BCC Grundies in 13 goal match spectacle
BCC 6 - 7 North Shore Dragons
The Grundies have all but secured relegation with a 7-6 loss to the leagues newest team; the North Shore Dragons. The match was one of two halves, due partly to the direction of the wind and rain. Each team scored early to make it 1-1 but then the Dragons took flight and slotted home another 4 before the half. Dave Butt got one back with a beautifully curved ball from the corner of the box to make it 5-2 at the half.
With the change in direction the BCC Grundies found themeslves piling on all the pressure. The Grundies scored 3 to level it 5-5 but then the Dragons scored to make it 5-6. More pressure and it was back to 6-6 but the Dragons responded just as the final whistle blew to make it 6-7. Evan Cooper was deservingly awarded player of the day for his hatrick performance.
Player Of The Day: Evan Cooper
Opposition's Player Of The Day: Simon Lewthwaite
Goal Scorers: Evan Cooper 3, Dave Butt 2, Own Goal 1
Another late goal steals win from Grundies grasp
BCC 2 - 2 Revolution FC
A pumped up performance in the first half, saw some decent football being strung together by the Grundies as they looked to notch their first win of the season.
A great passing game coming from the central midfield created many opportunities, both down the right for Cowie and through the centre for Cooper. Back and forth and end to end, both keepers saw a lot of ball. It was not until an awkwardly long throw from Lewthwaite, which bounced in the box and onto the willing boot of Cowie to put BCC up 1-0. The pressure continued at both ends. Jamie making great save after great save, the line speed of Rev attackers saw far too many 1-on-1 situations for Jamie to enjoy.
With continued vigor, the Grundies were very unlucky not to double their advantage only seconds into the half after a Cowie cross found Draper (I) inside the 6yd box, only to sky it to the heavens. Midway into the 2nd half, Draper (I), never giving up on the ball, harassed the keeper who fumbled and toed home a second with no one at home. With a win seemingly likely, the defensive intensity took a step back, and the hunger for the ball dwindled, again allowing the speedy Rev striker to receive a neat pass and poke one into the corner, 2-1. With a sniff, Rev picked up the pace. Attack after attack and save after save, the defense took a hammering. Corner ball Rev, great knock in, nicely timed header and we're at 2-2 with 5 to play. This is how it ended, unfortunate to only gain a point but all in all a solid performance and signs the Grundies are on the up.
Player Of The Day: Jamie Mew
Opposition's Player Of The Day: Jamie Mew
Goal Scorers: Matt Cowie 1, Ian Draper 1
Improved performance goes unrewarded
BCC 1 - 2 Vucchi FC
A late goal by Vucchi FC meant that the Grundies went home without points for a second week running. The Grundies performance was much improved from last week and the extended training on ANZAC day seemed to produce results. BCC were much better in the air and had some help with the inclusion of past Grundies goalkeeper Ken Diekema dominating.
Vucchi scored first but were held back for most of the game, relegated to passing it amongst themselves in their own half. BCC equalised things up before the half with a wonderful reaction by Ian Draper at the back post finished off a good piece of play.
The second half was much like the first and neither team gave much away. There were a few long shots that were made interesting as they were caught by the wind. Vucchi managed to take all the points with a last minute goal when Edwards failed to clear a through ball. The game finished 2 - 1 to Vucchi.
Player Of The Day: Ken Diekma
Opposition's Player Of The Day: Jamie Mew
Goal Scorers: Ian Draper 1
BCC go down to old foes Albany
BCC 1 - 2 Albany
Albany proved too much for the Grundies who never really got into their stride. BCC started the game in a 3-5-2 formation which was proved successful in controlling the midfield. It didn't take long however for Albany to realise this as they started to take advantage of the 3 men in defence with multiple through balls. BCC reverted back to their standard 4-4-2 formation quarter of the way through the game to strengthen up defence but struggled to have the same control of the game.
The Grundies were first to strike with a truly outstanding volley from Lewthwaite toBtake them to the half 1-0 up. The second half didn't really get going for the Grundies as they struggled to keep possession and were forced to play reactive rather than proactive football. Albany capitalised on their pressure by scoring 2 goals in realitively quick succession. Returning striker Mike Opie had the opportunity to equalise things late in the game only to be denied by the woodwork, twice. Final score 2-1 in Albany's favour.
Player Of The Day: Tony Palmer
Opposition's Player Of The Day: Simon Lewthwaite
Goal Scorers: Simon Lewthwaite 1
2012 NZCFA kicks off
BCC 1 - 1 Kiwi Men
The BCC Grundies were up against Kiwi Men in the first game of the 2012 NZCFA season. It didn't take long for the Grundies to get themselves on the score sheet and put themselves 1-0 up. Lewthwaite worked the ball into position 25 yards out before letting fire with a bullet that was too much for Kiwi's keeper.
The game stayed level and the game went to the half 1-0. BCC continued to pile on the pressure in the second half but were unable to convert any more chances. Kiwi Men, against the run of play, converted a corner with a beautifully timed header at the front post. The score remained this way to the final whistle and the Grundies were disappointed to leave with only the 1 point having dominated for most of the game.
Player Of The Day: Simon Lewthwaite
Opposition's Player Of The Day: Simon Lewthwaite
Goal Scorers: Simon Lewthwaite 1