Match reviews for the 2006 playing season

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

Men's 1st team - Capital Premier league - Petone Memorial Park - 19th August 2006

Result: Petone (0) 2 North Wellington (1) 1
Team: Nigel Piper, Jason Evans (Braden Upjohn 50 min), Matthew Caughley, Euan Grant, Daniel Diggins, Darren Lee, Joe Harris, Theo Deen, Felix Krawcyzk (James Bell 60 min), Mathew Heath, Mathew Keig
Subs: Not used - Shanan McKeown

The Premier team played their last game of the season ending with a 2-1 loss to Petone, who with this victory become league champions and will next week playoff against Taranaki United to find the challenger for a playoff spot in the 2007 Central Premier League. Update - 9th September 2006 Petone lost to Taranaki 4-2 on penalties after the two-legged play-off ended 1-1 on aggregate, both teams having 1-0 wins at the away venue)
North Wellington finished the 2006 season in 10th place and as the last placed team are relegated to the Capital One league for the 2007 season. Had they been able to draw today they would have moved ahead of Marist, who lost 5-1 to Upper Hutt, who still have one league game to play next weekend.

The unavailability of O'Connor, one of the team's standout players this season, saw coach Phil Crawshaw introduce the experienced Evans, back from injury, into the starting line-up.
On an overcast, windy afternoon at Memorial Park, North Wellington took the lead after some 35 minutes, the goal-scorer Mathew Heath. A left-flank free-kick delivered deep by Lee was headed back across the goal area before Heath side-volleyed home, his first goal for the Premier team.
Halftime 1-0 North Wellington. No substitutions.

Petone, needing victory to secure the Capital Premier title, had the better of the second half though. North Wellington keeper Piper made several good saves, including one double-save to restrict Petone, however they netted twice midway through the half with goals to David Lane and Jason Schrivers.
A sad end for the Premier team, competing gamely in most matches, however lacking an established and proven striking duo throughout the season, having to use midfield players in more forward roles as their leading goal-scorer for the season was a three-way effort with 3 goals to Theo Deen, Joe Harris & Jamie O'Connor.
The end of season prizegiving for the Club will be held at the Clubrooms on the evening of Saturday 16th September.
In the 2007 season, the North Wellington Premier team will play in the Capital One league.

Reviewed by Warwick Smith (with thanks to Premier team Manager, Terry Upjohn) and added to website on 20th August 2006 - please note the disclaimer on home page

Men's 1st team - Capital Premier league - Alex Moore Park - 6th May 2006

Result: North Wellington (1) 1 Petone (2) 5
Team: Nigel Piper, Matthew Caughley, Euan Grant, Daniel Diggins, Mathew Heath, Iain Ridgway (Felix Krawcyzk 62 min), Darren Lee, Joe Harris, Jamie O'Connor (Eddie Burnett 86 min), Theo Deen, Francis Glover (Stephen Bushell 57 min)
Subs: Not used - Syd Reweti

The Premier team lost their 3rd successive game, 5-1 against the current league leaders Petone, to remain in 9th place of the 10-team Capital Premier after 7 rounds of the 2006 league season.
A late 2nd yellow card to defender Caughley in the 84th minute leaving North Wellington with 10 men for the concluding stages.

In overcast conditions with a cross-field southerly wind, coach Phil Crawshaw selected Premier team regulars Diggins, Harris and Lee, all unavailable last weekend, back into the starting line-up.
A tough start though as in the 1st minute Petone pressed forward and a driven shot from the edge of the penalty area deflected off a defender giving keeper Piper no chance as the ball diverted into the opposite corner of the North Wellington goal. 1-0 Petone.
Another Petone attack eight minutes later saw a driven 15 metre angled shot blocked by Piper with an attacker's header towards goal called back for offside. In the 11th minute a North Wellington left-wing corner found midfielder O'Connor with his glanced header from 10 metres clearing the crossbar.
Midfielder Lee, spent several minutes off-field having received a kick to the mouth which post-game required stitches, returned to action in the 20th minute and netted the equaliser seconds later, latching on to a low pass from the right flank to drive a shot past the Petone keeper. 1-1. (The 13th North Wellington career league goal scored by Lee for the Premier team)
Moments later though and Petone rallied with a 12 metre shot crashing off the North Wellington crossbar with a following header towards goal gathered by Piper. Two minutes later and Petone striker Mark Manzone was allowed space through midfield before driving a rising 25 metre shot over the crossbar.
Through midfield North Wellington were producing some fluid attacking moves with Glover being released in space in the 30th minute only to be fouled just outside the penalty area. However the resulting free-kick was chipped forward straight to the Petone keeper. Seven minutes later and Caughley received a yellow card as he bundled over a Petone attacker down the left-wing.
In the 38th minute a right-wing Petone corner was driven into the penalty area and with Piper being jostled by an opponent a scramble eventuated ending with a low shot from eight metres that flew past Heath on the goalline. Goal stood despite North Wellington protests. 2-1 Petone.
A North Wellington left-flank free-kick in the 42nd minute was swung in by Ridgway to be met by Deen with his header looping over the crossbar. Another two Petone corners saw further jostling in on Piper with the referee finally issuing a verbal warning to a Petone attacker. Close to the break and a Petone free-kick driven in from the left-wing just outside the penalty area saw Grant make an important challenge to glance a clearing header wide of the far post.
Halftime 2-1 Petone.

After an evenly matched first-half, an early shot from Petone's striker Manzone to Piper from 15 metres was an early warning that the league leaders wanted to establish some dominance. In the 54th minute a low Petone cross from the right-flank was driven firmly home from 10 metres. 3-1 Petone.
A minute later, after another Petone attack, a foul by Heath right on the edge of the penalty area resulted in a Petone free-kick being driven into the North Wellington defensive wall. Bushell, recently substituted on, made a bold break down the right flank and met a return pass from O'Connor inside the penalty area before driving a cross which had appeals for handball against a Petone defender turned down by the match official. Ridgway was then substituted off, Deen came back into midfield allowing substitute Krawczyk to move to striker.
Another good spell on attack for North Wellington, with a 66th minute right-wing corner played short to O'Connor who chipped a left-foot angled cross towards the far post with Lee making an unmarked run narrowly missing as the Petone keeper advanced out. Six minutes later and O'Connor twisted through central midfield before firing a firm 22 metre shot just over the crossbar.
Hopes though faded for North Wellington after the official awarded a penalty for a push in the 79th minute. Manzone taking the kick, striking a low shot past Piper's right-hand into the bottom corner. 4-1 Petone.
Five minutes later and Caughley challenged an opponent down the Petone right-wing and was penalised for his challenge with a yellow card, his second, to leave North Wellington with 10 men.
A minute later and Petone surged inside the penalty area and another defender's push resulted in a penalty. Again Manzone dispatching the kick similar to his first, to complete his game hat-trick. 5-1 Petone.
A late shot goalwards from 20 metres by Deen straight to the keeper and a late North Wellington substitution giving Burnett some Premier team game time.
Coach Phil Crawshaw making the man of the match presentation to midfielder O'Connor who made some incisive moves on attack.
North Wellington produced a competitive performance against the league leaders Petone, who maintain their 100% win record (7 from 7), but were undone by some liberal interpretations of obstruction late in the first half and in the concluding second-half moments a couple of injudicious challenges leading to the 2 penalties and a second yellow card.
Next Saturday, the Premier team travel away to play mid-table Island Bay United at Wakefield Park. Kick-off at 2.30pm.

Reviewed by Warwick Smith and added to website on 7th May 2006 - please note the disclaimer on home page

Men's 1st team - Capital Premier league - Alex Moore Park - 29th April 2006

Result: North Wellington (0) 0 Western Suburbs (Reserves) (1) 4
Team: Nigel Piper, Matthew Caughley, Syd Reweti (Tim Spackman 45 min), Iain Ridgway, Mathew Heath, Braden Upjohn, Jamie O'Connor, Theo Deen, Eddie Burnett, Stephen Bushell, Francis Glover
Subs: Not used - Craig Hopkins, Dean Polyanszky (injured), Euan Grant (injured), Shanan McKeown

The Premier team had a 4-0 loss against Western Suburbs (Reserve team) to remain in 9th place of the ten-team Capital Premier league.
Two late enforced changes for coach Phil Crawshaw as in the pre-game warm-up central defender Grant and striker Polyanszky incurred separate injuries. The late re-shuffle resulted in Reweti making his starting debut for the Premier team in central defence and Upjohn into left midfield. Burnett made a debut start for the Premier team in right midfield, having netted a hat-trick last weekend for the Reserve team.

In calm overcast conditions, North Wellington made the early running as they forced a 4th minute right-wing corner, delivered by Bushell which was headed clear by the Wests defence before Caughley drove a 25 metre shot over the crossbar. Then in the 9th minute, a Wests handball led to a free-kick delivered in by O'Connor with Deen sending a glancing header wide from 10 metres out.
Wests had a free-kick chance in the 13th minute, an angled 22 metre shot to the near post by Lawrence Fay gathered by keeper Piper. Five minutes later and the visitors developed play down the right side before squaring inside to Fay who was allowed space to run forward and drive a firm 20 metre high past Piper's left-hand into the North Wellington goal. 1-0 Wests.
Almost an immediate equaliser though for North Wellington, as Deen unleashed a 25 metre left-foot shot which struck the top of the crossbar, rebounding back into play before spinning out for a goal-kick in the 20th minute.
An evenly matched remainder of the first half, Wests narrowly flicking wide a free-kick in the 33rd minute, with no clear chances created. O'Connor received a yellow card for a mis-timed tackle.
Halftime 1-0 Wests. Reweti, having played a full game for the Reserve team before this game, received a knock just before halftime and was replaced at the break by Spackman.

After the resumption, the visitors began to fashion some good attacking moves. In the 51st minute Fay again found space outside the penalty area driving a low shot that Piper parried back with Heath clearing in front of an attacker.
Two minutes later and with right-back Heath caught up in attack, a quick break for Wests and a diagonal ball in behind the North Wellington defence allowed a dangerous left-wing cross to be sent across the goalbox just out of reach of a Wests striker. In the 56th minute a good North Wellington right-flank move started deep from Caughley to Burnett, then O'Connor driving on centrally before releasing Bushell inside the penalty area with his low cross gathered by the Wests keeper. Bushell was then booked for interference as the Wests keeper looked to clear.
Another right-flank move four minutes later with Ridgway chipping forward for Burnett to beat his marker on the goal-line with his cross being dropped on by the Wests keeper. Fay had another free-kick for Wests sending his 25 metre shot narrowly over.
In the 69th minute, a Wests attack down the right-wing allowed a pass deep inside the penalty area, Spackman holding up his opponent before a low cross was parried out by Piper, a close range shot kept off the goal-line by Heath before another shot from five metres beating Piper and Heath. 2-0 Wests.
Again almost an immediate reply for North Wellington two minutes later and a ball across goal found Bushell in space, waiting for the ball to settle allowing the Wests keeper to block his shot close-up. In the 73rd minute Heath's pass back towards Caughley near halfway went astray to a Wests attacker who took off towards goal with Caughley in close pursuit. Piper was able to block the initial shot from 15 metres but a following attacker netted the rebound. 3-0 Wests.
No respite though as Wests attacked down the left flank in the 79th minute with a low ball in past Heath leading to a Wests attacker straight in on goal from eight metres, with Piper losing out in a challenge and the rebound driven home from four metres. 4-0 Wests.
Two late shots from Fay, similar shots from 20 metres out as the North Wellington defence held off, were blocked away by Piper as Wests finished strongly.
A tough day for North Wellington given the late withdrawals and changing line-up right on kick-off time, and although they made a good start were unable to capitalise on their chances, finally succumbing to some late Wests pressure. Coach Phil Crawshaw named Ridgway man of the match for his defensive role in the altered line-up.
Next Saturday, the Premier team travel host current league leaders Petone at Alex Moore Park. Kick-off at 2.30pm.

Reviewed by Warwick Smith and added to website on 30th April 2006 - please note the disclaimer on home page

Men's 1st team - Capital Premier league - Kilbirnie Park - 22nd April 2006

Result: Marist (2) 4 North Wellington (1) 1
Team: Nigel Piper, Mathew Heath, Matthew Caughley, Stuart Fitzpatrick, Tim Spackman, Iain Ridgway, Darren Lee (Francis Glover 50 min), Jamie O'Connor, Stephen Bushell (Braden Upjohn 80 min), Theo Deen (Dean Polyanszky 70 min), Joe Harris
Subs: Not used - Warwick Smith

The Premier team produced a disappointing performance to lose 4-1 away against Marist at Kilbirnie Park, giving the home side their 1st win of the 2006 league season, with the two teams trading 8th and 9th places in the Capital Premier league.
Grant was a late withdrawal due to injury, Caughley and Ridgway were available and were named in the starting line-up at centre-back and left midfield respectively. Diggins still unavailable until mid-May.
Playing into the brisk northerly wind the home side opened the scoring in the 2nd minute, after Caughley was dispossessed inside his own half, a low cross was netted by an attacker ahead of retreating central defender Fitzpatrick. 1-0 Marist.
A poor start then worsened for North Wellington in the 14th minute as left-back Heath mistimed a tackle inside the penalty area to concede a penalty kick which was confidently dispatched past Piper. 2-0 Marist.
Some attacking endeavours were rewarded though for North Wellington, through Ridgway with his 28th minute from outside the penalty area being deflected wide by a defender. From the corner taken by Ridgway a header goalwards was saved by the Marist keeper with the rebound being netted from four metres out by Harris. 2-1 Marist.
Close to the break, in the 41st minute, a right-wing surging Marist run past Heath allowed a teasing cross in past Piper but away from two closing attackers and North Wellington gratefully cleared.
Halftime 2-1 Marist. No substitutions.

In the 47th minute Ridgway, making a useful run down the left wing, was fouled near the corner flag, however Bushell's free-kick was headed away by the tall Marist central defender. Lee, struggling gamely with injury, was then replaced by Glover. Deen moving back from striker to midfield, although in the space of two minutes a couple of chances came his way as in the 52nd minute Glover played a low ball through the Marist defence with Deen sweeping a left-foot 20 metre shot wide of the far post, and in the 53rd minute O'Connor lobbed a central ball over the defence for Deen to control and strike a low 25 metre shot straight to the Marist keeper.
Just moments after these half-chances, Marist went further ahead. In the 54th minute a long lofted Marist clearance caused problems for Caughley and the North Wellington covering defenders allowing a shot from inside the penalty area which Piper blocked out but from the scramble a rebound fell into the path of Marist's right midfielder who drove home an angled shot from 10 metres past Heath on the goal-line. 3-1 Marist.
In the 60th minute a left-flank pass across to the edge of the penalty area was well controlled by a Marist striker who turned neatly away from Spackman before driving a low 12 metre past Piper's right hand into the bottom corner of the North Wellington goal. 4-1 Marist.
Marist controlled their hold on the game as in the 64th minute a low 25 metre shot was initially smothered low by Piper diving to his right with Spackman in to help block the rebound and Piper was able to regather. Deen was then substituted off for Polyanszky, Harris moving from striker to midfield. North Wellington struggled to maintain possession in their progress down the field, whereas Marist showed more composure and understanding of their options while on the ball.
In the 78th minute Harris chipped a forward pass for Glover running on to contest with the Marist keeper who was able to gain possession. Five minutes later and after an attacker went past Caughley down the left flank a low cross in front of goal needed Heath to clear with a closing Marist attacker in pursuit.
Two late North Wellington chances, in the 88th minute O'Connor and Ridgway worked through central midfield to combine with Harris on the edge of the penalty area with his short pass to Glover seeing the attacker's shot deflected wide by a defender for a corner. A final shot in the 90th minute after Glover's right-wing cross had been headed back by Harris for central midfielder O'Connor to strike a rising 25 metre shot wide.
A step down in quality of team-play for North Wellington, who were punished by Marist for the opportunities provided to them. No man of the match awarded by coach Phil Crawshaw.
Next Saturday, the Premier team host mid-table Western Suburbs (Reserves) at Alex Moore Park. Kick-off at 2.30pm.

Reviewed by Warwick Smith (with early match review assistance from manager Terry Upjohn) and added to website on 23rd April 2006 - please note the disclaimer on home page

Men's 1st team - Capital Premier league - Alex Moore Park - 17th April 2006

Result: North Wellington (0) 0 Brooklyn Northern (0) 0
Team: Nigel Piper, Mathew Heath, Euan Grant, Stuart Fitzpatrick, Tim Spackman, Theo Deen (Braden Upjohn 57 min), Darren Lee, Jamie O'Connor, Stephen Bushell, Joe Harris, Francis Glover (Philip Barton 64 min)
Subs: Not used - Syd Reweti, Dean Polyanszky, Warwick Smith

The Easter Monday game for the Premier team was played in overcast conditions with a moderate northerly wind favouring the visiting Brooklyn team in the first half. An unchanged starting line-up from the Saturday game against Tawa was fielded, although a positional change saw Harris moved from midfield to attack with O'Connor into central midfield alongside captain Lee who was making his 97th league appearance for the Premier team.
In the 9th minute Harris controlled a through ball from Fitzpatrick near the edge of the penalty area before laying back a pass for Lee to strike a low 25 metre shot which Brooklyn keeper Steve Dimakis gathered low to his right. Ten minutes later and Glover pounced on a weak backpass and angled towards goal from the left flank but was overhauled by defender Ivan Simenovic who halted the move.
With Fitzpatrick again in the side to cover some Easter absences in defence, Brooklyn were restricted in their early chances. In the 21st minute their first raid towards goal ended when striker Sua Sieu's 20 metre effort was deflected wide for a corner by central defender Grant. From the corner, a clearance outside the penalty area was quickly returned back in and although a Brooklyn player went to ground the half-hearted shouts for a penalty were dismissed.
After Heath fouled his opponent in the 23rd minute the resulting free-kick sent in high with the wind was juggled by Piper coming outside the goal box with a Brooklyn attacker hooking a 12 metre shot over the crossbar. Grant was then on the receiving end of a mis-timed lunge near the halfway touchline with the Brooklyn player receiving a yellow card.
O'Connor made a sharp cut inside from the left flank in the 30th minute and was fouled with Bushell taking a quick 30 metre free-kick which went low straight to the Brooklyn keeper. Minutes before the break and Brooklyn's left midfielder Sham Shamoon unleashed a strong shot from outside the penalty area which crashed off the crossbar and rebounded away into play to be cleared by the North Wellington defence.
Halftime 0-0. No substitutions.

Almost a goal inside the opening second-half minute for Brooklyn as Sieu burst through centrally and slipped a pass by Fitzpatrick for fellow striker Richard Burke to run to but his 15 metre shot was driven straight at the advancing Piper's legs and Fitzpatrick cleared. Brooklyn captain Matt Dillon tried a speculative shot in the 51st minute which was deflected wide off a defender for a corner.
A tactical substitution in the 57th minute saw Deen replaced in left midfield by Upjohn, who had returned from recent injury having come through a Reserve team game on the Saturday. Moments after a Brooklyn shot from the edge of the penalty area was hooked high straight to Piper, there was a half-chance for Upjohn to make an immediate impact as Bushell drove in a low right-flank cross which was missed completely by a defender however Upjohn swung a right-foot shot from 10 metres which was underhit and easily gathered by the Brooklyn keeper.
Another substitution in the 64th minute with Glover replaced by the experienced Barton, a surprise move from coach Phil Crawshaw, in attack. Two minutes later and yellow cards were issued to Bushell and his Brooklyn marker after some pushing occurred off the ball.
In the 69th minute left-back Heath pressed forward, and with the benefit of the wind, swept in a cross which Harris met well with a squared headed pass for Lee who flicked the ball past a defender and then running in to the player but no foul was forthcoming. Barton drew a foul centrally in the 70th minute with Heath's free-kick sent inside the penalty area but Brooklyn headed clear.
Some quick-thinking by Lee from a free-kick released O'Connor forward in space in the 73rd minute with the midfielder's 25 metre shot being deflected to allow a comfortable gather for the Brooklyn keeper. Five minutes later and Lee's headed challenge involving an elbow resulted in a yellow card, one of three for North Wellington in the match.
North Wellington's efforts on goal to date had been promising to a point without seriously threatening the Brooklyn goal and the stalemate situation spurred Brooklyn on late in the game as they were to come close to taking victory. Firstly in the 81st minute Brooklyn's Burke made a left-side break past Grant, with the defender able to catch up and foul just outside the penalty area to receive a yellow card. From the floated free-kick Burke mistimed his header from six metres out which went wide.
Then just three minutes later Burke made a good turn on the right wing past Grant before sending in a cross which bounced over Bushell's headed clearance to fall for Shamoon, however his first touch allowed Piper time to get out to block his shot from eight metres.
A third good Brooklyn chance then moments later in the 85th minute Burke delivered a searching right-wing cross right into Shamoon's path with a volleyed shot sailing over the crossbar from ten metres out.
A solid enough team performance without any stand-out attacking chances for North Wellington to win the game. Defensively, a well organised display with Fitzpatrick being named man of the match by coach Crawshaw.
With the draw today North Wellington remain in 8th place of the 10 team Capital Premier league. Next Saturday they travel away to play 9th placed Marist who are one point behind.

Reviewed by Warwick Smith and added to website on 17th April 2006 - please note the disclaimer on home page

Men's 1st team - Capital Premier league - Redwood Park - 15th April 2006

Result: Tawa (1) 2 North Wellington (1) 1
Team: Nigel Piper, Mathew Heath, Euan Grant, Stuart Fitzpatrick, Tim Spackman (Syd Reweti 83 min), Joe Harris, Darren Lee, Theo Deen (Daniel Slieker 83 min), Stephen Bushell, Jamie O'Connor, Francis Glover (Laszlo Hidvegi 25 min)
Subs: Not used - Warwick Smith

In the first of their 2 games over the Easter Weekend, the Premier team went down 2-1 to their near neighbours Tawa who maintained their 100% win record in their 3rd game, scoring the decisive goal in the 80th minute after having been reduced to 10 men in the 54th minute.
With several enforced absences over the long weekend, those unavailable being defenders Matthew Caughley, Daniel Diggins and midfielder Iain Ridgway, North Wellington coach Phil Crawshaw fielded Stuart Fitzpatrick, who although had indicated that he would not play this season, answered the call with the two regular defenders out for this weekend. Also a starting Premier team debut for new midfielder/striker Jamie O'Connor, a recent arrival in Wellington, who started training last week, and partnered Glover in attack.
A Redwood Park pitch which having gone through recent local council reconstruction to remove its midfield 'hump' was still showing signs of recovery with the sand-filled drainage channels being knitted in under the turf. The high lush grass cover was also a factor, surely close to being cut back. Overhead conditions were pleasant, a slightly northerly wind and fine weather.
An early scare for North Wellington in the 2nd minute as a left-wing Tawa cross was partially headed clear by Heath with a Tawa header back in over the defence being volleyed over from ten metres. O'Connor sparked a 17th minute attack down the right flank linking with Glover who controlled and laid a pass back in for Lee to swing in a cross which O'Connor competed for but Tawa's defenders were able to clear. Moments later and midfielder Harris tried for goal from 30 metres with a shot straight to the Tawa keeper.
Glover, having injured an ankle, was replaced by Hidvegi who was made his Premier team league debut. Deen moved to attack and Hidvegi to right midfield, Harris to central midfield. In the 28th minute Tawa's centre-forward Peter Withers made space down the left wing before crossing into the area with Heath challenging to clear the ball broke free to Tawa's Mike Ramaekers to volley home from eight metres. 1-0 Tawa.
Just three minutes later and on halfway Hidvegi contested for possession, appearing to hold back his opponent but play continued, with Hidvegi making a diagonal run goalward and receiving a return pass inside the penalty area before being bundled over. Penalty awarded to North Wellington. Deen stepped up and drove a low shot which took a nice 'hop' off the pitch over the attempted save by the Tawa keeper. 1-1.
A quick response from the home side, as a minute later a left-wing Tawa cross had Piper forcing through traffic to clear the ball with the ball being struck wide of goal. In the 43rd minute Tawa broke through the centre inside the penalty area and although Heath miscued an attempted clearance a following shot was struck over the crossbar.
Halftime 1-1. No substitutions.

North Wellington, defending the eastern end in the second half, were under early pressure as Tawa had a 49th minute angled shot from the right side of the penalty area which went straight to Piper. Grant then made a surging run from central defence down the right flank, evading several challenges to almost the edge of the Tawa penalty area before the attack broke down.
In the 54th minute Tawa's centre forward Peter Withers made a run from the right flank inside the penalty area and after being blocked by a North Wellington defender who conceded a corner made a verbal outburst which attracted the match official's attention. A red card being issued leaving Tawa with 10 men.
Five minutes later and North Wellington's captain Lee made a break down the right wing before delivering a deep cross that left midfielder Bushell did well to meet with an angled header that went wide of the near post. In the 65th minute O'Connor clattered into a Tawa player near the touchline on halfway and received a yellow card. A minute later and Harris cut along the right-side goalline past a defender before squaring a short pass to O'Connor with his attempted shot blocked by a defender to concede a corner, from which the ball broke to Deen who hooked a 15 metre shot wide.
O'Connor was able in the 68th minute to turn away from his marker inside the penalty area and drove an angled shot goalwards that the Tawa keeper beat out centrally with his defenders able to clear. Tawa, still remained a threat on the counter-attack, with a 72nd minute foray down the right flank resulting in a driven shot towards the near post being tipped wide by Piper. Fitzpatrick, having a secure game in his first outing of the 2006 season, produced a long through ball in the 79th minute for O'Connor to head on allowing Deen in towards goal with a 30 metre shot taken on the run which sliced wide of goal.
However, just moments later in the 80th minute a forward diagonal ball from Tawa's left side to Mike Ramaekers outside the penalty area was quickly controlled, and despite the close attention of Heath, a quick spin and right-foot shot bounced inside the far post. 2-1 Tawa.
In the remaining minutes Tawa's 10-men were able to diffuse any North Wellington attacks in their bid to equalise, with no serious chances being created.
A disappointing late finish for the Premier team having been very much the equal of their Tawa opponents, however failing to make advantage of the extra man for the last 35 minutes.
For North Wellington all three substitutes used - Hidvegi, Slieker and Reweti made their Premier team league debuts.
Also of note for club members was the welcome visit to the Redwood ground to watch the game from the Tawa clubrooms of North Wellington life members Don & Dulcie Stone. Both remain keen followers of the team's performance but are now infrequent visitors to games unless they can watch from a covered position.
On Easter Monday, 17th April 2006, North Wellington host Brooklyn Northern at Alex Moore Park. Kick-off at 2pm.

Reviewed by Warwick Smith and added to website on 16th April 2006 - please note the disclaimer on home page

Men's 1st team - Capital Premier league - Alex Moore Park - 8th April 2006

Result: North Wellington (0) 0 Waterside Karori (0) 0
Team: Nigel Piper, Mathew Heath, Matthew Caughley, Euan Grant, Daniel Diggins, Joe Harris, Darren Lee, Iain Ridgway, Stephen Bushell (Felix Krawczyk 78 min), Theo Deen (Dean Polyanszky 53 min), Francis Glover
Subs: Not used - Laszlo Hidvegi, Warwick Smith

The Premier team played their 1st home league game of the 2006 season hosting Waterside Karori in blustery conditions at Alex Moore Park. For North Wellington, coach Phil Crawshaw made one change from the starting line-up used against Wairarapa United with Glover starting up front in for Polyanszky. Deen moved from midfield into attack with Ridgway taking the left midfield role. Waterside Karori were without Steven Jones (ex-North Wellington player from the 1991-92 seasons) and Jono Sole who were both suspended for this game.
As both teams had lost their opening league game last weekend there was a conservative start to the match as both teams concentrated their numbers in defence allowing few attacking opportunities. In the 22nd minute Glover clipped the ball over the Waterside defence with the wind causing it to dip and threatening to drop under the crossbar however the Waterside keeper pushed the ball over. From Bushell's right-wing corner Lee rose ahead of the keeper but headed over from six metres.
Waterside made a darting right-flank attack in the 31st minute with a low cross into the goal area diverted wide by right-back Diggins to concede a corner. Six minutes later and Diggins spurred an attack with a right-side ball in over the Waterside defence with Glover being denied over by a covering defender heading back to the advancing keeper.
Moments before halftime and Caughley drove a ball down the right wing for Bushell who was fouled turning outside his marker. From the resulting free-kick Bushell found Lee in the goal box challenging with the ball skimming on to hit Harris in the face before the Waterside defence cleared.
Halftime 0-0. No substitutions.

In the second half with the benefit of the strong north-westerly wind, an early moment of indecision inside the North Wellington penalty area nearly let Waterside in as a flicked-on throw-in was allowed to bounce by several defenders before a header sailed over the crossbar.
In the 55th minute Polyanszky, just substituted on, chased down a through ball on halfway before deftly laying on a diagonal ball allowing Glover in ahead of his marker to strike a right-foot 20 metre shot which the Waterside keeper reacted well to push away low to his left. Five minutes later and Waterside worked play well out from goal resulting in a low 25 metre shot which Piper smothered diving to his right.
The wind continued to make constructive play difficult throughout the half. In the 63rd minute Waterside attacked down the right flank with a deep cross met with a side-foot volley which flew wide of the far post from 10 metres out. From the goal-kick an errant Waterside header allowed Glover a 35 metre shot which he sent wide of the keeper's right-hand post.
Glover was remaining active in attack, and intercepted a crossfield pass in the 71st minute, before placing his 20 metre shot straight to the Waterside keeper. Krawczyk came on in attack, making his Premier league debut for the club, for Bushell. Deen moved back into his customary midfield role.
Into the closing minutes and a little frustration saw Polyanszky and then a Waterside midfielder being booked for dissent in separate incidents. Close to full-time and an angled 15 metre Waterside shot was beaten away by Piper at his near post.
A 0-0 draw providing the first point for both teams in the 2006 league season. Caughley was named man of the match for his efforts in central defence, with Grant having a solid game alongside.

Next weekend the Premier team have two games over the Easter Holiday. On Saturday they travel away to play near neighbours Tawa and on Monday they host Brooklyn Northern.

Reviewed by Warwick Smith and added to website on 8th April 2006 - please note the disclaimer on home page

Men's 1st team - Capital Premier league - Howard Booth Park - 1st April 2006

Result: Wairarapa United (3) 3 North Wellington (0) 0
Team: Nigel Piper, Mathew Heath, Matthew Caughley, Euan Grant, Daniel Diggins, Joe Harris, Darren Lee, Theo Deen, Stephen Bushell (Tim Spackman 59 min), Iain Ridgway, Dean Polyanszky (Francis Glover 59 min)
Subs: Not used - Laszlo Hidvegi, Warwick Smith

The first game in the 2006 Capital Premier league for North Wellington ended in a 3-0 defeat away against Wairarapa United at their home ground of Howard Booth Park in Carterton. North Wellington coach Phil Crawshaw selected a 4-4-2 formation with a defensive line of Heath, Grant, Caughley and Diggins. Debut league appearances for the Club for Heath, Bushell in midfield and Ridgway in attack. In sunny conditions Wairarapa had the benefit of the westerly wind in the first half and began brightly netting in the 9th minute as a left-flank ball delivered forward over Caughley released striker Stanley Waeta in goalwards to run on to before drilling a low angled left-foot shot across Piper and inside the far post. 1-0 Wairarapa.
The home side continued to dominate the territorial exchange and combined with an attacking force which showed quick movement and deft touches on the ball presented challenges for the North Wellington defence. Another ball chipped over the North Wellington defence in the 20th minute resulted in a penalty after a mistimed tackle sent a Wairarapa attacker to ground. Midfielder Murray Burling stepped up to drive a low shot past Piper's right-hand into the corner. 2-0 Wairarapa.
No respite from the attacking endeavours of Wairarapa United as in the 25th minute, a third goal was scored. A left-wing ball across the penalty area was controlled by Waeta who jinked inside his marker before firing a shot past Piper high into the goal from 10 metres out. 3-0 Wairarapa.
Another swift passing move through the centre almost saw a fourth goal added in the 28th minute, only denied by a good low save from Piper as a shot from inside the penalty area angled towards the corner. Close to halftime and the frustration of the North Wellington side, not being able to mount sufficient credible attacks, saw Ridgway lunge in on an opponent near the halfway sideline to receive a yellow card.
Halftime 3-0 Wairarapa United.

Having re-emphasised the defensive tactics at the half-time break North Wellington began the second half with a brighter approach and began to display some much needed parity in this game. In the 48th minute a left-wing Bushell corner was initially headed out but Deen sent the ball back inside the penalty area to find Ridgway but his hooked left-foot shot from ten metres went wide of the near post. A double substitution for North Wellington in the 59th minute saw Glover replace Polyanszky in attack and Spackman in to right midfield for Bushell.
Ridgway, operating on the left side of attack, sent in a good cross in the 64th minute with Harris just unable to meet it first-time having to hook a shot back across goal but over the crossbar from 10 metres out. Seven minutes later and Deen won a header on the edge of the penalty area with the ball dropping back for Heath, advancing from left back, to drive a dipping low 30 metre straight to Wairarapa keeper (and former North Wellington player (from the 1994-97,99-2000 seasons)), Tony Jamieson.
In the 77th minute, North Wellington having forced two quick corners, set up Heath again to drive a low 25 metre shot straight to Jamieson with two defenders still guarding the posts. A final attack for the visitors in the 85th minute with Lee's free-kick from inside halfway being headed across goal by Ridgway with Glover lunging unsuccessfully close to goal.
A 3-0 loss for North Wellington, who were unable to counter the opening stanza from Wairarapa and their fluid attacking movement. As the game progressed though they began to assert themselves through midfield and had the better of the second half without serious threatening the Wairarapa goal. Man of the match award from coach Crawshaw went to left-back Heath.

Next Saturday 8th April, North Wellington will host Waterside Karori at Alex Moore Park. Kickoff at 2.30pm.

Reviewed by Warwick Smith and added to website on 2nd April 2006 - please note the disclaimer on home page

Men's 1st team - Pre-season - Awakairangi Park - 25th March 2006

Result: North Wellington (0) (0) 1 Upper Hutt City (0) (1) 1
Team: Nigel Piper, Mathew Heath, Matthew Caughley, Euan Grant, Daniel Diggins, Darren Lee, Dean Polyanszky, Theo Deen, Stephen Bushell, Joe Harris, Iain Ridgway, Tim Spackman, Laszlo Hidvegi
Subs: Interchange subs in force - Spackman & Hidvegi (1st period), Polyanszky and Deen (2nd period) & Bushell and Lee (3rd period)

The final pre-season game for North Wellington against fellow Capital Premier league side Upper Hutt City ended in a 1-1 draw. The friendly match was played as three periods of 30 minutes.
Upper Hutt scored after 35 minutes. North Wellington equalised in the 72nd minute after a Polyanszky chipped pass inside the Upper Hutt left back was met by right midfielder Spackman who controlled and then lobbed an angled 15 metre shot into the far corner of the goal.

Next Saturday, 1st April, is the start of the Capital Premier league. North Wellington have an away game against Wairarapa United.

Reviewed by Warwick Smith and added to website on 25th March 2006 - please note the disclaimer on home page

Men's 1st team - Hilton-Petone pre-season - Petone Memorial Park - 7th March 2006

Result: North Wellington A (0) 0 Brooklyn Northern United A (1) 1
Team: Nigel Piper, Mathew Heath, Matthew Caughley, Euan Grant, Daniel Diggins, Joe Harris, Iain Ridgway, Theo Deen, Stephen Bushell (Tim Spackman 45 min), Francis Glover (Braden Upjohn 55 min), Laszlo Hidvegi
Subs: Only two - both used

A 1-0 loss for North Wellington in their final group game leaving them with losses from all 3 games. A debut Premier team appearance for Ridgway, an arrival from Scotland (having played for fellow Wellington team Brooklyn Northern last season), in central midfield having played for the Reserve team last Thursday night. Grant was selected at centre back with Diggins moved to right back. Glover and Hidvegi were the two strikers in the 4-4-2 formation.
Again the windy season in Wellington made conditions very tough for the players with a strong northerly wind buffeting the ground throughout the match.
Brooklyn scored in the 40th minute after a pass from Grant back towards Caughley was cut out by an attacker and a diagonal left to right ball in behind the defence was slotted home past Piper inside the near post.

Halftime 1-0 Brooklyn. Bushell substituted in right midfield by Spackman.
Limited scoring chances for both teams in the second half due to the strong cross-field wind conditions. Hidvegi was grounded inside the penalty area and although the assistant referee signalled towards the referee play was allowed to continue. In the 64th minute Hidvegi pursued a bouncing ball inside the penalty area but was closed down before getting a shot towards goal. A few late crosses were swung in from North Wellington free-kicks but were cleared by the Brooklyn central defenders.
Diggins was named player of the match by coach Crawshaw for his impressive game at right-back.
The end of Hilton-Petone pre-season action for the Premier team. The league season is due to start on Saturday 1st April 2006 with an away trip to Wairarapa United. Before then a couple of friendly matches will be played to consolidate the combinations that coach Phil Crawshaw will look to throughout the 2006 league season.

Reviewed by Warwick Smith and added to website on 8th March 2006 - please note the disclaimer on home page

Men's 1st team - Hilton-Petone pre-season - Petone Memorial Park - 28th February 2006

Result: North Wellington A (0) 0 Stop Out A (1) 2
Team: Nigel Piper, Mathew Heath, Daniel Diggins, Matthew Caughley, Euan Grant (Tim Spackman 45 min), Laszlo Hidvegi, Alex Stainer (Theo Deen 45 min), Joe Harris, Stephen Bushell, Braden Upjohn, Gary Nkhasi (Felix Krawczyk 50 min)
Subs: All used

Some enforced team selection changes for North Wellington coach Phil Crawshaw with a leg injury incurred in their first game against Olympic resulting in Darren Lee being out for several weeks. Heffield incurred a slight injury and will play for the Reserve team on Thursday. Coming into the squad were Stainer and Harris, who both played for the Reserve team last Thursday night.
A 2-0 win for Stop Out, who enjoyed the better scoring chances, in the 2nd game of the Hilton-Petone pre-season tournament. They opened the scoring after 20 minutes when a pass from Diggins back to Caughley went astray allowing an attacker in on goal and around Piper before netting.

Halftime 1-0 Stop Out. Two substitutions made with Spackman coming in at right-back and Krawczyk in as striker. Hidvegi and Upjohn switched between left midfield and striker.
Stop Out went 2-0 ahead after 70 minutes when a low right-flank cross threaded between Diggins and Caughley allowing Stop Out's Matt Bennett to sidefoot home from eight metres out. Heath had a 30 metre shot saved by the Stop Out keeper, before moments later touching back a through ball which Piper picked up leading to an indirect free-kick for Stop Out which was struck over the crossbar. Late on and Deen had an angled drive from just outside the penalty area which swerved past the far post.
An improved team performance tonight compared to last week against Olympic with some neat midfield combination play however Stop Out provided some sound defensive work which limited North Wellington's scoring chances. In particular the performances from Krawczyk and Harris were of note for North Wellington.
Next week North Wellington will play Brooklyn Northern United A in their final group game. Unlike the higher-ranked Olympic and Stop Out teams, Brooklyn Northern are in the same league as North Wellington, the Capital Premier league.

The North Wellington A team will play Olympic A, Stop Out A and Brooklyn Northern United A in their Hilton-Petone pre-season tournament group.
The top 2 teams in the group will then progress to the quarter-final stage. After the completion of 2 of the 3 group games this will be Olympic A and Stop Out A.

Reviewed by Warwick Smith and added to website on 28th February 2006 - please note the disclaimer on home page

Men's 1st team - Hilton-Petone pre-season - Petone Memorial Park - 21st February 2006

Result: North Wellington A (0) 0 Olympic A (3) 6
Team: Nigel Piper, Braden Upjohn (Daniel Diggins 45 min), Euan Grant (Felix Krawczyk 70 min), Matthew Caughley, Mathew Heath, Laszlo Hidvegi, Darren Lee, Theo Deen, Stephen Bushell, Alex Stainer, Gary Nkhasi (James Heffield 45 min), Tim Spackman
Subs: All used

A 6-0 loss to Olympic in the first pre-season game of the 2006 playing season for the North Wellington Premier team in the Hilton-Petone tournament (the usual annual pre-season Wellington tournament). All games being played at Petone Memorial Park with kick-off at 6pm.
North Wellington, having retained their place in the Capital Premier league, played their 1st game under new coach Phil Crawshaw. The team named contained several new players to the Premier team, those being Heath, Hidvegi, Bushell, Krawczyk and Heffield. A 4-4-2 formation was employed, as usual central defender Diggins was late to arrive, the back four comprised Upjohn, Grant, Caughley and Heath. Spackman and Nkhasi were paired up front.
In fine conditions with a brisk northerly wind favouring the higher-ranked Central Premier league Olympic side in the first half, it was 12 minutes in before the first goal came with a low cross inside the North Wellington goal box netted from close range. 1-0 Olympic. A second goal came from a long-range shot that central defender Caughley deflected in from the edge of the penalty area wrongfooting keeper Piper. 2-0 Olympic.
A sole shot on goal in the first half for North Wellington came from Grant, playing in a makeshift central defensive role having been more accustomed to a left-sided role. Olympic increased their lead with a third goal, benefiting from a North Wellington corner which was cleared quickly leaving Grant and Caughley exposed to a counter-attack and with Grant unsuccessfully trying to play an offside defensive move, allowed an attacker to move in on goal to slot home.
Halftime 3-0 Olympic. Two substitutions were made with Diggins and Heffield coming on. Grant moved to right-back and Heath from right-back to left-back.

A fourth goal for Olympic came after a low drilled ball into the penalty area was deflected in by an attacker. 4-0 Olympic. North Wellington, still experimenting in their combinations, competed but were clearly up against a skilled opposition who netted their fifth goal when a corner was headed in.
The final substitution saw Grant replaced by Krawczyk who went in as striker alongside Spackman. Olympic scored again in the 76th minute with a low shot skipping under Piper's dive. Late on with several players suffering cramp, some counter-attack chances for both sides. North Wellington came close when Bushell broke away on a two-on-one situation with Krawcyzk to his left, however the pass through was delayed and the Olympic defence rallied back in time to pressure Krawczyk to mis-hit his shot when presented with a chance to shoot.

A tough introduction to the pre-season against a good team. For North Wellington, manager Terry Upjohn stated that Heath played a good game in defence.
Next week North Wellington will play another higher-ranked Central Premier league side, Stop Out, who defeated Brooklyn Northern United A 7-1 in the other group game played this evening.

The North Wellington A team will play Olympic A, Stop Out A and Brooklyn Northern United A in their Hilton-Petone pre-season tournament group.
The top 2 teams in the group will then progress to the quarter-final stage.

Reviewed by Warwick Smith (with assistance from club captain David Wright and club member Stuart Fitzpatrick) and added to website on 21st February 2006 - please note the disclaimer on home page

Match reviews for the 2006 season will be posted as often as practicable.
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Men's 2nd team - Capital Three league - Alex Moore Park - 26th August 2006

Result: North Wellington (2) 5 Western Suburbs (1) 1
Team: Warwick Smith, Alex Stainer (Daniel Slieker 45 min), John Burnett, Murray Poultney, Eddie Burnett, James Burnett (Callum Fredric 80 min), Francis Glover, Laszlo Hidvegi, Gary Nkhasi, Gareth Powell, Matt Cantwell
Subs: Not used - Philip Barton

The Reserve team, playing a 3-5-2 formation for the 4th game in succession for coach Barton, defeated Western Suburbs 5-1 to ensure at least 7th place in the 10-team Capital Three league.
(This was their final game of the 2006 season as the organising body Capital Soccer scheduled promotion/relegation games only for 2nd September)
A remarkable goal-scoring effort from Matt Cantwell, the striker scoring all 5 goals in this match, to become the Reserve team leading goal-scorer (6 goals) for the season having played only 2 games!.

Pre-match doubts over the suitability of the Alex Moore pitch given the heavy rain in Wellington from earlier in the morning with players from both sides inspecting the field along with the referee who decided to start the game although stating that it would be abandoned if conditions deteriorated (this was the only match scheduled for Alex Moore 1 today).
Once underway after the initial delay (with goal-nets not being used given the later start time), the surface water did not unduly trouble players, passes needing to be struck firmly and tackling kept under close watch by the referee on the slippery surface. Fortunately the absence of wind meant the game conditions remained pleasant even though the rain continued to fall, although with less intensity than earlier in the day.
A couple of long-range shots from both sides in the opening minutes with the ball skiding off the ground. In the 12th minute Cantwell cut inside from the right flank before drilling a low left-foot shot inside the near post from 15 metres. 1-0 North Wellington.
Wests were able to respond only four minutes later. From defence, North Wellington central defender Stainer received a goal-kick and then passed forward towards Powell, near halfway, but he was swamped by two players with Wests moving forward down the right flank releasing an attacker goalwards inside the penalty area before a cross inside deflected off a defender to fall for a Wests midfielder to drive a firm shot past Smith's attempted block from 12 metres. 1-1.
In the 23rd minute James Burnett found space in central midfield before delivering a low pass straight ahead down the left side, past a lunging Wests defender, to find Cantwell who turned before firing a 15 metre shot across the keeper and inside the far post. 2-1 North Wellington.
The visitors again were back on attack, Smith saving a low angled 16 metre shot following a corner, and then after another corner was partially cleared by the North Wellington defence, a hooked left-foot shot from 15 metres was headed off the goal-line by Nkhasi. In midfield Glover and Hidvegi were matching their opponents to stymie the Wests advances and making some timely tackles in the wet conditions.
Halftime 2-1 North Wellington. Substitution with Stainer, unavailable for the second half, replaced by Slieker. Powell moving back from attack into defence allowing Slieker to partner Cantwell in attack.

A bright start for the home side in the 2nd half with early territorial possession seeing little work for the North Wellington defence. Nkhasi and Eddie Burnett continued to make some good wide midfield runs on the right and left flanks respectively.
John Burnett, playing as sweeper instead of the midfield roles in earlier games, made several timely tackles and forward runs to provide some impetus into the North Wellington midfield area.
In the 64th minute North Wellington were caught in defence, having committed numbers over halfway, and a Wests pass released their midfielder player from the left side clear in on goal with his chip over Smith from outside the penalty area striking the corner of the crossbar with the rebound met by the same player with their attempted chip gathered by Smith with Poultney back to cover goal.
North Wellington extended their lead after 70 minutes following Hidvegi heading back a Wests goal-kick to find Cantwell in space on the right side, with the striker evading a defender as he cut inside before striking a left-foot high inside the near post (Hat-trick to Cantwell). 3-1 North Wellington.
Some good testing second-half corners from Eddie Burnett had caused problems in the Wests defence, and Cantwell again benefited from a good delivery within 5 minutes of completing his hat-trick, as a right-wing Burnett corner found him at the far post to head home his fourth goal. 4-1 North Wellington.
With a 3-goal lead North Wellington still continued in their attacking intentions, Nkhasi went through on goal, despite calls for offside, but over-played the ball to the Wests keeper and minutes later Slieker had a goalward shot pushed away for a corner.
In the 79th minute Burnett, from left midfield, went diagonally across field past a couple of defenders to inside the penalty area, with his right-foot shot across goal striking the far post and rebounding back into the goalmouth. A defender's clearance found Cantwell inside the penalty area with his run past a defender ending with a firm 10m shot high into the Wests goal. Cantwell's 5th. 5-1 North Wellington.
Still time late on for a few Wests raids goalwards, however shots being blocked by Smith assisted by Poultney's defensive challenges saw no further addition to Wests' total.
A good win for the Reserve team, their best scoreline this season, having matched Wests in testing conditions some fine individual finishing by Cantwell proving decisive.
Next Saturday 2nd September, is their final game of the 2006 season, at home against 8th placed Island Bay United at Alex Moore Park.
(The game against Island Bay United was not held as the organising body Capital Soccer scheduled promotion/relegation games only for this weekend)

Reviewed by Warwick Smith and added to website on 28th August 2006 - please note the disclaimer on home page

Men's 2nd team - Capital Three league - Miramar Park - 19th August 2006

Result: Wellington United Dreamers (1) 1 North Wellington (1) 1
Team: Warwick Smith, Gareth Elmey, Peter Roberts, Murray Poultney, Callum Fredric, John Burnett (James Burnett 80 min), Laszlo Hidvegi, Eddie Burnett, Gary Nkhasi, Matt Cantwell, Francis Glover
Subs: Not used - Philip Barton

The Reserve team did well to earn a 1-1 draw with 2nd placed Wellington United Dreamers. With the club's Masters team having defaulted today, two players Roberts and Cantwell were employed by coach Barton in central defence and attack respectively, as regular starters Heffield, Batty and Slieker were unavailable.
On a bumpy soft Miramar pitch in overcast and windy conditions, North Wellington began brightly and took the lead in the 8th minute from the penalty spot after Cantwell was fouled, he drove a low shot into the corner despite the Wellington United keeper getting a hand to it. 1-0 North Wellington.
The home side quickly replied in attack with their tall centre-forward heading a right-flank cross goalwards from 10 metres with Smith saving low to his right. Minutes later and Wellington United's Gary Minshull fired a left-foot shot from 22 metres which Smith saved comfortably to his left.
Glover then had a good opportunity to add a second goal for North Wellington as he ran on to a through ball however his attempted lob over the advancing keeper went astray with the strong northerly wind and Wellington United defence got back to clear.
Fouls by Poultney, firstly a push and secondly a handball suspiciously close to inside the penalty area, led to two Wellington United free-kicks in the space of a few minutes, with the first being blocked by the defensive wall and the second, quickly taken, clearing the crossbar.
Nkhasi cut past his marker to fire an angled shot past the Wellington United keeper but the ball curved past the far post and North Wellington were unable to capitalise. Smith then had to advance well out his penalty area to clear a through ball ahead of Wellington United's centre forward.
In the 35th minute Nkhasi burst on to a pass and cut goalwards only to hook his shot past the far post from the edge of the penalty area as the Wellington United defence converged.
Wellington United equalised right on halftime, Roberts' pass from outside the penalty area to the right for Nhkasi was intercepted by their left midfielder who went goalwards alone before driving a shot past Smith from 16 metres. 1-1.
Halftime 1-1. No substitutions.

A change at the break for Wellington United, with ex-North Wellington Premier team midfielder Malcolm Campbell, (99 league appearances between 1988 and 2000) coming on.
After a foul some 25 metres centrally out from goal, Minshull struck a curling free-kick that clipped the top of the North Wellington crossbar. Glover was first to a rebound after the Wellington United had dived full length to block an angled drive from the right flank, however his 15 metre shot cleared the crossbar.
A couple of late North Wellington attacking free-kicks created chances, firstly for Eddie Burnett to drive a shot directly wide and then from a left-flank delivery Fredric's attempted volley went astray.
In the 88th minute, a good chance for Wellington United as they pressed forward in numbers with Campbell found in space centrally on the edge of the penalty area with a firm drive past the advancing Smith blocked by Elmey and North Wellington cleared and held on for a draw.
A game in which both teams had decent scoring chances, however the quality of finishing in testing conditions led to several near misses. A good team performance from North Wellington to earn a draw, after losing 5-0 in their earlier meeting this season.
Next Saturday, 26th August, the Reserve team host Western Suburbs at Alex Moore Park, kick-off 12.30pm.

Reviewed by Warwick Smith and added to website on 20th August 2006 - please note the disclaimer on home page

Men's 2nd team - Capital Three league - Fraser Park - 12th August 2006

Result: Lower Hutt City Ancient Ones (1) 3 North Wellington (0) 1
Team: Warwick Smith, James Heffield, Grant Batty, Gareth Elmey, Callum Fredric (Simon Alsford 80 min), John Burnett (James Burnett 58 min), Laszlo Hidvegi, Murray Poultney, Gary Nkhasi, Gareth Powell, Daniel Slieker
Subs: Not used - Philip Barton

The Reserve team lost 3-1 against Lower Hutt City in a mid-table game at Fraser Park, having enjoyed a fair share of territory and possession some wayward finishing ultimately cost them a result.
A through ball past Heffield's attempted header in the 8th minute released Lower Hutt's centre forward in on goal but his shot was blocked by Smth advancing from goal.
North Wellington had an attack mid-half down the right flank with the ball squared inside for Powell with his low right-footed shot from 15 metres straight to the Lower Hutt keeper.
In the 25th minute Lower Hutt took the lead. From a right wing throw, Elmey held up an attacker who passed inside to their centre forward who had time to turn and shoot from eight metres, with Heffield's attempted block deflecting the ball over Smith and under the crossbar inside the far post. 1-0 Lower Hutt.
Shortly afterwards Slieker snapped a 20 metre shot wide of goal after some right-flank set-up play from Nkhasi. Late in the first half, John Burnett, showing some nice touches in central midfield, sent in a long diagonal cross from the left flank however Powell was stretching to reach it and made no contact.
In the 42nd minute Hidvegi threaded a pass between the Lower Hutt defence for Powell to run on to but his shot from inside the penalty area cleared the crossbar.
Halftime 1-0 Lower Hutt. No substitutions.

Just two minutes after the resumption and Slieker made space down the left wing before finding Nkhasi running goalward inside the penalty area however his left-foot shot was understruck and pushed away by the Lower Hutt keeper.
In the 65th minute Fredric drove in a left-wing cross, which flicked off a Lower Hutt defender's head on for Powell near the far post to head wide of goal from six metres out. Smith then held a firm 20 metre shot to his right from Lower Hutt's centre forward after a counter-attack.
A 2nd Lower Hutt goal in the 74th minute as a quick central move had the North Wellington defence backpedalling, allowing space for their substitute striker to fire a shot from the edge of the penalty area into the top corner of the North Wellington goal. 2-0 Lower Hutt.
Only two minutes later and a right flank Lower Hutt break saw their central midfielder beating two tackles to move inside the penalty area before squaring a pass inside as Smith advanced, allowing for an attacker to sidefoot home from 10 metres ahead of Elmey's challenge. 3-0 Lower Hutt.
A late substitution saw Alsford, back on after an injury some weeks ago, into left midfield. North Wellington still fought hard in their attacking endeavours with Nkhasi able to provide some good right-wing crosses.
In the 86th minute a goal for North Wellington scored by Powell, after James Burnett had won a midfield tackle and passed right to Batty, well forward from defence, with his low cross in front of goal sidefooted home from six metres.
Next Saturday the Reserve team travel away to play 2nd placed Wellington United Dreamers at Miramar Park. Kick-off at 2.30pm.

Reviewed by Warwick Smith and added to website on 13th August 2006 - please note the disclaimer on home page

Men's 2nd team - Capital Three league - Weka Park - 5th August 2006

Result: Kapiti Coast United (0) 1 North Wellington (4) 4
Team: Warwick Smith, Alex Stainer, James Heffield, Gareth Elmey, Braden Upjohn, John Burnett (James Burnett 65 min), Laszlo Hidvegi, Murray Poultney, Gary Nkhasi, Francis Glover (Callum Fredric 65min), Gareth Powell (Phil Barton 84 min)
Subs: All used.

The Reserve team, playing in a 3-5-2 formation, had a 4-1 win over Kapiti Coast United with 2 goals each from Glover and Powell. They remain in 7th place, however are now safe from any relegation issues.
In fine calm conditions, a bright start for North Wellington in the 4th minute from a defensive pass from Smith out to the right for midfielder Poultney, able to run forward, before driving a long pass on to Powell with his header on releasing Glover inside the penalty area. The striker being able to swivel inside a defender before clipping a 10 metre shot past the keeper at the near post. 1-0 North Wellington.
The midfield trio of Burnett, Hidvegi and Poultney providing a link to their outside halves Upjohn and Nkhasi. A 2nd goal in the 10th minute, Elmey's run forward and pass down the right for Glover who broke away to net with a low shot past the keeper. 2-0 North Wellington.
Making use of possession through midfield, North Wellington were able to string together some good passing moves in the first half.
Kapiti's first attack on goal was from a right-wing corner with a header being pushed away by Smith to concede another corner. Heffield made some telling interceptions from his sweeper role in stopping attacks outside the penalty area.
In the 25th minute, from a right-wing North Wellington corner, Glover drove the ball in over the Kapiti keeper for Powell to volley home from two metres. 3-0 North Wellington.
A Kapiti left-wing free-kick headed upwards by Elmey led to a Kapiti shot from six metres blocked wide by Smith for a corner. Another chance for Kapiti was cut out by Hidvegi making ground well back in defence to block a goalbound shot as Kapiti broke forward on the half hour.
Still creating chances North Wellington increased their lead in the 43rd minute, again from defence a throw out right to Nkhasi, passing inside for Hidvegi, before a central through ball to Glover was then played left for Powell to sidefoot a low shot inside the far post from 12 metres. 4-0 North Wellington.
Halftime 4-0 North Wellington. No substitutions.

The second half was played in continuing fine conditions, Kapiti buoyed by a midfield substitution, began well and closed down the space in midfield that North Wellington had enjoyed earlier.
In the 58th minute, after Heffield's defensive header out from a Kapiti right-wing cross a volley goalward past Elmey's attempted block crept inside the left-hand post past Smith. 4-1 North Wellington.
Substitutions in midfield saw Burnett replaced by his son, James, and Fredric on in right midfield for Glover as Nkhasi went to attack. Chances for North Wellington not as promising as in the first half, with their efforts on goal being restricted to long-range shots.
A right-wing corner gathered by Smith in the 75th minute, resulted in a Kapiti player incurring an arm injury which left them with 10 men for several minutes. Stainer made a goal-line clearance on an angled shot after a low left-wing cross had been turned back goalwards.
Barton, on late for Powell, tried a long-range shot as did Upjohn moments later, however neither shot seriously threatened the Kapiti goal. A good win for North Wellington, assisted by some good passing moves and finishing.
Next Saturday the Reserve team travel away to play 6th placed Lower Hutt Ancient One at Fraser Park. Kick-off at 2.30pm.

Reviewed by Warwick Smith and added to website on 6th August 2006 - please note the disclaimer on home page

Men's 2nd team - Capital Three league - Endeavour Park - 29th July 2006

Result: Western Suburbs (3) 5 North Wellington (0) 1
Team: Warwick Smith, Lawrence Sukhu (Eric de Souza 80 min), Grant Batty, Alex Stainer, James Heffield, Callum Fredric, John Burnett (Sam Hutchison 70 min), Laszlo Hidvegi, James Burnett, Daniel Slieker (Phil Barton 12 min), Gareth Powell
Subs: All used.

The Reserve team, having only had 1 game in the past 5 weeks due to postponed games, lost 5-1 away to Western Suburbs.
A re-shuffled line up with numerous unavailabilities led to Reserve team debut games for Masters player John Burnett and son James Burnett, also for substitute defender de Souza.
On a good playing surface at Endeavour Park in fine conditions, a poor start though for North W

Match reviews for the 2006 playing season

Men's 1st team - Capital Premier league - Petone Memorial Park - 19th August 2006

Men's 1st team - Capital Premier league - Endeavour Park - 12th August 2006

Men's 1st team - Capital Premier league - Alex Moore Park - 5th August 2006

Men's 1st team - Capital Premier league - Harcourt Park - 29th July 2006

Men's 1st team - Capital Premier league - Alex Moore Park - 23rd July 2006

Men's 1st team - Capital Premier league - Petone Memorial Park - 15th July 2006

Men's 1st team - Capital Premier league - Porirua Park - 7th July 2006

Men's 1st team - Capital Premier league - Alex Moore Park - 1st July 2006

Men's 1st team - Capital Premier league - Wakefield Park - 24th June 2006

Men's 1st team - Capital Premier league - Alex Moore Park - 17th June 2006

Men's 1st team - Capital Premier league - Nairnville Park - 11th June 2006

Men's 1st team - Capital Premier league - Alex Moore Park - 3rd June 2006

Men's 1st team - Capital Premier league - Alex Moore Park - 27th May 2006

Men's 1st team - Chatham Cup 1st round - Endeavour Park - 20th May 2006

Men's 1st team - Capital Premier league - Wakefield Park - 13th May 2006