United deserving winner

Press, 26 April 1979, Page 44

United deserving winner

Even allowing for the obvious advantage it received in being awarded three penalties, Trans Tours United was a deserving 3-0 winner over Newmans Nelson United in a Rothmans Soccer League match at Queen Elizabeth II Park yesterday. United scored from only two of the penalties and, especially late in the second half, had several unsuccessful scoring opportunities.

The Christchurch side was marginally superior in the first half and this margin increased during the second half. Yet Nelson was a good test for United. It is a team with few outstanding players but is a hard-working, determined unit.

Two of its most impressive players have strong links with Christchurch. Mark McNaughton was its most dangerous striker and its most diligent chaser of the ball and Richard Wilson has clearly benefited from his experience in the Netherlands and is a most accomplished goalkeeper. i

The return of Bobby Almond to United’s defence gave it a more secure look. In general, the back four of Trevor Reece, Almond, Ross Durant, who had a fine game, and lan Park was in control. Behind them, Peter Moot had one of his best games for some time, looking safe particularly when dealing with long-range shots. In the midfield, Steve Sumner was a dominant figure while lan Marshall tvas more involved than in other appearances this season in Christchurch.

Johann Verweij maintained his record of having scored in every game this season and could have added another couple, once powerfully heading the ball just wide from a comer.

1 The wind did not have too much effect on the game but did. at times, make some awkward crosses and shots. It was pleasing to see Park’s willingness to attack down the left flank. As early as the tenth minute, he raced down the line and his low

cross was desperately cleared. United’s first clear shot took all of 24 minutes, an indication of the stern midfield battel early in the game. Kevin Muigrew put his left foot effort over the bar when under strong pressure, from 18 metres. After 26 minutes, Durant surged through the middle t of the field and his forceful ‘shot from the edge of the ■penalty area was expertly pushed away by Wilson for a corner.

I Two minutes later, Almond was pushed by John Grady, the Nelson striker, when running into the penalty area and Park scored from the penalty spot. Nelson made few worthwhile attacks late in the first half but its defence was 'an aggressive, solid one. The referee (Mr Arthur Edwards), awarded United its second penalty eight i minutes from half-time after ■Verweij, then Sumner had headed the ball goalwards from a comer only to see a

Nelson defender handle the ball on the line. For the seconl time. Park hit the ball to Wilson’s right, but the goal-keeper deflected the ball. Soon after, Mike Kernaghan saw his good left foot shot from 25 metres well taken by Moot. •

United began the second half well and after 52 minutes another penalty for handled ball was converted b y Verweij. Richard Mulligan's speed worried the Nelson defence and once he robbed Ron Kolk but Wilson pushel his low shot wide. Grady pushed a shot wide after 67 minutes and Sumner, after bursting 50 metres up the field, was foiled by Wilson, who pushed his effort wide. Three minutes from the lend, a deep cross from IVerweij was pushed back by (Mulligan for Sumner to [scramble the ball into the net from close range, capping off a muchi improved showing from (United. _