Match reviews for the 2005 playing season

Team reviews are posted in chronological order (most recent first)

Men's 1st team - Capital Premier/Capital One Promotion/Relegation Playoff - Petone Memorial Park - 20th August 2005

Result: North Wellington (Capital Premier league) (0) 0 Western Suburbs (Reserves) (Capital One league) (1) 2
Team: Nigel Piper, Euan Grant (Allan Taylor 64 min), Matthew Caughley, Daniel Diggins, Ken Blucher, Stuart Fitzpatrick, Darren Lee, Joe Harris, Theo Deen, Duncan White, Matt Cantwell (Tim Spackman 82 min)
Subs: Not used - Craig Hopkins, Francis Glover, Braden Upjohn, Warwick Smith

The Premier team lost 2-0 in their promotion/relegation playoff game against the 2nd placed team from the Capital One league, Western Suburbs (Reserves), on the neutral ground of Petone Memorial Park. This match was to decide which team will play in the 2006 Capital Premier league (the losing team will play in the 2006 Capital One league) and was played under Chatham Cup rules (i.e. 90 minutes, and if required a full 30 minutes extra-time and if required penalty kicks).
A starting team selection proved a vexed issue for coach Hopkins with midfielders Lee and Fitzpatrick undergoing last-minute runs to confirm their availability. Cantwell was fielded as striker in the 5-4-1 formation, the midfield quartet comprising White, Deen, Lee and Harris.
Western Suburbs (Reserves) fielded a line-up which portrayed a liberal interpretation to the word ‘reserve’ as they started with several first-choice players from their Premier team who had their penultimate Central League fixture conveniently sanctioned by the league’s organizing body Capital Soccer to be played on the following day, Sunday, having played all their previous home games this season on a Friday night or Saturday afternoon. Critically this fixture ‘re-jig’ allowed them to select from their Central League roster to assist in this season decider.

An overcast afternoon with a brisk northerly wind favouring North Wellington in the first half, the kick-off occurring at 2pm to accommodate the cup rules surrounding this match. Inside the first five minutes and Cantwell was fouled, the first of several during the afternoon, with Fitzpatrick delivering the free-kick from the right flank which the Western Suburbs (Reserves) keeper punched away to the edge of the penalty area with Diggins beaten to the ball in his attempt to head goalwards. For Western Suburbs (Reserves) their attack early on concentrated play down the right-flank, finding success and causing difficultly for White in containing his marker, with several testing crosses sent in to the penalty area. Caughley producing a good block on Western Suburbs (Reserves) centre forward Paul Whitmarsh before Piper fell on the loose ball.
In the 9th minute Deen broke in from the right touchline before driving a low shot from the edge of the penalty area forcing the Western Suburbs (Reserves) keeper to save at his near post. Play broke upfield and again a cross from the right flank to the far post required Harris and Piper to block an angled shot, conceding a corner.
A consolidation period in the next ten minutes, saw the four-man North Wellington midfield match up with their opponents, Western Suburbs (Reserves) left midfielder Adam Church having a muted game from his usual standards. In the 24th minute Blucher fouled his opponent a few metres outside the penalty area leading to a free-kick from midfielder Jimmy Cudd curling around the wall and past Piper’s dive beyond the near post. A close shave. Moments later and a Caughley lob from halfway caused a miscued defensive header to concede a left-wing corner which White swung to the far post to be met by Blucher, however the central defender’s angled header flashed wide from four metres out. The best scoring chance in the first half for North Wellington.

Western Suburbs (Reserves) midfielder Hayden Polyanszky, an ex-North Wellington Premier team player (2000 & 2003 seasons), turned sharply in the 27th minute after receiving a squared pass from the left flank before striking a low bouncing 22 metre shot that forced Piper to dive left and deflect away for a corner. Six minutes later and Cantwell again attracted a foul with his forward run before Fitzpatrick delivered a right-flank ball in for Diggins to glance a header wide from ten metres.
In the 35th minute Lee clipped Cudd as he turned down the left flank, in a similar position to the free-kick conceded by Blucher some ten minutes earlier. Again Cudd stepped forward and swung his right-foot kick beyond Piper’s leftward dive and inside the far post. 1-0 Western Suburbs (Reserves).
Almost a second goal just moments later when left-back Kieran Purcell drilled a 25 metre shot that Piper pushed away diving to his right for a corner. Fitzpatrick beat his marker near the right-flank touchline in the 39th minute before delivering an angled deep cross that the Western Suburbs (Reserves) keeper looked to push away for a corner however White met the ball near the goal-line with his angled header hitting the side netting as a covering defender attended the post.
Halftime 1-0 Western Suburbs (Reserves). No substitutions made by North Wellington, however a formation change to 4-4-2, with Harris joining Cantwell in attack and Fitzpatrick moving into central midfield. White swapped over to the right midfield role.

An early chance following the change in their attacking structure with Harris winning possession from a right-wing throw-in before linking inside for Cantwell, who benefited from a missed clearance attempt from a defender, before striking a left-foot 20 metre shot over the crossbar. In the 49th minute Western Suburbs (Reserves) left-back Purcell created space before delivering a good cross that Whitmarsh met with a firm header from eight metres but was denied by Piper’s save to his left, Fitzpatrick reacting first to clear. Two minutes later and a block by Piper prevented an angled left-side effort by Polyanszky after the midfielder met a diagonal pass having shaken off Diggins.
A sustained period of attack by Western Suburbs (Reserves) as they then forced three successive corners stemming from Grant’s loss of possession deep in the Western Suburbs (Reserves) right-wing area. In the 54th minute a good equalizing chance for North Wellington after they cleared forward into centre midfield with Deen heading on for Cantwell to run in towards the edge of the penalty area before releasing a pass left into Harris’ path. Seemingly with a good shooting attempt coming across to his left foot, he checked inside only to be met by two covering defenders and lost out in the tackle. (Back to the seats on the bench, after the hopes were briefly raised.)
Territorially the second half advantage had been enjoyed by Western Suburbs (Reserves), pinning North Wellington into brief attacking forays which had limited support. A substitution change with Taylor replacing Grant on the left side. Cantwell, still running at defenders, caused advantage to be played by the match official as his progress was halted, however that dissipated quickly as possession was then lost. A two-on-two break in the 70th minute by Western Suburbs (Reserves) saw Caughley clear out with an angled volley back on goal saved by Piper with a following-in player ruled offside as he chased the rebound. A minute later and a low right-flank cross was miscued by an attacker, with the defenders appealing for the ball out of play, before a second attempt past Piper struck the near post and back across goal.
The Western Suburbs (Reserves) defenders, having not been overly pressured by their North Wellington opponents, were forced into an error in the 73rd minute after Harris challenged for possession causing Cudd to incur a free-kick for intemperate language. Fitzpatrick swinging in the ball from the left-flank with Lee contesting possession with the effort glancing wide of the far post. A minute later and Cudd found space on the left-side before centering in for Whitmarsh to head home from eight metres, inside Piper’s near post, ahead of Caughley. 2-0 Western Suburbs (Reserves).

Now two goals down and only 16 minutes left, an attacking change with White joining Cantwell and Harris in attack. In the 77th minute Lee headed on a free-kick however Diggins, free on the left side inside the penalty area, was ruled offside as he headed back across goal. Four minutes later and Whitmarsh met a low right-wing cross and side-footed his shot wide from eight metres. Cantwell was replaced by Spackman.
Inside the final ten minutes, a combination of Western Suburbs (Reserves) relaxing on their lead and the continuation of North Wellington’s perseverance saw a couple of scoring chances created. In the 88th minute Lee latched on to a loose defensive pass before chipping forward for White to run on goal with his shot from 20 metres blocked by the advancing Western Suburbs (Reserves) keeper and the rebound met firmly by Harris but striking a covering defender back on the goal-line and looping over the crossbar. A minute later and White won possession on the left flank before releasing Taylor down the sideline with his cross met by Harris but blocked and cleared by the covering defence. The final whistle then ended the season for North Wellington.
For North Wellington, some determined efforts from Lee and Fitzpatrick, both under injury concerns almost up to kick-off time and not being able to train mid-week before the game, who ran tirelessly to the final whistle. Piper did well to restrict the scoreline from the chances that Western Suburbs (Reserves) created and Cantwell caused a few nervous moments with his runs at defenders.

Although a disappointing finish to the season for the North Wellington club, now faced with the prospect of relegation to the Capital One league for the 2006 season, a slight chance of redemption may exist if Stop Out, winners of the Capital Premier league, overcome their Central Premier League opponents over a home and away playoff (1st leg game in Gisborne played today, 2-2 draw) and then do likewise against the bottom-placed Central League side this season, Red Sox Manawatu. If that occurs then the promotion of Stop Out into the 2006 Central Premier league will leave the 2006 Capital Premier league with only 9 confirmed teams.

Postscript:
Stop Out beat Gisborne Thistle 7-0 in 2nd leg (to advance 9-2 on aggregate to Central League playoff).
In the Central League playoff, the 1st leg result was: Red Sox Manawatu 2 Stop Out 2. The 2nd leg result was: Stop Out 3 Red Sox Manawatu 0.
So Stop Out win 5-2 on aggregate and gain promotion to the 2006 Central Premier league.

Reviewed by Warwick Smith and added to the website on 21st August 2005 - please note the disclaimer on home page

Men's 1st team - Capital Premier League - Harcourt Park - 13th August 2005

Result: Upper Hutt City (0) 1 North Wellington (0) 1
Team: Nigel Piper, Matthew Caughley, Daniel Diggins, Ken Blucher, Craig Hopkins (Euan Grant 65 min), Stuart Fitzpatrick, Theo Deen, Dave Jacobson (Duncan White 70 min), Allan Taylor, Joe Harris, Matt Cantwell
Subs: Not used - Tim Spackman, Francis Glover

A 1-1 draw for North Wellington in their final league game of the 2005 season who finish in 9th place in the ten-team Capital Premier league.
Needing a win today over their opponents Upper Hutt City who were in 8th place in order to finish ahead of them in the final standings and avoid the promotion/relegation playoff game that the 9th placed team will need to play next Saturday.
Team selection from player/coach Hopkins and assistant coach Garry Hepburn had the reintroduction of experienced Masters team players Blucher, Jacobson and Cantwell through the central core (defence to attack) and defender Diggins returned having served a one-match suspension.
In the first half the better scoring chances went the way of North Wellington however the crucial first goal did not materialise. Taylor drove in a shot on an open goal but straight at the one covering defender on the goalline. Blucher placing a header straight to the Upper Hutt keeper.

After the interval and the home side took the lead, Piper punched away a cross and Harris met the rebound first but slipped allowing his Upper Hutt opponent to win possession and drive a shot back past Piper, who was appealing unsuccessfully for a foul on him moments before when he had punched the ball away. 1-0 Upper Hutt.
Now requiring two goals to gain the vitally-needed victory North Wellington made two substitutions with Grant and then White coming on, with the formation moving to man-on-man defence. In the 83rd minute Taylor made a break down the right flank and cut back a cross that was met by White at the edge of the penalty area with a firm shot over the Upper Hutt keeper into the goal. 1-1.
The final seven minutes again saw North Wellington push forward with four attackers, seeing chances at both ends however no goals.

Next weekend the Premier team will face a promotion/relegation playoff game against the 2nd placed team from the Capital One league, Western Suburbs (Reserves), on the neutral ground of Petone Memorial Park to decide which team will play in the 2006 Capital Premier league (the losing team will play in the 2006 Capital One league).

Reviewed by Warwick Smith (with the assistance of several Premier team players for their descriptions) and added to website on 14th August 2005 - please note the disclaimer on home page

Men's 1st team - Capital Premier League - Alex Moore Park - 6th August 2005

Result: North Wellington (1) 1 Waterside Karori (1) 2
Team: Nigel Piper, Matthew Caughley, Craig Hopkins, Allan Taylor, Duncan White, Darren Lee (Michael Thomas 87 min), Stuart Fitzpatrick, Theo Deen, Joe Harris, Tim Spackman, Francis Glover
Subs: Not used - Euan Grant, Warwick Smith

A 2-1 loss for the Premier team in their final home league game against Waterside Karori, conceding the decisive goal in the 88th minute. Coach Hopkins fielding a 3-5-2 formation with Spackman back in the starting line-up to link with Glover in attack. An enforced defensive change with central defender Daniel Diggins sidelined with a one-match suspension from incurring five yellow cards over the 2005 season.

In superb overhead playing conditions, a rare calm fine August day in Wellington, the visitors opened the scoring inside the first 10 minutes after a right-flank attack and cross into the penalty area was cleared out but Waterside’s Craig Thornton was first to the loose ball and drove a firm shot past Piper’s dive, the ball rolling into the North Wellington net. 1-0 Waterside Karori.
The third game in succession for North Wellington to concede an early goal inside ten minutes, so familiar territory to respond from. Through central midfield Deen, Lee and Fitzpatrick began to constrain the visitors forays, although forward balls into Glover and Spackman were returned back by the Waterside defence not allowing their markers to settle on the ball. In the 23rd minute Lee looked to hook a shot towards goal from 10 metres but was blocked by a covering defender.
An equalizing goal arrived shortly afterwards in the 26th minute when a low right-wing cross fell kindly, after a challenge for the ball, to Spackman arriving unmarked to drive home from six metres out in front of goal. The first Premier team goal for Spackman, normally used as a midfield utility player, making his 32nd league appearance this afternoon. 1-1.
A period of containment from both sides then ensued with the defenders limiting the attacking chances. In the 40th minute a well-worked short corner nearly caught out the home side defence, after ex-North Wellington player Steven Jones (1991-92 seasons) played a quick passing exchange with a team-mate before arrowing in a near post drive that was blocked off a deflection by Piper with the ball threatening to cross the goal-line but cleared away by Fitzpatrick.
Halftime 1-1. No substitutions.

Straight after the interval, inside the first thirty seconds, Waterside came desperately close to taking the lead having attacked down the left side the ball was cut back inside with a driven 22 metre left-foot shot grazing the outside of the far post with Piper beaten.
Glover, having little action in front of goal, chased on after a through ball in the 51st minute challenging the onrushing Waterside keeper’s catch with the rebound re-gathered. Play broke downfield and Jones’ shot towards goal was deflected wide by Hopkins’ challenge for a corner.
Waterside’s dominance continued in the next few minutes culminating in separate shots being worked into a central position however the final shot from outside the penalty area sailed wide of goal. A left-flank Waterside move in the 55th minute allowed Jones in on goal and around Piper but with the ball on his weaker right foot side flicked a left-foot shot towards the open goal but was blocked by Hopkins who cleared (whilst simultaneously continuing a dialogue, unsuccessfully, with match official Lett over a “leave it” call made by an opponent!).
Lee was targeted from a Hopkins right-wing corner struck deep in the 58th minute with his angled header finding the Waterside keeper. Another attacking surge by the visitors saw an angled shot pushed away by Piper with Spackman making good ground defensively to clear the ball. In the 63rd minute an attacker burst into the penalty area past tackles from Fitzpatrick and Hopkins before driving an angled shot that Piper blocked wide for a corner.
As the second half developed North Wellington were noticeably constrained in their attacking endeavours with Glover looking dangerous when released through the middle, but limited play being advanced down the flanks. In the 75th minute Fitzpatrick drove down the centre to release a 25 metre shot that cleared the crossbar. Aside from these bursts Waterside were looking more likely to score from their endeavours.
Caughley, named man of the match later, did well to head clear an 81st minute left-wing cross that threatened to find his marker lurking near the far post. Moments later and a dangerous low right-flank cross delivered by the visitors was flicked goalwards but Caughley was able to clear.
Lee suffering a leg injury after his usual strong midfield contribution was substituted off. In the 88th minute a right-flank Waterside attack inside the penalty area allowed Michael Greene in ahead of Caughley’s challenge with his low shot from 10 metres across goal nestling inside the far post of the North Wellington goal. 2-1 Waterside Karori.
A tough end for the Premier team having contributed greatly to the game only to lose in the final few minutes.

Next weekend is the final round of league game for the 2005 season in the Capital Premier league. With Upper Hutt City having a 0-0 draw against Petone today, the game between Upper Hutt City and North Wellington next weekend at Upper Hutt’s Harcourt Park pitch will determine which team from the Capital Premier league will play in the promotion playoff game against the 2nd placed team from the Capital One league (either Wairarapa United or Western Suburbs (Reserve team)) to determine the make-up of the 2006 Capital Premier league. North Wellington need to win this game to finish in 8th place and ahead of Upper Hutt City.

Reviewed by Warwick Smith and added to website on 7th August 2005 - please note the disclaimer on home page

Men's 1st team - Capital Premier League - Wakefield Park - 30th July 2005

Result: Island Bay United (1) 1 North Wellington (1) 1
Team: Nigel Piper, Euan Grant, Matthew Caughley, Daniel Diggins, Craig Hopkins, Allan Taylor (Tim Spackman 79 min), Darren Lee, Stuart Fitzpatrick, Theo Deen, Joe Harris (Francis Glover 83 min), Matt Cantwell (Duncan White 75 min)
Subs: Not used - Warwick Smith

An improved team performance, against that offered up last weekend, earned a 1-1 draw for the Premier team against third-placed Island Bay United on a Wakefield Park pitch made greasy by the light rain that fell throughout the game. Coach Hopkins was able to utilize experienced striker Cantwell in the striking duo with a re-jigged formation of 5-3-2 in front of Piper returning from illness into goal. Deen started in midfield with Spackman used as a substitute.
Straight from the kick-off and North Wellington earned a right-wing corner that Hopkins floated into the slight northerly wind only for a defender to head clear ahead of Lee. Just moments later and 2 minutes into the game and a goal was conceded, despite the reinforced defence, following a squared pass on halfway from Taylor to Grant which eluded the first touch of the left back to allow Island Bay to break down their right wing before a low cross was met and converted from 12 metres out by John Borley. 1-0 Island Bay.
The aerial threat provided by Lee was evident in the 6th minute when after Harris was fouled near the touchline, Hopkins swung in a deep cross that the midfielder glanced wide of the far post. North Wellington showed some resolve in their contesting and closing down the Island Bay attacking options. In the 20th minute as the home side looked to clear towards halfway a rebound back off another Bay player went to Cantwell, some 35 metres from goal, who turned and ran on in space before drilling a low left-foot 20 metre goal-bound shot that deflected off a covering defender and wrong-footed the Island Bay keeper ending up inside his left-hand post. 1-1.
A minute later and Cantwell almost netted again as an opportunistic lob from 30 metres over the back-pedalling keeper struck the crossbar and went behind for a goal-kick. With the home side now making some poor passing decisions in midfield, North Wellington began to benefit from turnovers and were able to push players forward. In the 27th minute Cantwell made a run along the right-flank goal-line before striking in a low cross met by Lee with a covering defender deflecting the shot wide of goal. As Island Bay cleared the resulting corner Diggins was booked for his challenge on a defender.
Fitzpatrick, having another industrious game in central midfield, provided the impetus for attack in the 34th minute as he released Taylor down the right flank with the low cross in eluding the Island Bay keeper and striking Harris on the chest however the defence were able to clear. Three minutes later and Fitzpatrick was on the end of the attack after Lee had contested possession inside the penalty area the ball broke free with an angled 20 metre shot just clearing the crossbar.
Having enjoyed the better of the attacking chances North Wellington almost gave up their advantage in the 40th minute after being pinned inside their own half, a through ball in past Hopkins was met by an attacking Island Bay player with a low drive from 15 metres out past Piper but striking the post, the rebound being driven back at the keeper with a final follow-up effort sliced wide from 10 metres on the right side.
Halftime 1-1. No substitutions. With the light rain falling players retreated off to the changing rooms.

A close early call for North Wellington after the break, conceding a corner from which a 20 metre shot crashed against the underside of the crossbar and was scrambled clear. Cantwell again proved elusive on the ball as in the 57th minute he spun away from a defender before striking a right-foot angled shot from the edge of the penalty area that a defender blocked wide with their challenge. Hopkins right-wing corner was flicked on by Deen’s head and a shot in towards goal was smothered by the Island Bay keeper ahead of the onrushing Lee.
The combativeness evident in the game through the midfield area saw bookings issued to Lee and Fitzpatrick during the mid-stages of the second half, similarly Island Bay were to receive two yellow cards as the greasy surface saw some stern tackles made. An Island Bay free-kick from their right flank in the 71st minute was swung into the North Wellington goal area but Deen headed clear.
Substitutions were then made by assistant coach Garry Hepburn, Cantwell firstly and then Taylor off suffering from cramp. In the 80th minute Island Bay created a good scoring chance to release an attacker goalwards from 15 metres but their shot cleared the crossbar. Moments later and the substitutes, Spackman and White, linked through the centre to set up Lee on his left-foot outside the penalty area. The midfielder driving his shot narrowly wide of the keeper’s right-hand post. Glover then came on, and after Hopkins sent in a free-kick that was missed by keeper, defender and attackers, had a shot blocked by the advancing keeper however the offside flag was raised. An 84th minute volley from White some 15 metres out was awkwardly pushed away by the Island Bay keeper.
Island Bay were reduced to 10 men for the final 3 minutes after a player was sent off for verbal abuse. In the final moments Piper needed to drop on an angled header back across goal.
A game in which North Wellington belied their league position relative to Island Bay’s in creating more attacking chances whilst limiting their opponents.
Next weekend North Wellington host 4th placed Waterside Karori at Alex Moore Park. Their meeting earlier this season ended in a 1-1 draw. With only two games left in the 2005 Capital Premier league North Wellington needs results against Waterside Karori and/or Upper Hutt City to secure 8th place, as the 9th placed team must play a home and away playoff against the 2nd placed team from the Capital One league to determine team placements for the 2006 Capital Premier league.

Reviewed by Warwick Smith and added to website on 31st July 2005 - please note the disclaimer on home page

Men's 1st team - Capital Premier League - Alex Moore Park - 23rd July 2005

Result: North Wellington (1) 1 Marist (4) 4
Team: Warwick Smith, Allan Taylor, Matthew Caughley, Daniel Diggins, Craig Hopkins, Darren Lee, Stuart Fitzpatrick, Tim Spackman (Theo Deen 25 min), Joe Harris, Francis Glover (Euan Grant 65 min), Duncan White
Subs: Not used - Tatsuki Endo, Michael Thomas

A convincing first-half finishing display by the visiting Marist team paved the way for their 4-1 win over the Premier team to leave North Wellington in 8th place in the ten-team Capital Premier league.
Regular keeper Piper was ruled out through illness to be replaced by Smith. Mann’s unavailability allowed White to start in the attacking trio alongside Glover and Harris. Playing conditions were good, with the Alex Moore pitch having benefited from a recent rolling, and a breezy northerly wind swept across the ground.
An early goal for Marist in the 5th minute as a right-flank ball across the North Wellington penalty area was knocked back across to be met by Renan Campao, who had eluded Diggins, who chested the ball down to strike a dipping 15 metre volley into the top corner. 1-0 Marist.
Marist scored their second goal in the 14th minute after Matt Carnihan outpaced Caughley chasing a through ball played through the inside right channel before driving home from the edge of the penalty area past the advancing Smith. 2-0 Marist.
The first genuine attack for the home side followed with Spackman linking from the right flank with Glover who swivelled and struck a low 12 metre shot that the Marist keeper pushed away and fell on ahead of Spackman's challenge. North Wellington reduced the deficit in the 21st minute after Taylor was fouled. Hopkins free-kick from the left flank was headed in by Lee from eight metres out back across goal, this scoring combination working for the 3rd consecutive game. 2-1 Marist.
However a temporary recovery for the home side as Marist went further ahead only two minutes later after Carnihan shook off his marker in receiving a pass from the left-wing before driving an angled 15 metre shot inside the near post top corner. 3-1 Marist.
A substitution then saw Spackman replaced in midfield by Deen. North Wellington were able to create their own scoring chances coming close on three occasions as firstly White sidefooted an angled shot straight to the Marist keeper, then Harris was on the end of a low right-flank ball but his placed effort from 15 metres flew wide of the Marist keeper’s left-hand post, and later White rose to meet a Hopkins right-wing corner but his close-range angled header dropped over the crossbar.
Marist’s Victor Zaia had a 15 metre shot pushed away by Smith with the keeper smothering Zaia’a attempted cross from the rebound. In the 38th minute Marist's Neil McDonald received a left-wing cross that dropped over Lee before turning and shooting a low angled 8 metre shot past Smith to make it 4-1. Just on halftime Marist pressed forward again to win a left-wing corner which was claimed by Smith.
Halftime 4-1 Marist. No substitutions.

Needing an early goal to reduce the three-goal deficit North Wellington made a good enough start to establish a territorial edge, however were let down by the final pass or cross that prevented any good shooting chances. Lee continued to make several telling midfield challenges to stymie the Marist attack and regain possession for North Wellington and was deservedly named the home side’s man of the match. With the cloud cover breaking late on, the low setting sun made it difficult for the North Wellington defence as they looked straight into it.
In the 76th minute a loose midfield pass from Harris allowed Marist to break and release Carnihan in towards goal with his drive being pushed on to the post by Smith to deny the hat-trick. A late appearance for Marist by substitute striker Johnny Sefou, a former Reserve team player with North Wellington, who narrowly missed a right-flank cross from six metres out with Hopkins clearing at the far post.
A clear-cut scoreline for Marist in a game in which the difference between the two teams was emphasised by the finishing prowess of their attack. Next weekend North Wellington travel away to Wakefield Park to play 3rd placed Island Bay United.

Reviewed by Warwick Smith and added to website on 25th July 2005 - please note the disclaimer on home page

Men's 1st team - Capital Premier League - Harcourt Park - 16th July 2005

Result: Upper Hutt City v North Wellington

Due to the heavy rain in the Wellington region on Thursday night 14th July 2005 (quite torrential during the end of practice that night!!) all Capital Premier league games were cancelled for today. This match will be rescheduled for the next available weekend after the scheduled season-end, so will be held on Saturday 13th August 2005.

Men's 1st team - Capital Premier League - Alex Moore Park - 9th July 2005

Result: North Wellington (0) 3 Petone (2) 3 (* Note at end of match review)
Team: Nigel Piper, Michael Thomas (Euan Grant 53 min), Matthew Caughley, Daniel Diggins, Craig Hopkins, Darren Lee, Stuart Fitzpatrick, Tim Spackman, Joe Harris, Francis Glover, Jon Mann (Duncan White 69 min)
Subs: Not used - Braden Upjohn, Warwick Smith

A last-gasp equaliser netted by substitute White earned North Wellington a draw against 3rd placed Petone to cap off a fine second-half recovery at Alex Moore Park. Coach Hopkins selected Thomas at left-back with the absence of Taylor, and Grant returned to club action following time away in Western Australia. Fine playing conditions and a slight southerly breeze blowing across the ground during the game. Petone fielded ex-North Wellington Premier team players Jonathan Winkworth and Mike Gendall in their midfield.
In the 13th minute Caughley conceded a corner under pressure, although the home side was appealing for a free-kick against the challenge placed on him. From the resulting left-wing corner North Wellington were able to head clear from their goal-box as far out as Petone’s centre-back who controlled and struck a firm left-foot 15 metre shot into goal off the crossbar. 1-0 Petone.
Moments later and the visitors moved menacingly forward and an attacker turned inside Diggins before driving a high shot goalwards from the edge of the penalty area that Piper pushed away for a corner. Hopkins rose well to head away the left-wing corner but again Petone reacted first to the rebound and a snap shot narrowly cleared the crossbar. In the 23rd minute an angled right-flank ball across goal forced Piper to push the ball away with Caughley in ahead of his marker to clear firmly over the crossbar (and over the surrounding fence and on to Moorefield Road).
The cohesive Petone attack gained further reward in the 37th minute after Glover had lost out in a tackle near the halfway touchline before a right-flank cross struck in deep was met by striker Mark Foster, ahead of Spackman, to side-volley home low inside the post from seven metres. 2-0 Petone.
Finally stung into action North Wellington created some pressure on the Petone defence, as a minute later Spackman won a tackle along the goal-line, and drove in a low right-wing cross that Glover met but pushed wide of the near post with an angled shot. In the 44th minute Mann swivelled and played through a ball centrally for fellow striker Harris to run on to however his effort was closed down by a good covering tackle in the Petone defence before the danger was cleared.
Halftime 2-0 Petone. No substitutions.

In the 49th minute Thomas won a defensive tackle and passed inside to Lee, who was able to thread a ball forward to Glover with the striker shrugging off a challenge before linking with Mann who drove his 25 metre effort wide of the Petone keeper’s right-hand post. North Wellington continued to impress after the break, as they began to assert some dominance through the midfield not seen in the first half.
Reward for the improved second-half showing came initially in the 59th minute when a Hopkins right-flank free-kick was met by Lee who powered a header past the Petone keeper from six metres. 2-1 Petone.
Then just three minutes later and with a renewed effort North Wellington pressed forward down the right flank as Mann was released before he crossed into the Petone penalty area. A partial defensive clearance went as far as Lee who hooked an overhead ball goalwards from 18 metres in to the Petone keeper who stooped low for the ball only for it to momentarily escape his grasp allowing Mann to tap-on from close range. 2-2.
Game on – and after looking outplayed in the first half and two goals down, North Wellington had burst back to grab parity. Mann’s enthusiasm, evident in his goal celebration, overflowed in the 64th minute when he was booked for a rash tackle, and he was substituted shortly afterwards for White who was a late selection as not entirely match-fit.
In the 76th minute Lee, who had an industrious game in midfield, pressed forward along the right-wing goal-line with his initial cross blocked by a defender, his second attempt an angled shot flew over the crossbar.
Still time though for some late drama as a Petone free-kick in the 87th minute floated into the central area of the North Wellington penalty area resulted in the official pointing to the penalty spot with an attacker adjudged to have been held down, Diggins being spoken to. Foster stepped forward for Petone to firmly guide the penalty beyond Piper’s dive to his left. 3-2 Petone.
Undaunted North Wellington continued to create scoring chances with a 90th minute Hopkins free-kick from near halfway flicked on by Diggins for White to be beaten to the loose ball by a defender to concede a corner which was struck behind for a goal-kick. With time up, in the 92nd minute, a right-wing North Wellington throw-in was flicked on by Glover and met by a firm right-foot volley from 15 metres by White which struck the keeper’s right-hand post before ending up inside the other post. 3-3.
Only enough left in this game for the kick-off to occur and the final whistle to blow. A gritty draw earned on the back of an improved second-half performance.
Next weekend the Premier team, currently in 8th place, travel away to play 9th placed Upper Hutt City.

* Note - following this match, the booking incurred by Jon Mann in this game resulted in Capital Soccer raising an issue regarding his registration details which were deemed to not be in accordance with correct procedure.
Therefore the goals scored and point earned in this match (North Wellington v Petone) by North Wellington were lost. So the amended result which will be listed will be North Wellington 0 Petone 3. Accordingly the goals scored by Darren Lee, Jon Mann and Duncan White in this match will be removed from the goalscoring records.

Reviewed by Warwick Smith and added to website on 11th July 2005 - please note the disclaimer on home page

Men's 1st team - Capital Premier League - Kelburn Park - 2nd July 2005

Result: University (0) 0 North Wellington (1) 2
Team: Nigel Piper, Allan Taylor, Matthew Caughley, Daniel Diggins, Craig Hopkins (Michael Thomas 45 min), Darren Lee, Stuart Fitzpatrick, Tim Spackman, Joe Harris, Duncan White (Tatsuki Endo 81 min), Francis Glover (Jon Mann 58 min)
Subs: Not used - Braden Upjohn, Warwick Smith

A much-needed and deserved win for the Premier team with a 2-0 win over bottom-placed University. In good playing conditions, fine with only a slight breeze, Taylor was able to recover from a leg injury incurred last weekend to start as left-back with coach Hopkins bringing in Glover to striker in the 4-3-3 formation.
The young striker quickly proved to be adept at creating space to finding shooting room as in the 20th minute he struck a low dipping angled 20 metre volley that the University keeper did well to push away. Nine minutes later and Glover then laid off a pass for Spackman to drive an angled effort straight to the keeper.
White was able to lob the ball into the University net in the 35th minute but the effort was ruled out for offside. In defence, North Wellington were structured to restrict the University scoring attempts to long-range shots as Diggins and Caughley combined centrally to nullify any threat near the penalty area.
In the 42nd minute Spackman did well down the right flank to chase down a lobbed pass from Lee before linking inside with Harris who drew a defender before squaring a pass further infield for Glover to strike an angled shot from the edge of the penalty area which looked destined for the top corner of the goal only to drift narrowly wide. A minute later though and after White chased a ball down the right flank and was fouled, the resulting free-kick delivered by Hopkins into the goal box was met by Lee, ahead of the University keeper, to head home from five metres. 1-0 North Wellington. (and breaking a 449 minute goalless run in their recent league and cup games - but who was counting?!)
Halftime 1-0 North Wellington. An enforced substitution as coach Hopkins had to make a cross-town dash to catch an air flight to Tauranga (cutting it close, leaving the ground some 37 minutes prior to take-off) and was replaced at right-back by Thomas.

A bright start after the break for the Premier team with an early attack in the 47th minute allowing Glover to volley a 15 metre shot on goal with the University keeper pushing the ball up and regathering as Glover clattered into him. Four minutes later and after Thomas and Diggins had partially cleared an aerial University attack a follow-up shot from 25 metres was pushed wide by Piper at full-stretch.
Glover continued to be on the end of another potential scoring chance as his far post header was aimed straight at the University keeper, before being released through behind the attempted offside trap by Fitzpatrick in the 56th minute and despite becoming unbalanced by a chasing defender steered his shot past the advancing keeper. 2-0 North Wellington. Glover's first goal for the Premier team.
Moments later and almost a repeat effort as Fitzpatrick again found Glover but a more difficult chance was pushed wide of the near post. Mann then replaced Glover as part of the striking trio and almost created a goal eight minutes later after a good run down the right wing before his low cross in for White was cut out by the keeper. Play switched downfield and after a right flank cross was partially cleared by the North Wellington defence the ball broke invitingly free some 18 metres out from goal however the University left midfielder drilled their effort over the crossbar.
In the 69th minute, as Harris chased after a through ball down the right side inside the penalty area, he was adjudged to have been unfairly shouldered off the ball by the University defender, a decision which led to a University player being booked for dissent. Piper, having an immaculate 100%, 8 from 8, penalty conversion record since taking over the duties in the 2001 season, came forward however having sent the University keeper the wrong way placed his kick wide of the post.
Not all gloom on the penalty miss from the North Wellington bench though as injured midfielder Theo Deen enthused upon his impending return to action as a potential future penalty-taker! Every cloud has a silver lining.

The control being exerted in all areas by North Wellington defused any potential of a University comeback though, this being typified by a robust challenge by Diggins on an opponent lining up a shot at the edge of the penalty area to concede a corner.
On cue at 4pm the park fountain behind Piper's goal sprung into life to provide a picturesque scene with a calm Wellington harbour and skyline as a backdrop. No such resurgence for the home side though as moments later in the 83rd minute Mann released Harris in behind the defence on the left side and on an angled run goalwards only for a weakly-struck left-foot shot straight to the University keeper. A home side counter-attack minutes later saw Thomas chase back after the ball had been chipped over Caughley with the defender providing sufficient presence to force his opponent away from goal before his angled effort was driven straight to Piper. Mann released on a late diagonal run in on goal by Fitzpatrick drove his right-foot shot past the far post.
A crucial result for the Premier team, who with the win improve one place to 8th in the ten-team Capital Premier league, with close rivals Upper Hutt City losing 5-1 today to Waterside Karori. Next weekend North Wellington host Petone at Alex Moore Park.

Reviewed by Warwick Smith and added to website on 3rd July 2005 - please note the disclaimer on home page

Men's 1st team - Capital Premier League - Wakefield Park - 25th June 2005

Result: North Wellington (0) 0 Brooklyn Northern United (1) 1
Team: Nigel Piper, Allan Taylor (Michael Thomas 30 min), Matthew Caughley, Daniel Diggins, Craig Hopkins, Darren Lee, Stuart Fitzpatrick, Joe Harris, Duncan White, Tim Spackman, Jon Mann
Subs: Not used - Jeremy Thomas, Andrew Thomas, Warwick Smith

This game, although a home game for North Wellington, was transferred to Brooklyn's home ground of Wakefield Park. (In their first round meeting Wakefield Park was not available and so the game was played at Alex Moore Park, with Brooklyn winning 5-1). A formation change to 4-3-3 with the striking trio of White, Spackman and Mann. Illness to Glover and Upjohn and the unavailability of Bullen, Endo and Cantwell saw coach Hopkins start at right-back. Taylor suffered a leg injury and was replaced at left-back by Michael Thomas before halftime.
In cool conditions North Wellington started this match in ninth place, four points behind Brooklyn Northern, and seeking to improve their league position. Scoring chances were limited though in the opening half hour as Lee and Fitzpatrick combined in central midfield to counter the opposition threats. Spackman, playing in a new role as striker, incurred a yellow card after an untimely challenge. With halftime looming, in the 44th minute a left-wing cross delivered from the corner by Brooklyn midfielder Nick Thompson eluded Piper inside his near post to give them an unexpected lead. 1-0 Brooklyn.
Halftime 1-0 Brooklyn. No substitutions.

In the second half play continued to be concentrated in the midfield areas with both teams able to muster sufficient defence to defuse potential attacks. Piper dropped low to his right in the 55th minute to grasp an angled 15 metre drive. A handball by a Brooklyn defender outside the right-side corner of the penalty area allowed Hopkins to chip across a 65th minute free-kick, however Lee's diving effort narrowly missed the ball.
Some ten minutes later and a left-wing corner from Hopkins caused problems for Brooklyn keeper Jeff Graham however Caughley back-tracking was unable to hook his effort goalward with play breaking outside the penalty area and Brooklyn committing a foul some 25 metres out from goal. Mann's goalbound effort was struck low straight to Graham and this proved to be North Wellington's last scoring chance.
The fourth consecutive game for the Premier team without a goal, with a settled striking combination not yet established. For all that the team effort today had merit ahead of their game this weekend against bottom-placed University.

Reviewed by Warwick Smith and added to website on 27th June 2005 - please note the disclaimer on home page

Men's 1st team - Capital Premier League - Alex Moore Park - 18th June 2005

Result: North Wellington (0) 0 Tawa (2) 2
Team: Nigel Piper, Matthew Caughley, Daniel Diggins, Darren Lee (Brian Bullen 68 min), Allan Taylor, Tatsuki Endo (Francis Glover 78 min), Stuart Fitzpatrick, Tim Spackman (Craig Hopkins 58 min), Joe Harris, Jon Mann, Duncan White
Subs: Not used - Braden Upjohn, Warwick Smith

In extremely testing muddy conditions the Premier team lost 2-0 to Tawa, with Andy King netting twice for the visitors in the 17th and 36th minutes. They remain in 9th place in the ten-team Capital Premier league, although their closest rivals Upper Hutt City and Brooklyn Northern United almost incurred losses today.
An enforced change for North Wellington from last week's starting line-up with injury to Blucher and Cantwell unavailable. Lee and Mann returned as replacements with coach Hopkins and assistant coach Hopkins trialling with a changed formation, a 4-4-2 line-up with the defensive quartet of Diggins, Caughley, Lee and Taylor. Endo moved from striker to left midfield.
Given the steady rain through the last week, with the grounds closed for training mid-week, a surprise decision to allow two afternoon games on the Alex Moore pitch with the Reserve team playing earlier. As such the pitch deteriorated rapidly throughout this game and at the final whistle was a muddied mess down the central strip with the only green areas out towards the wings and corners.
In coolish overcast conditions, with only a slight breeze and occasional light rain, the home side did create the first genuine scoring chance in the 15th minute with White breaking down the right flank with his low cross just eluding the lunging effort eight metres out from goal by Endo. Two minutes later and Tawa prospered as Dan Cody floated in a deep cross from the right flank and although North Wellington had the defensive numbers back Andy King was left in enough space to strike a first-time angled left-foot volley back across Piper and inside the far post from eight metres. 1-0 Tawa.
Centre-back Caughley came close to redressing the balance two minutes later as he met a White right-wing corner only for his looping header to hit the crossbar and bounce over. Taylor was then caught in possession by Tawa striker Dan Wood with a strong run down the left-wing goalline drawing out Piper only for right midfielder Jason Musgrove to drive his angled effort over the crossbar with the open goal inviting.
Having had a narrow escape from a 2-0 deficit after 22 minutes, North Wellington began to show more promise in their attacking endeavours through Harris and Fitzpatrick in central midfield, although the pitch was beginning to cut up. In the 33rd minute Fitzpatrick made a burst down the left flank before passing inside to Mann, with the striker then squaring an inviting ball across the edge of the penalty area for fellow striker White to run on and sidefoot a firm low drive narrowly wide of the post past Tawa keeper Dale Warburton. Another close call for the home side and they were caught out three minutes later with a through ball delivered from the Tawa central midfield in past the North Wellington defence allowing King to run on to centrally with Lee in pursuit before lifting the ball over Piper and into the net ahead of a despairing lunge from Taylor who almost collected the goalpost with his slide. 2-0 Tawa.
The closing ten minutes and the opening ten minutes either side of the halftime break providing little potential scoring action with the central part of the pitch progressively worsening in condition making fluent play through this area fraught with difficultly.
Halftime 2-0 Tawa. No substitutions.

A substitution in the 58th minute with Spackman replaced by Hopkins in midfield. Moments later and a chip over the North Wellington defence saw Tawa striker Dan Wood touch on an effort goalwards ahead of Caughley's challenge with Piper pushing the shot wide. Play then developed on the Tawa left flank and an angled 15 metre shot was blocked by Piper at the near post conceding a corner.
Tawa managed to get the ball into the North Wellington for the third time in the 64th minute however after Piper had parried out a 20 metre shot the following attacker was ruled offside as he slotted home. Lee, affected with a calf injury, was replaced in central defence by Bullen. A right flank free-kick delivered into the North Wellington penalty area was met with a good glancing header in the 72nd minute only to loop over Piper and onto the crossbar before bouncing away for a goal-kick.
The visitors continued to look the most likely to score at this stage of the match and in the 77th minute right midfielder Jason Musgrove cut to the goal-line with his squared back ball being met with a firm 10 metre shot that Piper blocked with Musgrove having an angled effort cleared off the keepers legs.
In the closing minutes, with the central pitch now a muddied mess Hopkins received a yellow card for delaying a Tawa free-kick before Mann broke through the middle in the 88th minute however chose to strike a low 25 metre shot that went directly to keeper Warburton, with Fitzpatrick and Harris up in support to his left.
A physically testing game for both teams with the playing surface becoming slippery and muddy throughout with Tawa making the most of their scoring chances with two well executed strikes.
Next weekend the Premier team will play Brooklyn Northern, who are two places ahead of them in 7th place with a three point advantage.

In the after-match presentation the Club paid tribute to Nigel Piper with a presentation made to celebrate his 200th Premier team league appearance, made in the seasons 1983-86 and 1997-2005. Nigel becomes the 3rd Club player to achieve this distinction (Brian Bullen has 275 appearances and Dean Polyanszky 200 appearances) for the Premier team.

Reviewed by Warwick Smith and added to website on 19th June 2005 - please note the disclaimer on home page

Men's 1st team - Chatham Cup 3rd Round - Alex Moore Park - 11th June 2005

Result: North Wellington (0) 0 Naenae (0) 1
Team: Nigel Piper, Matthew Caughley, Ken Blucher, Daniel Diggins, Duncan White (Darren Lee 85 min), Stuart Fitzpatrick, Dave Jacobson, Joe Harris, Allan Taylor (Jon Mann 68 min), Tatsuki Endo, Matt Cantwell
Subs: Not used - Craig Hopkins, Francis Glover, Warwick Smith

The highs and lows of cup football have been well and truly experienced by Capital Premier side North Wellington as their 2005 Chatham Cup run was ended as they were knocked out 1-0 by their Capital One opponents Naenae. As in their previous cup game, the 2nd round 3-2 win over the cup holders and higher-ranked Central Premier side Miramar Rangers, it was a game where the 'less-favoured' team played determinably in a combined effort to overcome their opposition. Also as for the Miramar game, their chairman Bruce Cullen, made a kind gesture on behalf of his club and brought the Chatham Cup to the sideline bench during the game and to the after-match function at the North Wellington clubrooms allowing players and supporters from both sides to chance to view this trophy.
In calm overcast conditions, the Alex Moore pitch presented in fair order although overnight rain had softened the surface. Coach Hopkins and assistant coach Garry Hepburn selected a similar starting line-up to the team that defeated the Chatham Cup holders Miramar Rangers in the 2nd round, with one change in midfield as Spackman was replaced by Endo, although Harris went into central midfield and Endo as striker.
The first half was one of few scoring chances. For the home side Harris and White had half-chances but no joy in finding the scoresheet. In the 38th minute a Naenae defender was adjudged to have handled the ball inside the penalty area with the referee awarding North Wellington a penalty. Curiously regular penalty-taker Piper was not the taker, with striker Cantwell stepping forward to drive a high shot which was close enough to Naenae keeper Jeff Hughes to allow him to deflect the ball over the crossbar. A great chance spurned!
Halftime 0-0. No substitutions. Again, a change in routine as the North Wellington side left the field and returned back across Broderick Road to the clubrooms. Usually a mid-pitch halftime talk is done and the weather conditions were still quite calm albeit cool.

The opening minutes of the second half certainly favoured Naenae as they began to grow in confidence. In the 50th minute the visitors made a left-wing attack which Diggins cleared only for Harris to lose possession in midfield opening up a right-flank move with the crossed effort pushed over the crossbar by Piper. Blucher, playing in central defence, continued to be dominant in winning the aerial balls played into the penalty area. A 53rd minute freekick to Naenae, on the right-side outside corner of the penalty area, clipped off the defensive wall and spun through Piper's catch at the near post but the ball was regathered.
A disturbing lack of composure by the North Wellington players was beginning to cause concern on the sideline for the coaching staff. The exchanges in the central midfield area were being won too easily by the Naenae players and the home side found difficult in launching any promising attacks. In the 56th minute a Naenae free-kick centrally out from 30 metres was driven goalwards but held by Piper.
Only moments later and a chance for the home side, won from a midfield tackle won by Jacobson with the ball played forward to allow Endo to spin neatly away from his marker and lay a pass to his left for wide midfielder White to strike a low shot goalwards from the edge of the penalty area, although it was a comfortable save by Hughes. In the 58th minute a left-side Naenae ball split through past Diggins and Caughley releasing an attacker goalwards and into the penalty area only for Diggins to chase back and execute a good tackle conceding a corner. A clearance from Piper down the right wing to Taylor was well controlled by the right midfielder who was then able to cross in towards goal with the Naenae keeper beating Endo to the ball. Sadly for Taylor he was injured shortly afterwards and replaced by Mann.
A quickly taken Naenae free-kick from inside their own half in the 63rd minute threatened to release one of their strikers in behind the North Wellington defence but Caughley chased back with his marker and won a good tackle before being fouled. It was though from a similar play in the 75th minute that the visitors took the lead, as a long ball played from the defensive right side, went over Diggins and his marker James Taylor, with both players in pursuit and challenging on the edge of the penalty area the ball broke for the Naenae attacker with a placed left-foot shot under the advancing Piper from 15 metres finding the net. 1-0 Naenae.
Down a goal and with 15 minutes left North Wellington's pulse, which had been hard to detect during the second half, began to stir, although they were now against an opponent playing soundly in the knowledge that they had to date shown the greater determination in their team play. In the 82nd minute White was found in space down the left flank after good interchange work between Endo and Cantwell had drawn the defenders into the centre. The midfielder's low cross from the left wing was gathered by the Naenae keeper ahead of Endo. Minutes later and White was replaced by Lee, Jacobson moving to left midfield and Lee into central midfield. Harris had now also been assigned a more forward role as North Wellington went to three attackers in pursuit of an equaliser.
Only one more chance though as in the 88th minute a right-wing throw-in down the touchline released Endo who cut inside the penalty area and along the goalline, chipping his cross in for Jacobson to head leftwards to Cantwell, with the angled 10 metre volley pushed over the crossbar by Hughes. Some late forays in support by Diggins and then Caughley failed to furnish a shooting chance as Naenae got their players back in defensive support to hold on for victory. Naenae progress to the 4th round (last 16 team stage) of the Chatham Cup, this effort equalling their club's best-ever effort.

Understandable disappointment from the North Wellington players, given their superb team effort against Miramar Rangers in the 2nd round. A crowd of around 100 was again in attendance with the Club welcoming several of its life members back to watch the game, namely Tom and Hazel Meek, Don and Dulcie Stone, Tom Fothergill and Jimmy Herd. Former players also in attendance included Jimmy Smith, Nigel Ingham, Mark and Tony Jamieson and Hayden Polyanszky.

Reviewed by Warwick Smith and added to website on 12th June 2005 - please note the disclaimer on home page

Men's 1st team - Capital Premier League - Hutt Raceway Park - 6th June 2005

Result: Stop Out (2) 5 North Wellington (0) 0
Team: Nigel Piper, Matthew Caughley, Brian Bullen (Craig Hopkins 65 min), Daniel Diggins, Duncan White, Stuart Fitzpatrick, Dave Jacobson, Theo Deen, Tim Spackman (Jon Mann 45 min), Joe Harris, Tatsuki Endo
Subs: Not used - Francis Glover, Warwick Smith

A 5-0 loss for the Premier team against the current league leaders Stop Out, a team display which left coach Hopkins wondering whether 'body snatchers' had overtaken the North Wellington players after an effort which bore little resemblance to their standard of play in recent weeks. The defeat ending a five-game unbeaten run in league and Chatham Cup games.
In cool breezy overcast conditions, the southerly wind favoured the home side in the first half. Bullen replaced Blucher in central defence and Deen started as Taylor was not able to recover from injury incurred in Saturday's game against Waterside. Endo started as striker alongside Harris.
An even affair in the opening minutes gave little indication of the one-sided score that would ultimately occur. In the 7th minute Endo played a long through ball down the right wing for Harris to chase on but the Stop Out keeper Brad Topp was able to gather easily in front of the striker. From his kick downfield with the benefit of the gusty wind the ball sailed over Caughley and on for Bullen to attempt a headed pass back to Piper however the effort went centrally infield inside the penalty area for Stop Out attacker Matt Bennett to control the ball and flick over the stranded keeper. 1-0 Stop Out.
Two minutes later and Endo chased on a short pass inside the penalty area but was halted by a firm tackle with play developing down the Stop Out right flank allowing Bennett to cut inside and strike a left-footed diagonal ball through the North Wellington defence to be met centrally 12 metres out from goal by wide midfielder Andy le Prou who rushed in ahead of his marker Spackman to drive a low shot home. 2-0 Stop Out.
Having conceded two goals in the opening ten minutes, North Wellington were understandably constrained for the remainder of the half in their attacking endeavours given their danger posed by their opponents through Bennett, le Prou and Dion Bartosh to break and finish. In the 21st minute a ball in through between Diggins and Bullen released Bennett to swivel and shoot, however the effort sailed over the crossbar from 15 metres out. Three minutes later and a sporadic North Wellington attack close to the Stop Out penalty area through Spackman and Fitzpatrick down the right flank, however possession was lost and Stop Out quickly countered and delivered another diagonal ball similar to their second goal however Spackman recovered to clear the danger.
Shortly afterwards the best scoring chance for North Wellington in the half, as Fitzpatrick jinked away from le Prou on the right side before sending in a low cross towards the far post which bounced along the uneven surface causing keeper Topp to spill the ball low down with the rebound being met by White six metres out from goal however sufficiently close to Topp to allow the keeper to block the effort as both players contested possession. Two minutes later, in the 28th minute, and Stop Out won a right-wing corner which the visiting defence cleared as far as midfielder Wayne Rooker 20 metres out with his shot pushed over the crossbar by Piper. Another corner saw Bullen block a le Prou drive from a similar distance and from a third corner a header glanced past the far post.
Stop Out continued to prosper through le Prou on the left side with several good runs past would-be challengers allowing for some testing crosses inside the North Wellington penalty area. More defence for North Wellington closer to halftime with firstly Bullen heading a right-wing cross out for a corner and then White meeting a difficult low left-wing cross from Bennett and able to deflect it wide of his far post for another corner.
Halftime 2-0 Stop Out. A welcome respite for a North Wellington team under pressure during the half. A substitution was made with Spackman replaced by Mann, with Harris moving to left midfield to counter le Prou. Some strong words from coach Hopkins as the teams retreated from the blustery conditions to the relative warmth of the changing rooms.

An improved beginning to the second half for the North Wellington side with a more competitive approach to contesting possession. The frustration of the home side in not achieving the same dominance as in the first-half boiled over in the 57th minute with a Stop Out defender booked for needlessly pushing Endo out of play. Two minutes later and White floated in a right-wing corner which saw a multi-player challenge for the ball with it falling to Jacobson to drive a 18 metre volley goalwards which was headed away.
An execution of part of the North Wellington half-time team-talk, the need to quicken up the pace of attack through one-touch passes, came to fruition in the 62nd minute with White linking inside with Mann on the left side with a first-time pass delivered through by Mann for Deen to run down the left-wing and strike in a cross that just eluded the leaping effort of Endo some ten metres out from goal. Bullen suffering from a calf injury was then replaced in midfield by Hopkins with Jacobson moving to central defence.
With Harris doing a good job in limited the effectiveness on the left side through le Prou, North Wellington continued to maintain a fighting chance in gaining a result in the game. Hopkins was fouled near halfway with his opponent receiving a yellow card. In the 77th minute Mann played a square ball inside from the right flank with White passing quickly to his left for Endo to strike a first-time left-footed shot from just outside the penalty area that sliced wide of goal.
Hopes of a result quickly disappeared though in a short space of time, as goals in the 78th, 79th and 81st minutes to le Prou and Bartosh (2), blew the score out to 5-0.
Firstly, a left-side attack and cross exposed Caughley to Bartosh on a 1-on-1 with Caughley slipping as he turned allowing Bartosh to net from eight metres. 3-0 Stop Out.
Secondly, a minute later and Fitzpatrick was dispossessed in midfield, as he sought passing options, and a quickly played diagonal ball from the right side in behind Diggins allowed le Prou in ahead of the advancing Piper to slip a low shot home from 12 metres. 4-0 Stop Out.
And finally, le Prou cut in from the left flank with his attempted shot half-blocked by a covering defender but falling kindly for Bartosh to nip in front of Piper and then net from a narrow angle. 5-0 Stop Out.
With the game now gone, North Wellington made some valiant but ultimately unsuccessful late attempts to get on the scoresheet, in the 84th minute Mann broke down the right-wing and past two defenders before playing in a low cross that Fitzpatrick met with a shot, blocked out for Deen to strike a 20 metre shot just over the crossbar. Three minutes later and White intercepted a pass near halfway before releasing Mann down the left flank, with the striker beating his marker on the corner of the penalty area before firing his angled effort wide of the far post. In the final seconds a through ball threatened to release Hopkins down the middle but the home side defence cleared.
A throughly disappointing effort today, especially given the standard to which the North Wellington team had been playing in past weeks. Only five days to recover though as on Saturday 11th June they host Naenae in the 3rd round (last 32 teams) of the Chatham Cup. Taylor and Lee will be questionable for selection due to injury and Cross has now left to teach in Japan.

Reviewed by Warwick Smith and added to website on 7th June 2005 - please note the disclaimer on home page

Men's 1st team - Capital Premier League - Karori Park - 4th June 2005

Result: Waterside Karori (0) 1 North Wellington (1) 1
Team: Nigel Piper, Matthew Caughley, Ken Blucher, Daniel Diggins, Duncan White, Stuart Fitzpatrick, Dave Jacobson (Brian Bullen 81 min), Tim Spackman (Theo Deen 45 min), Allan Taylor, Joe Harris, Jon Mann (Tatsuki Endo 60 min)
Subs: All used

The good mid-season form continued for the Premier team who ground out a 1-1 draw against fourth-placed Waterside. This result still leaves them in ninth place, although they are now only one point behind Tawa.
Team selection by coach Hopkins took into account the 'double-header' weekend of games, with a Monday fixture in 48 hours against Stop Out. The return from overseas of Deen saw the midfielder get in a full second half and the experience of Blucher and Jacobson made a return to league action (for Jacobson, his last league game for the club having occurred in 1994 and now able to claim 100 league appearances for the Premier team). Piper joined Mark Jamieson on 198 appearances as equal-third on the club's league appearance list. Some good supportive comments came from the sideline via ex-North Wellington midfielder Mark Ross (180 league appearances, 1993-2002) who was visiting from Christchurch.
On a cool breezy afternoon, with the southerly favouring North Wellington in the first half, the home side enjoyed the better of the opening stanza but were unable to create any good scoring chances. Mann accompanied Harris as the striking duo with Fitzpatrick in a roaming attacking role in the five-man midfield. Closer to halftime and after Caughley was forced to concede a corner with a well-timed challenge, Taylor rose to head out centrally allowing a Waterside attacker to strike a 22 metre shot over the crossbar. In the 44th minute Caughley chipped a free-kick from near halfway into the penalty area with the Waterside defenders able to clear however North Wellington were then able to force a left-wing corner, which when taken by White swung in with the wind over the Waterside defenders and into the path of Jacobson near the far post with the midfielders low angled volley from six metres going into the goal past the covering defenders and keeper. 1-0 North Wellington.
Moments later and halftime was whistled. 1-0 North Wellington. Substitution made with Spackman replaced by Deen.

An injudicious challenge by a Waterside defender on Mann in the 46th minute from a Piper kick downfield resulted in a yellow card. Two minutes later and a testing cross from the left side was headed on by the home side only for a fellow attacker to head the bouncing ball over the crossbar from eight metres. Fitzpatrick and ex-North Wellington player Steven Jones (1991 & 92) had a keen midfield tussle throughout the match, well illustrated in their tussle for possession in the 51st minute ending with Jones fouling Fitzpatrick after an earlier infraction. Moments later and Jones himself was fouled by Blucher just outside the left side corner of the North Wellington penalty area, however Blucher redeemed himself in heading clear the crossed effort. Mann, having recently returned from injury, was replaced in attack by Endo.
Gradually Waterside began to assert some dominance, aided by the breezy southerly wind, and the visitors were unable to maintain possession sufficiently to force their attacking intentions as forward balls played in towards Harris and Endo were turned over due to the lack of supporting options for the strikers. In the 68th minute North Wellington gave over possession near the halfway line with Waterside breaking through the middle before the ball was switched to the right for Waterside's Mike Greene who was able to make space ahead of White's challenge before lifting in a short cross which was volleyed home from eight metres by James Potter past Piper. 1-1.
Spurred on by the equaliser Waterside pressed forward again and had an indirect free-kick taken from 15 metres out blocked by Blucher. Jones continued to be an attacking threat from the Waterside midfield and along with Jonathan Suggate had shots on goal which flew wide of the mark.
North Wellington's attacking threats late in the game came on the counter-attack, in the 75th minute Blucher sent forward a ball down the left flank allowing Harris to lob the ball over Waterside keeper Nic Van Hattum from an angle but the ball hooked back across the goal box and was cleared. Bullen replaced goalscorer Jacobson in central midfield and was immediately called on defence as a long left-wing throw-in was flicked on for Bullen to head over his own crossbar from inside the goal box to concede a corner.
Only three minutes later and a controversial moment as the assistant flagged against North Wellington for offside in a counter-attack break, a Waterside defender then picked up the ball only for the referee to signal a free-kick for North Wellington (having not noticed the flag) with the ball played across field for Bullen to then lob the ball over van Hattum towards the unguarded goal but the effort sliced wide and was cleared by the Waterside defence.
In the 86th minute a left flank Waterside ball in past the North Wellington defence was met by an attacker ahead of Piper but the angled effort slipped beyond the far post. A final shot from the home side with a driven 20 metre shot which Piper parried out but the following effort by a stretching attacker was hooked wide of goal. A solid point for North Wellington as they did well to contain and limit the Waterside attacking endeavours in the second half.

On Monday 6th June, Queens Birthday holiday, North Wellington travel away to play the league leaders Stop Out who beat them 2-1 in the opening game of the league season. Kick-off is at 2pm at Hutt Raceway.

Reviewed by Warwick Smith and added to website on 5th June 2005 - please note the disclaimer on home page

Men's 1st team - Capital Premier League - Alex Moore Park - 28th May 2005

Result: North Wellington (0) 0 Island Bay United (0) 0
Team: Nigel Piper, Matthew Caughley, Darren Lee (Craig Hopkins 74 min), Daniel Diggins, Duncan White, Stuart Fitzpatrick, Tim Spackman, Joe Harris, Allan Taylor, Francis Glover (Brian Bullen 60 min), Tatsuki Endo (Jon Mann 81 min)
Subs: Not used - Braden Upjohn, Warwick Smith

After the emotional high of last weekend's upset cup victory the Premier team returned to league action and were able to stretch their unbeaten run to four games with a determined performance in a goalless draw against second-placed Island Bay United.
On a cool overcast afternoon with the northwesterly wind gentle in the first half but which increased in intensity throughout the second half to favour the visitors, there was a return from injury for Lee, who played in central defence, and Harris, in central midfield. This was welcomed by coach Hopkins as Cantwell, Blucher and Jacobson returned to their Masters team for their 2-1 win over Olympic.
An early setback for Island Bay with one of their players sustaining an apparent broken nose in a challenge with Endo, leaving the visitors a man down for five minutes as the injury was attended to on the sideline. In the 14th minute Endo swivelled inside the penalty area to drive in a low angled 15 metre shot that Island Bay keeper Sam Heather bundled out for a corner. Eight minutes later and Taylor was released down the right flank and drove in a low cross which the defence failed to clear initially allowing left midfielder White a side-footed effort from the edge of the penalty area which he struck low to Heather.
Piper was called into action in the 24th minute as Island Bay broke through the middle and with White committed to challenge the attacker the ball was played wide for right midfielder Dave Patterson to drive an angled 15 metre shot that the keeper repelled away. A through ball past the North Wellington defence five minutes later threatened to release Vinaccia but Piper cleared from just outside the penalty area.
An Island Bay down the right flank in the 34th minute saw Bill Porteous play the ball past the advancing Piper but over the goal line. Endo then unleashed a rising 25 metre left-foot shot which cleared the crossbar.
With the pitch on the bumpy side, the standard of play was patchy at times as players struggled to get good early control of the ball. Lee, back after several weeks injury break, was alert in the 40th minute to make a vital defensive challenge as Island Bay threatened. In the 41st minute a lob into the Island Bay goalbox saw Heather punch the ball out for Taylor to drive a low 18 metre shot back to the keeper.
Halftime 0-0. No substitutions.

After the break and with the wind gradually intensifying in their favour, Island Bay began brightly and in the 46th minute a left-flank attack resulted in Porteous drilling a shot over from the edge of the penalty area. North Wellington's scoring attempts came closest in the half from a Lee free-kick delivered from near halfway in the 59th minute with Heather challenged for the high ball and White nipped in to flick a right-foot shot goalward however a covering defender cleared of the goal-line. Glover, having had a subdued role in play, was substituted with Harris moving to striker alongside Endo.
Diggins, not unaccustomed to pushing forward from defence in general play, made a foray down the right flank to release Endo towards the corner with the striker able to fire in a deep cross which looped over the Island Bay goal. The visitors best opportunity to break the deadlock came in the 73rd minute after a diagonal ball from the left side of halfway found Porteous in space with his inside ball to midfielder Dave Rutherford met with an underhit 15 metre shot centrally out from goal which was gratefully gathered by Piper.
Lee was replaced by Bullen in central defence as Hopkins came into central midfield to make a quick impact in producing a good covering tackle back on the edge of the penalty area. Piper moved quickly to his right in the 79th minute to push away a 25 metre effort for a corner.
With four minutes remaining Taylor sent in a right-wing ball with the breezy wind which Harris needed to stretch for and diverted his header over from ten metres. Late on and a Hopkins free-kick intended for Diggins was headed clear by the Bay defence.
Plenty of resolve from both sides but no goals. For Island Bay, Vinaccia produced a strong game in central midfield and ex-North Wellington player Iain MacIntyre made a 50th minute appearance as substitute striker to give North Wellington's man of the match Caughley a testing second-half.
The draw still leaves the Premier team in ninth place in the ten-team Capital Premier league with their nearest rivals, Marist and Upper Hutt City, both recording victories this afternoon and there is now a two-point gap to the eighth-placed team, near neighbours Tawa. Next weekend is Queens Birthday weekend and so a double-header of league action, away on Saturday 4th June at fourth-placed Waterside Karori and on Monday 6th June away to the current league leaders Stop Out, which will begin the second half of the 2005 league season.

Reviewed by Warwick Smith and added to website on 29th May 2005 - please note the disclaimer on home page

Men's 1st team - Chatham Cup 2nd Round - Alex Moore Park - 21st May 2005

Result: North Wellington (1) 3 Miramar Rangers (0) 2
Team: Nigel Piper, Matthew Caughley, Ken Blucher, Daniel Diggins, Duncan White, Stuart Fitzpatrick, Dave Jacobson, Tim Spackman (Brian Bullen 82 min), Allan Taylor, Francis Glover (Tatsuki Endo 45 min), Matt Cantwell
Subs: Not used - Braden Upjohn, Jon Mann, Warwick Smith

Miramar: Starting line-up: Sacha Nathu, Michael Eager, Matthew West, Michael Woodside, Jamie Farrington, Tim Butterfield, Matthew Keane, Michelle Zanotto, Miguel Palma, Wiremu Patrick, Chris Thompson
Subs used: Jean-Pierre Hassan, Chris Peck

SHOCK RESULT - a 3-2 win to North Wellington!! Read on ...

An historic day for the North Wellington club in the Chatham Cup in hosting the current cup holders, Miramar Rangers, who play in the higher-ranked Central Premier league, as this was the first time since the North Wellington club was formed in 1972 that we have played a Chatham Cup game against the current cup holders.
With coach Craig Hopkins away from Wellington this weekend the coaching duties were undertaken by assistant coach Garry Hepburn. The team selection in midfield was a vexed decision given the continued injuries to midfielders Darren Lee, Joe Harris and Brendon Cross and fellow regular midfielder Theo Deen still away. Jacobson, an ex-Premier team regular, was called up from the Masters team to play in a defensive central position. Jacobson's teammates from the club's Masters team Blucher and Cantwell provided an experienced central role running through the North Wellington team. Fitzpatrick, captaining the side, was able to operate in his normal central role but on a more adventurous assignment given Jacobson's position. The five-man midfield saw White on the left side and Taylor on the right side.
An earlier kick-off, 2pm, than for league games due to the cup game requirement in place this season to play a full 30 extra-time period, if required, so with winter fast approaching considerations need to be given to the prevailing light. An overcast day at Alex Moore Park with the cloud hanging above but the rain held off throughout the game with the pitch still in fair condition despite the heavy rain from the previous night. (The rain being so heavy that on game morning Hepburn did some sterling work pre-game in repainting the white lines that had been washed out. Give that man a DB?!)

The first half action and comments in this report are limited and based upon various sources since the reviewer was involved in an earlier game across town, but the only goal of the half came in the 26th minute when Cantwell drove in a free-kick towards the Miramar goal, which took a slight deflection off Diggins to beat keeper Nathu. (The referee did though record this goal to Cantwell, however all reports given by the players afterwards confirmed Diggins did get the final touch to the shot, so the club will record this goal for Diggins) 1-0 North Wellington.
Just over five minutes later and midfielder Spackman was felled in a challenge by Miramar's Palma with the referee issuing a red card immediately, to leave Miramar with 10 players for the remaining hour of play.

Halftime 1-0 North Wellington. Substitution made with Glover replaced by Endo as striker to play alongside Cantwell. Match programmes of 100 in quantity just sufficient for the crowd which assembled mostly in the north-west corner of the ground.

The opening minutes of the second half was a cautious affair for both sides, North Wellington mindful not to concede an early initiative to their higher-ranked opponents and Miramar, a player down, not keen to push numbers forward too early. But things can change quickly in the game.
In the 54th minute Fitzpatrick received the ball centrally out from goal and jinked on to his 'alleged weaker' left foot before striking a superb curling shot that flew high past the despairing dive of Nathu to the keeper's right into the top corner of the goal. A fine effort, spectators post-game who were behind the goal marvelled at the strike. Excited scenes on the North Wellington bench. 2-0 North Wellington.
The old adage of 'being most vulnerable when you've just scored' came through only two minutes later though as Miramar struck back in the 56th minute. Midfielder Tim Butterfield, from the Team Wellington NZFC franchise, pounced on a rare loose ball that eluded North Wellington's central defence and bore down on Diggins with a teammate free on his left, before powering on and driving a low left-foot shot from 15 metres back across Piper and inside the far post. 2-1 North Wellington.
A minute later though and a fine piece of football from both sides as Fitzpatrick broke down the right flank before delivering a cross which Miramar headed out some 22 metres centrally out from goal with the ball met superbly by Jacobson with a side volley that required a fine diving save by Nathu to his right with the rebound being met by Endo with a stretching header that lobbed back over Nathu and just over the goal. (An outstanding technically executed shot and save).
Still not much time to draw breath on the sidelines or on the field before more scoring action in the 60th minute, a ball played from the North Wellington defence down the left flank found Cantwell in space on the left-wing touchline with the striker deftly playing an inside ball for Spackman to run on to. With the Miramar defence struggling to get numbers back in retreat the midfielder slipped forward a well-weighted pass in the inside left channel for Endo to chase on to with the substitute striker driving a firm low right-footed shot past Nathu from 15 metres. Some more emotion from the home crowd and the North Wellington bench. 3-1 North Wellington.
A difficult dilemma for Miramar now, down a man and two goals, as to their strategy with 30 minutes of regular time left. Defensively they went to man marking with even keeper Nathu becoming a fill-in sweeper to defuse some of the North Wellington counter-attacks.
In the 64th minute Taylor made a strong burst down the right flank before delivering a low diagonal cross which skimmed off the turf with Nathu coming out to smother low down just inside the penalty area ahead of the closing Cantwell. A minute later and the striker had a chance as a 2-on-2 situation developed on halfway with fellow striker Endo being released however his angled left-foot shot sliced wide from goal.
Cantwell, although tiring through a groin strain, continued to make a valuable 'on-ball' contribution though as he drew in Miramar defenders before releasing a pass, such an effort occurred in the 71st minute when he beat one player before finding Fitzpatrick unmarked in a central position however the captain could not repeat his earlier strike and sliced a right-foot 20 metre shot wide.
Defensively North Wellington looked solid in this period, Blucher winning the majority of challenges in the central defensive region, Piper in goal not being tested by Miramar shots and Diggins and Caughley closing quickly on their attackers when on the ball. Diggins made a well-judged tackle in the 74th minute to deny a good shooting chance, two minutes later and Butterfield shot wide under pressure from a challenge after a Miramar right-wing cross was not cleared.
Taylor was able to find more space down the right flank in the 77th minute before crossing beyond to the far post where Fitzpatrick, who was covering plenty of territory throughout the game, headed back across goal to Miramar keeper Nathu. Moments later and as Miramar pushed forward again a counter-attack ended with Endo finding the side-netting with his shot from the left flank. Play then swung up towards the North Wellington goal and Butterfield skirted past Jacobson on an angled run inside the penalty area with his cut back across goal somehow going through the legs of a Miramar teammate with the goal inviting. A narrow escape for the home side and relief on the North Wellington bench.
A substitution in midfield saw Spackman, having played a valued role in limiting Butterfield in the second half, replaced by the experienced Bullen. A Jacobson corner in the 83rd minute was floated deep across the penalty area with Nathu making a valiant attempt to challenge for the ball however a teammate headed out towards an unmarked Taylor to strike a left-footed 25 metre shot well over the crossbar with two defenders back protecting the Miramar goal. Two minutes later and with Miramar flooding the North Wellington penalty area with players, Caughley lunged in and mis-tackled an opponent to concede a penalty. Butterfield stepped forward to strike a firm shot to Piper's left beyond the keepers dive. 3-2 North Wellington.
So five minutes left against the cup holders, who are a player down, and one goal in it. Good cup stuff. One good chance was to come in this time for Miramar, in the 87th minute, with a full-on attack and players forward, Hassan received a rebound inside the penalty area and jinked past Caughley who looked to block a possible shot, with the striker then having an angled 8 metre left-footed shot to place past the advancing Piper but drove his effort into the side-netting. Collective relief on the North Wellington bench.
The final moments saw two Miramar players receive yellow cards, both for tackles on firstly Fitzpatrick and then Endo as North Wellington were on counter-attacks. In the second incident in the dying seconds of the match, West earned his second yellow card for the match and Miramar ended with only 9 players.
The final whistle saw a great rush of players and spectators into the middle of the pitch. Delight all round for the North Wellington team with a photographer from the local paper, Independent Herald, there to catch a post-match squad photo.

Miramar Rangers kindly brought the Chatham Cup to the North Wellington clubrooms following the match!!

This was a superb gesture made by Bruce Cullen, chairman of Miramar Rangers and the North Wellington club expresses its gratitude at such an act. The opportunity to look at, touch or have their photo taken with the cup (once the North Wellington club colours were taken off it!) were well welcomed by club members. In addition the Miramar coach Jose Quijada was most generous in his after-match comments singling out Cantwell's performance for North Wellington. The Miramar players, especially Butterfield and Farrington, were also magnanimous in defeat and should be congratulated for that despite the circumstances of bowing out in their first cup 'defence' against an opponent in North Wellington who were described in the local Wellington newspaper, the Dominion Post as 'overwhelming underdogs' in their preview of this match.

It is no understatement to describe this was one of the most memorable games in the club's history, the opportunity to play against the current holders of the Chatham Cup was a thrill and challenge but developed into an absorbing, and ultimately successful, all-round team performance from the North Wellington team which contained a fair mix of youth, guile and experience. One of the largest home crowds in many years was present to witness this event, totalling around 100 and included many past or life members of the club.

The draw for the 3rd round of the Chatham Cup was held on 23rd May 2005 (with the games to be held 10th-12th June 2005). North Wellington have drawn a home game against Naenae, who play in the lower-ranked Capital One league. The other local matches are Upper Hutt City v Lower Hutt City and Western Suburbs v Olympic.
Next weekend the Premier team return to league action with their 8th round league game against second-placed Island Bay United at Alex Moore Park, kickoff 2.30pm.

Reviewed by Warwick Smith (a long review!! - but quite a game) and added to website on 22nd May 2005 - please note the disclaimer on home page

Men's 1st team - Capital Premier League - Kilbirnie Park - 14th May 2005

Result: Marist (1) 1 North Wellington (0) 1
Team: Nigel Piper, Matthew Caughley, Ken Blucher, Daniel Diggins, Duncan White, Stuart Fitzpatrick, Tim Spackman, Craig Hopkins (Brian Bullen 66 min), Allan Taylor (Braden Upjohn 88 min), Francis Glover (Tatsuki Endo 78 min), Matt Cantwell
Subs: All used

The Premier team returned to league action and gained a point with a solid second-half performance from their away trip to Marist, just above them in the Capital Premier league table after their opening six games. Although overhead fine conditions, a strong northerly wind favouring Marist in the first half combined with a bouncy and uneven Kilbirnie Park pitch (as per last season) made cohesive play difficult.
For North Wellington, injuries to regulars Cross, Harris and Mann coupled with the unavailability of Lee and Deen necessitated changes from coach Hopkins. Masters team regulars Blucher and Cantwell came in as central defender and striker respectively, Cantwell making his league debut for the Premier team (at just over 41 years and 6 months - surely a club record!).
Although Cantwell had the ball in the Marist net early on it was ruled out for offside. Marist scored in the 20th minute, a firm 35 metre shot from midfielder Matt Carnihan with the benefit of the strong north-westerly wind flying over Piper.
Halftime 1-0 Marist. No substitutions.

Playing with the gusty wind North Wellington were able in the second half to assert some territorial dominance to the play. In the 48th minute Fitzpatrick slipped a right-flank ball through the Marist defence with Glover being denied by the keeper diving at his feet to win the ball as the young striker chased on to meet the pass. Eight minutes later and Glover again had a glimpse of goal as White lobbed in a deep cross from the left flank that Glover ran on to but glanced his attempted volley from 15 metres wide of goal. Bullen made his league debut for the 2005 season replacing Hopkins in central midfield.
Fitzpatrick worked industriously in central midfield, chasing back well to win possession and stymie any Marist advances through midfield. As the second half wore on North Wellington were able to push their defenders forward in support with Diggins able to swing in two crosses into the Marist penalty area. In the 76th minute Glover was fouled some 25 metres out in front of goal with Cantwell chipping the free-kick goalwards but the ball was held by the Marist keeper under the crossbar. On a rare Marist break in the 79th minute White, backtracking with his marker towards goal, was adjudged to have impended his opponent however the Marist free-kick just outside the penalty area was blocked by the North Wellington defence.
North Wellington's territorial dominance in the second half was finally rewarded in the 83rd minute, as Marist cleared out to Blucher on the right flank with the defender lobbing a ball back into the Marist penalty area with a defender's attempted clearance striking White and rebounding back to an unmarked Endo, eight metres out from goal, with the striker turning and striking a low left-foot shot home having only been substituted on as striker just minutes earlier. 1-1.
With three minutes left Endo delivered a fine crossfield pass from the right side of halfway allowing Cantwell to control and turn inside a defender with his attempted shot blocked and the rebound falling to a supporting Spackman, however the midfielder's left-foot shot from 10 metres was underhit and easily saved by the Marist keeper.

Next weekend the Premier team host Miramar Rangers, from the higher-ranked Central Premier league, in the 2nd round of the 2005 Chatham Cup. An historic day for the North Wellington club as it will be the first time they have played a cup game against the defending cup holders (In the 2004 Chatham Cup Final Miramar Rangers defeated Waitakere United 1-0 after extra-time).

Reviewed by Warwick Smith and added to website on 15th May 2005 - please note the disclaimer on home page

Men's 1st team - Chatham Cup 1st Round - Weka Road Park - 7th May 2005

Result: Kapiti Coast United (0) 1 North Wellington (2) 2
Team: Nigel Piper, Matthew Caughley, Ken Blucher, Daniel Diggins, Duncan White, Stuart Fitzpatrick, Joe Harris, Tim Spackman, Braden Upjohn (Brian Bullen 70 min), Francis Glover, Matt Cantwell
Subs: Not used - Craig Hopkins, Garry Hepburn

NWAFC travelled to Capital 1 side Kapiti Coast United for their Chatham Cup 1st Round game on Saturday.
Coaches Hopkins and Hepburn were forced to change the lineup during the week with the key losses of Lee, Deen, Endo, Cross and Mann causing a reshuffled lineup that had Ken Blucher and goalscoring legend Matt Cantwell coming into the side. (Both players from the club's Masters team, Cantwell making his debut for the club's Premier team after past years with Stop Out at National League level - quite handy!)

The match was played in good conditions on a firm Weka Road ground buoyed on by a good crowd with strong representation from supporters of both clubs.
Kapiti perhaps started the stronger of the two teams and used a fast break effectively on a number of occasions to expose the North Wellington defence. A 25 yard shot was put over the crossbar by Piper in goal from a defensive mistake that allowed a Kapiti forward a direct run on to goal. The match was only 10 minutes old when a break down the right hand side was laid on to Duncan White to delivered an excellent far post cross that Matt Cantwell did well to rise to and place the ball across the keeper into the net for a 1-0 lead. Only minutes later Cantwell again, this time from only 3 yards managed to poke a goalbound shot into the net from a goalmouth scramble to make it 2-0 to North Wellington.
The match was a good spectacle with both teams playing attractive football and creating a number of half chances that never eventuated into anything more.
Kapiti came into the game for the last 20 minutes of the first half and forced a number of attacking corners in which they were unlucky not to pierce the usually reliable North Wellington defence. North Wellington rode their luck and went into the half-time break with the two goal advantage.
Kapiti changed their formation in the second half with Stu Neal coming on at the back which was an inspired decision. The game seemed to fall more to Kapiti with Neal running in the ball from defence on several occasions and in doing so creating space down, in particular, their right hand flank. A series of crosses and corners never really tested North Wellington but Kapiti dominated possession for much of the second half.
North Wellington brought on an ageing Bullen in centre midfield to replace Upjohn, with the excellent Spackman moving to wide midfield. (Bullen, former coach of the Premier team and the club's all-time top league appearance holder, was returning to game action for the first time this season)
Another excellent substitution was made by Kapiti with ex-North Wellington player Tony 'Metal' Meinen coming on to torment the North Wellington defence. Meinen missed what proved to a critical chance when he ghosted away brilliantly from Blucher to miss from only 3 yards when it was easier to score. Blucher was booked for a hard tackle on Meinen a few minutes later when Meinen was again looking to break. A right wing corner in the 83rd minute was punched by Piper to a Kapiti player on the edge of the box who shot under Fitzpatrick's foot who was on the line. 2-1 North Wellington.
The last 5 minutes was frantic and classic cup action with Kapiti having all the momentum and North Wellington desperately trying to preserve their slender grip on the game. Another series of corners by Kapiti created goalmouth frenzies in which a Kapiti player and goalkeeper Piper were booked for unsporting behaviour. The game finished moments later with North Wellington just holding on and moving on the next round of the Cup.
The typical Cup match was played in generally good spirits with an excellent referee who allowed the game to flow throughout. Coach Hopkins would be delighted with the win and the 2 goals from Cantwell excellent poachers goals.
The draw for the 2nd round will be held on 9th May 2005 with the games to be played on Saturday 21st May 2005.

Reviewed by Nigel Piper (thanks Nigel) and added to website on 9th May 2005 - please note the disclaimer on home page

Men's 1st team - Capital Premier league - Alex Moore Park - 30th April 2005

Result: North Wellington (0) 0 Upper Hutt City (0) 1
Team: Nigel Piper, Matthew Caughley, Daniel Diggins, Allan Taylor, Duncan White, Stuart Fitzpatrick, Philip Barton (Craig Hopkins 52 min), Tim Spackman (Braden Upjohn 70 min), Joe Harris, Jon Mann, Francis Glover
Subs: Not used - Warwick Smith

The Premier team stumbled to a disappointing 1-0 loss against an Upper Hutt City side which had entered the game in last place having lost its opening five games. In cool overcast conditions on Alex Moore Park, coach Hopkins had some enforced changes to his regular line-up with Deen and Endo unavailable and Cross injured. Just prior to kickoff and Lee was withdrawn due to illness, with Barton coming on in midfield. Glover made his league debut for the Premier team as striker alongside Mann.
An early chance for the home side with White striking narrowly wide. The next twenty minutes were reasonably uneventful as midfield exchanges dominated the play and few cohesive attacking moves were constructed. In the 30th minute Barton's free-kick from the right-flank curled in with the north-westerly wind and the Upper Hutt central defenders were able to scramble clear for a corner. The visitors broke quickly downfield and a through pass allowed an attacker in on goal but his effort from the left side of the penalty area sliced well wide of goal.
A loose pass out of the North Wellington defence in the 37th minute was seized upon with Upper Hutt switching play to their left side however a goalbound 15 metre shot was blocked by midfielder Fitzpatrick, with the same player then furnishing a chance a minute later as he glided through on the right side of the penalty area before driving a firm shot straight to Upper Hutt keeper Ryan Sandford.
Shortly before the break Barton chased back to effect a tackle however earned a yellow card for his attempt.
Halftime 0-0. No substitutions.

An earnest half-time team talk sparked the home side shortly after the resumption with White finding space just outside the penalty area with his floated shot narrowly clearing the crossbar. Barton made a bursting run past two defenders but was closed down before he could release a shot, shortly afterwards he was replaced by Hopkins in midfield. In the 54th minute Upper Hutt broke down the right flank with a deep cross being headed back goalwards with Diggins then heading clear to the edge of the penalty area. Upper Hutt midfielder Grahame Williams was first to the ball, controlled and then volleyed a 20 metre shot which was heading towards keeper Piper, however it flicked off Taylor's head and into the roof of the North Wellington goal. 1-0 Upper Hutt.
Stung by this setback the home side rallied with a good chance created six minutes later when Mann ran on in space down the right flank with a cross inside to find a diving Glover, however the headed effort from eight metres flashed past the far post. Upper Hutt's midfield began to pick up their intensity and worked hard to stymie the North Wellington efforts in this area.
Fitzpatrick created a similar shooting chance to his first-half effort when in the 69th minute he intercepted a deflected clearance, played the ball through a defenders leg, but drove his angled 20 metre drive wide of the near post. The visitors continued to look threatening on the counter-attack, especially down their right flank with such a foray forcing Hopkins back to challenge a threatening attacker looking to meet a cross at the far post in the 73rd minute. Hopkins then received a yellow card four minutes later for verbal dissent.
Another good half-chance for North Wellington in the 81st minute after Hopkins lobbed a ball through from halfway for White to meet and glance on with a header and Mann charged forward on the left side of the penalty area with his sidefooted right-foot shot clearing the crossbar from 12 metres out. Two misdirected defensive passes from the normally reliable Caughley gave Upper Hutt a brief glimmer of a welcome second goal but were tidied up by the North Wellington rearguard. Late frustration saw Fitzpatrick become the third North Wellington player to receive a yellow card in the match with the Upper Hutt players pleased to hear the final whistle and record their first points of the season. A disjointed performance from North Wellington with several half-chances created however Upper Hutt keeper Sandford was not extended at these times. North Wellington remain in eighth place however Upper Hutt are now just one point behind them.
Next weekend the Premier team have a break from league action and will contest the 1st round of the 2005 Chatham Cup with an away game at Raumati against Kapiti Coast United from the lower Capital One league.

Reviewed by Warwick Smith and added to website on 1st May 2005 - please note the disclaimer on home page

Men's 1st team - Capital Premier league - Petone Memorial Park - 25th April 2005

Result: Petone (0) 2 North Wellington (1) 1
Team: Nigel Piper, Matthew Caughley, Daniel Diggins, Allan Taylor, Duncan White (Tatsuki Endo 71 min), Stuart Fitzpatrick, Darren Lee, Theo Deen, Tim Spackman (Chris Gibling 79 min), Joe Harris, Jon Mann (Braden Upjohn 85 min)
Subs: Not used - Craig Hopkins, Warwick Smith

Petone: From - Stu Duggan, Sam Buckle, Tim Oughton, David Lane, Chris Sambrooke, Brendan May, Moritz Terlau, Jonathan Winkworth, Ben Hall, Rowan McCullough, Mario Kovac

An ANZAC Day fixture against Petone for the Premier team on a cold rainy afternoon ended with a 2-1 loss after having taken the lead shortly before halftime. From the Saturday game against University, this Monday game starting line-up saw one enforced change by coach Hopkins with Cross injured and replaced by Taylor in defence.
Petone fielded ex-North Wellington player Jonathan Winkworth in their centre midfield and his match-up with Fitzpatrick was well contested during this match. In the 11th minute a shooting chance for Deen from a centrally placed free-kick after a Petone defender handled, however the 30 metre shot speared wide of the Petone goal. Some good commitment to that unenviable task of tracking back and putting in some defensive challenges was well typified early on by striker Mann and defender Taylor as in separate incidents they assisted in the defensive cause.
After 20 minutes Harris drove in a right-wing corner deep which was met with a firm header by Lee that flew wide from eight metres. Petone had their first serious chance two minutes later from a left-wing corner which was met with a goalbound header but rebounded off another attacker in front of goal and was scrambled clear by Diggins and then Fitzpatrick. Through the first half Petone displayed some attacking potency from their corners with Piper and the central defenders well employed to clear from the goal area.
Midway through the first half and the rain which had been sporadic prior to kick-off started to fall in heavy doses. North Wellington struggled to retain possession in passing through midfield with Petone beginning to assert territorial dominance. In the 31st minute Mann displayed good close control on the edge of the penalty area and made space before striking a chipped effort high towards goal that the Petone keeper gathered well under pressure from Harris.
Five minutes later and a goal when from a Petone defensive clearance Diggins ran forward with his marker to win a challenge inside the Petone half with the ball breaking through to Harris. The striker was able to retain possession before releasing an unmarked Diggins wide on the right side with the defender able to elude a defending challenge before driving a low cross in across goal that Lee flicked on with his head on to a covering defender with the ball then deflecting at a right angle past the wrongfooted Petone keeper inside the near post. An own goal, North Wellington's second such effort in their opening five games. 1-0 North Wellington.
Petone came close to netting an equaliser shortly afterwards as in the 39th minute Winkworth found space centrally before passing right to a teammate to cross into the goal area with Piper punching the ball out to be met by a Petone attacker who drove a firm 18 metre shot goalwards but straight to Piper who was able to tip the ball over the crossbar.
Halftime 1-0 North Wellington. No substitutions. Rain still falling so both teams escaped inside to the dressing rooms.

A bright start for the Premier team in the opening moments after the break with Mann sparking a break through the centre which the Petone defence scrambled to clear. Sadly though for North Wellington this was one of the few attacking chances to occur in the second half as Petone gradually took over control of the possession and territory. In the 49th minute Winkworth ran through and past a challenge by Deen before driving an angled 18 metre shot that Piper, advancing well out from the goalline, blocked with Petone unable to profit from the rebound. Gradually the Petone pressure built up in the North Wellington half with Fitzpatrick and Caughley in particular being stand-out performers to limit the Petone attacks.
Reward though for the home side in the 66th minute when the ball was switching diagonally from the right side near halfway across to the left flank, with a testing cross deep into the penalty area being brought down by an advancing attacker with the ball being squeezed past Piper from eight metres as Taylor and Caughley converged in the challenge. 1-1.
Winkworth was instrumental in creating a good chance just four minutes after the equaliser with a run to the edge of the penalty area before passing left to a teammate who sidefooted an effort that Piper blocked before the rebound was driven back low by the same attacker to the recovering keeper. Diggins earned his second yellow card in two matches in the 73rd minute for handling a driven right-flank cross with referee Stu Bullen (an ex-North Wellington player and coach at the club) awarding the free-kick near the right-wing corner. Petone's effort was struck deep to an unmarked Winkworth with his shot across goal skimming past players and the far post.
Persistence paid off for Petone in the 76th minute with a right wing cross to the far post being met by an attacker ahead of Spackman with a deft inside pass to an unchallenged teammate six metres out in front of goal for a simple finish. 2-1 Petone.
Late substitutions for North Wellington in an effort to inject energy through their wide midfield, with Gibling making his debut for the Premier team, however Petone had one more good effort in the 82nd minute with Piper beating away a tightly angled shot destined to sneak inside his near post. With time almost up North Wellington did win a corner, their only one of the half from memory, which Harris delivered in and the Petone keeper was forced into his only serious block of the second half and punched clear with the final whistle going as Taylor struck his following shot wide from 20 metres.
After a good first half display North Wellington were outplayed by Petone in the second half and failed to string together many cohesive passing moves to clear their own half. They remain in 8th place, still four points clear of both Upper Hutt City and University who also lost today. Next weekend they host Upper Hutt City at Alex Moore Park.

Reviewed by Warwick Smith and added to website on 25th April 2005 - please note the disclaimer on home page

Men's 1st team - Capital Premier league - Alex Moore Park - 23rd April 2005

Result: North Wellington (0) 1 University (0) 0
Team: Nigel Piper, Matthew Caughley, Daniel Diggins, Brendon Cross (Tatsuki Endo 83 min), Duncan White, Stuart Fitzpatrick, Darren Lee, Theo Deen, Tim Spackman, Joe Harris, Jon Mann
Subs: Not used - Chris Gibling, Craig Hopkins

University: From - Dean Yarrall, Kristian Miles, Gary Hewson, Michael Green, Lloyd Davies, Simon Mehl, Julian Ashby, Bas Van Est, Steve Carlin, Shane Neilsen, Shane Medland

The Premier team secured their first win of the 2005 league season in their fourth outing against University with a narrow but well-earned 1-0 win, leaving University with their fourth straight loss of the season. Cloudy overcast and cool conditions at Alex Moore Park with the pitch still in good order. Coach Hopkins made a positional switch in placing captain Fitzpatrick in central midfield, White returning from injury went to left midfield and Cross dropped back into defence. Harris moved from his midfield role to striker, accompanying Mann, with Endo moved to substitute.
The opening period was a 'settling-in' one for both sides with little action in either penalty area. In the 27th minute a defensive clearance from University deflected into Mann's path and the striker drove a low right flank ball across the goal box with White just beaten to the ball by a covering defender. Two minutes later and a University right-wing corner was delivered in with Piper punching clear as he was knocked to the ground and with play continuing Diggins blocked a close-range shot from the resultant action.
On the counter attack University looked useful in their intent and created a good chance in the 32nd minute as a quick central move left Caughley alone with an attacking striker with the 18 metre shot blocked by the defender, although the rebound fell invitingly for a second attacker to attempt a shot which Cross then blocked and finally a 20 metre shot was chipped straight to Piper. Only moments later and Diggins made a rare forward move in general play and floated in a right-flank ball which Deen met with a firm header that University keeper Yarrall tipped over the crossbar.
University's propensity to play the offside trap was nearly underdone by the home side in the 38th minute with Mann making a diagonal run near halfway before slipping a through pass down the left side for White to run in unchallenged on goal however his attempted placed shot was blocked by Yarrall. A North Wellington right-wing corner minutes later taken by Cross found an unmarked Deen with his headed attempt spearing wide of the near post from eight metres. Close to halftime and again Mann almost linked up with White as a right-wing ball narrowly escaped the midfielders goalbound lunge close to goal.
Halftime 0-0. No substitutions.

As with the first half, the early action in the second half showed little signs of a good goal-scoring chance. In the 64th minute University again broke on the counter-attack which ended with an adventurous attempt from just inside halfway with a firmly lobbed shot, struck with the prevailing north-westerly wind, dropping over Piper but well wide of the goal. A minute later and after Spackman and Fitzpatrick had linked passes down the right-flank, Fitzpatrick passed back towards the right touchline still well away from the penalty area to midfielder Lee who struck a high lobbed cross which carried up towards goal and with the testing winds dropped over Yarrall and into the goal. Lee's tenth career league goal for the club's Premier team. 1-0 North Wellington.
An unexpected lead for the home side given the sparcity of attacking opportunities in the early part of the second half. University's main attacking threat came from their blond-haired striker who harried Diggins and Caughley throughout the game. North Wellington needed a 72nd minute point-blank save by Piper from a University left-wing corner to preserve this advantage as University seeked to stem their losing start to the season. Diggins rightfully earned a yellow card in the 74th minute as he challenged studs-first, the resulting free-kick taken 30 metres and chipped into the goal box with Piper punching the ball downwards and a following University goalbound strike being blocked by Lee.
As University pressed for an equaliser a few late chances for North Wellington with White finding good space outside the penalty area in the 80th minute before striking his angled chip just over the far post. Endo, on as a late substitute, then ran on to a through ball in the 87th minute however dragged his angled 18 metre shot wide of the far post.
The win for North Wellington still leaves them in eighth place in the ten-team Capital Premier league, however they now have four points with the two teams below them, Upper Hutt City and University both having no points. On Anzac Day, Monday, the Premier team travel away to play Petone.

Reviewed by Warwick Smith and added to website on 24th April 2005 - please note the disclaimer on home page

Men's 1st team - Capital Premier league - Alex Moore Park - 16th April 2005

Result: North Wellington (0) 1 Brooklyn Northern United (1) 5
Team: Nigel Piper, Stuart Fitzpatrick, Matthew Caughley, Daniel Diggins, Brendon Cross (Braden Upjohn 75 min), Darren Lee (Gary Nkhasi 67 min), Allan Taylor, Theo Deen, Joe Harris, Jon Mann, Tatsuki Endo
Subs: Not used - Craig Hopkins

Brooklyn: Starting line-up - Steve Dimarco, Matt Kelly, Nick Thompson, Matt Dillon, Ben Greer, Chris Sperring, Paul O'Callaghan, Leyton Haddleton, Andrew Singleton, Sandy Aitchison, Dave Perry

This game had been originally scheduled for Brooklyn's home ground of Wakefield Park, however a late venue change saw this game played as a home game for Brooklyn Northern at the home ground, Alex Moore Park, of North Wellington. The return fixture scheduled for 25th June will be played as a home game for North Wellington at Alex Moore Park.

A stunning 9 minute period in this match, from the 53rd to the 62nd minutes saw Brooklyn Northern score five (YES, FIVE ) goals (the first of these being a own goal!) to dramatically and emphatically take victory over North Wellington after a keenly contested first half with few scoring chances which had ended with Brooklyn Northern holding a slim 1-0 lead.
North Wellington coach Craig Hopkins made one change from last weekend, with Taylor in midfield for the unavailable Powell. Good playing conditions on Alex Moore Park with the wind barely registering and bright sunshine. North Wellington club members were pleased to see the return to the sideline of life members Don and Dulcie Stone, along with Tom Fothergill and Jimmy Herd, and ex-club Treasurer Lindley Smith back visiting from the UK.
In pleasant cal conditions Brooklyn opened the scoring in the 29th minute from a disputed corner which was half-cleared by the North Wellington defence to the edge of the penalty area for Haddleton to drive a shot home. 1-0 Brooklyn.
Almost a second goal, just four minutes later, as Singleton ran on to a through ball in the inside left channel and diverted the ball through Piper's legs but into the side netting.
Halftime 1-0 Brooklyn. No substitutions.

The visitors began the second half strongly and within the opening two minutes fashioned out good chances, with firstly a right-wing corner cleared out by the North Wellington defence but a low driven shot was flicked on past Piper with Fitzpatrick clearing off the goalline and then Piper tipped over a header from six metres.
An equalising goal came in a surprising manner, in the 53rd minute Deen flicked on a Diggins throw-in from near halfway and Cross ran on down the right flank and delivered a high dipping cross that Brooklyn defender Aitchison reached unchallenged but stretching forward managed to deftly glance the ball inside his near post from eight metres. 1-1.
However any joy on the North Wellington bench was shortly lived as only seconds later from the kick-off Brooklyn broke down the left flank with Matt Kelly delivering a cross that was headed on by Singleton with the ball dropping into the far corner of the North Wellington goal. 2-1 Brooklyn.
North Wellington seemed to lose their direction in the next short spell and were punished further in the 59th minute with a through ball allowing Haddleton away to run on goal centrally with a firm low left-footed shot from the edge of the penalty area capping off the move. 3-1 Brooklyn.
Again just a minute later and Haddleton broke away down the right side of the North Wellington penalty area and squared a fine pass across the goal box allowing Singleton an easy tap-in. 4-1 Brooklyn.
Further misery for the home side, only two minutes later, with a free-kick conceded 22 metres out in front of goal and North Wellington lining up a five-man well which was well defeated by a fine shot from midfielder O'Callaghan that flew high inside Piper's left-hand post. 5-1 Brooklyn.
This goalscoring flurry ended the contest in the 62nd minute and the remaining match was contained within the midfield as North Wellington sought to redress the imbalance. Upjohn made a late substitution appearance, his debut for the Premier team, in left midfield. In the 86th minute Mann drove a crossfield pass from the left flank that had Nkhasi in on a 1-on-1 situation with the last defender however the ball was cleared for a right-wing corner which when taken by Mann was glanced narrowly wide of the far post by Diggins.
Next weekend the Premier team host University. University have lost their opening three games in the league and are currently in last place.

Reviewed by Warwick Smith and added to website on 17th April 2005 - please note the disclaimer on home page

Men's 1st team - Capital Premier league - Redwood Park - 9th April 2005

Result: Tawa (0) 0 North Wellington (0) 0
Team: Nigel Piper, Stuart Fitzpatrick, Matthew Caughley, Daniel Diggins (Craig Hopkins 70 min), Brendon Cross, Darren Lee (Allan Taylor 45 min), Theo Deen, Joe Harris, Jon Mann, Tatsuki Endo, Gareth Powell (Gary Nkhasi 65 min)
Subs: All used

The Premier team secured their first point of their 2005 Capital Premier league campaign with a keenly contested 0-0 draw with close neighbours Tawa. Tawa were reduced to ten men shortly before halftime following a second yellow card issued to the same player.
Lee was injured before the break and replaced in midfield by Taylor. Coach Hopkins replaced an injured Diggins and made his 50th league first-team appearance for the club. No clear-cut chances were created although Deen and Harris had limited opportunities to score from midfield.
Next weekend the Premier team travel away to play Brooklyn Northern United who were comprehensively defeated 6-0 by Waterside Karori today.

Reviewed by Warwick Smith (with assistance from the players) and added to website on 10th April 2005 - please note the disclaimer on home page

Men's 1st team - Capital Premier league - Alex Moore Park - 2nd April 2005

Result: North Wellington (1) 1 Stop Out (1) 2
Team: Nigel Piper, Stuart Fitzpatrick, Matthew Caughley, Daniel Diggins, Brendon Cross (Allan Taylor 60 min), Darren Lee, Theo Deen, Joe Harris, Duncan White, Jon Mann, Tatsuki Endo (Gareth Powell 73 min)
Subs: Not used - Braden Upjohn, Craig Hopkins

The North Wellington club and its home ground of Alex Moore Park welcomed back Capital Premier league football after an enforced break in the Capital One league since the end of the 2000 season. So back came the spectator rope needed for a Premier league game to hold back the crowd, not a bad one for a first game - at least 50 people. Also good to see some of the club life members back to watch the Premier team, namely Barry Wellbelove, John Barrett, Jimmy Herd and Tom Fothergill along with ex-Committee member Derek Bullen (father of Brian and Stu).
Coach Craig Hopkins, assisted by Garry Hepburn, selected a 3-5-2 formation with the now-established central trio of Harris, Deen and Lee patrolling the midfield. Strikers Mann and Endo making their club league debuts. Calm overhead conditions with solid cloud cover and a pitch in good order, aside from a couple of holes still present from the softball season.

The visiting Stop Out side, coaching by ex-North Wellington coach (1981) Mike Holmwood, was emboldened with several off-season 'signings', including ex-National league striker Dion Bartosh and ex-Team Wellington player Wayne Rooker in midfield. An early chance for the visitors in the 12th minute with Bartosh crossing from the right flank with talented left midfielder Andy le Prou striking a first-time volley from 12 metres that goalkeeper Piper deflected away with his feet. Ten minutes later and an incisive through ball delivered by le Prou released Bartosh in on goal, however he lobbed his effort wide of goal with Caughley closing quickly in chase.
After weathering this initial advance, North Wellington took the lead with their first genuine scoring chance. A ball delivered from the right side by Cross in the 25th minute found Endo on the edge of the penalty area with his pass back centrally to Harris being contested by the central midfielder and a Stop Out defender in a genuine 50/50 tackle with Harris prevailing before striking a firm shot that the advancing Stop Out keeper parried back towards Harris who was able to hook the ball over the keeper into the open goal. 1-0 North Wellington.
The game then developed into a tightly contested midfield exchange as both sides struggled in vain to create any decent scoring opportunities. le Prou looked for a penalty as he went to ground with a challenging defender however received only a yellow card. In the 42nd minute defender Diggins was dispossessed near the right-side corner and the ball was squared inside for a close range finish from eight metres by striker Matt Bennett. 1-1.
Halftime 1-1. No substitutions.

No changes necessary for North Wellington given the creditable defensive and midfield showing from the side in the first half. Coach Hopkins emphasising the need for maintaining possession through the midfield. Early second half action saw a 'settling-in' period with neither team threatening goal. Piper needed to be alert in the 55th minute to tip away a firm 25 metre drive that was heading inside his left-hand post. Four minutes later and Lee, heading away from goal on the right side of the penalty area, backheeled the ball to set up Cross with the right midfielder understriking his 15 metre angled shot which was comfortably saved by the Stop Out keeper. The visitors broke quickly upfield and Fitzpatrick proved strong in his shoulder challenge inside the penalty area with play then continuing.
Gradually through the second half Stop Out began to enjoy the better territorial position, although the clogged midfield prevented attacking creation. North Wellington substituted on Powell, a left-sided attacker from Timaru, to make his club league debut.
Stop Out's period of territorial ascendancy gained reward in the 79th minute when a right flank throw-in was taken and a Stop Out attacker flicked the ball upwards on to Diggins' hand inside the penalty area with the referee adjudicating a penalty. Some consternation from the players and coaching bench for the home side (hopefully not a portent of decisions to come) with the penalty being converted by Bennett with a low shot inside Piper's right-hand post. 2-1 Stop Out.
Seemingly content with their lead, Stop Out concentrated their efforts in styming the midfield attacking endeavours of North Wellington to reply. A late chance for the home side in the 86th minute with a right-wing Mann corner delivered deep being headed back across goal by Lee but a covering defender headed away from near the goalline.
A game struggle by North Wellington, their established midfield having a stern examination from their Stop Out adversaries. The striking pairing of Endo and Mann, playing a full game for the first time, will improve as their understanding of each others play develops.
The next league game for the Premier team is on Saturday 9th April, away to Tawa at Redwood Park, a resumption of the keenly-contested 'derby' matches between these northern Wellington suburb clubs. Tawa won their opening match played today, 4-0 away against Upper Hutt City.

Reviewed by Warwick Smith and added to website on 3rd April 2005 - please note the disclaimer on home page

Men's 1st team - Pre-season friendly - Jim Cooke Park - 27th March 2005

Result: North Wellington (0) 0 Kapiti Coast United (0) 1
Team: Warwick Smith, Matthew Caughley, Brendon Cross (Craig Hopkins 70 min), Stuart Fitzpatrick, Gareth Powell (Gary Nkhasi 70 min), Darren Lee, Theo Deen, Joe Harris, Tim Spackman, Tatsuki Endo, Jon Mann*
Subs: Both used - interchange subs were played

The final pre-season friendly game for the Premier team was held at Jim Cooke Park in Waikanae. North Wellington played in a 3-5-2 formation with Endo and Lawrence as strikers. On a small-sized bumpy pitch, constructive play was not easy, however the outing was of good benefit with North Wellington enjoying the better of the midfield exchanges. Kapiti scored the only goal of the game in the 59th minute from a right-wing ball delivered inside the penalty area and met with a firm header at the far post by Lawrence Fay.
The league season commences next Saturday with a revised draw now seeing the Premier team host Stop Out at Alex Moore Park.

Men's 1st team - Pre-season friendly - Petone Memorial Park - 20th March 2005

Result: North Wellington 1 Petone 4
Team: Players used - Nigel Piper, Brendon Cross, Stuart Fitzpatrick, Matthew Caughley, Daniel Diggins, Braden Upjohn, Darren Lee, Craig Hopkins, Tim Spackman, Joe Harris, Jon Mann, Allan Taylor, Duncan White
Subs: Substituted off from starting line-up - Diggins & Mann

A friendly game between North Wellington and Petone, who were a late replacement for Olympic as they were involved in the Hilton-Petone Division One final on the same afternoon. A 4-1 win to Petone with Mann scoring for North Wellington.

Men's 1st team - Hilton-Petone pre-season - Petone Memorial Park - 28th February 2005

Result: North Wellington A (1) 1 Marist A (2) 3
Team: Nigel Piper, Brendon Cross, Stuart Fitzpatrick, Matthew Caughley, Daniel Diggins, Braden Upjohn (Craig Hopkins 67 min), Theo Deen (Tim Spackman 27 min), Joe Harris, Jon Mann, Allan Taylor, Dean Polyanszky (Duncan White 7 min)
Subs: All used

The final game for North Wellington in the pre-season tournament was marked with a one-minute silence before kick-off for ex-club player Shane Ohlen who died in an Army vehicle accident in the Kawerau River, Central Otago last Wednesday.

In pleasant opening conditions on a bumpy No. 2 ground North Wellington coach Hopkins selected a 4-4-2 formation, Upjohn making his debut in left midfield and Taylor and Polyanszky as strikers. A promising start as in the 4th minute central midfielder Deen found space on the right flank to deliver a cross that Taylor headed on for Harris to volley over the crossbar from 12 metres. Polyanszky injured his hamstring stretching for the ball and was replaced by White. Marist's opening shot came in the 14th minute with a low right-footed 15 metre drive struck narrowly wide of the far post.
Five minutes later and after an offside decision against Marist, the first of many, a free-kick taken by goalkeeper Piper was headed on by Harris for Taylor to run on to and strike a low shot from the edge of the penalty area which diverted into goal off the keeper's right-hand post. 1-0 North Wellington.
Marist, champions of the Capital One league that both teams played in last season, began to work their way back into the game and had the better of the closing part of the first half. Central midfielder Neil McDonald showed some nice touches on the ball, able to maintain possession and find support in situations that other players were losing momentum for their team. In the 24th minute a through ball from the left side cut through the North Wellington defence allowing McDonald in on goal however his first effort was blocked by Piper and a following narrow angled shot was also diverted away for a corner.
Deen then suffered a leg injury and was replaced by Spackman who went to right back allowing Cross to move into central midfield. Another incisive Marist through ball in behind the North Wellington defence released Marist left midfielder Mark Crowhurst in centrally towards goal with Spackman in pursuit. Crowhurst controlled well before striking a firm 15 metre shot high into the corner of the goal. 1-1.
Just three minutes later, in the 35th minute, after Diggins had sliced clear to concede a left-wing corner Marist worked a short corner routine which quickly found McDonald inside the penalty area with the midfielder turning his marker before drilling a low 8 metre past Piper inside the near post. 2-1 Marist.
Mann had one of the few goalbound attempts for North Wellington in the 36th minute, striking a 20 metre shot which bounced awkwardly in front of the Marist keeper diving to his right who was able to take the ball on the second attempt. A 43rd minute through ball in behind Fitzpatrick released the Marist centre forward directly in on goal, going round Piper, however his left-footed angled effort from 10 metres into the open goal sliced wide.
Halftime 2-1 Marist. The weather took a nasty turn at the break with rain starting to fall and a noticeable drop in the temperature.

Into the second half and North Wellington's reformed midfield, with Cross moving next to Harris centrally, Upjohn and Mann in the wide positions continued to be presented with a determined Marist opposing line-up with play being dominated between halfway and the edge of the North Wellington penalty area. Having weathered the initial storm from Marist (like the weather in the second half!) a promising move down the left flank in the 59th minute saw Upjohn link with White and passes exchanged back centrally to Mann however a covering tackle blocked this chance. Marist then broke directly downfield and a measured through pass released their striker, substituted on in the second half, to chase on unopposed and with Piper advancing, thread a angled right-foot first-time shot through the keeper's legs. 3-1 Marist.
Continuing their attacking intentions another break past the attempted offside trap in the 63rd minute saw a low right-wing ball cleared away from goal by Diggins. Sadly for Diggins he was to receive a red card ten minutes later, in the 73rd minute, with a challenge near halfway incurring his sending-off, moments after Harris had been strongly brought to ground with his challenger not carded. A player down, North Wellington were unable to prevent further scoring chances with Piper saving an angled effort after an extra attacker was found in the inside left position.
In the 82nd minute another run through found a player flagged for offside with the whistle going however the attacker continued on to kick the ball away into the goal. The 4th occasion during the match that this had occurred from Marist's attackers, however the yellow card that normally follows such actions was not displayed as for the previous 3 offences. A frustration for players in the selective application or otherwise of the rules.
Over the closing minutes Marist were comfortably able to control territorial dominance, with North Wellington not able in the entire second half to force a corner nor strike an effort on goal, the Marist keeper restricted to clearing pass backs from his players and fielding one cross from Mann.

The result confirmed Marist as the runner-up in the group with Olympic A progressing as well to the quarter-final stages. For North Wellington, their next pre-season games are on Sunday 20th March against Olympic and Sunday 27th March against Kapiti Coast United, both friendlies. The league season commences at home, Alex Moore Park, on Saturday 2nd April against Tawa.

Reviewed by Warwick Smith and added to website on 1st March 2005 - please note the disclaimer on home page

Men's 1st team - Hilton-Petone pre-season - Petone Memorial Park - 21st February 2005

Result: North Wellington A (0) 0 Waterside Karori A (1) 1
Team: Nigel Piper, Stuart Fitzpatrick, Matthew Caughley, Allan Taylor, Duncan White (Daniel Diggins 45 min), Darren Lee (Tim Spackman 70 min), Theo Deen, Brendon Cross, Joe Harris, Jon Mann, Dean Polyanszky
Subs: Two used, third player not used

NWAFC played their second game in the Hilton Petone tournament on a pleasant evening with a light cross wind across the ground.
The Wharfies team included a couple of ex-NWAFC players in Liam Kerrisk and Steven Jones. NWAFC went in with a changed formation of 3-5-2 with Brendon Cross and Duncan White, playing for the 1st team after a long injury layoff, playing crucial roles.
Wharfies started the better of the two team with crisp passing and good control. The Wharfies team exposed the flanks on occasions and forced a number of early corners in which one occasion they were unlucky not to score from a powerful header just missing the top corner. In the 20th minute Wharfies took the lead when they created an opportunity down the right flank and crossed a teasing ball into the middle where Piper misjudged and the ball fell invitingly to Kerrisk to score a simple tap in from 5 metres.
From there NWAFC came into the game with some excellent work from Cross and Lee in the middle of the park where the Wharfies defence and midfield were exposed. NWAFC were unlucky not to score on occasions with some desperate clearances and some poor finishing allowing Wharfies to come into the half time break their 1-0 lead intact.
One change at half-time with a grieving Diggins replacing a subdued White.
NWAFC started stronger than Wharfies in the 2nd half which was to be the consistent theme for the rest of the match. NWAFC continued to expose Wharfies who were left floundering for the ball throughout the 2nd half. NWAFC dominated strongly with some excellent defence, in which Caughley was outstanding in marking a frail Kerrisk, and some darting runs from the little general, Fitzpatrick, who dominated the match from start to finish making a number of sterling runs from sweeper into the heart of enemy's territory.
On occasions, Wharfies threatened through Green on the right flank who should have sealed the match with a one-on-one with goalkeeper Piper in the 75th minute, but alas for the striker he failed to convert from the handy location. It was left for NWAFC to dominate the 2nd half but unable to satisfy the hungry crowd by snatching the equaliser that was so thoroughly deserved. Harris, Cross, Lee, and Polyanszky all had opportunities to put their name on the scoresheet but alas it wasn't to be NWAFC's night.
It was left to Wharfies to defend stoutly by means of resolute defence, some good luck, and a fine save from their keeper to deny the NWAFC striker force.
The whistle blew, Wharfies were happy to absorb the pressure and take the win that leaves them handily placed to progress into the 2nd round. NWAFC were left to ponder the missed opportunities but coaches Hopkins and Hepburn would have been well pleased with the commitment, aggression, passing, and fitness shown by the team.
Outstanding for NWAFC was the 'Bag Man' Fitzpatrick, with other stand out performances from Caughley, Lee, and Harris.

Reviewed by Nigel Piper (thanks Nigel) and added to website on 27th February 2005 - please note the disclaimer on home page

Men's 1st team - Hilton-Petone pre-season - Petone Memorial Park - 14th February 2005

Result: North Wellington A (0) 0 Olympic A (3) 5
Team: Nigel Piper, Stuart Fitzpatrick, Matthew Caughley (Craig Hopkins 84 min), Daniel Diggins, Blake Honeyfield (Dean Polyanszky 54 min), Dave Butterfield (Allan Taylor 62 min), Darren Lee, Theo Deen, Brendon Cross, Joe Harris, Jon Mann
Subs: All used

The commencement of the 2005 playing season with the usual pre-season Hilton-Petone tournament saw North Wellington, promoted to the Capital Premier league this season, lose 5-0 to higher-ranked Central Premier league side Olympic A with their striker Kieran Cripps netting four goals.
North Wellington fielded 8 regular players in their starting line-up from last season with Mann, Honeyfield and Butterfield the newcomers. Coached this season by Craig Hopkins, the Reserve team coach for the past two seasons, they played a 4-4-2 formation with Harris and Mann starting as strikers. Olympic fielded 2 ex-North Wellington players with striker Anthony Neonakis and attacking wide midfielder Chas Lawrence starting.
A mild breeze favoured North Wellington in the first half with the game played on a rock-hard No. 1 Petone Memorial ground that was patchy in places.
A positive start for Olympic who although played into the wind first-half controlled the opening quarter and being well rewarded for their attacking endeavour with two goals in the first 11 minutes. In the 7th minute their central midfielder opened the scoring, rising unchallenged from 7 metres to head home a right-wing cross into the far corner past Piper. Three minutes later and after Harris was fouled on halfway, Cross sent in a testing free-kick with the wind that drifted over the Olympic defence however Lee was unable to connect at the far post. Olympic then swept unfield and a left-sided diagonal cross was headed on for Cripps to strike a fine angled drive into the far corner of the North Wellington goal. 2-0 Olympic.
Lee had the first scoring chance for the North Wellington side when making space inside the right of the penalty area with his low shot sent to the Olympic keeper. In the 24th minute a ball played in from the left side was cleared by the Olympic keeper with a deflection taking it to Deen who drove his angled 25 metre shot towards goal narrowly wide of the far post with covering defenders scrambling back to goal. After an uncertain start in which Olympic had enjoyed the majority of possession North Wellington began to achieve some parity in the match and came close to scoring in the 28th minute when right-back Honeyfield chipped the ball in centrally for Harris to control and shoot with his 20 metre shot striking the post and rebounding back for the Olympic keeper to gather.
Fitzpatrick, captaining the North Wellington side from left-back, made a surging 40th minute run past two defenders into the penalty area only to be blocked by the advancing keeper and a closing defender with the loose ball cleared. Two minutes later and after North Wellington had the chance to clear but had surrended possession the ball was swung in from the right flank and met with a crisp right-foot volley by Cripps from 10 metres which flew inside the near post. 3-0 Olympic.

Halftime 3-0 Olympic.
An early attacking break for Olympic as they pressed forward with the wind in the second half as in 50th minute a driven shot from just outside the penalty area was partially blocked by Diggins but fell kindly for an unmarked Cripps to drive in an angled shot from 15 metres. 4-0 Olympic. With the result effectively sealed, coach Hopkins took the opportunity to try a different defensive combination as he substituted off Honeyfield for striker Polyanszky. This resulted in Harris dropping into right midfield and Cross back to right-back. Also Fitzpatrick and Caughley switched left and centre back roles.
In the 57th minute a long range shot from 35 metres dipped towards the near post with Piper blocking for a corner. Taylor came on for Butterfield at left midfield. Olympic came close in the 63rd minute with a tightly angled shot from the right flank clipping the crossbar. Taylor, making use of his athletic ability, sprinted away in space down the left side for 40 metres before clipping a ball through for Polyanszky with the striker swivelling and flicking a 20 metre shot narrowly wide of the left-hand post.
The closing part of the game became more open as North Wellington looked to contain Olympic's attacks using the offside trap, however in the 77th minute this was sprung down the right side near halfway and Cripps ran on to place his shot past the advancing Piper. 5-0 Olympic.
Another couple of late chances, again for the profilic Cripps, as he broke free of the defence however a wide shot and then a block by Piper stymied his attempts. An 82nd minute left-foot 20 metre effort by Polyanszky sliced wide of the top corner of the goal before a good passing North Wellington move, one of their few on the evening, featured Polyanszky and Harris before Fitzpatrick's driven shot was deflected wide off a defender.
A tough introduction for the new season for North Wellington with Mann showing good touches on the ball however lacked any scoring chances. Deen and Lee had a rigourous workout in central midfield especially in the early stages. Cross provided a couple of good flank balls which tested the Olympic defence which had a relatively quiet time otherwise.
In the other game in this pre-season group Marist A defeated Waterside Karori A 7-4. North Wellington play Waterside Karori A next Monday.

North Wellington A will meet Olympic A, Waterside Karori A and Marist A in the Hilton-Petone pre-season tournament the traditional lead-in for the league season. The top 2 teams from this group will qualify for the quarter-finals.

Reviewed by Warwick Smith and added to website on 15th February 2005 - please note the disclaimer on home page

Match reviews for the 2005 season will be posted as often as practicable.
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Men's 2nd team - Capital Three league – Centennial Park – 13th August 2005

Result: Miramar Rangers (3) 7 North Wellington (0) 1
Team: Warwick Smith, Andrew Thomas, Grant Batty, Warwick Small, Andrew Poole, Chris Gibling, Murray Poultney, Michael Thomas (Blair Kingsbury 87 min), Jeremy Thomas (Des Crosby 70 min), Braden Upjohn, Gene Glover (Philip Barton 45 min)
Subs: All used

A 7-1 loss to the Reserve team in their final league game of the 2005 season to leave them in 5th place in the ten-team Capital Three league. With their opponents Miramar Rangers having no weekend fixture for their top Central League team the quality of the team fielded proved overwhelming for the North Wellington team who were run ragged on the good playing surface at Centennial Park.
A fine afternoon with a firm northerly breeze favouring the home side in the first half. Team selection was affected by the Premier team needing a full squad given their critical league game at Upper Hutt played at the same time (1-1 draw, review above) with Upjohn returning in left midfield.
Miramar began strongly and harried their opponents to create a couple of early half chances, including a high cross up into the bright sunshine which almost dropped over Smith before the keeper recovered, and took the lead in the 5th minute when a through ball down the middle past Batty allowed the attacker to net a low finish from the edge of the penalty area. 1-0 Miramar.
In the 14th minute a left-flank Miramar break past Andrew Thomas and Jeremy Thomas from their experienced defensive midfielder resulted in a low cross being converted from eight metres ahead of Gibling’s challenge. 2-0 Miramar.
Quickly two goals behind, North Wellington struggled to maintain possession in their attacking endeavours and were caught out again defensively in the 22nd minute when a left-flank diagonal ball inside the penalty area was taken around Smith with a tightly angled underhit shot rolling through Batty's legs. 3-0 Miramar.
No let-up though for the North Wellington defence with Small containing his marker well and Batty moving swiftly to defuse breaks down the flanks however the covering support from teammates was patchy at times allowing more shots on goal, forcing several corners. Almost a fourth goal just on halftime as another slick passing move to the edge of the penalty area set up a 20 metre drive centrally out from goal with Smith diving full-length to the right to push the effort wide.
Halftime 3-0 Miramar. Substitution made with Glover unable to continue, Barton on as striker.

A less than ideal start for North Wellington though as in the 49th minute Poole made ground across from left back to intercept a through ball and then had his chance to clear blocked with the ball breaking inside for their centre forward to net his hat-trick from ten metres out. 4-0 Miramar.
With Barton able to hold the ball in central attack, some North Wellington presence in the Miramar half was established allowing Michael Thomas to have two goalscoring chances in the second-half, firstly driving an angled shot at the Miramar keeper from 10 metres and then a volley over after pressing in towards goal. An excellent individual strike for North Wellington came in the 65th minute when Upjohn cut infield from his left midfield position before striking a 22 metre right-foot shot into the keeper's left-hand top corner. 4-1 Miramar.
In the 68th minute an underhit back pass from Michael Thomas was cut out by the Miramar centre forward who netted inside the near post for his fourth goal. 5-1 Miramar.
A Miramar close-range volley forced Smith to block with a full-length dive, and minutes later in the 75th minute a shot rebounded kindly to a following-in attacker to drive home from eight metres. 6-1 Miramar.
Another chance for Miramar moments later with a 25 metre shot deflected off Small but Smith was able to change direction and smother ahead of an onrushing attacker. Batty was called upon to make a clearance off the goal-line after a low left-flank Miramar cross was diverted goalwards past Smith from eight metres. Late on and with the game flowing end-to-end and numerous chances being created Michael Thomas made a right-wing break and crossed for Gibling with his header from 10 metres to the Miramar keeper. In the 83rd minute a deep left-flank cross the North Wellington goal box was headed back across goal and headed in from close-range. 7-1 Miramar.
A late substitution appearance by Kingsbury, a Division 10 player, becoming the 36th player used by the Reserve team in league action this season.
Whilst a disappointing result to end the 2005 season, the Reserve team were facing a quality opposition who used the ball effectively and were ruthless in punishing some defensive mistakes brought on by their dominating attack.
Overall a 5th placing which whilst satisfactory, remained a little disappointing given that half of the squad were not able to attend training on a regular basis leading to some inconsistent performances.

Reviewed by Warwick Smith and added to website on 12th August 2005 - please note the disclaimer on home page

Men's 2nd team - Capital Three league – Benburn Park – 6th August 2005

Result: Waterside Dreamers (0) 0 North Wellington (2) 3
Team: Warwick Smith, Andrew Thomas, Grant Batty, Warwick Small, Andrew Poole, Chris Gibling, Murray Poultney, Michael Thomas, Jeremy Thomas, Gene Glover (Des Crosby 87 min), Daniel Slieker
Subs: Not used - Philip Barton

A fine team performance by the Reserve team, maintaining their 5th place in the league, to defeat the Capital Three champions-elect Waterside Dreamers 3-0, although a flattering score-line given that both sides had a fair number of genuine scoring chances throughout the game. Playing conditions were ideal with a fine, calm August day making a pleasant change for this time of year.
After an initial 6 minutes dominated by Waterside, with several close shots sailing wide of goal, North Wellington scored against the run of play with their first attack. In the 7th minute Small cleared from inside his own penalty area finding Slieker at halfway, with the striker controlling before moving on to link down the left side with Poultney before receiving a return pass and driving a firm shot into the roof of the Waterside goal from 12 metres. 1-0 North Wellington.
Some creative passing moves down their right-side by Waterside tested the North Wellington defence in this area with Batty and Small moving in to clear the dangers near the edge of the penalty area. A right-wing corner ended with a 20 metre shot goalwards that Andrew Thomas chested down near the post before Smith gathered.
In the 20th minute a downfield kick from Smith released Glover down towards the right-wing corner flag and with Poultney in support earned a free-kick near the goal-line after Poultney was tackled. Slieker, from the tight angle, chipped his effort over the backpedaling Waterside keeper and inside the far post. 2-0 North Wellington.
Waterside came close to replying shortly afterwards with attacker Brodie Wilson twisting past Small inside the penalty area with the referee awarding an indirect free-kick for obstruction. With the kick played short the low angled shot from 15 metres went wide of the near post. North Wellington were able to find space down their right flank with Jeremy Thomas able to deliver two useful crosses into the penalty area for Glover and Slieker. Andrew Thomas drove a 20 metre shot wide of the far post after a corner was cleared.
Halftime 2-0 North Wellington. No substitutions.
Again as in the first half Waterside started brightly, now with ex-North Wellington premier team player Liam Kerrisk, substituted on in attack. A shot in the 47th minute from 20 metres dipped over several players and was beaten away by Smith. Minutes later and Kerrisk broke inside the penalty area before placing his angled shot wide of the far post.
Again a little against the run of play in the half North Wellington were to score in the 52nd minute. Poultney intercepted a pass near halfway and headed forward. Glover receiving the ball some 35 metres out from goal took off on a diagonal run before striking a low 20 metre right-foot shot, aimed towards the far post, that was deflected by a defender into the opposite corner of the goal. 3-0 North Wellington.
Though buoyed by the three-goal margin North Wellington were still put under pressure from the Waterside attackers. A right-flank break saw an attacker in on goal with their shot blocked by Smith, with a similar move from Waterside midfielder and ex-North Wellington Reserve team player Bruce Wright ending in a corner. In central midfield North Wellington maintained their presence to the end of the game, Poultney earning the man of the match award having featured in all three goals and Gibling displaying some good ground coverage, breaking away with a long diagonal run late on before finding support.
Next weekend the Reserve team play their final game of the season. They travel to Centennial Park, probably the best playing surface in Wellington, to play second-placed Miramar Rangers.

Reviewed by Warwick Smith and added to website on 7th August 2005 - please note the disclaimer on home page

Men's 2nd team - Capital Three league – Miramar Park – 30th July 2005

Result: Miramar Rangers v North Wellington

Due to the heavy rain in the Wellington region on Thursday 28th July 2005 all Capital Three league games were cancelled for today. This match will be rescheduled for the next available weekend after the scheduled season-end, so will be held on Saturday 13th August 2005.

Men's 2nd team - Capital Three league – Alex Moore Park – 23rd July 2005

Result: North Wellington (1) 1 Lower Hutt City (1) 1
Team: Warwick Smith, Andrew Thomas, Grant Batty, Warwick Small, Andrew Poole, Chris Gibling, Murray Poultney (Jeremy Thomas 55 min), Michael Thomas, Gene Glover (Philip Barton 75 min), Daniel Slieker, Tatsuki Endo
Subs: Not used - Des Crosby

For the third successive game, the Reserve team struggled to overcome a team below them in the league table and scrambled to a 1-1 against a committed Lower Hutt team which played the first half with only 10 men. Poultney was called in with the unavailability of Bullen or Hopkins to play central midfield alongside Gibling and Michael Thomas. Endo, a Premier team regular, was available to play as striker given his absence from play with the Premier team in the last two weeks.
A promising start for North Wellington in the opening minutes with a fluent passing move started from deep in defense down the left side allowing Endo to link inside to Gibling who passed right to Slieker, with the striker driving his shot on to the post before Lower Hutt cleared.
The visitors scored first in the 20th minute following a North Wellington defensive clearance that was sent back in from the left-flank and headed low inside the far post from eight metres. 1-0 Lower Hutt.
Despite being one man down in the first half Lower Hutt contained North Wellington to only a few genuine scoring chances, with Michael Thomas coming closest having run on inside the right-hand side of the penalty area only to mishit his shot straight to the Lower Hutt keeper. Just before halftime, a right-wing Glover corner was not cleared by the Lower Hutt defence allowing Michael Thomas to hook the ball back across goal for Slieker to net with a close-range angled shot. 1-1.
Halftime 1-1. No substitutions.

In the second half, Lower Hutt now back to 11 men with the introduction of a very young left winger, maybe 14 years old!, who did extremely well on the ball, were better able to match North Wellington and limited the scoring chances, substitute central midfielder Jeremy Thomas firing well over the crossbar from 18 metres after a multi-pass build-up around the edge of the penalty area.
As the fitness from both sides wilted late, the play opened up with potential for a winning goal occurring at both ends. Slieker drove a low right-wing Andrew Thomas cross wide of goal from 12 metres and then Batty made a goal-line clearance denying a Lower Hutt effort fired through Smith’s legs from 10 metres out.
Next weekend the Reserve team travel away to play 2nd placed Miramar Rangers.

Men's 2nd team - Capital Three league – Karori Park – 16th July 2005

Result: Waterside Dreamers v North Wellington

Due to the heavy rain in the Wellington region on Thursday night 14th July 2005 (quite torrential during the end of practice that night!!) all Capital Three league games were cancelled for today. This match will be rescheduled for the next available weekend after the scheduled season-end, so will be held on Saturday 6th August 2005.

Men's 2nd team - Capital Three league – Alex Moore Park – 9th July 2005

Result: North Wellington (0) 0 Brooklyn Northern United (0) 0
Team: Warwick Smith, Andrew Thomas, Grant Batty, Brian Bullen, Braden Upjohn, Chris Gibling, Theo Deen (Euan Grant 56 min), Philip Barton, Jeremy Thomas (Andrew Poole 51 min), Daniel Slieker, Justin Slieker (Des Crosby 70 min)
Subs: All used

A disappointing 0-0 draw for the Reserve team against bottom-placed Brooklyn Northern who to their credit worked determinedly in defence to frustrate the attacking intentions of North Wellington and came close late on to snatch victory. With the unavailability of Small, Andrew Thomas moved to right-back. Deen, a Premier team regular returning from injury started in central midfield alongside Gibling and Barton. Good playing conditions, fine with a slight crossfield southerly breeze.
An even start to the game with play being dominated in the midfield areas. Andrew Thomas sent in a low right-wing cross that Justin Slieker was late arriving for at the far post and the chance was lost.
In the 35th minute after the Brooklyn keeper came outside his penalty area to clear towards halfway, Andrew Thomas controlled and then toe-poked a shot over the retreating keeper and seemingly destined for goal, only for a covering Brooklyn defender to stretch out a leg and produce a fine piece of skill to stop the goalbound shot allowing the keeper to claim the loose ball. Close to halftime and following a block on halfway Daniel Slieker was released in towards goal on the left flank however he struck his shot early and wide from 20 metres.
Halftime 0-0. No substitutions.

In the 49th minute a right-wing corner taken by Upjohn fell to Deen with his angled effort striking a defender in the chest next to the goalpost. Some early enforced substitutions for the Reserve team with Jeremy Thomas picking up an injury and replaced by Grant, ex-Premier team player back from Western Australia, and then Deen was substituted off, having had a good test of his injured leg. Gibling covered good ground in central midfield allowing Barton to dictate play in this area.
Upjohn was outpaced chasing back in pursuit of a Brooklyn breakaway with play developing into an attacker having a clear shot on goal with an angled ten metre shot that Smith saved low to his right. North Wellington continued to look promising in their attacking efforts down both flanks, however either the final delivery into the penalty area or the attacking runs to meet the cross were astray and Brooklyn were able to clear.
A great chance to break the deadlock came in the 74th minute, after a Poole right-wing throw-in to Barton resulted in the official adjudging a push by a defender and awarded a penalty. Daniel Slieker’s shot was poorly struck straight ahead and was gathered by the Brooklyn keeper.
In the final minutes, chances at both ends. Batty did well to defuse some counter-breaks stemming from loss of possession as North Wellington pressed numbers forward. A low right-flank cross by Andrew Thomas across goal was only just missed by a lunging Daniel Slieker. Brooklyn then forced a 2-on-1 situation with a low driven shot blocked by Smith’s leg and the rebound met by the other Brooklyn attacker only for the keeper to drop on the ball as the shot was struck from in front of goal.
Next weekend the Reserve team travel away to play the league leaders Waterside Dreamers, who if they win this game will secure the league title. The Reserve team is currently in 5th place of the ten-team Capital Three league.

Reviewed by Warwick Smith and added to website on 12th July 2005 - please note the disclaimer on home page

Men's 2nd team - Capital Three league - Endeavour Park - 2nd July 2005

Result: Wellington United Dreamers (0) 3 North Wellington (0) 0
Team: Warwick Smith, Grant Batty, Warwick Small, Brian Bullen, Braden Upjohn, Chris Gibling, Murray Poultney (Philip Barton 63 min), Jeremy Thomas, Gareth Elmey (Andrew Poole 57 min), Daniel Slieker, Justin Slieker (Des Crosby 83 min)
Subs: All used

The game was transferred to Endeavour Park, Whitby with an early 12.30pm kick-off from the stated home game for Wellington United at Melrose Park, 2.30pm kick-off as both teams wished to avoid the city chaos likely with the pre-match activity for the All Blacks-Lions rugby match. The move proved a good one with regard to ground conditions as the sand-based Endeavour Park was one of the better grounds used this season.
The call-up to Premier team duty for Michael Thomas and Francis Glover saw coach Crosby enlist Capital 10 Sinners team members Elmey and Poultney in to make their Reserve team debuts as part of the five-man midfield. Poole, a Reserve team regular from past seasons was also called in and became a midfield substitution in the second half.
Playing into the bright sunshine in the first half, North Wellington competed well in the opening period, Bullen linked with Elmey down the right flank to allow Elmey a cross into Daniel Slieker but the striker shot wide. Upjohn showed some purpose in his attacking runs down the left flank and sent in several deep crosses into the penalty area. Elmey snapped a left-foot volley wide from 20 metres and then met a left-wing corner to glance a header wide of goal.
Wellington United were restricted in their attacking efforts, but came close late in the first half with their right midfielder getting goalside of Upjohn before his shot struck the advancing Smith and in the closing minutes from a left-wing corner which resulted in a header being blocked by Smith with the resulting close-range rebound eventually fallen upon by the keeper.
Halftime 0-0. No substitutions.

After the interval Wellington United began the stronger of the two teams and began to concentrate the play within the North Wellington half being able to contain their opponents and win possession back of any attacking player. A left-foot 25 metre drive in the 53rd minute from their left-midfielder was pushed away by Smith with Small first-in to clear for a throw-in. Some verbal comments were not fully appreciated by the referee and in a short space of time two Wellington United players were booked with another teammate later booked for a tackle on Small.
In the 62nd minute, a ball played through the North Wellington defence to the corner of the penalty area left Batty in with a Wellington United player with the attacker winning the tackle and then striking a chipped effort over the advancing Smith and over the jumping effort to head clear by Small on the goalline. 1-0 Wellington United.
Poultney and Elmey, having competed well in the game, were replaced by Barton and Poole in midfield. Daniel Slieker showed some good touches on the ball but at times lost possession after a strong first touch. In the 73rd minute Wellington United advanced centrally with a ball played through for Batty to be turned by his marker with a 20 metre left-foot shot arrowing past Smith into the top corner. 2-0 North Wellington.
Upjohn was able to send through a diagonal pass from the left side allowing Justin Slieker a run in goalwards but the striker took his touch wide before hitting an angled right-foot shot straight to the Wellington United keeper. Barton found space late on before striking a low 20 metre shot at the keeper.
In the 87th minute with North Wellington pressing players forward Barton was dispossessed in central midfield with a ball played through to leave Small facing two attackers resulting in a low driven 15 metre shot past Smith. 3-0 Wellington United.
Although a clear-cut scoreline, it was a game that was settled by two well-executed strikes by the Wellington United attackers and a late breakaway goal. In contrast North Wellington fared poorly when near goal with final shots being astray.
Next weekend the Reserve team, still in fourth place in the ten-team Capital Three league will host bottom-placed Brooklyn Northern.

Reviewed by Warwick Smith and added to website on 3rd July 2005 - please note the disclaimer on home page

Men's 2nd team - Capital Three league - Alex Moore Park - 25th June 2005

Result: North Wellington (0) 2 Wainuiomata (0) 0
Team: Warwick Smith, Grant Batty, Warwick Small, Brian Bullen, David Powell (Phil Sale 22 min), Michael Thomas (Des Crosby 70 min), Chris Gibling, Jeremy Thomas, Andrew Thomas, Daniel Slieker, Justin Slieker
Subs: Only two - both used

For North Wellington, goals in the 48th and 67th minutes, both scored by Daniel Slieker. The unavailability of regular players Glover and Martin-Davis saw coach Crosby call in Powell and Sale from the North Wellington Division 10 team who had no game today.
In calm cool conditions Alex Moore Park was still suffering from last weekend, with the ground still sticky and bumpy mid-pitch. The Reserve team again fielded a 3-5-2 formation with Bullen into defence and the Thomas brothers part of the midfield quintet, with Powell in at left midfield.
A rather unremarkable first-half provided little in terms of good scoring chances as both teams adapted to the uneven playing surface.
Halftime 0-0. No substitutions.

After the break, a good left-side passing move involving Sale and Gibling resulted in Daniel Slieker driving a low 12 metre shot, that deflected slightly off a defender, into the far corner of the Wainuiomata goal. A 48th minute strike. 1-0 North Wellington.
The visitors came back shortly afterwards with a right-wing corner breaking inside the penalty area and a close-range angled shot being blocked by Smith and Michael Thomas. Daniel Slieker, attempting a pass back to a teammate, managed to find an unmarked Wainui attacker allowing him to run goalwards but he stumbled before confronting Smith and then fired his shot wide.
Slieker, then scored his second goal of the game, with a firm well-struck angled drive from the left-flank, bursting past the Wainuiomata keeper from 12 metres in the 67th minute. 2-0 North Wellington.
Some improvement, as the game progressed, from the Reserve team in their passing moves through midfield with Gibling and Andrew Thomas firing shots goalwards but without success.
Late on and although the ball ended in the North Wellington net, Wainuiomata's substitute striker had already fouled Smith in barging the keeper and ball over the goalline and a foul was called.
Next weekend the Reserve team play Wellington United.

Reviewed by Warwick Smith and added to website on 27th June 2005 - please note the disclaimer on home page

Men's 2nd team - Capital Three league - Alex Moore Park - 18th June 2005

Result: North Wellington (1) 2 Kapiti Coast United (0) 1
Team: Warwick Smith, Grant Batty, Warwick Small, Michael Thomas, Jeremy Thomas, Braden Upjohn (Des Crosby 80 min), Chris Gibling, Craig Hopkins (Hoani Martin-Davis 45 min), Andrew Thomas, Daniel Slieker (Justin Slieker 63 min), Francis Glover
Subs: All used

In overcast and reasonably calm conditions at Alex Moore Park, the Reserve team secured a 2-1 win over Kapiti Coast United, on a pitch which began to cut up through the centre as the game progressed (and got a lot worse during the Premier team game which followed). A change in midfield given the absence of the suspended Gene Glover to be replaced by Hopkins. Jeremy Thomas came in as Spackman started for the Premier team.
For the third time this season no referee was appointed so North Wellington's Philip Barton took over the role (in the first round game between the two teams at Kapiti, one of their club representatives had filled in). An early shot from midfield by Hopkins with his low left-footed effort from outside the penalty area ending wide of the keeper's right-hand post. Hopkins then slid in a low diagonal pass for Andrew Thomas to run on to close to the right-flank goal-line however his cross was sliced wide. In the 18th minute a right-wing Glover corner was met by a flicked near post header from Michael Thomas ahead of the Kapiti keeper with the ball diverting into the goal. 1-0 North Wellington.
Almost an equaliser straight away for Kapiti as they progressed through the middle with a low shot being pushed behind for a corner by Smith. Andrew Thomas made an important defensive header from a right-flank cross and was able to also deliver some accurate right flank passes towards strikers Glover and Slieker. The two strikers had a couple of good chances to extend the lead as they prospered on the counter-attack however their combination and timing of the final pass was astray and prevented further score. Batty made two central runs in support of the attack to provide an additional attack option with Hopkins slotting in to cover.
Closer to halftime and a Kapiti shot from 20 metres deflected off Hopkins however Smith was able to push the goalbound shot away with Small then clearing. Batty, although playing in a defensive sweeping role, was able to switch with right-back Jeremy Thomas as the mobile Kapiti attack kept the North Wellington defence busy when they threatened.
Halftime 1-0 North Wellington. Hopkins replaced in central midfield by Martin-Davis.

An early chance for the visitors after Gibling slid in near the corner flag with his marker eluding him and cutting inside before a low 20 metre shot was pushed behind for a corner by Smith at the near post. Upjohn was on the end of a cleared attempt from a North Wellington corner however both his shots towards goal struck defenders before the chance was cleared.
From a Kapiti left-wing corner in the 61st minute a header struck the crossbar and rebounded down before Gibling was able to clear. A close call for the home side. Daniel Slieker was replaced as striker by his brother Justin, making his debut for the Reserve team. Glover began to find more space down the left side of attack and threatened the Kapiti defence with his runs towards goal however no good scoring chances came from his efforts.
Small made a run forward in attack down the left side however his attempt cross swung wide of goal. A curling 30 metre Kapiti shot, aided by the northerly breeze, threatened the top corner of the North Wellington goal but Smith was able to push the ball over the crossbar. In central midfield Gibling and Michael Thomas worked well in the increasingly muddy central pitch conditions. Some concerted efforts did pay off the visitors as they equalised after Small's headed deflection off a Kapiti right-flank inswung free-kick ended inside the far post in the 73rd minute. 1-1.
From the kick-off a loose pass from Justin Slieker allowed Kapiti in towards goal however the defence closed to counter the threat. In the 77th minute, after a foul on Martin-Davis, the same player took the free-kick 30 metres centrally out from goal and chipped the effort over the defensive wall. The Kapiti keeper and Gibling went in to challenge for the ball with it breaking free to allow Andrew Thomas to strike a 10 metre shot directly in front of goal, off a defensive challenge, and into the roof of the net. 2-1 North Wellington.
A late substitution did not provide the impetus required by the home side to fully contain the Kapiti attacking threats as they finished the stronger of the two sides, however Batty was able to marshall the defence to restrict striking efforts to longer range shots. Crosby, on the counter-attack, was alone to receive a diagonal pass in the inside left position but struck his angled shot straight to the Kapiti keeper.
Next weekend the Reserve team host Wainuiomata. In the first round they had a 4-1 win at Wainuiomata.

Reviewed by Warwick Smith and added to website on 19th June 2005 - please note the disclaimer on home page

Men's 2nd team - Capital Three league - Benburn Park - 11th June 2005

Result: Waterside Karori (0) 0 North Wellington (1) 1
Team: Warwick Smith, Grant Batty, Warwick Small (Hoani Martin-Davis 60 min), Andrew Thomas, Braden Upjohn, Chris Gibling, Gene Glover, Tim Spackman, Michael Thomas, Daniel Slieker, Francis Glover
Subs: Justin Slieker, Des Crosby

Although originally scheduled for Karori Park, overnight rain caused this match to be transferred to Benburn Park. The match was played in calm overcast conditions with the pitch on the bumpy side with an artificial cricket pitch cutting across field at the centre circle.
Coach Des Crosby changed team formation in electing to adopt a 3-5-2 formation, similar to that employed by the Premier team. Spackman came into central midfield alongside Gibling and Gene Glover. Batty was available and started at left-back with Slieker and Francis Glover in the attacking roles, with Nkhasi now unavailable for the remainder of the season.
With Waterside fielding only 10 players for the first five minutes before their last player arrived at the ground, the Reserve team were quickly into their work and began to show some superiority in their movement, on and off the ball, against the generally older Waterside opponents. The central midfield trio did take some time to adjust to their roles with the more congested area. In the 25th minute a right flank run by Gene Glover allowed him to pass wide to Spackman, with his cross met by Francis Glover with the rebound coming off the Waterside keeper and being slotted home from close range by Slieker. 1-0 North Wellington.
Another good chance some seven minutes later after a push was adjudged on Francis Glover and a penalty awarded to North Wellington, however the same player placed the shot wide of the post. Waterside pressed on any counter-attack although their shooting attempts goalwards came from several shots taken outside the penalty area, the most difficult one a low drive that Smith turned away for a corner. Closer to halftime and scoring chances at both ends as firstly Slieker released Francis Glover in goalwards ahead of the defence but the ball bounced up as he attempted to sidefoot a shot past the keeper with the ball going wide and then Andrew Thomas tried an ambitious back header to keeper Smith with a Waterside striker in easily to lob the ball over the advancing Smith but over the crossbar.
Halftime 1-0 North Wellington. No substitutions.

A continuation of territorial and possession dominance for the visitors as they played now with the benefit of a slight northerly wind and with the Waterside defence looking into a testing lowering sun. Waterside though proved difficult to break down near the edge of their penalty area and restricted North Wellington to longer efforts with Francis Glover swinging a 25 metre left-foot shot wide of goal. Small suffering a leg injury was replaced with Michael Thomas moving to central defence. Upjohn, having switched to right midfield from the left side after Martin-Davis' introduction, cut inside and delivered a deep cross in for Martin-Davis to head over from a diminishing angle with Slieker left open in front of goal.
With 10 minutes left, both teams were reduced to 10 men as Gene Glover and an opponent were shown the red card for violent conduct, after a culmination of several testing midfield challenges. Spackman continued to make good ground coverage late in the game, back from central midfield to assist in defence and along with man of the match Batty, who made some important challenges in defence, performed well.
The win elevates the Reserve team back into fifth place in the ten-team Capital Three league. Next weekend they host sixth-placed Kapiti Coast United with whom they had a 0-0 draw in the first round.

Reviewed by Warwick Smith and added to website on 12th June 2005 - please note the disclaimer on home page

Men's 2nd team - Capital Three league - Wakefield Park - 4th June 2005

Result: Island Bay United (0) 1 North Wellington (0) 0
Team: Warwick Smith, Hoani Martin-Davis (Des Crosby 67 min), Warwick Small, Michael Thomas, Jeremy Thomas (Andrew Thomas 74 min), Braden Upjohn, Chris Gibling, Philip Barton, Gene Glover, Daniel Slieker, Francis Glover
Subs: Only two - both used

The second half of the 2005 league season commenced for the Reserve team with their return fixture against third-placed Island Bay United. Their opening round meeting ending in a 3-2 win for Island Bay.
With a brisk cold southerly sweeping across Wakefield Park, play was affected with any aerial passes quickly picked up by the wind. For North Wellington, Glover returned from action with the Premier team to partner Slieker in attack. Barton was back from injury and went to central midfield, allowing Michael Thomas back into defence with Smith in goal.
As no referee had been appointed for this match, the second occurrence this season the home side provided an official for the match.
An even early exchange between the two sides with no good scoring chances created as players became accustomed to the crosswind conditions on a soft Wakefield Park pitch.
After 20 minutes Francis Glover made a promising run past two defenders however his left-footed effort sliced wide before striking a defenders head and deflecting to the Island Bay keeper. Shortly afterwards a through ball delivered from the Island Bay left flank in behind the North Wellington defence was met by an Island Bay attacker just outside the penalty area however the first-time effort veered away from the far post of the goal past the advancing Smith.
Martin-Davis was able to make some timely interceptions in the North Wellington defence, as their midfield began to play with more control than in recent games. Jeremy Thomas came more into the game and provided some more assistance in the midfield area as the first half came to a close. Some effective challenges by the Island Bay attackers resulted in their gaining possession inside the North Wellington penalty area with a low 12 metre drive pushed wide by Smith scrambling across goal. Closer to halftime and Michael Thomas was beaten in a tackle as last defender however the low 15 metre shot from the Island Bay striker deflected off Smith's foot and the chance was cleared by the North Wellington defence. Francis Glover had a half-chance from 20 metres but sent his volley straight to the Island Bay keeper.

Halftime 0-0. No substitutions.
Into the second half and the windy cool conditions continued. Again no early scoring chances created as both teams settled into their play. An Island Bay free-kick whipped in with the wind after 60 minutes was headed away well by Barton ahead of Island Bay midfielder Dave da Vanzo, an ex-North Wellington player. A low angled shot across the Island Bay goal was parried out in front of the net but no North Wellington attacker was able to capitalise on the opportunity.
Martin-Davis, having played well and after just switching from left back to midfield with Upjohn, sent in a testing low diagonal cross through the Island Bay defence but no North Wellington attacker was able to meet it, was then substituted off and North Wellington's attacking threats were reduced.
In the 71st minute Island Bay broke on a counter attack with a 2-on-2 situation and play developed inside the North Wellington penalty area with a ball played through which an Island Bay attacker shot was blocked at close range by Smith with the rebound falling kindly back to a fellow attacker for an unchallenged finish from eight metres. 1-0 Island Bay.
Barton then looked to push into a more attacking role with Francis Glover back into a midfield role alongside Gibling who continued to provide good pitch coverage throughout the game. Slieker chased on to a through ball, shortly after the goal, ahead of his marker but the ball didn't settle kindly and a covering challenge was effected. From a late corner Upjohn had his shot blocked from the edge of the penalty area by a defender with Small hooking his shot wide of the near post. An improved performance for North Wellington however the critical breaks failed to materialise in their favour and the points were lost on the day as they incurred their fifth loss in the last six games.
Next weekend they travel away to play eighth-placed Waterside Karori.

Reviewed by Warwick Smith and added to website on 5th June 2005 - please note the disclaimer on home page

Men's 2nd team - Capital Three league - Alex Moore Park - 28th May 2005

Result: North Wellington (0) 1 Miramar Rangers (2) 4
Team: Mitchell Wilson, Hoani Martin-Davis (Des Crosby 70 min), Warwick Smith, Warwick Small, Michael Thomas, Braden Upjohn, Chris Gibling, Craig Hopkins (Brian Bullen 45 min), Gene Glover, Daniel Slieker, Jon Mann (Jeremy Thomas 72 min)
Subs: Not used - Philip Barton

The Reserve team, currently in fifth place in the ten-team Capital Three league were defeated 4-1 by the now second-placed Miramar Rangers. The fourth loss in five games for North Wellington as they were outmatched by a strong attacking Miramar unit which played well off the passes laid off by their two strikers, Kevin Thompson and James Franklin.
Premier squad players Mann, Upjohn and Hopkins started in the 4-4-2 formation. Nkhasi and Andrew Thomas were unavailable for selection.
Miramar opened the scoring in the 17th minute after a firmly driven 15 metre shot hit the right-hand post with the rebound headed in from six metres. 1-0 Miramar.
Franklin then broke past the defence after 25 minutes but his low shot was blocked by Wilson's legs with Martin-Davis clearing. North Wellington's scoring chances in the first half came close with Mann receiving a low squared pass from the left delivered by Upjohn with the striker turning on to his right-foot but his 18 metre shot was placed wide. Slieker received the ball centrally inside the penalty area and after eluding two defenders fired wide from 15 metres. Some lost possession, especially on their right side, did stymie their attacks though and Miramar were able to increase their lead in the 41st minute after a deep cross from the left flank was headed back across goal by Thompson with an initial shot from six metres saved by Wilson the rebound was netted by a following attacker. 2-0 Miramar.
Halftime 2-0 Miramar. Substitution made with Hopkins replaced by Bullen in central midfield.

Miramar went 3-0 ahead after 67 minutes, Franklin slotting home with a close-range angled shot having shaken off Martin-Davis after Thompson won a header. A couple of substitutions saw a reshuffle for North Wellington on their left side with Andrew Thomas and Crosby introduced.
Slieker pulled a goal back for North Wellington in the 74th minute, chasing on to a right flank ball delivered by Glover, following some good defensive work from Michael Thomas, before slotting past the Miramar keeper with their defensive line looking for an offside call. 3-1 Miramar.
With their ability to win a good share of the 50/50 possession the visitors were able to extend their lead in the 81st minute, a low drive from the edge of the penalty area after their right midfielder played a square ball across the North Wellington defensive line.
Next weekend the Reserve team are away to third-placed Island Bay United, who beat them 3-2 in the first round.

Reviewed by Warwick Smith and added to website on 29th May 2005 - please note the disclaimer on home page

Men's 2nd team - Capital Three league - Wakefield Park - 21st May 2005

Result: Brooklyn Northern (0) 2 North Wellington (1) 3
Team: Mitchell Wilson, Robert Purcell, Warwick Smith, Warwick Small, Grant Batty (Des Crosby 73 min), Braden Upjohn, Chris Gibling, Michael Thomas, Gene Glover, Daniel Slieker, Hoani Martin-Davis (Gary Nkhasi 55 min)
Subs: Only two - both used

The Reserve team, after leading 3-0 after 75 minutes, conceded two quick goals to Brooklyn Northern to make for a tense finish. Illness ruled out Andrew Thomas and Jeremy Thomas with Philip Barton still injured.
On an overcast afternoon, with Wakefield Park producing a skimming early surface which gradually was chopped up by the players through the central area. Goals for North Wellington to Slieker (a twice-taken penalty after 5 minutes following a foul by the Island Bay keeper on Slieker) and two goals to substitute Nkhasi (in the 65th minute, after running on to a right-flank through ball from Batty to place a low shot past the Island Bay keeper inside the near post and then in the 72nd minute, after Slieker had won back possession and slipped a pass through for Nkhasi to fire a low 15 metre drive in off the post). 3-0 North Wellington.
However this good lead was not to last as within five minutes Brooklyn had scored twice, both similar through balls which released an attacker in on goal to score. Some frantic defending in the final minutes as Brooklyn pressed for an equaliser.
A disjointed effort though, some good scoring chances falling for Slieker during the match.
The Reserve team remain in fifth place in the ten-team Capital Three league. Next weekend they host third placed Miramar Rangers.

Reviewed by Warwick Smith and added to website on 23rd May 2005 - please note the disclaimer on home page

Men's 2nd team - Capital Three league - Fraser Park - 14th May 2005

Result: Lower Hutt City (2) 3 North Wellington (0) 1
Team: Warwick Smith, Grant Batty, Warwick Small, Mike Roxburgh, Andrew Thomas, Hoani Martin-Davis, Chris Gibling, Gene Glover, Michael Thomas, Daniel Slieker, Gary Nkhasi (Des Crosby 80 min)
Subs: Only one - used

The Reserve team tumbled to their third successive loss, although maintaining their fifth placing in the league, in their 3-1 loss to Lower Hutt City on a crusty and bumpy Fraser Park No. 1 ground. With a strong cross-wind that buffeted the ground throughout the game, the prevailing conditions played their part in a scrappy forgettable match.
Coach Crosby, with Wilson required by the Capital Four team and Hidvegi and Upjohn not available from last weekend, had a limited choice for his starting line-up and was required to call in Roxburgh, ex-Premier team player, from the Masters team at centre-back. No referee was assigned to the match so injured North Wellington player Philip Barton took over.
Lower Hutt, fielding an experienced team including ex-National League player Dave Creamer in left midfield, took the lead in the 12th minute after Andrew Thomas lunged in to tackle on the right-edge of the penalty area with the ball played in behind him to Creamer with his low left-foot cross diverted in by a team-mate from eight metres. 1-0 Lower Hutt.
Play continued to be affected by the strong wind with the ball being blown strongly out towards North Wellington's right side and the two Thomas brothers, Andrew at right back and Michael at right midfield. North Wellington's ability to give over possession inside its own half cost it again some ten minutes later when from a goal-kick a midfield tackle was lost with Lower Hutt switching play to their right side allowing their right midfielder to drive a 20 metre shot high into the top corner having had good time to settle and drive in his shot. 2-0 North Wellington.
Nkhasi sparked some attacking interest for the visitors as he broke away in pursuit of an angled through ball but his shot from 20 metres out was blocked at close range by the advancing Lower Hutt keeper. Martin-Davis displayed some good close skill to turn his marker and then drive in an angled 15 metre shot from the left-side of the penalty area however the shot was straight at the keeper.
Halftime 2-0 Lower Hutt. No substitutions.

Into the second half and the strong cross-wind continued to adversely affect constructive play with North Wellington able to make use of the funnelling wind which assisted them in any long ball played down the left side. Scoring chances though were few, Martin-Davis chipped in a teasing cross beyond Michael Thomas at the far post and Lower Hutt had an early close-range angled shot at the near post deflected for a corner by Smith.
In the 65th minute Lower Hutt went further ahead after a 22 metre right-footed shot deflected off Batty and past the wrongfooted keeper Smith. 3-0 Lower Hutt.
Some seven minutes later, Slieker scored driving home a firm shot from a central position on the edge of the penalty area after receiving a short pass from Glover, as one of the few North Wellington passing moves bore success with a shooting chance. 3-1 Lower Hutt.
As the visitors pressed forward in the closing stages, Lower Hutt threatened on the counter-attack with Creamer finding space on the left side ahead of Small's tackle but the 12 metre angled shot was rebuffed by Smith. Batty produced a good challenge to help induce an attacker to volley a short left-wing cross wide from six metres.
A disappointing run of form continued though for the Reserve team with their failure to consistently maintain possession and provide their opponents with solid scoring chances again proving their downfall.
Next weekend they travel away to play bottom-placed Brooklyn Northern.

Reviewed by Warwick Smith and added to website on 15th May 2005 - please note the disclaimer on home page

Men's 2nd team - Capital Three league - Newlands Park - 7th May 2005

Result: North Wellington (2) 2 Island Bay United (1) 3
Team: Mitchell Wilson, Grant Upjohn (Grant Batty 55 min), Warwick Smith, Warwick Small, Andrew Thomas, Hoani Martin-Davis (Laszlo Hidvegi 65 min), Chris Gibling, Gene Glover, Michael Thomas (Des Crosby 70 min), Daniel Slieker, Gary Nkhasi
Subs: All used

The Reserve team lost 3-2 to the Capital Three league leaders Island Bay United having been 2-0 ahead. The home venue of Newlands Park was practically new to both sides with the usual venue of Alex Moore Park being used at the same time by a Capital Ten game as per the draw provided by league organisers Capital Soccer.
Cool blustery conditions prevailed with the ground in reasonable order. Island Bay fielded ex-North Wellington Reserve team player David da Vanzo in midfield with a lineup that was more experienced in most positions than the home side. North Wellington coach Crosby had to call in Grant Upjohn, older brother of regular Braden, to start at left-back with Hidvegi, also used last season, in as substitute. For both players their first game at this level for the season.
In the early stages Glover worked two good chances on the right side and was able to create space for himself and then right midfielder Michael Thomas to drive across searching balls into the Island Bay goal box. North Wellington took the lead after 20 minutes following a Small goal-kick which was headed on by a defender before Slieker released Nkhasi away in on goal to score. 1-0 North Wellington.
Island Bay were able to win several corners from which they contested earnestly but were unable to get in a good shot on goal. A scrambled clearance fell invitingly to the Island Bay right midfielder but his angled drive from eight metres struck Smith at the near post and rebounded for a corner. Gibling and Glover were hard-worked in central midfield as Island Bay looked to play direct football through this channel with both players involved in some keen tackling to win possession. In the 38th minute Smith was tackled by an Island Bay attacker near halfway but chased back to win possession off the same player before moving forward again to halfway to deliver a low through ball down the left side which Slieker, on a diagonal run from the right flank, sped on to ahead of the Island Bay defence with the striker able to keep ahead of his pursuers before driving a low angled shot inside the far post. 2-0 North Wellington.
Island Bay scored just on halftime from a penalty. The visitors attacked down the left flank with their winger eluding two players and drawing in the defence before chipping a cross into the penalty area with a volleyed squared pass glancing off Smith's arm. The referee awarding a penalty with the kick placed low to Wilson's left. 2-1 North Wellington.
Halftime 2-1 North Wellington. No substitutions.

In the second half Upjohn was replaced early by Batty at left-back. Island Bay equalised with a 20 metre drive after 58 minutes as Island Bay's central midfield eluded Gibling before finding space to shoot high past Wilson. 2-2. Nkhasi continued to provide trouble for the Island Bay defence with his runs but was unable to link up with the North Wellington attacking support to work any good chances. A melee in the neighbouring rugby match stopped the action briefly as it spilt on to the field. Smith drove in a late 25 metre shot straight to the Island Bay keeper in one of the few shots that the home side had in the second half.
Island Bay continued to press forward though and capitalised on a number of lost midfield passes from the North Wellington side with only saves by Wilson and a block by Batty preventing a goal. With four minutes remaining North Wellington lost possession in midfield and a quick central break saw their substitute striker push a low shot past Wilson from 10 metres before Batty could block. 3-2 Island Bay.
In the last few moments the Reserve team pressed players forward but again could not threaten the visitors goal. Next weekend the Reserve team travel away to play Lower Hutt City who are level with them on 10 points and in joint fourth-equal place in the ten-team Capital Three league.

Reviewed by Warwick Smith and added to website on 9th May 2005 - please note the disclaimer on home page

Men's 2nd team - Capital Three league - Alex Moore Park - 30th April 2005

Result: North Wellington (1) 1 Waterside Dreamers (3) 4
Team: Warwick Smith, Hoani Martin-Davis (Philip Barton 83 min), Michael Thomas, Warwick Small, Grant Batty, Braden Upjohn, Craig Hopkins (Brian Bullen 45 min), Chris Gibling, Gene Glover, Daniel Slieker (Andrew Thomas 75 min), Gary Nkhasi
Subs: All used

The Reserve team hosted Waterside Dreamers for their fifth game of the season and suffered their first loss against an experienced team, including ex-North Wellington player Bruce Wright, which capitalised on some naive defending from the North Wellington players. In cool breezy conditions which favoured the visitors in the first half, North Wellington conceded a free-kick 30 metres out from goal in the 5th minute with the ball delivered over diagonally to an unmarked Waterside attacker to volley home from six metres with Martin-Davis and Upjohn left behind. Almost immediately an equalising opportunity as Nkhasi pressed forward strongly before delivering a pass to his right for Michael Thomas to run on towards goal however slicing his shot wide from 20 metres as the Waterside keeper approached to narrow the shooting angle.
Waterside continued to press forcefully through their experienced central midfield pairing and were able to link several passing moves in their attacking exploits. North Wellington's attempt to play the offside trap in the 25th minute failed as a through ball released a lone attacker in towards goal with his low shot from the edge of the penalty area slipping past Smith and inside the post as he was closed down by Martin-Davis. Some reward for the Reserve team effort came in the 40th minute as a left-wing Upjohn cross dipped over Slieker's head and was then nudged goalwards by a Waterside defender with right-back Batty following on to volley home from close range. 2-1 Waterside.
However only two minutes before the break and from a right-wing throw-in Small was turned by his marker with a fierce 10 metre angled shot striking the crossbar before a low left-flank cross back into the goal box was back-heeled home by the Waterside central midfielder. 3-1 Waterside.
Halftime 3-1 Waterside. Hopkins replaced by Bullen, former Premier team player and coach resuming action for this season, in central defence.

In the second half North Wellington gradually began to assert some territorial and possession dominance as the Waterside players held on to their lead. Upjohn and Michael Thomas was able to be released several times down their respective wide flanks however the final ball into the penalty area was cleared by the tall Waterside defence. Nkhasi and Slieker combined to force a close range from the Waterside keeper. Small and Bullen were able, with the retreating Waterside defence, to push forward on occasions to link in with the attack. Martin-Davis drove in a firm shot from over 20 metres that the Waterside keeper palmed away to his right.
Waterside scored in the 88th minute, after Batty was dispossessed on the left edge of the penalty area with a cross in over Small being headed home from eight metres. To sum up North Wellington's fortunes right on fulltime Barton jinked past two defenders inside the penalty area however slipped his shot past the post from eight metres.
Next weekend the Reserve team host the league leaders Island Bay United who are two points ahead of them.

Reviewed by Warwick Smith and added to website on 1st May 2005 - please note the disclaimer on home page

Men's 2nd team - Capital Three league - Alex Moore Park - 23rd April 2005

Result: North Wellington (2) 2 Wellington United Dreamers (1) 1
Team: Warwick Smith, Hoani Martin-Davis (Philip Barton 70 min), Grant Batty, Michael Thomas (Warwick Small 65 min), Andrew Thomas, Braden Upjohn, Gene Glover, Craig Hopkins (Chris Gibling 45 min), Allan Taylor, Gary Nkhasi, Francis Glover
Subs: All used

In overcast and breezy conditions on Alex Moore Park, the Reserve team hosted Wellington United Dreamers, who included ex-North Wellington premier team player Malcolm Campbell along with ex-New Zealand goalkeeper (from the 1982 World Cup) Frank van Hattum. Coach Crosby was able to select from an extended squad with several starting players having already had limited time with the club's Premier team so far this season. With Wilson injured, Smith went into goal. Hopkins and Gene Glover went into central midfield and Nkhasi returned as striker with Francis Glover.
An early chance in the opening few minutes for Nkhasi as a left-wing ball found him in good space inside the penalty area however his early left foot shot screwed away from goal. In the 10th minute after Andrew Thomas had regained possession inside his own half, a pass on for Hopkins was then delivered forward by the midfielder from the right flank near halfway and over the Wellington United defence allowing Francis Glover to break in towards goal before finishing with a low shot from 12 metres. 1-0 North Wellington.
After having made a good start in their passing game, some errant passes and wasted crosses from the flanks allowed the visitors opportunities to work back into the match. Wellington United gained an equaliser in the 25th minute after a move down the right side create d a 2-on-2 situation on the edge of the penalty area with van Hattum in space and with Andrew Thomas not able to close down the striker drove home into Smith's top right-hand corner from a central position. 1-1.
Wellington United pushed on after this and had several near chances with several shots from 20 metres just clearing the crossbar. Right on halftime and with Wellington United defensively concentrated back in their penalty area at a left-wing throw-in the ball was moved back by North Wellington to halfway with centre-back Batty chipping a through ball in towards Francis Glover wtih the striker confronted by two defenders and the ball being handled by one as the striker looked to turn goalwards. A penalty, which Francis Glover took and scored from. 2-1 North Wellington.
Halftime 2-1. Substitution made with Gibling replacing Hopkins in centre midfield.

Campbell had an equalising chance in the early part of the second half as he arrived on the right side of the penalty area with his angled near post drive pushed away by Smith. Wellington United continued to profit from some misdirected defensive passing and came close to an equaliser midway through the half however striker Ian Rogers drove wide from 15 metres. Barton was substituted on into central midfield with Gene Glover moving to right midfield and Taylor into central defence as Batty went to left back. Small then replaced Michael Thomas in central defence, making a vital interception from a low left flank cross only minutes after coming on. In the final stages the home side were able to stymie the Wellington United equalising attempts with a late 15 metre shot blocked by Smith with North Wellington then sweeping downfield however after being set up by Francis Glover, Nkhasi drove his 10 metre shot at the Wellington United keeper.
Next weekend the Reserve team host Waterside Dreamers at Alex Moore Park.

Reviewed by Warwick Smith and added to website on 24th April 2005 - please note the disclaimer on home page

Men's 2nd team - Capital Three league - Richard Prouse Park - 16th April 2005

Result: Wainuiomata (0) 1 North Wellington (3) 4
Team: Mitchell Wilson (Ken Blucher 45 min), Grant Batty, Warwick Small, Warwick Smith, Andrew Thomas, Braden Upjohn, Chris Gibling, Philip Barton (Andy Poole 67 min*), Michael Thomas, Hoani Martin-Davis, Francis Glover
Subs: Not used - Des Crosby

The Reserve team continued their unbeaten start to the 2005 season with a 4-1 win over Wainuiomata. Fine conditions and good playing surface on the No. 2 ground at Richard Prouse Park. For North Wellington, coach Des Crosby was hampered by player unavailabilities having to call on Masters player Blucher with the Masters team having been defaulted to today.
A bright start in midfield by Barton with his early effort blocked wide by the Wainui keeper. Glover, back as striker alongside Martin-Davis, was busy early also with two fair chances being worked in for him however was narrowly wide on both occasions.
In the 25th minute a midfield ball was met by Smith and delivered left to Upjohn who found space to deliver in a ball in behind the Wainui defence for Martin-Davis to run on to and meet the bouncing ball by clipping a header past the advancing keeper. 1-0 North Wellington.
Some six minutes later and right-back Andrew Thomas played a long ball down the right touchline which Martin-Davis chased on to and cut back to drive in a cross which was met with a firm header by Glover from eight metres down inside the post. 2-0 North Wellington.
Wainui's threats to the North Wellington goal in the first half came mostly from set-pieces with limited general play chances. Close to halftime, in the 40th minute, a left-wing throw-in was controlled inside the penalty area by Barton who laid to off for Glover to strike an angled right-foot shot into the roof of the Wainui goal. 3-0 North Wellington.
Halftime 3-0 North Wellington. Substitution made with Blucher on as centre-back and Smith replacing Wilson in goal.
Central midfielder Gibling had an early chance in the second half from the edge of the penalty area, driving his shot over the crossbar. North Wellington were creating well down their left side with chances worked by Martin-Davis and then Upjohn, however a final finish proved elusive.
In the 62nd minute Martin-Davis made space near halfway on the left side before delivering a through pass for right midfielder Michael Thomas to met ahead of the Wainui defence and keeper with his lobbed shot from 20 metres dropping down just inside the post. 4-0 North Wellington.
With a comfortable lead, North Wellington became complacent in their passing and option taking, especially in defence, as on separate occasions Barton, Blucher and Andrew Thomas lost possession on the edge of the penalty area, with the third occasion being punished as a Wainui attacker ran forward and although confronted by Blucher was able to cut inside as Blucher lost his footing before driving a firm 15 metre shot inside the post in the 70th minute. 4-1 North Wellington.
Martin-Davis then had an effort blocked by a defender before Small drove a shot over the crossbar. A Wainui free-kick from 25 metres was driven in towards goal but gathered by Smith. In the final minutes Upjohn made a good cutting inside run from the left flank with the ball, receiving back a pass from Glover, before striking a shot on to the far post.
Next weekend the Reserve team host Wellington United Dreamers at Alex Moore Park.

Reviewed by Warwick Smith and added to website on 17th April 2005 - please note the disclaimer on home page

Men's 2nd team - Capital Three league - Weka Road Park - 9th April 2005

Result: Kapiti Coast United (0) 0 North Wellington (0) 0
Team: Mitchell Wilson, Grant Batty, Warwick Small, Warwick Smith (Daniel Slieker 45 min), Michael Thomas, Braden Upjohn, Jeremy Thomas (Philip Barton 75 min), Chris Gibling, Tim Spackman, Andrew Thomas, Hoani Martin-Davis
Subs: Two used, Des Crosby not used

After being transferred from the Domain ground to Weka Road, the Reserve team battled out a 0-0 draw with Kapiti Coast, having lost 3-0 to the same team two weeks earlier in pre-season albeit with a different line-up.
With no scheduled referee apparent, one of the local supporters took over the whistle to help out and play started behind time. In a 4-4-2 formation and with strikers Glover and Nkhasi unavailable from last week, Martin-Davis and Andrew Thomas were used up front. Kapiti had the better of the scoring chances in the first half with Wilson making three saves from shots taken 20 metres out, similarly for North Wellington Smith had a long-range effort saved by the Kapiti keeper and Gibling fired an angled 15 metre shot over the crossbar.
Halftime 0-0. Slieker substituted on for Smith and went to striker with Andrew Thomas dropping back into midfield.
As the rain continued to fall in the second half Gibling missed a good chance to open the scoring and Kapiti had a late scrambled effort cleared away off the goal-line by Batty.
Next weekend the Reserve team travel away to play Wainuiomata.

Reviewed by Warwick Smith and added to website on 10th April 2005 - please note the disclaimer on home page

Men's 2nd team - Capital Three league - Alex Moore Park - 2nd April 2005

Result: North Wellington (1) 4 Waterside Karori (0) 0
Team: Mitchell Wilson, Grant Batty, Warwick Small, Warwick Smith, Andrew Thomas, Braden Upjohn (Hoani Martin-Davis 55 min), Philip Barton, Craig Hopkins (Francis Glover 45 min), Michael Thomas (Allan Taylor 70 min), Gary Nkhasi, Chris Gibling
Subs: All used

The first game of the 2005 league season for the Reserve team, coached this season by Des Crosby. At home on Alex Moore Park, conditions were good - a calm, overcast day with the ground in fair order apart from a few holes left from the softball season.
Premier team coach Hopkins formed part of the central midfield combination with ex-Premier team regular Barton as part of the 4-4-2 formation. After only three minutes Nkhasi latched on to a misdirected central defensive pass and ran clear to drive home from 15 metres. 1-0 North Wellington.
Left midfielder Upjohn delivered a left flank cross near the half-hour mark that Nkhasi clipped wide of goal. Barton then pressed forward twice in quick succession, firstly breaking inside the penalty area to be blocked by the Waterside keeper then striking a firm 20 metre shot that the keeper did well to push over the crossbar. In the 37th minute Upjohn was found in space by Barton and moved forward before striking an angled drive wide of goal.
Halftime 1-0. Hopkins substituted off, for Premier team duties, and replaced by Glover. Gibling moving back to centre midfield and Glover going to striker.

Just two minutes after the break and a scoring chance for Barton from a 22 metre free-kick centrally placed however his effort cleared the crossbar. Barton swung in a 53rd minute free-kick from the right flank that centre-back Smith headed wide.
North Wellington continued to create the better of the scoring chances through the second half with Martin-Davis coming close shortly after his substitution on as he drove a left-footed 20 metre shot narrowly wide of the near post. Glover connected with a right-wing cross in the 60th minute that the Waterside keeper did well to parry and regather. Eventually a second goal for the home side, in the 70th minute, following a fluent passing move involving Batty and Andrew Thomas, with the ball played through for Glover to sidefoot home from 12 metres. 2-0 North Wellington.
Waterside having two good shooting efforts, one a 20 metre shot tipped over well by Wilson and then a longer range shot that Wilson gathered in front of two approaching attackers.
Substitute Taylor, having had an early chance after his entry to the field, then added to scoreline in the 80th minute being the recipient of a squared pass inside the penalty area delivered by Glover, after a through ball from Martin-Davis down the left side, allowing a close range tap-in. 3-0 North Wellington.
Only four minutes and Taylor had space on the right side of the penalty area and from a tight angle drove in a cross/shot that flew in past the keeper by the near post. 4-0 North Wellington.
The Reserve team play their next league game on Saturday 9th April, away against Kapiti Coast United.

Reviewed by Warwick Smith (with great assistance from Des Crosby - thanks Des) and added to website on 3rd April 2005 - please note the disclaimer on home page

Men's 2nd team - Hilton-Petone pre-season - Jim Cooke Park - 27th March 2005

Result: North Wellington B (0) 0 Kapiti Coast United (3) 3
Team: Mitchell Wilson, Jeremy Thomas, Robert Purcell, Ken Blucher, Daniel Slieker, Hoani Martin-Davis (Des Crosby 25 min), Warwick Smith, Craig Hopkins, Brendon Cross, Gary Nkhasi, Scott Barber
Subs: Only one - used, interchange subs played

The final pre-season friendly game for the Reserve team was held at Jim Cooke Park in Waikanae. North Wellington played in a 4-4-2 formation with Barber and Nkhasi as strikers. With many 'regular' players unavailable coach Crosby was forced to rely on support from other club players, Barber, Blucher and Purcell along with Premier team coach Hopkins.
On a small-sized bumpy pitch, constructive play was not easy, and North Wellington made three defensive mistakes in clearing inside their penalty area which directly related to Kapiti's goals, with the goals coming in the 15th, 25th and 40th minutes. An improved effort in the second half with North Wellington coming closest to scoring when central midfielder Smith struck the post with a 20 metre shot late on.
The league season commences next Saturday with the Reserve team hosting Waterside Karori at Alex Moore Park.

Men's 2nd team - Hilton-Petone pre-season - Petone Memorial Park - 15th March 2005

Result: North Wellington B (2) 3 Lower Hutt City C (0) 2
Team: Mitchell Wilson, Grant Batty, Warwick Smith, Warwick Small, Tim Spackman, Andrew Thomas, Robert Purcell (Tatsuki Endo 55 min), Philip Barton, Daniel Slieker (Michael Thomas 80 min), Gary Nkhasi, Francis Glover
Subs: Only two - both used

The final pre-season game in the Hilton-Petone tournament for the North Wellington Reserve team. In calm conditions they started brightly scoring in the 3rd minute through left midfielder Andrew Thomas, following a right wing throw-in from which Purcell chipped in centrally to the edge of the penalty area for Glover to set up Thomas to finish from 10 metres. In the 12th minute a right-flank cross from Small was deflected by a Lower Hutt defender past the advancing keeper for an own goal. 2-0 North Wellington.
Barton remained the central conduit for North Wellington's attacking advancing in his central midfield role looking to release strikers Glover and Nkhasi in on the Lower Hutt goal. Defensively North Wellington were threatened severely at times and Wilson was called on twice in the first half to preserve the lead, firstly blocking (albeit fortuitously) an angled 8 metre shot when a goal looked on and then tipping a firmly struck 20 metre drive on to the crossbar. In between these two efforts Glover drove an angled left-foot drive on to the post with the rebound gathered by the Lower Hutt keeper. Closer to halftime and from a Purcell left-wing corner Glover headed over the crossbar. A yellow card was issued to Lower Hutt's central defender for abusive language in the 43rd minute.
Halftime 2-0 North Wellington. No substitutions.

An early chance in the second half for North Wellington with Glover flicking the ball on for Batty to strike an angled shot wide from 10 metres. Lower Hutt scored in the 52nd minute following a right-wing cross which was met with a low volley that skipped past Wilson. A substitution then saw Purcell replaced by Endo in central midfield. Nkhasi came close to restoring a two-goal advantage with a low shot just wide. An equaliser for Lower Hutt arrived after 77 minutes when a headed clearance from Smith was controlled and volleyed home from 20 metres into the bottom right-hand corner. 2-2.
Minutes later and after a quick free-kick taken by Barton had released Spackman in space of the right side his through ball for Andrew Thomas was hooked across goal but narrowly wide of the far post. In the 86th minute a third goal for North Wellington after Endo had made a break inside the penalty area and dragged back a low cross from the right side which was met by substitute Michael Thomas with his firm drive from 8 metres deflecting into the goal off a covering defender. In the final minute Spackman drove in an angled close-range shot that the Lower Hutt keeper beat away for a corner.

North Wellington finish in 4th place in the five team group with Tawa College being the group winners and advancing to the semi-final stage of the 2nd Division of the Hilton-Petone.
The league season will commence on Saturday 2nd April 2005.

Reviewed by Warwick Smith and added to website on 15th March 2005 - please note the disclaimer on home page

Men's 2nd team - Hilton-Petone pre-season - Petone Memorial Park - 1st March 2005

Result: North Wellington B (0) 0 Wellington United B (0) 0
Team: Mitchell Wilson, Warwick Smith, Grant Shields, Warwick Small, Jeremy Thomas, Tim Spackman (Michael Thomas 70 min), Philip Barton, Brendon Cross, Daniel Slieker (Gary Nkhasi 45 min), Tatsuki Endo, Francis Glover (Scott Barber 89 min)
Subs: All used

A hard-fought and well-deserved goalless draw for the North Wellington Reserve team in their third pre-season game with their chances of qualifying for the semi-final stages now extinguised having earned one point from three games in the five-team group.
In good playing conditions North Wellington fielded a 4-4-2 combination with Endo and Glover as the attacking duo, first team regular Cross accompanied the experienced Barton in centre midfield. Club Captain David Wright again present to make selections along with team manager Des Crosby.
In the first half Wellington United created the better scoring chances, a break inside the penalty area after 20 minutes from their skilful central midfielder saw his 12 metre shot tipped over by Wilson. Aside from this opportunity Wellington United were restricted to shots from distance together with a few crosses from the flanks however Shields was able to marshall the defence to cope with these threats.
Halftime 0-0. One substitution made by North Wellington.
The halftime substitution of Nkhasi saw him switch with Endo between striker and left midfield. Buoyed by their first-half holding effort North Wellington played with more confidence on the ball in their attacking endeavours and were able to create some opportunities, a back header from a defender was well caught by the Wellington United keeper while Glover, Nkhasi and Barton had shots on goal from the edge of the penalty area. In central midfield Cross was able to find more space as the game continued. Shields was able to dominate any long central ball sent through from the Wellington United defence.
Wellington United too remained positive in their approach and forced Wilson to make two solid saves from angled driven shots. A reasonable chance for a penalty was turned down by referee Tasker with 15 minutes left as Cross challenged an onrushing Wellington United attacker inside the penalty area. Late on a low right-wing cross was turned narrowly wide of goal by left-back Smith under pressure by an attacker. Late on and Glover required substitution for Barber.

Reviewed by Warwick Smith and added to website on 2nd March 2005 - please note the disclaimer on home page

Men's 2nd team - Hilton-Petone pre-season - Petone Memorial Park - 22nd February 2005

Result: North Wellington B (x) 1 Tawa College (x) 6
Team: Not confirmed but selected from - Mitchell Wilson, Andrew Thomas, Grant Shields, Warwick Small, Michael Thomas, Daniel Slieker, Scott Barber, Shane Magee, Hamish Grant, Tatsuki Endo, Francis Glover, Andrew Poole, David Butterfield, Blake Honeyfield, Hoani Martin-Davis
Subs: Not available

A 6-1 win to Tawa College. No match report available. Goalscorer was Glover.

Men's 2nd team - Hilton-Petone pre-season - Petone Memorial Park - 15th February 2005

Result: North Wellington B (0) 1 Island Bay United B (1) 5
Team: Warwick Smith, Andrew Thomas, Grant Shields, Warwick Small, Michael Thomas (Daniel Slieker 45 min), Duncan White (Scott Barber 80 min), Philip Barton (Hamish Grant 75 min), Tim Spackman, Dean Polyanszky, Tatsuki Endo, Francis Glover
Subs: Three used, David Wright not used

A disappointing start for the North Wellington Reserve team losing 5-1 to Island Bay, although the scoreline was bolstered by two goals in the last ten minutes as North Wellington were caught out on counter-attacks. Playing with first-half wind, Island Bay scored in the 2nd minute when a right-wing throw-in was not cleared and a shot lashed into the top corner of the goal from 20 metres. Despite creating some better attacking moves Island Bay could not increase their lead during the half with Shields marshalling the North Wellington defence from centre-back. North Wellington's attacks were centred through Barton who played a pivotal role in switching play to the wide midfielders White and Polyanszky. Closer to halftime and Michael Thomas was incapitated by blisters and substituted off at the break.
Halftime 1-0 Island Bay.
Another early goal for Island Bay in the second half with a hooked volley from 10 metres dropping into the far top corner. In the 62nd minute a well-worked left-flank move involving left-back Andrew Thomas and Polyanszky saw the ball released back for Polyanszky to drive a firm 20 metre home. 2-1 Island Bay.
A good chance to equalise came a few minutes later when Slieker drilled in a low cross from the right-wing however Polyanszky fired over from within 8 metres.
Island Bay's two-goal lead was restored after a right-flank ball into the penalty area was lobbed over Smith's attempted save into the far corner in the 70th minute. Glover drove in a left-wing corner which Slieker did well to strike with his right-foot with the angled drive striking the post. As North Wellington pressed on in the final quarter Island Bay increased their lead with a through ball past Andrew Thomas being met in advance of Smith with the attacker netting from an acute angle past Spackman. 4-1 Island Bay.
The final goal of the game coming after a swift break through the centre saw North Wellington outnumbered in defence with a shot struck from 15 metres that Smith tipped up but was volleyed home from close range. 5-1 Island Bay.
Next Tuesday the Reserve team play Tawa College.

The B team will play Island Bay United B, Tawa College, Wellington United B and Lower Hutt City C with the top qualifier making the semi-finals.

Reviewed by Warwick Smith and added to website on 15th February 2005 - please note the disclaimer on home page

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Men's Capital Four - Miramar Park - 6th August 2005

Result: Olympic (2) 3 North Wellington (1) 4
Well a sunny day in Miramar greeted us, not sure of the pep talk from Dave Wright as I arrived at 2.20 so I changed, with another late arrival Meatloaf on the side line.
With only the bare 11 and not all of us were fit. I had not played a full game since prior the dreaded Tawa game which you were felled/fouled in (my last game was 20 minutes long and dodgy to say the least). We strolled out probably 2.45pm and started the game on a very good Miramar 3 pitch. We played with the sun at our backs for the first half.

The team was as follows: Meatloaf - goal (Tony Davies), Spotty H(David Cocker), Spotty S(Grant Shields), Blair (McCormick), PB (Paul Brooker)- back four, Rope (Scott Moran), Woody (Brent Woodhead), Magee (Shane Magee), Wright (David Wright) - midfield, Scotty B (Barber), Rusty (Steven Lynd)- strikers. Substitutes - Grant Batty, Chris Gibling

Well, Rusty tried to conjure up a kick-off set play with Brent who unfortunately got caught with the ball and turned it over. Five minutes later a cross from the left hand side and they scored - off the head of their left mid and left Tony wrong footed.
A couple of towering misses from our strikers and we started gaining some more dominance. Our subs from the 2nd team arrived and PB came off I switched to right back and the newbie teamed up with Brent. Now according to Brent the pass was the key in Scotty B's first goal (perhaps cause he made it) Mr Barber run behind the defender to collect the pass and neatly put it away.
They then scored not long after as a long was played behind Spotty S, Blair and myself only for Spotty Herbert to play their striker onside from 6 yards out no mistake. 2-1.
Dave Wright and the play of the day some nice interchange down the right hand flank and Dave was left to cross the ball over into the middle of the penalty box - only for him to attempt a step-over and fall over, with the ball dribbling over the by line for a goal kick - RED SHIRT moment. Halftime.

Not a lot of constructive play followed as the large frame of Spotty Shields was tiring under the sun. Blair though was having a blinder defusing almost single handily all of the Greeks attacks. MOTM.
Sun in our eyes - that could have been Rusty's excuse (or perhaps a lack of placement) when he was put clear 1-on-1 with the keeper, blasted straight at him. RED SHIRT 2nd place. Scotty B then scored from some broken play when the ball spilled out in front of him and he put it away. 2-2.
When the ball from Rusty was then delivered to Scotty B he then made it a hat-trick with a 'well timed run' - (bordering offside) from outside the box, to gather and score. 3-2.
Spotty Herbert after some stellar defence then came off allowing Grant Batty to make his first Blair Wright appearance. Not long after a long throw was flicked on and their left half out jumped Shane Magee (and his bad knee) to knock the Greeks third past Tony. 3-3.
Tony now a bit worried about the ribbing he would get at work tried to encourage the boys the best way the Blair Wright team knows how - several expletives.
With 3 minutes to go Rusty made a typical Ginga run to the goal and when the ball was played to him this time he put it to the left of the keeper for the winner.
last minute of the game saw some controversy as a supposed handball by MOTM Blair just outside the box was waved away by the Ref and ensured the Greeks did not have the last attacking play of the game.
How's that?

Reviewed by Shane Magee (thanks Shane) and added to website on 8th August 2005 - please note the disclaimer on home page

Men's Capital Four - Petone Memorial Park - 9th April 2005

Result: Petone (1) 2 North Wellington (0) 0
Team: Warwick Smith, Paul Brooker, Blair McCormick, Steven Lynd, Shane Magee, Michael O'Connor (Scott Moran 45 min), Bruce Cairns, David Adams, Brent Woodhead, David Wright (Tony Davies 75 min), Scott Barber
Subs: Both used

A 2-0 loss for the 'Blair-Wright' team against the Petone Armani, a team who have not lost a league in the Wellington leagues for the past three seasons. After holding firmly for the opening 40 minutes, a Petone player was released clear inside the penalty area to square inside for a teammate to head home from close range (probable offside in the move, but no registered match official was in charge). In the second half Petone were better equipped to create scoring chances although it took until the 88th minute when a passing exchanging from four players cut inside the penalty area allowing a finish from eight metres. Good work in central midfield from Adams and Cairns.

Reviewed by Warwick Smith and added to website on 10th April 2005 - please note the disclaimer on home page

Men's Capital Four - Alex Moore Park - 2nd April 2005

Result: North Wellington (1) 3 Stop Out (1) 1
Team: Paul Shields, Paul Brooker, Grant Shields, Steven Lynd, Geoffrey Martin, Bruce Cairns, David Adams, Scott Barber, Brent Woodhead, Shane Magee, David Wright
Subs: Mitchell Wilson, Michael O'Connor. Not used - Tony Davies, David Cocker. Not available - Scott Moran

A 3-1 win on the opening weekend for the 'Blair-Wright' team, with Barber scoring the first half goal. Magee was man of the match. Game played on the top field, no. 2 ground.

Reviewed by Warwick Smith and added to website on 4th April 2005 - please note the disclaimer on home page


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Men's Capital Seven - ?? Park - ?? 2005

Result: North Wellington v ......

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Men's Capital Eight - ?? Park - ?? 2005

Result: North Wellington v .......

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Men's Capital Ten A (Sinners) - ?? Park - ?? 2005

Result: North Wellington v .............

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Men's Capital Ten B - ?? Park - ?? 2005

Result: North Wellington v ...............

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Men's Capital Eleven - ?? Park - ?? 2005

Result: North Wellington v ...............

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Men's Masters 1 - ?? Park - ?? 2005

Result: North Wellington v .............

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Men's Masters 2 - ?? Park - ?? 2005

Result: North Wellington v ..........

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Reviewed by ........... and added to website on ........ 2005 - please note the disclaimer on home page

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Women's 1st team - Division One league - Alex Moore Park - 14th August 2005

Result: North Wellington 1 Tawa 2

The final league game for the 2005 season for North Wellington's women's first team against the league leaders Tawa. On a cool Wellington afternoon with the first-half interrupted by occasional bursts of rain North Wellington took the lead after 20 minutes when striker Min Jinna chased after a backpass from the Tawa central defender to her goalkeeper with the clearance striking her in the stomach and rolling back into the open goal.
Tawa were able though to come back to win 2-1 and with their nearest challengers Seatoun losing today to University secured the Division One league title.
Before this match the North Wellington team had won their last four league games (5-1 v University, 2-1 v Lower Hutt City, 2-0 v Island Bay United and their last league game 2-1 v Seatoun, who were in 2nd place) and had improved their position to 5th place (two points behind the 3rd placed team University).
They finished the 2005 season in 5th place in the eight-team Division One league.

Women's 1st team - Division One league - Alex Moore Park - 10th April 2005

Result: North Wellington (1) 1 Lower Hutt City (0) 0

The opening league game for the 2005 season for North Wellington's women's first team. Coached by David Wright, the game was played on a cool and breezy afternoon with North Wellington scoring in the 34th minute with their left midfielder lifting a 20 metre angled shot over the Lower Hutt keeper. Two other first-half efforts fell to Roz Wallace however her left-footed attempts cleared the crossbar.
North Wellington, depleted by the loss of several of their best players from last season, showed less construction in their play than was evident last season given the lower standard of the league this year with the top Wellington womens teams now playing in the reorganised Central League which includes teams from Palmerston North, Hawkes Bay and New Plymouth.

Reviewed by Warwick Smith and added to website on 12th April 2005 - please note the disclaimer on home page

Women's 1st team - Kelly Cup 1st round - Alex Moore Park - 3rd April 2005

Result: North Wellington (1) 1 Tawa (1) 5
Team: Included - Jo Holmes, Shona MacKay, Eleanor Goddard, Hayley Doran, Erika MacKay, Roz Wallace.
The opening game of the 2005 season for the Womens Premier team. A 5-1 loss in the Kelly Cup to near neighbours Tawa with the game remaining competitive until the early second half when the superior speed and fitness of the Tawa players took over the game. North Wellington's left back equalised after 35 minutes with a long range shot over the Tawa keeper. David Wright is the coach this season, taking over from Roz Wallace who will be playing social soccer for the club this season. The team has lost several of its better players from last season including goalkeeper Aroon Clansey (to Australia - Manly club) and wide midfielder Claire Ponsford (to Seatoun club, Wellington).

Reviewed by Warwick Smith and added to website on 4th April 2005 - please note the disclaimer on home page

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Women's Division 2 - Wakefield Park - 21st August 2005

Result: North Wellington 0 Miramar Rangers 4

The Womens Division 2 team played in the Division 2 Cup Final against Miramar Rangers, however they lost 4-0. In the quarter-finals they beat University Gold 11-0 and then defeated Petone 4-3 on penalties in the semi-final. Their league season was completed on Sunday 14th August 2005 with North Wellington and Miramar Rangers finishing in 3rd and 2nd places respectively, separated only by goal difference.

Reviewed by Warwick Smith and added to website on 21st August 2005 - please note the disclaimer on home page

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Women's Division 3 - ?? Park - ?? 2005

Result: North Wellington v ............

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Reviewed by .......... and added to website on ........ 2005 - please note the disclaimer on home page

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Last updated: 17th September 2005

*BC * (KCU, 27 March) = Chas Lawrence * (Wai, 16 April) = Gene Glover