the lurking Darren Overton.

Hancock possibly typified Otago’s never say die spirit. The ball rarely bounced well for the chunky Gerd Mueller lookalike, but he kept making the runs, snapping at heels, and forcing errors.

However Coldicott was running hot, and had the freedom of the left wing, finding gaps where none should have existed. After one dazzling run and shot which glissaded off Hawkes Bay’s crossbar, The swift Mosgiel striker carved through, past soft tackles and drilled a fine goal inside keeper Shaun Peta’s far post, for 1-nil after 40 minutes.

Halftime was looming but the Bay had locals looking at watches as they finished strongly and  won a couple of corners and freekicks.

The second half started with more perspiration than inspiration as both sides tried to dominate.

There was a useful battle between captain Robertson and Otago centreback Matt Joy, and the young local defender found good enough form to earn Otago’s MVP award.

And as other Otago players found new seams of form, the likes of midfielder Morgan Day was transformed into a wee tiger, winning far more than his share of knockdowns and second phase play and demonstrating effective technique

Bay’s Rudi Bauerfeind also lifted his game, and with Robertson bullying his team forward effectively, and young Connor Tinnion showing top technique – one shot nearly snapped Otago’s crossbar – the Bay battled for survival.

However as the game progressed, Otago visibly improved. Always a classy defender, Tristan Prattley found similar support from Scot  Craig Ferguson and Tommy Connor.

But key factors were the class and experience of Mike Cunningham and Overton who oozed composure, and stroked intelligent passes around.

Otago’s second goal was a bit of alchemy from Overton, selling shapes that invited fruitless tackles, he strolled through Hawkes Bay’s defence and accurately drilled the locals into a 2-nil win.

Tom Connor’s steady improvement has made the right fullback berth his own, and Scotsman Craig Ferguson matched pace with quality ball delivery, and even Sam Mepham’s late cameo role was steadiness personified as time ticked away.

As expected Greatholder was disappointed at his teams failure to exert enough control, and not earn enough second phase play.

He said,’ We did not do the basics well enough today, and only Bauerfeind, Robertson and young Connor came out with credit.’

Otago coach Duncan, one of a young cadre of coaches emerging in Otago such as Richard Murray,Tony Martin, James Letts, Nick Cooper, Matt Scoles, Tim Horner and Aaron Burgess was delighted at the Otago win.

Duncan said, ‘ Having worked with Youth teams in recent years at the Milk Cup, the Singapore tournament etc, its very pleasing to see young players literally mature during a game.’

‘ In 90 minutes Matt Joy went from being a big raw defender, to looking quite accomplished and achieving a near error free match.’

‘ Its very pleasing for young coaches to see that transformation. Of course the result is also very important for any realistic senior coach.
We like to win, and the ‘clean sheet’ is also appreciated – especially by our keeper big Pete.’

‘ Pity there is a week off before we play Canterbury at the Forsyth Barr stadium, I’d like to have kept the momentum and intensity going.’

Otago United Senior squad
Gk. Peter Evans. 3 Tristan Prattley. 5 Matt Joy. 6 Morgan Day. 7 Regan Coldicott. 8 Seamus Ryder, 14 Sam Mepham. 15 Darren Overton. 18 Harley Rodeka. 21 Michael Cunningham. 23 Joel Stevens. 25 Craig Ferguson. 27 Tom Connor. 28 Nick Hindson. rgk. Os Rodriguez.
Coach. Richard Murray. Assistant, Andrew Duncan.

United Movember Hairy Face Competition

.......

Name	P	W	D	L	For	Ag	GD	Pts
Auckland City	4	4	0	0	17	4	13	12
Waitakere United	4	3	0	1	14	4	10	9
Canterbury United	4	3	0	1	10	3	7	9
Otago United	4	2	1	1	7	10	-3	7
Team Wellington	4	1	1	2	7	7	0	4
Hawke’s Bay United	4	1	1	2	5	7	-2	4
YoungHeart Manawatu	4	0	1	3	4	14	-10	1
Waikato FC	4	0	0	4	2	17	-15	0

Otago Yth Team

At Tahuna Park, Dunedin
Otago United 3 (Matt BROOK 6’, Jackson MITCHELL 41’, Liam LOCKHART 65’)
Canterbury United 4 (Te Atawhai HUDSON WIHONGI (3), Ali NAZARI)
Halftime: 2-2

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Action at Tahuna versus Canty on Sunday.

Otago United Youth Squad
Zayn Officer. Tom Stevens. Ross Howard. Aaron Wittaker. Shay Kerry. Matt Brooks. Keiran Stevenson. Matt Webb. Jackson Mitchell. Mackenzie Smith. Will Macintyre. Lian Riley. Duncan Wilson. Andrew Ridden. Ryan McGarry. Jack Kirkwood. Coach. Tony Martin. Assistant, Jim Letts.