Goal drought threatens progress
Men’s Federation 2
Tokoroa’s AFC Fed 2 team are in danger of a very unwanted milestone after completing their 450th consecutive minute without scoring a goal following a 0-0 draw away to West Ham on Saturday.
The team’s lack of attacking firepower has been an issue all season and has meant the well organised and combative defence has been left frustrated that their efforts have gone largely unrewarded.
With the pressure off, Tokoroa were able to play a more attacking formation by pushing their fullbacks higher up the ground and allowing the midfield to arrive in the box in numbers.
The new central defence pairing of Gareth Williams and Jackson Allen was left to cope one on one and did so with ease as Tokoroa shaded the possession and created chances.
Dave Wright junior, Piripi Mahu and Isaac Mohammed all had good chances while substitute Logan Allen looked menacing without being able to apply the killer finish.
A dreadful playing surface may have contributed to a lacklustre second half as the game meandered to an inevitable conclusion.
Tokoroa must address their attacking issues if they are to progress next year.
They have an opportunity to rectify the problem at home on Saturday when they host local rivals Matamata. Come on boys, time for the drought to end.
Men’s Reserves
Despite playing a man short for the first 15 minutes, the Reserves recorded a hard-fought 4-2 away win over Morrinsville.
A momentary lapse gave Morrinsville an early lead but Tokoroa striker Des Phillips’ three firsthalf clinical strikes gave his side a 3-1 lead at the break.
Nervous moments when Morrinsville scored their second with 20 minutes to go were eased when Phillips earned and converted a penalty that gave him and Tokoroa their fourth goal of the game.
Coach Keith Lancaster praised the efforts of central defenders Tony Andrews and Issac Tiro but had no choice but to give Phillips the man of the match for his fourgoal haul.
Ninety-minute performances by part- timers Roddy Young and Liam Lancaster helped secure the victory for a side forced to travel without substitutes.
Tokoroa women
Finals football always creates that nervous edge and Sunday was no exception as the Tokoroa women faced Cambridge 2 in the Soccer Shop plate semifinal.
Hosts Cambridge attempted to control the early play by pressing the ball and restricting Tokoroa’s attacking flair.
Patience and maturity were soon rewarded as striker Jane Honey struck her first and opened the floodgates to allow the visitors a 6-0 half time lead.
The second half somewhat mirrored the first, Cambridge controlled possession early but were worn down by an impassioned Tokoroa XI.
Final result Tokoroa 10, Cambridge 0 and a right to compete in the September 2 Plate Final against one of two Women’s B Division sides, Wanderers or Ngaruawahia.
Player of the day Heidi Pene scored twice, Honey finished with four, player coach Kura Falleni with one and Nikki Harpur back on the scoresheet with her brace.