Soccer XI nearly has surprise win

Taupo Times, Volume 23, Issue 56, 16 July 1974, Page 14

Soccer XI nearly has surprise win

Taupo's senior soccer team nearly pulled off a surprise win against Tauranga in the Bay of Plenty league on Saturday. The 2-all result was a brave performance by a Taupo side so weakened by withdrawals that it included only five first team regulars. However,. credit must go to those players who fllled in the vacancies at the last moment and, despite obvious lack of match fitness, contributed to the team's fine showing. The game was played on what is possibly the best playing surface in the whole Bay of Plenty, and in fine sunny weather. Taupo kicked off and was soon looking dangerous, but its forwards could not get in their shots. In one attack A. Franks flicked the ball past the Tauranga goalie towards the open net, but the ball was cleared by a defender when only inches from the goal. At the other end Tauranga had two or three chances to go ahead but bad shooting let the team down. R. Simpson in the Taupo goal had some difficulty

in handling the ball in the opening spell, but soon settled down. Tauranga went ahead after 18 minufes when its half-back sent in a long drive which went into the top corner. Taupo came back and after only five more minutes equalised. K. Hurren and B. Ruck chased a long ball into the goal mouth and hustled the Tauranga fullback into putting the ball into his own net. Six minutes later Taupo went ahead. Hurren • cut into the penalty area and was tripped from behind. Although the Taupo forward retained his balance the offence had been committed and Taupo was awarded a penalty. Ruck gave the Tauranga goalie no chance with the spot kick and Taupo had taken a 2-1 lead. Tauranga had two chances to equalise before half-time but didn't, and the interval came with the score Tauranga 1, Taupo 2. The second half saw Tauranga go all out for the equaliser, but throughout the half the side let itself down with some poor and, at times, pathetic shots at goal. The Taupo defence was put under a lot of pressure, but captain S, Lochrie and A. Mansfield were both

playing strong games and held out many Tauranga attacks. Simpson in goal was also playing well and had plenty of ball to deal with. Taupo's attacks lacked support, with the defence being hard worked and some players tiring. Taupo nearly went two goals ahead at one stage. Hurren used his speed and, from a through ball, beat the defence and shot only just wide of the post. With only 10 minutes remaining Taupo nearly clinched the game. From a corner on the right Ruck, standing on the penalty spot, hooked the ball towards the top corner. The goal lookec] certain until a Tauranga idefender jumped to head j off the line. j Taupo defended stoutly and kept its goal intact until only three minutes from time. The Tauranga winger looked offside as he collected a through ball. But play was waved on and Simpson failed to collect his cross cleanly and a forward netted from close range. The final whistle came soon after with the score Tauranga 2, Taupo 2. The Taupo team was: R. Simpson, A. Mansfield, B. Hobbs, D. Martin, S. Lochrie, D. Bowles, J. Wolken, A. Franks, B. Ruck, A. Lochrie, K. Hurren. Substitute: F. Lawrence.