Match reviews for the 2007 playing season

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

Men's 1st team - Capital One league - Alex Moore Park - 18th August 2007

Result: North Wellington (1) 1 Miramar Rangers Reserves (3) 4
Team: Nigel Piper (Shanan McKeown 45 min), Matthew Caughley, Ben Soal (Luke Collins 65 min), Mathew Heath, Daniel Diggins, Joe Harris, Tom Worthington, Theo Deen, Francis Glover (Robbie McLauchan 80 min), Philip Barton, Ben Stonnell
Subs: All used

The Premier team lost 4-1 in their final league game of the 2007 season against the league champions Miramar Rangers Reserves. Their earlier meeting this season ended in a 5-0 win to Miramar.
They finished in 6th place of the 10 teams with 6 wins, 4 draws and 8 losses to amass 22 points. Miramar won the title with 45 points by 2 points from Marist
Three changes to the starting line-up. Piper into goal. Cross, injured, was replaced in defence by Soal. Krawczyk was unavailable and Stonnell came in as striker.
In cool overcast conditions, an evenly contested first 20 minutes before Miramar went 2-0 ahead in the space of a few minutes as two defensive lapses provided scoring openings.
Goal for North Wellington scored by Barton, receiving the ball on halfway and making a fine goalward run past 3 defenders before rolling a shot in from inside the penalty area. 2-1 Miramar.
Miramar came back quickly witin a few minutes to go 3-1 ahead in the 40th minute as a through ball past the North Wellington defence was converted past Piper.
Halftime 3-1 Miramar. Substitution change in goal with McKeown replacing Piper, a non-injury move by coach Phil Crawshaw.
In the 2nd half, Heath was beaten before a Miramar attacker finished with a firm drive into the top corner of the North Wellington goal in the 50th minute. 4-1 Miramar.
Late substitution debut for the Premier team for young midfielder McLauchan, an ex-Tawa College player. Miramar, including ex-North Wellington and Waterside Karori player Steven Jones, proving too strong to secure the league title.
The Premier team finish their league season in the Capital One league in 6th place following their relegation from the Capital Premier league last season. Top goalscorer was Philip Barton, assistant coach, with 7 goals. He was also the only player to make an appearance in every league game. With his league goal today he becomes the club's 5th highest goalscorer with 37 goals (surpassing Dean Polyanszky, 36 goals).
The final prizegiving awards for the Premier team will occur at the Club function to be held on the evening of Saturday 8th September at the Clubrooms.

Reviewed by Warwick Smith (with assistance from Premier team players) and added to website on 20th August 2007 - please note the disclaimer on home page

Men's 1st team - Capital One league - Alex Moore Park - 11th August 2007

Result: North Wellington (0) 0 Naenae (0) 0
Team: Shanan McKeown, Matthew Caughley, Mathew Heath, Daniel Diggins, Brendon Cross, Felix Krawczyk, Joe Harris, Tom Worthington, Theo Deen, Francis Glover (Nigel Piper 84 min), Philip Barton
Subs: Not used - Ben Soal, Ben Stonnell

The Premier team drew 0-0 with 5th placed Naenae at Alex Moore Park and remain in 6th place with 1 game remaining in the 2007 season. Their earlier meeting this season ended in a 1-1 draw.
In overcast conditions, a strong north-westerly wind across the ground made playing conditions difficult. Diggins returned from injury into defence replacing Soal.
A game of few genuine chances, for North Wellington central midfielder Harris having their best efforts however a combination of wayward finishing and the Naenae goalkeeper denied him. Late on substitute goalkeeper Piper came on as striker replacing Glover.
Coach Phil Crawshaw giving the man-of-the-match award to defender Heath.
Next weekend in the final league game of the 2007 season the Premier team host current league leaders Miramar Rangers Reserves at Alex Moore Park, 2.30pm kick-off, 18th August.

Reviewed by Warwick Smith (with assistance from Premier team players) and added to website on 11th August 2007 - please note the disclaimer on home page

Men's 1st team - Capital One league - Alex Moore Park - 4th August 2007

Result: North Wellington (0) 2 Waterside Karori Reserves (1) 1
Team: Nigel Piper, Matthew Caughley, Ben Soal, Mathew Heath, Brendon Cross (Luke Collins 86 min), Felix Krawczyk, Joe Harris, Tom Worthington, Theo Deen, Ben Stonnell (Francis Glover 70 min), Philip Barton
Subs: Not used - Shanan McKeown, James Bell (played for Reserves)

In cool overcast conditions, slight drizzle just after halftime, there was one change to the starting line-up from last weekend. Diggins was out with an injured nose to be replaced by Soal in defence.
The Premier team defeated Waterside Karori Reserves 2-1, to make it 3 successive league wins (the 1st for the club since the 2004 season). This victory ensured that North Wellington will stay in the Capital One league for the 2008 season.
Waterside scored after 5 minutes, confusion between Caughley and Heath allowed a Waterside attacker to strike a firm first-time 15 metre shot into the top corner of the North Wellington goal. 1-0 Waterside Karori.
The equaliser for North Wellington scored by Barton in the 72nd minute, receiving the ball on halfway and releasing Deen down the right flank, before receiving the return ball to sidefoot home from 10 metres. (Barton's 36th career league goal for the Premier team, becoming the 5th equal all-time top-scorer to match Dean Polyanszky. Barton achieved this in 155 appearances compared to Polyanszky's 203 appearances) 1-1.
A deciding goal for the home side in the 80th minute to Harris following a goalmouth scramble, the midfielder poked home a close-range effort. 2-1 North Wellington.
In the closing moments Glover latched on to a pass on the left side of the penalty area with his angled near post drive turned away by the Waterside keeper for a corner, with North Wellington able to celebrate victory shortly after Barton's short-taken corner.
Next weekend the Premier team host Naenae at Alex Moore Park, 2.30pm on 11th August. Their earlier meeting this season ended in a 1-1 draw.

Reviewed by Warwick Smith (with assistance from Premier team players) and added to website on 5th August 2007 - please note the disclaimer on home page

Men's 1st team - Capital One league - Petone Memorial Park - 28th July 2007

Result: Petone Reserves (0) 0 North Wellington (0) 1
Team: Nigel Piper, Matthew Caughley, Daniel Diggins, Mathew Heath, Brendon Cross, Felix Krawczyk, Joe Harris, Tom Worthington, Theo Deen, Ben Stonnell (Luke Collins 63 min), Philip Barton
Subs: Not used - Ben Soal, Shanan McKeown

The Premier team won their 2nd consecutive game as they secured a 1-0 win over Petone Reserves to maintain their 7th placing (now just behind Petone on goal difference) in cool overcast conditions at Petone Memorial Park. An early kick-off game, 12.30pm, with late light drizzle and northerly winds favouring Petone in the 1st half.
A formation change back to 4-4-2 (from the previous games 3-5-2), with Cross returning to Premier team action at right-back having spent two years teaching in Japan.
In the 3rd minute Barton drove in a low right-wing cross for Harris to met at the far post, however the central midfielder passed up a promising possible first-time shot and his effort was then blocked by a Petone defender. Four minutes later and from a North Wellington right-wing corner played short by Cross to Harris, a ball into the penalty area was headed wide by Deen.
Barton released Stonnell with a driven through ball into the northerly wind before the striker linked wide right with Cross before Worthington swung in a right-flank cross which Barton headed wide of the far post. A good start for North Wellington however the three chances created not forcing a save from the Petone keeper.
In the 14th minute Mike Gendall (ex-North Wellington Premier team player 1994-95) played a ball deep from central midfield releasing a Petone attacker down the right flank with central defender Caughley in pursuit with a firm angled shot driven straight at Piper who parried away. Both sides then settled in defensively to restrict the scoring chances.
From a North Wellington attacking free-kick in the 32nd minute play broke down and Cross was tackled inside the Petone half with a pass forward putting Diggins on a chase back with the Petone striker before a low angled shot went narrowly wide of the far post. In the 40th minute a counter attack saw Harris drive a ball towards the edge of the penalty area to find Krawczyk, with the ball rebounding off his arm before he struck a firm shot which the Petone keeper did well to tip wide of his left-hand post.
Close to the break and Krawczyk received a pass on the edge of the penalty area before laying off a pass for Barton to drive a firm shot high goalwards with the Petone keeper extended to push over the crossbar.
Halftime 0-0. No substitutions.

North Wellington had the benefit of a breezy northerly wind in the 2nd half. A minute after the resumption Harris sent in a right-wing cross headed back by Barton for Krawczyk to snap a left-foot 12 metre shot over. Four minutes later and the same combination Barton-Krawczyk created a chance before Krawczyk's angled volley was blocked at the near post by the Petone keeper.
In the 56th minute, a goal came from an inswinging right-wing Barton corner sent to the far post Deen crashed home a header from four metres as the Petone keeper was left stranded. 1-0 North Wellington.
A minute later as the home side rallied a penalty appeal was turned down as Heath challenged and Piper dropped on the loose ball. In the 66th minute a Petone right-wing corner saw a header goalwards crash off the crossbar before Heath and Caughley combined to clear from close to goal.
In the 72nd minute a Petone striker made a diagonal run inside the penalty area before his first shot was blocked by Cross before a following lobbed effort over Piper narrowly went wide of the far post. Five minutes later and Piper pushed wide a firmly driven angled right-side 16 metre shot.
Petone were able to cut down the attacking options of North Wellington late into the 2nd half. In the closing minutes Petone finished strongly, forcing 4 corners, however North Wellington had sufficient defensive cover to minimise any equaliser attempts.
Next weekend the Premier team host Waterside Karori Reserves, currently in 9th place now 5 points behind North Wellington, at Alex Moore Park, 2.30pm on 4th August. A win for North Wellington will ensure that they stay in the Capital One league for the 2008 season.

Reviewed by Warwick Smith and added to website on 29th July 2007 - please note the disclaimer on home page

Men's 1st team - Capital One league - Alex Moore Park - 21st July 2007

Result: North Wellington (2) 2 Wellington United Reserves (1) 1
Team: Shanan McKeown (Nigel Piper 45 min), Matthew Caughley, Daniel Diggins, Mathew Heath, James Bell (Ben Soal 70 min), Francis Glover, Joe Harris, Tom Worthington, Theo Deen, Luke Collins (Ben Stonnell 45 min), Philip Barton
Subs: All used

The Premier team defeated Wellington United Reserves 2-1 at Alex Moore Park in overcast calm conditions on a soft ground. The win moves them up one place into 7th place, 2 points ahead of University and Karori Waterside Reserves. There are now 4 games left in the 2007 season.
A goal for Wellington United after 2 minutes, a free-kick from just inside the United half was head flicked on by the centre forward allowing a following player to drive an angled shot home across McKeown inside the far post. 1-0 Wellington United.
North Wellington equalised within a few minutes after midfielder Deen drove a diagonal pass across inside the left side of the penalty area for Glover to lob the ball over the advancing Wellington United keeper. 1-1.
In the 35th minute a mistimed tackle by a Wellington United defender on Glover earned North Wellington a penalty. Deen converting from the penalty spot. 2-1 North Wellington.
Halftime 2-1 North Wellington. Two substitutions, McKeown replaced by Piper in goal and Stonnell came on in attack for Collins.

In the 2nd half, Piper made two crucial saves, firstly a penalty save after 65 minutes (following a push by Caughley and Heath in a challenge) and later a one-on-one block to deny a Wellington United attacker. In the closing minutes left-back Heath made a burst along the left-flank goal-line however his cross intended for Stonnell was cut out by the United keeper.
Next weekend the Premier team travel away to play Petone Reserves at Petone Memorial Park, 12.30pm (early kick-off) on 28th July.

Reviewed by Warwick Smith (with assistance from Premier team players) and added to website on 23rd July 2007 - please note the disclaimer on home page

Men's 1st team - Capital One league - Alex Moore Park - 14th July 2007

Result: North Wellington v Miramar Rangers Reserves (cancelled)

The Premier team, currently in 8th place, were due to play league leaders Miramar Rangers Reserves at Alex Moore Park. However there was heavy rain on Friday night and Saturday morning.
All games in Capital One, except for one catch-up game, were cancelled today by the organising body Capital Soccer. This game will be re-scheduled to the end of the 2007 season. There are 5 games left in the 18-game league season.
Next weekend the Premier team host Wellington United Reserves at Alex Moore Park, 21st July, 2.30pm kick-off. Their earlier meeting this season ended in a 2-1 win to Wellington United.

Men's 1st team - Capital One league - Kilbirnie Park - 7th July 2007

Result: Marist (1) 1 North Wellington (0) 0
Team: Shanan McKeown, Matthew Caughley, Daniel Diggins, Ben Soal, Mathew Heath, Francis Glover (Ben Soal 78 min), Joe Harris, Tom Worthington, Theo Deen, Luke Collins, Philip Barton, Ben Stonnell (James Bell 66 min)
Subs: Only two - both used

The Premier team lost 1-0 to promotion contenders Marist in chilly conditions, with a brisk southerly and frequent rain, on Kilbirnie Park (the ground now re-sited this season next to Marist clubrooms on the north-west corner).
North Wellington coach Phil Crawshaw was able to select Glover, back from injury, into midfield alongside Harris, Worthington, Deen and Collins. McKeown started in goal.
A couple of early chances for North Wellington inside the first 10 minutes, Stonnell hitting the post from six metres out when a goal looked likely and minutes later Barton drilled an angled left-foot 15 metre shot parried away by the Marist keeper before Stonnell crossed from the right flank for Barton to send a looping header over the crossbar.
In the 18th minute a Marist left-wing corner gave the defence some problems before being scrambled away. With the wind in their favour North Wellington were able to enjoy some territorial advantage through the 1st half, in the 28th minute Harris was fouled outside the penalty area with Worthington's free-kick cleared out to Glover who slipped with his 25 metre shot still lobbing over the defence to the Marist keeper.
Deen's left-wing corner in the 36th minute was cleared out for Glover to strike a high lob goalward with the Marist keeper challenged trying to punch away however a covering defender clearing off the goal-line.
In the 40th minute following a foul by Glover, a Marist free-kick was lifted into the wind high inside the North Wellington penalty area with McKeown spilling the ball out for a Marist attacker to cut inside before drilling a low 15 metre shot home into the North Wellington goal.
Halftime 1-0 Marist. No substitutions.

In the 49th minute Harris fouled just outside the penalty area with the left-side free-kick squared across before a low shot was drilled wide of goal. A minute later and Marist striker Tatsuki Endo (ex-North Wellington Premier team in 2005) volleyed wide a left-wing cross from 10 metres.
Heath tripped his marker on the edge of the penalty area in the 52nd minute with the right-flank free-kick drifting wide of the far post. Five minutes later and Heath's first touch on halfway allowed Marist to break away on a 2-on-1 however Caughley was able to force his opponent to overplay the ball through to McKeown.
In the 58th minute Marist hit the crossbar following a break through the North Wellington central defence, Glover chasing back inside the penalty area to challenge the rebound before a following shot attempt lobbed to McKeown. Three minutes later and from an inswinging left-wing Marist corner Glover did well to clear off the goal-line as the ball dropped over McKeown.
A sustained period of Marist attack in the opening 15 minutes of the 2nd half, however North Wellington remained in the match. In the 63rd minute Worthington swung in a deep right-flank free-kick headed on by Deen for Caughley to strike an angled 12 metre drive wide of the near post. A couple of substitutions were made later in the half, Marist then had two goal-bound shots blocked by McKeown in the 86th and 88th minutes and were comfortable in their defending their lead.
Despite being a goal down there was little North Wellington penetration through midfield, possession being lost too easily from defence through to midfield inside their own half, with Barton and Stonnell getting few passes to them inside the Marist half. In the final moments Bell drove in an angled low shot from 20 metres on the right flank to at least force the Marist keeper into one save for the second half at the near post.
With the loss the Premier team slip one place to 8th place, still 2 points ahead of Karori Waterside Reserves. There are 5 games remaining in the 2007 season.
Next weekend they host league leaders Miramar Rangers Reserves at Alex Moore Park, 14th July, 2.30pm. Their earlier meeting this season ended in a 5-0 win to Miramar.

Reviewed by Warwick Smith and added to website on 8th July 2007 - please note the disclaimer on home page

Men's 1st team - Capital One league - Alex Moore Park - 30th June 2007

Result: North Wellington v Naenae (cancelled)

The Premier team, still in 7th place, were due to play 4th placed Naenae at Alex Moore Park. However there was heavy rain on Friday night and Saturday morning.
All games in Capital One were cancelled today by the organising body Capital Soccer. This game will be re-scheduled to the end of the 2007 season. There are 6 games left in the 18-game league season.
Next weekend the Premier team travel away to play 2nd placed Marist at Kilbirnie Park, 7th July, 2.30pm kick-off. Their earlier meeting this season ended in a 4-1 win to Marist.

Men's 1st team - Capital One league - Kelburn Park - 23rd June 2007

Result: University (2) 5 North Wellington (0) 2
Team: Nigel Piper (Shanan McKeown 66 min), Matthew Caughley, Daniel Diggins, Darren Lee (Ben Soal 40 min), Mathew Heath, Joe Harris, Tom Worthington, Theo Deen, James Bell (Luke Collins 45 min), Philip Barton, Ben Stonnell
Subs: All used

The Premier team lost 5-2 against University in cool, overcast conditions on Kelburn Park. The defeat still leaves North Wellington in 7th place however they are only 2 points ahead of University and Waterside Karori Reserves with 6 games remaining in the 2007 season.
The unavailability of striker Davinder Singh and midfielder Felix Krawczyk had coach Phil Crawshaw start Bell in right midfield and Barton as striker. Lee injured his knee just before halftime and was substituted by Soal.
A disappointing 1st half effort though as an own goal by Diggins and a University shot eluding Piper saw the home side take a 2-0 lead at halftime.
Halftime 2-0 University. Substitution in right midfield, Collins on for Bell.

Despite a heart-felt halftime team talk North Wellington started poorly and Piper needed to save an angled shot low down to his left in the 47th minute with Soal in to clear the loose ball from in front of goal.
However in the next 10 minutes some positive attacking moves, Collins swung in a right-wing cross in the 53rd minute which Harris headed over the crossbar from eight metres out. Two minutes later and Stonnell controlled on the edge of the penalty area before laying back a pass for Barton to drive wide from 22 metres. In the 55th minute Barton swung in a left-wing ball for Stonnell and a University defender to compete for in front of goal, with the resulting corner being headed wide by central midfielder Worthington.
A goal for North Wellington did arrive though, slightly bizarrely, as a University defender's attempted headed back goalwards flew sharply over the keeper into the net. Own goal. 2-1 University.
University came back straight away though, a minute later their pacy striker attacked inside the right-side of the penalty area and Soal fouled him. Penalty, 64th minute. University's central midfielder stepping up to drive a firm shot high to Piper's right past the keepers dive. 3-1 University.
A final substitution for North Wellington was made in goal, Piper replaced by McKeown for the second successive game. Four minutes later and McKeown made a sharp near post save from a firmly driven angled 15 metre shot to concede a corner.
In the 80th minute, from an exchange of passes in the left-wing corner, Deen cut back to send in a deep cross to find an unmarked Collins who controlled before striking a firm angled close-range shot past the University keeper. 3-2 University.
Back with a glimpse of a result North Wellington were unable to furnish any more scoring chances, and late on University struck on the counter-break as in the 87th minute a pass through the central defence had Diggins outmuscled before University's pacy striker tucked a low right-foot 15 metre shot past the advancing McKeown. 4-2 University.
A minute later and play broke down with University on a 3-on-3 break before a firm central drive was pushed away by McKeown but the rebound was driven into the roof of the net from 12 metres. 5-2 University.
Some poor defensive mistakes early on giving North Wellington too much to do late in the game with University being ruthless in their finishing ability.
Next weekend the Premier team, still in 7th place, host 4th placed Naenae at Alex Moore Park 1, 30th June, 2.30pm kick-off. Their earlier meeting this season ended in a 1-1 draw.

Reviewed by Warwick Smith (with assistance from team management) and added to website on 17th June 2007 - please note the disclaimer on home page

Men's 1st team - Capital One league - Alex Moore Park - 16th June 2007

Result: North Wellington (2) 4 Wainuiomata (1) 1
Team: Nigel Piper (Shanan McKeown 70 min), Mathew Heath, Matthew Caughley, Daniel Diggins, Darren Lee, Joe Harris, Tom Worthington, Theo Deen (Philip Barton 65 min), Felix Krawczyk, Davinder Singh, Ben Stonnell (James Bell 65 min)
Subs: Not used - Ben Soal

The Premier team, currently in 7th place, defeated 10th placed Wainuiomata 4-1 in cool conditions with the Alex Moore Park ground cutting up following overnight rain.
A change in the North Wellington defence with the return of Caughley and Heath (suspension), and in attack Stonnell started alongside Singh.
With a brisk cross-field cool breeze Stonnell made an early impact volleying home a cross to open the scoring inside 15 minutes. Stonnell's first goal for the Premier team. 1-0 North Wellington.
Wainuiomata equalised after 25 minutes with a firm right-foot shot centrally from 15 metres past Piper inside his right-hand post. 1-1.
However the home side re-established their lead only 3 minutes later as Krawczyk send in a right-flank cross benefited by the wind and over the Wainui keeper into the top corner of the goal. 2-1.
Halftime 2-1 North Wellington. No substitutions.

Into the second half and North Wellington buoyed by their lead where able to play with some control. Three substitutions for North Wellington, Bell and Barton introduced midway 2nd half and then a change in goal (non-injury) with McKeown replacing Piper.
Inside the final 10 minutes and 2 further goals for North Wellington. Barton receiving a pass before turning past his marker to fire home. 3-1 North Wellington. (Barton's goal his 35th career Premier team league goal to become the 6th highest scorer in the club history, 1 goal behind Dean Polyanszky. Also this game was Barton's 150th league appearance for the Premier team).
With time almost up Diggins crossed in for Singh to strike a firm drive home. Singh's 1st goal for the Premier team. 4-1 North Wellington.

With their 3rd win of the 2007 season, North Wellington consolidated their 7th placed position and are now 5 points clear of 9th placed University who they play next weekend.
Coach Phil Crawshaw selected midfielder Harris as man of the match, noting also the debut goals for Stonnell and Singh.
Next weekend the Premier team travel away to Kelburn Park to play 9th placed University. Their earlier meeting this season ended in a 1-0 win to North Wellington.

Reviewed by Warwick Smith (with assistance from team management) and added to website on 17th June 2007 - please note the disclaimer on home page

Men's 1st team - Capital One league - Alex Moore Park - 9th June 2007

Result: North Wellington (0) 1 Olympic Reserves (1) 2
Team: Nigel Piper, Daniel Diggins, Jason Evans, Darren Lee, Felix Krawczyk, Joe Harris, Tom Worthington, Theo Deen, Alex Tarrant (Ben Soal 36 min), Philip Barton, Davinder Singh (Luke Collins 80 min)
Subs: Not used - Ben Stonnell

The Premier team lost 2-1 to Olympic Reserves (coached by ex-North Wellington player Garry Hepburn), in their 10th game of the 18-game Capital One league with the match being played in cool, fine conditions on Alex Moore Park.
In their 3-5-2 formation, changes from last weekend with defender Caughley unavailable and midfielders Glover and Upjohn injured. Singh made his debut as striker for the Premier team, Lee returned from injury to start at right-back, Krawczyk and Deen were available and were selected in midfield.
An early goal for the visitors, capitalising on a poorly-struck attacking free-kick by Worthington and with his rebounded attempt also blocked Olympic made a break down the left flank with a centreing pass put into space behind the retreating North Wellington defence for Olympic's central midfielder to run forward onto and slide a 15 metre shot past the advancing Piper into the keeper's right-hand corner of the North Wellington goal. 1-0 Olympic.
North Wellington made an incisive passing move inside the Olympic penalty area in the 11th minute with Deen and Singh combining before Deen's close-range shot was pushed away by the Olympic keeper, a clearance outside the penalty area being met by Harris to fire a right-foot shot wide from a central position. Four minutes later and Lee came close to scoring from a Deen corner.
Lee was first to a dangerous right-flank cross in the 23rd minute to clear for a corner in front of goal with a pursuing Olympic attacker in attendance. Tarrant was injured and substituted off, with Krawcyzk moving from left to right midfield, Lee into midfield with Soal on as a left-sided defender.
In the 37th minute Krawczyk was in space before hooking a 20 metre left-foot shot over the crossbar. Five minutes later and a Deen right-wing corner was flicked on by Worthington's header for Evans at the far post to head over from four metres out.
Halftime 1-0 Olympic. A good half for North Wellington creating the better chances but unable to finish. No substitutions.

Soal made a break down the left flank in the 54th minute before driving in a low cross for Singh on the edge of the penalty area who in turn squared a pass right for an unmarked Harris to control before firing a firm 15 metre left-foot shot that the Olympic keeper beat away.
Olympic again proved better at finishing their chances, as in the 63rd minute Worthington struck a cross-field pass from just inside the North Wellington half to concede possession to Olympic with play then switched over to their right flank before a good centreing cross was met by their striker with a firm header past Piper inside the far post from eight metres out. 2-0 Olympic.
With a 2-0 lead Olympic were able to control the game and kept North Wellington at bay until the 80th minute when a cross from the right flank was forced in from close range by Deen. 2-1 Olympic.
As North Wellington pushed numbers forward for an equaliser, Olympic's two substitute strikers had chances to score but both put shots wide from the edge of the penalty area. Late on after Collins was fouled 20 metres out from goal in a central position, Barton's free-kick burst through the Olympic keeper's hands but over the crossbar and onto the netting.
Man of the match for North Wellington as selected by coach Phil Crawshaw was defender Darren Lee who returned after several weeks off due to injury.
Despite the loss North Wellington remain in 7th place, two points ahead of Karori Waterside Reserves and University.
Next weekend the Premier team host last-placed Wainuiomata at Alex Moore Park. Kick-off at 2.30pm, Saturday 16th June. Their earlier meeting this season ended in a 0-0 draw.

Reviewed by Warwick Smith and added to website on 10th June 2007 - please note the disclaimer on home page

Men's 1st team - Capital One league - Karori Park - 2nd June 2007

Result: Waterside Karori Reserves (0) 1 North Wellington (0) 2
Team: Nigel Piper, Daniel Diggins, Matthew Caughley, Jason Evans, Braden Upjohn (James Bell 70 min), Joe Harris, Tom Worthington, Francis Glover (Luke Collins 45 min), Alex Tarrant, Ben Stonnell, Philip Barton
Subs: Not used - Shanan McKeown, Ben Soal

The Premier team secured their 2nd win of the season in their 9th game of the 2007 league season, now halfway completed with this match, to improve to 7th place of the 10-team Capital One league. This was the 1st away win for the Premier team since 2nd July 2005 (2-0 at Kelburn Park against University).
Enforced changes for coach Phil Crawshaw, defender Mathew Heath suspended for 2 games and midfielders Deen and Krawczyk unavailable. Alex Tarrant, brother of Anthony, made his Premier team debut at right midfield, Evans returned from injury to defence and Upjohn was promoted from the Reserve team into left midfield.
On Waterside Karori's home ground, the recently re-opened Karori Park, following a major re-development, the match was played in good conditions on the No. 2 ground as the early game.
Waterside started with only 10 men for the first 5 minutes, their goalkeeper arriving late to replace an outfielder who started in goal. In the 10th minute Upjohn slipped through a pass from left midfield for Harris to run into the penalty area with his low shot blocked by the advancing Waterside keeper.
A free-kick taken from halfway by Caughley on the left side was glanced on by Barton's header for Tarrant to drive an angled 15 metre shot wide of the near post in the 14th minute. Two minutes later and Tarrant helped out defensively to block a goalbound shot conceding a corner.
North Wellington had an uncertain time during the 1st half in clearing from their own penalty area with several skied attempts giving Waterside some second opportunities. A good right-flank cross by Barton in the 37th minute was met by Glover but his glancing header was wide of the far post from eight metres out.
In the latter stages of the half there were a few tackles that required the referee to take action, in one Evans received a yellow card. In the 40th minute Piper blocked at the near post after Waterside's left midfielder had cut back inside Diggins before shooting from 10 metres. Harris did manage to net however a foul on the Waterside keeper for his challenge cancelled the play out. Close to the break and Glover cleared a goalbound shot close to goal however aggraviated an ankle injury.
Halftime 0-0. Glover, injured just before the break, was replaced in midfield by Collins.
In the 2nd half North Wellington were able to capitalise on their scoring chances, their 2 goals scored by Barton (1-0) and Harris (2-1), with Waterside netting once to level the scores. Full-time: 2-1 North Wellington.
Next weekend the Premier team host Olympic Reserves, who are in 4th place, at Alex Moore Park. Kick-off at 2.30pm, Saturday 9th June.

Reviewed by Warwick Smith and added to website on 3rd June 2007 - please note the disclaimer on home page

Men's 1st team - Capital One league - Alex Moore Park - 26th May 2007

Result: North Wellington (1) 2 Petone Reserves (0) 2
Team: Nigel Piper, Ben Soal, Mathew Heath, Daniel Diggins, Matthew Caughley, Joe Harris, Tom Worthington, Francis Glover, Felix Krawcyzk, Theo Deen, Ben Stonnell (Philip Barton 23 min)
Subs: Not used - Darren Lee, Jason Evans

The Premier team drew 2-2 with Petone Reserves in their 8th round home game at Alex Moore Park, Johnsonville. A game played in brilliant fine calm conditions saw 3 penalties (2 scored) and a late sending-off.
A first half lead for North Wellington, goal scored by midfielder Glover.
In the 2nd half, plenty of action in the early part as Petone were awarded 2 penalties (foul by Harris and a handball by Soal) both converted, Petone leading 2-1.
Caughley swung in a left-wing cross which was headed home at the far post by right midfielder Krawczyk, his 1st league goal for the Premier team. 2-2.
With less than 15 minutes remaining Heath was sent off for verbal abuse of the referee and then North Wellington were themselves awarded a penalty taken by keeper Piper however his shot rebounded clear off the Petone's keeper's knee.
A slightly disappointing result for the North Wellington team given their good showing last weekend against Petone's Capital Premier team. The draw sees them slip one place to 9th in the 10-team Capital One league after 8 games.
Next weekend the Premier team travel away to the recently refurbished Karori Park to play Karori Waterside Reserves. Kick-off at 12.30pm (early kick-off time), Saturday 2nd June.

Reviewed by Warwick Smith (with thanks to Premier team players) and added to website on 26th May 2007 - please note the disclaimer on home page

Men's 1st team - Chatham Cup 1st round - Alex Moore Park - 19th May 2007

Result: North Wellington (0) 1 Petone (0) 2
Team: Nigel Piper, Mathew Heath, Daniel Diggins, Jason Evans (Ben Soal 70 min), Matthew Caughley, Felix Krawcyzk, Tom Worthington, Francis Glover (Eddie Cook 76 min), Joe Harris, Ben Stonnell (Luke Collins 60 min), Theo Deen
Subs: All used

The Premier team, currently in 8th place in the Capital One league, lost 2-1 against higher-ranked Capital Premier side Petone, currently leading their league, in the 1st round of the national club knockout competition Chatham Cup match.
North Wellington coach Phil Crawshaw made two changes from the last game line-up, Barton injured and Nkhasi ill, were replaced by Glover and Worthington, both into central midfield. Deen and Stonnell formed the striking duo.
Against their higher-ranked opponents North Wellington competed well, an even 1st half with two reasonable chances for the home side saved by the Petone keeper.
Halftime 0-0. No substitutions.

In the 2nd half, a right-flank North Wellington free-kick to the far post was met with a fine header from Deen to score in the 70th minute. 1-0 North Wellington.
Petone finished on strongly though and netted goals in the 80th and 85th minutes to take the tie, they play in the 2nd round on Queens Birthday, 4th June.
Man of the match for North Wellington was central defender Daniel Diggins. Petone fielded ex-North Wellington player Jonathan Winkworth who played a full game at centre-back.
Next weekend the Premier team host Petone Reserves in the Capital One league. Kick-off at 12.30pm (early kick-off time, may be changed though), Saturday 26th May, Alex Moore Park.

Reviewed by Warwick Smith (with thanks to Premier team players) and added to website on 19th May 2007 - please note the disclaimer on home page

Men's 1st team - Capital One league - Newtown Park - 12th May 2007

Result: Wellington United Reserves (1) 2 North Wellington (0) 1
Team: Nigel Piper, Mathew Heath, Daniel Diggins, Jason Evans, Matthew Caughley, Joe Harris, Theo Deen (Ben Soal 54 min), Felix Krawcyzk, Gary Nkhasi, Philip Barton (Luke Collins 54 min), Ben Stonnell (Francis Glover 54 min)
Subs: All used

The Premier team, remain in 8th place of the 10-team Capital One league, after losing 2-1 against mid-table Wellington United Reserves. Another early kick-off game for the Premier team, 12.30pm, in fine conditions. The appointed referee did not turn up so a Wellington United member took over the officiating.
Tom Worthington was unavailable for selection, serving his 2nd game of a 2-match suspension from the match played on 28th April. An unchanged starting line-up from last game, defender (and captain) Matthew Caughley making his 150th league appearance for the Premier team.
In the 5th minute Deen, on halfway, released Nkhasi down the right wing before he underhit a low angled 15 metre shot to the keeper. Three minutes later and Nkhasi nudged a through ball on for Barton to chase with the striker eluding his chasing defender on the edge of the penalty area before cutting inside and driving a low shot off the post and Wellington United cleared for a corner.
From the resulting right-wing corner swung across by Caughley, the defence cleared back to Caughley who crossed in for Barton to meet with an unmarked header 10 metres out which flashed wide of goal.
Having come close without reward, North Wellington then conceded a goal in the 11th minute after Krawcyzk and Harris were unable to clear on the edge of the penalty area, allowing a Wellington United player to drive a firm shot in off Piper's right-hand post despite the keeper getting a hand to the shot. 1-0 Wellington United.
Two minutes later and a through ball past central defender Evans released a Wellington United attacker goalwards however he over-ran the ball before being blocked by Piper, the ball rebounding away for a goal-kick.
North Wellington were able to match their opponents through central midfield and concentrated play here through to the 27th minute when Barton combined with Caughley on the left-wing before Barton swung a cross in that a defensive header flicked away from Deen converging in front of goal. Four minutes later and Nkhasi lost possession on halfway, allowing Wellington United to break through their left flank and with a player advantage squared a low left-wing cross into the penalty area for an unmarked attacker however Piper converged to block and North Wellington were able to clear the danger.
Nkhasi made amends two minutes later after a Wellington United attack into the right-side of the penalty area gave their striker a chance to chip over Piper however Nkhasi headed clear off the goal-line. In the 38th minute Caughley's right-wing corner was headed goalwards by Barton, the Wellington United defence only partially clearing before Stonnell headed on to Barton who turned and drilled a firm shot off the crossbar from 8 metres out.
Another close scoring chance for North Wellington, followed up in the 44th minute after Evans played a long ball out of defense to Caughley down the left-wing, his low cross inside intended for Barton cut out by a retreating Wellington United defender who clipped the ball narrowly over his own crossbar from 12 metres out.
Halftime 1-0 Wellington United. No substitutions.

In the 49th minute Evans drove a low free-kick from the North Wellington half which was headed on by Deen for Barton to flick forward in behind the Wellington United defence allowing Stonnell inside the penalty area however the striker lifted his effort over the keeper and crossbar from 12 metres out.
After a triple-substitution in the 54th minute, Soal went to left-back, Collins and Glover on as strikers. A minute later and the two strikers combined before Glover hooked his 20 metre shot wide of goal.
Still looking to push forward, North Wellington went to a man-marking defence, Diggins tried to play offside in the 59th minute as an attacker ran through chasing a long pass however Piper cleared outside the penalty area, play switching quickly downfield before the Wellington United keeper fell on a through pass ahead of Collins.
After Collins was held back just outside the penalty area in the 60th minute Evans hit a tame free-kick into the Wellington United defensive ball from a central position, winning a corner.
North Wellington equalised in the 68th minute, from a Wellington United defensive free-kick from the left-back side, the ball was played across to the goalkeeper with Collins able to challenge and win possession before forcing a shot past the keeper's block which rolled into the net from 10 metres out. 1-1.
Five minutes later and Wellington United struck the outside of the near post after a right-wing corner with an angled drive from 10 metres. Evans incurred a leg injury and moved from defence to striker, Caughley dropping into defence.
In the 82nd minute Wellington United scored after a right-wing attack with a low cross squared back being driven inside the far post from 15 metres. 2-1 Wellington United.
Harris surged through central midfield in the 85th minute before passing right for Collins however the keeper was out quickly to gather. Two minutes later and after Collins stood on the ball near halfway Wellington United broke away into the North Wellington defence but were denied by a combined block by Caughley and Piper. Soal struck a free-kick from the left side on halfway across for Evans to meet unmarked eight metres out however his header was wide of the near post. On full-time and Heath crossed from the right flank for Harris to meet running goalwards however the ball rebounded off his knee for a goal-kick.
North Wellington, having struck the post and crossbar in the 1st half, finished without reward succumbing to a late goal. This was their 3rd consecutive loss.
Next weekend the Premier team host Petone, current leaders in the higher-ranked Capital Premier league, in the 1st round of the Chatham Cup. Kick-off at 2.30pm, Saturday 19th May, Alex Moore Park.

Reviewed by Warwick Smith and added to website on 13th May 2007 - please note the disclaimer on home page

Men's 1st team - Capital One league - Miramar Park - 5th May 2007

Result: Miramar Reserves (2) 5 North Wellington (0) 0
Team: Nigel Piper, Mathew Heath, Daniel Diggins, Jason Evans, Matthew Caughley, Joe Harris, Theo Deen, Felix Krawcyzk, Gary Nkhasi (Eddie Cook 53 min), Philip Barton (Ben Soal 80 min), Ben Stonnell (Luke Collins 62 min)
Subs: All used

The Premier team lost 5-0 to Miramar Reserve team in a rare early kick-off game (12.30pm) at Miramar Park with the match played in overcast breezy conditions. Despite the heavy loss North Wellington remain in 8th place of the 10-team Capital One league after 6 games.
Coach Phil Crawshaw had central midfielder Tom Worthington, sent-off last week, unavailable for selection. Piper returned in goal, Deen dropped into centre midfield with Stonnell in at striker alongside Barton.
An early chance for North Wellington as Barton chipped in a right-wing cross met by Deen who powered his header over the crossbar from eight metres. Miramar opened the scoring in the 20th minute when an angled 20 metre drive was spilled forward by Piper for an advancing Miramar attacker to sidefoot home from close range. 1-0 Miramar.
Four minutes later on the right flank, Barton combined with Nkhasi then released Deen down the right wing with his low cross met firmly by Stonnell from 10 metres however denied by a good save by Miramar keeper Dylan Hall (a Team Wellington (NZFC) player) and the defence cleared. Harris made good ground from central midfield to make a defensive block in the 29th minute.
In the 32nd minute a deep cross from the Miramar right-side was well met with a controlled volleyed lob by Miramar striker Kevin Thompson over Piper into the North Wellington goal. 2-0 Miramar.
Miramar continued to look the more dangerous side on attack and came close to a 3rd goal two minutes later as their right-back Jason Wells arrived unmarked inside the penalty area, eluding Piper before driving a goalbound shot that Heath did well to block over the crossbar. Piper then had to field a low 25 metre shot from Wells a minute later.
North Wellington had some problems in the left-side defence as two separate Miramar raids saw firstly a 10 metre header over the crossbar and then Evans having to clear a threatening cross. Again more problems in that area just on halftime as from a right-wing throw-in an attacker turned inside Deen before curling a shot wide of the far post.
Halftime 2-0 Miramar Reserves. No substitutions.

After the interval North Wellington came out with greater urgency and came close to scoring in the 48th minute as Stonnell chased a long through ball with the Miramar keeper clearing outside the penalty area directly to Nkhasi on the right-flank touchline with the midfielder's shot goalwards swerving late to just miss the far post of the open goal. Two minutes later and Deen hassled a defender to win possession before crossing in for Stonnell to miss his attempted shot from 12 metres with Caughley running on to the loose ball however being tackled inside the penalty area.
Piper was forced into his first save in the 2nd half after a 56th minute left-wing Miramar corner was driven goalwards from 10 metres. Two minutes later Evans played a quick defensive free-kick towards Deen however Miramar intercepted and broke goalwards thwarted by Krawcyzk's clearing tackle.
Deen again made an interception within the Miramar half in the 61st minute before releasing Cook down the right wing with his cross being glanced over the cross off Barton's head from 12 metres out. Collins was substituted on for his Premier team debut as striker.
Miramar began to re-assert themselves midway through the second half, as Piper was forced to parry out a 15 metre shot after an attacker cut inside right-half Krawcyzk, then a 20 metre shot flew over the North Wellington crossbar. In the 66th minute a Miramar striker turned past Harris inside the penalty area from a left-wing throw-in before driving in a low cross which was netted from close range. 3-0 Miramar.
In the 69th minute a Miramar through ball threatened the North Wellington goal but Krawczyk recovered quickly to lob the ball over the crossbar. Five minutes later and left midfielder Caughley delivered a cross flicked on off Barton's into the advancing Miramar keeper's chest and the loose ball was cleared. A minute later and Caughley threaded a left-side pass across to Collins who drove an angled 15 metre shot straight to the keeper. Cook lashed a 25 metre shot over goal after running on to Krawczyk's through pass in the 78th minute.
Piper was able to block a Miramar's attackers shot with his feet after a through ball eluded the North Wellington central defence in the 81st minute, however Miramar netted again a minute later from a left-wing corner a firm left-foot volley from 10 metres was touched by Piper's dive on to the near post and inside Krawczyk into the goal. 4-0 Miramar.
Again another half-chance for North Wellington in the 86th minute as Cook crossed from the right-wing back to Harris with his side-volley from 22 metres clearing the crossbar. With time almost up, in the 89th minute, Miramar attacked into the right side of the penalty area and a low cross was sidefooted in from six metres out. 5-0 Miramar.
A game which steadily got away from North Wellington as they were unable to convert on some half-chances, with Miramar being more clinical in their approach and finishing work inside the penalty area.
Next weekend the Premier team travel away to play mid-table Wellington United Reserves at Newtown Park, kick-off 12.30pm (early time), Saturday 12th May.

Reviewed by Warwick Smith and added to website on 6th May 2007 - please note the disclaimer on home page

Men's 1st team - Capital One league - Alex Moore Park - 28th April 2007

Result: North Wellington (0) 1 Marist (2) 4
Team: Shanan McKeown, Mathew Heath, Matthew Caughley, Daniel Diggins, Jason Evans (Darren Lee 63 min), Gary Nkhasi (James Bell 63 min), Joe Harris, Tom Worthington, Felix Krawcyzk, Theo Deen, Philip Barton
Subs: Not used - Francis Glover

The Premier team lost 4-1 to 2nd placed Marist, and slipped to 8th place in the 10-team Capital One league after 5 games, in a match played in cold conditions with a southerly cross-wind affecting play.
An early 2nd minute shot from centre-back Diggins from 25 metres veered wide of goal after meeting a low left-wing Deen corner, coming after the Marist keeper blocked a close-range North Wellington effort. In the 5th minute Krawczyk had a half-chance but miscued his attempt from 10 metres and Marist cleared.
Marist's first attack came in the 9th minute, ex-North Wellington striker Tatsuki Endo controlling inside the penalty area with his lay-off back a team-mate being intercepted by a good defensive tackle from Harris. Five minutes later and Evans under pressure conceded a corner, swung in deep Heath mis-kicked and the wind blew the ball back across the North Wellington goal and out for another corner.
The visitors opened the scoring in the 21st minute, as Evans contested possession a low central 15 metre shot was fired past McKeown. 1-0 Marist.
Marist continued to have greater control of the mid-section in the 1st half, a pass from their central midfield released their right midfielder for a chance on goal, his 20 metre angled shot driven firmly over the crossbar. Two minutes later and Evans produced a good defensive tackle after a McKeown goal-kick caught in the wind had put the North Wellington defense under pressure.
A North Wellington attacking free-kick in the 36th minute, played forward by Caughley to Barton with a lay-off back for central midfielder Worthington to drive a testing low 22 metre shot narrowly wide of the Marist keeper's left-hand post. Caughley was into defensive action three minutes later blocking a firm goalbound 15 metre Marist shot after a low right-wing cross.
In the 41st Marist made a raid down the left flank with an attacker getting ahead of Evans along the goal-line with the defender's tackle bringing the Marist player down, the referee awarding a penalty. Marist going 2-0 ahead as the penalty was driven high centrally into the North Wellington goal.
Almost a 3rd goal before the break, a diagonal pass from Marist's left flank found Endo with his chip across goal being met at the far post with a shot from 8 metres over the crossbar.
Halftime Marist 2-0. No substitutions.

The cross-pitch southerly wind almost assisted North Wellington to peg a goal back in the 46th minute as Heath lofted a long ball from halfway towards goal with the Marist keeper having to push it away for a corner after it bounced and then blew goalward. The opening 15 minutes of the second half were evenly contested with no team able to whittle out any decent scoring chances.
In the 61st minute Marist went further ahead, with a shot from outside the North Wellington penalty area flashing past McKeown, a hat-trick to the Marist striker. 3-0 Marist.
Two substitutions then for North Wellington, Nkhasi replaced in midfield by Bell, with Krawczyk moving to left midfield and Lee, back from injury, replacing Evans at right-back. Bell almost set up a goal in the 64th minute with his right-wing cross met by a diving Harris header from 10 metres which flashed wide of the near post.
Krawcyzk then fired a 22 metre left-foot shot over the crossbar in the 65th minute, and three minutes later the Marist keeper punched clear from a left-flank free-kick after Barton had been fouled.
Some reward for their attacking bursts came to North Wellington, as Barton netted in the 71st minute with a low 18 metre drive off a free-kick, through a crowd of players inside the keeper's right-hand post, ahead of the following-in Deen. 3-1 Marist.
Late on, North Wellington received three bookings for separate offences as they battled hard to get back into the game. Worthington receiving a red card and sent off for violent conduct in the 86th minute.
Right on full-time, ex-North Wellington player Jackie Soh made a strong burst down the left wing, beating 3 players with pace, drawing McKeown before squaring a pass inside for Marist's striker to sidefoot his 4th goal in from six metres. 4-0 Marist.
A disappointing effort for North Wellington, not able to string together enough telling moves in attack, with both sides struggling in difficult windy conditions.
Next weekend the Premier team travel away to play Miramar Rangers Reserves at Miramar Park, kick-off 12.30pm (early time), Saturday 5th May.

Reviewed by Warwick Smith and added to website on 29th April 2007 - please note the disclaimer on home page

Men's 1st team - Capital One league - Naenae Park - 21st April 2007

Result: Naenae (0) 1 North Wellington (1) 1
Team: Nigel Piper, Ben Soal (James Bell 33 min), Matthew Caughley, Daniel Diggins, Jason Evans, Mathew Heath, Joe Harris, Tom Worthington, Felix Krawcyzk, Theo Deen (Anthony Tarrant 81 min), Philip Barton (Ben Stonnell 75 min)
Subs: Not used - Francis Glover

The Premier team drew 1-1 away against Naenae in fine, calm conditions, the result leaving them in 7th place of the 10-team Capital One league after 4 games.
Piper returned to goal, his 1st appearance this season (and 219th career for the Premier team) with McKeown injured, Krawcyzk into right midfield and Soal to left back, changes from last game starting line-up.
Some early pressure from the home side saw Piper in action, pushing away a firm angled 10 metre drive in the 3rd minute, then 3 minutes later blocking a similar effort before tipping over a following 25 metre drive over the crossbar.
In the 9th minute Soal sent in a low left-flank ball which Deen laid off on the edge of the penalty area for midfielder Harris to drill his effort wide. A minute later and Worthington's low driven free-kick from 40 metres into the Naenae defence rebounded away for Deen to hook a 20 metre right-foot shot wide of the far post.
Another half chance for Deen in the 14th minute as he headed over from 8 metres a right-wing cross delivered by defender Evans. North Wellington continued to make some better attacking chances, as Barton turned well in the 20th minute to send in a testing left-wing cross towards the far post with Naenae's left-back heading over the crossbar under challenge from Krawczyk.
North Wellington scored in the 31st minute as Deen, playing his 50th league appearance for the Premier team, drove in a low 12 metre shot, following a left-flank cross flicked on by Barton and then headed back across the penalty area by a Naenae defender under challenge from Krawczyk. 1-0 North Wellington.
Soal was substituted off, Bell into left midfield, and Heath moving into left back. Naenae came close to an equaliser in the 38th minute with a good right-wing run and low cross being met with a shot from 8 metres being parried out by Piper, for Krawcyzk to do well to block a goalbound shot with his challenge, the ball being cleared out to Naenae's left back with his 30 metre shot clipping the crossbar.
Halftime 1-0 North Wellington. No substitutions.

Into the second half, still under superb overhead playing conditions, Deen knocked down a 49th minute free-kick for Barton to snap a right-foot 12 metre shot wide of the far post. Harris made a defensive challenge sufficient to send a Naenae shot from 20 metres wide of goal. In the 51st minute Krawczyk was fouled attacking along the right goal-line. Worthington's low driven free-kick was met by Deen, under pressure, who turned the ball wide of the near post from 4 metres out.
Gradually though Naenae began to dominate the possession and territory through the second half, Diggins raced back to challenge a through ball in the 54th minute as Naenae's centre forward shot wide of the near post. A minute later and a low 20 metre shot fizzed wide of Piper's right-hand post as North Wellington fell off some challenges.
From a Naenae free-kick driven goalwards Worthington handled just outside the penalty area. Naenae's quickly taken effort from 20 metres curling straight to Piper. A rare counter-attack for North Wellington in the 63rd minute as Deen was released after a miskick in the Naenae central defence with the striker hitting a weak left-foot 20 metre angled shot to the Naenae keeper as the defence converged on him.
In the 67th minute Piper pushed a 30 metre Naenae free-kick away for a corner, the home side pressing strongly to win another corner as they continued to enjoy territorial advantage.
Naenae scored in the 71st minute, a high cross from the right wing being contested by Piper and Naenae's centre forward with the ball breaking free for a header into the North Wellington goal from inside the goal box, the goal standing despite protests from North Wellington players for a foul on Piper. 1-1.
Two substitutions for North Wellington in their attack, firstly Barton and then Deen came off, replaced by the youngsters Stonnell and Tarrant. In the 84th minute Krawczyk's defensive pass was intercepted, allowing Naenae's central midfielder on an angled run goalwards however Piper blocked his shot. Two minutes later and Naenae struck the crossbar again as a 22 metre shot from the left-side of the penalty area, before Piper again blocked a close-range effort after a through ball slipped past the North Wellington central defence.
A long-range shot from Naenae's central defender needed Piper to push the effort over the crossbar, the home side forcing two corners in the closing stages however not being able to net a winner.
North Wellington, having enjoyed the better part of the 1st half, fell away in the 2nd half as Naenae dominated to create some good chances, although their goal had some controversy attached to it.
Next weekend the Premier team host Marist at Alex Moore Park, kick-off 2.30pm, Saturday 28th April. Marist are unbeaten after 4 games (2 wins, 2 draws) and are currently in 2nd place.

Reviewed by Warwick Smith and added to website on 22nd April 2007 - please note the disclaimer on home page

Men's 1st team - Capital One league - Alex Moore Park - 14th April 2007

Result: North Wellington (0) 1 University (0) 0
Team: Shanan McKeown, Mathew Heath, Matthew Caughley, Daniel Diggins, Jason Evans (Ben Soal 70 min), Gary Nkhasi (Ben Stonnell 60 min), Joe Harris, Tom Worthington, James Bell (Francis Glover 73 min), Theo Deen, Philip Barton
Subs: Not used - Anthony Tarrant

The Premier team secured their 1st win of the 2007 league season with a 1-0 result over University in fine conditions on their home ground, Alex Moore Park, Johnsonville, to climb into 5th place out of 10 teams after 3 games.
Coach Phil Crawshaw had regular starters Heath and Harris back in at left back and central midfield respectively, Worthington also returned to midfield. An experienced forward line with Deen and Barton in the 4-4-2 formation.
In the 10th minute Deen hooked a 30 metre shot wide of goal. Three minutes later and Deen knocked over the University keeper gathering a left flank cross and was spoken to by the referee, no card issued though.
Bell, running through from right midfield, drove in a low 25 metre shot which went straight to the University keeper. North Wellington were untroubled defensively in the opening period, University's first scoring chance came in the 29th minute after their right winger ran past Heath before crossing deep to be met by a University team-mate with an angled 10 metre volley over the crossbar.
In the 36th minute Nkhasi cut inside from the left flank and was fouled 22 metres centrally out from goal. Worthington struck a firm low drive that the University keeper did well to scramble away for a corner. Deen's left-wing corner was not initially cleared by the University defence before Harris drove in a firm left-foot shot that a University defender headed over the crossbar.
Nkhasi did well defensively in the 39th minute from a University left-wing corner swung in over McKeown was headed off the goal-line. Four minutes later and Nkhasi crossed from the left wing and Barton narrowly missed connected from close range.
Halftime 0-0. No substitutions.

An early chance from a set-piece for North Wellington in the second half, Deen's 51st minute left-wing corner being headed over goal by Worthington from 8 metres. Two minutes later and attempted headed clearances by Heath and then Caughley, from inside the penalty area, resulted in a driven 15 metre University shot which Harris deflected away for a corner.
In the 56th minute Deen was grounded on halfway, however received a yellow card from the referee not convinced a foul had occurred. Nkhasi incurred a slight leg injury and was replaced by Stonnell who went to striker, with Deen dropping back into midfield.
Again not too much defensive concern for North Wellington, McKeown fielding a low driven straight shot from 25 metres out in the 63rd minute. Two more substitutions for North Wellington with Soal and Glover coming on at left back and right midfield.
North Wellington attacked through central midfield in the 77th minute, with a pass released to Barton inside the left side of the penalty area, his initial shot being blocked by the University keeper and a defender but the rebound broke free for Barton to net a right-foot shot from 8 metres ahead of the covering defence. 1-0 North Wellington.
University were spurred into action in the closing minutes creating several chances, an 80th minute free-kick swung in deep was sidefooted wide from an angled position, McKeown saved low to his left from a 20 metre shot in the 84th minute and two minutes University sent in a low right-flank cross fired across the goal box. McKeown dropped a free-kick under challenge in the 86th minute however Heath hooked the ball clear from in front of goal. The visitors created two late corners however North Wellington dropped numbers back and were able to defend these final threats.
The Premier team travel away to play Naenae next Saturday 21st April at Naenae Park, 2.30pm kick-off.

Reviewed by Warwick Smith and added to website on 14th April 2007 - please note the disclaimer on home page

Men's 1st team - Capital One league - Richard Prouse Park - 9th April 2007

Result: Wainuiomata (0) 0 North Wellington (0) 0
Team: Shanan McKeown, Ben Soal, Matthew Caughley, Daniel Diggins, Jason Evans, Gary Nkhasi, Felix Krawczyk, Ben Stonnell (Anthony Tarrant 69 min), James Bell, Theo Deen, Philip Barton (Blair Todman 73 min)
Subs: Not used - Darren Lee

The Premier team had a 0-0 draw against Wainuiomata in an Easter Monday game on a fine, calm afternoon at Richard Prouse Park, their 1st point of the 2007 season after 2 games.
A number of enforced changes to the starting line-up from Saturday's game, due to unavailability, saw Evans come into defence, Soal to left back, Barton into striker.
In the 8th minute central midfielder Krawczyk snapped a left-foot 25 metre shot narrowly over the Wainui crossbar. A high right-flank North Wellington cross into the penalty area in the 17th minute saw Barton challenge the Wainui keeper with the ball dropping to Deen with his driven shot striking the keeper and Wainui were able to scramble clear.
Wainuiomata's early attacks looked to play long balls in behind the North Wellington defence causing some work for Diggins and Caughley. In the 27th minute Stonnell drove in a left-wing met by Bell some 10 metres out with his firm header flashing back across goal and wide.
In the 30th minute some space for Wainui in the central midfield saw a firm driven 30 metre shot over McKeown which crashed off the crossbar before rebounding away for a throw-in. Barton worked well in the 43rd minute in the left-wing corner before crossing deep for Bell to meet with another header, this time wide of the near post from 10 metres out.
The home side responded quickly from the goal-kick, breading down the right side with a low cross into the penalty area driven wide from 15 metres. A minute later and Bell produced some good skill to beat his marker before releasing Deen down the right wing with the cross in for Barton headed over the crossbar by a retreating Wainui defender.
Halftime 0-0. No substitutions.

A promising second-half start for North Wellington, a 46th minute free-kick chipped forward by Caughley in for Evans was miscued in a good position inside the penalty area, moments later Krawczyk drilled a 20 metre shot over the crossbar.
Barton, receiving a chipped pass along the goal-line inside the penalty area, wriggled free and fired a low right-foot pass across the Wainui goal box, however no North Wellington player was there. Two minutes later a mis-read by Wainui's central defender on a bouncing through ball released Barton into the penalty area with the striker cutting back past two defenders before hooking his shot wide of the near post, probably the best chance of the match.
In the 63rd minute Deen's left-wing corner was returned back to him, before he turned past a defender and drove in a low cross, partially cleared by a defender for Stonnell to strike a left-foot 12 metre shot over the crossbar. A couple of substitutions for North Wellington, leaving Tarrant and Bell in more forward positions.
Wainuiomata threatened to break through centrally late on, again Caughley and Diggins able to make some timely challenges. In the 79th minute, following a Deen left-wing corner, the ball broke back off Nkhasi to Krawczyk with his low 25 metre shot passing through a crowd of players only to be cleared off the goal-line by a covering defender.
The final 10 minutes saw no further chances, North Wellington probably having the best opportunities but not able to seriously test the Wainui goal.
The Premier team have their 1st home game next Saturday 14th April against University at Alex Moore, 2.30pm kick-off.

Reviewed by Warwick Smith and added to website on 9th April 2007 - please note the disclaimer on home page

Men's 1st team - Capital One league - Wakefield Park - 7th April 2007

Result: Olympic Reserves (2) 3 North Wellington (0) 1
Team: Shanan McKeown, Mathew Heath, Daniel Diggins, Matthew Caughley, James Bell (Eddie Cook 40 min), Felix Krawczyk, Theo Deen, Tom Worthington, Gary Nkhasi, Francis Glover (Anthony Tarrant 67 min), Ben Stonnell (Philip Barton 77 min)
Subs: All used

The Premier team commenced their 2007 league season in the Capital One league, having been relegated in the 2006 season from the Capital Premier league. Coach Phil Crawshaw begins his 2nd season with the team, Phil Barton is the Assistant Coach this season.
Central defender Diggins made his 50th league appearance for the Premier team, debut league appearances for youngsters Cook, Worthington, Stonnell and Tarrant. Worthington having a good game in central midfield.
A 3-1 loss against Olympic Reserves at Wakefield Park, having conceded two goals in the first-half, to ex-North Wellington player Anthony Neonakis, due to some poor marking although Olympic finished well both times giving McKeown no chance. Bell was a tactical substitution made before the break.
Halftime 2-0 Olympic.
A 3rd goal to Olympic underlined their dominance into the second half, North Wellington gaining some consolation late on in the 80th minute when substitute Barton scored the best goal of the match (according to the referee) with a flicked shot into the top corner of the Olympic goal.
The Premier team play on Easter Monday, 9th April, away against Wainuiomata at Richard Prouse Park, 2pm kick-off.

Reviewed by Warwick Smith (thanks to Premier team players/coaches) and added to website on 7th April 2007 - please note the disclaimer on home page

Men's 1st team - Hilton-Petone pre-season - Petone Memorial Park - 4th March 2007

Result: North Wellington A (0) 0 Island Bay United A (0) 0
Team: Shanan McKeown, Daniel Diggins, Matthew Caughley, Mathew Heath, Alex Stainer, James Bell, Felix Krawczyk, Tom Worthington, Gary Nkhasi (Ben Soal - mid 2nd half), Ben Stonnell, Jamie O'Connor
Subs: One used

The Premier team drew 0-0 with Island Bay United, their final group game in the pre-season tournament. They do not qualify for the quarter-final stage.
Island Bay pressed early down the right flank with a low 20 metre shot pushed by McKeown on to his right-hand post and North Wellington clearing the rebound. In the 15th minute a through pass inside the penalty area released an Island Bay attacker goalward, challenged by Nkhasi, with the shot blocked by McKeown.
Two minutes later the first scoring chance for North Wellington as O'Connor struck a 30 metre central free-kick narrowly wide of the Island Bay goal. Heath scrambled back to clear off the goal-line in the 30th minute as a low shot squeezed under McKeown and headed goalwards.
In the 33rd minute Bell sent in a free-kick from the right touchline forcing the Island Bay keeper to push the effort over the crossbar.
Worthington laid through a good pass down the right wing four minutes later and Bell then linked for O'Connor to cross into the goal area where Stonnell challenged the Island Bay keeper and the defence was able to clear the loose ball.
Halftime 0-0. No substitutions.
In the second half North Wellington competed dutifully without threatening the Island Bay goal. North Wellington end their 3 game pre-season tournament with 2 draws and 1 loss.
North Wellington will commence their league season on Saturday 7th April in the Capital One division, having been relegated last season from the Capital Premier division.

Reviewed by Warwick Smith and added to website on 4th March 2007 - please note the disclaimer on home page

Men's 1st team - Hilton-Petone pre-season - Petone Memorial Park - 25th February 2007

Result: North Wellington A (0) 0 Petone A (0) 3
Team: Selected from - Shanan McKeown, Ben Soal, Robbie McLauchan, Matthew Caughley, Daniel Diggins, Alex Stainer, Mathew Heath, Tom Worthington, Jamie O'Connor, Eddie Cook, Felix Krawczyk, James Bell, Ben Stonnell, Gary Nkhasi
Subs: ---

The Premier team lost 3-0 to Petone A, all goals in the second half as they played into a strong north-westerly wind. They are now last in the four-team group.
Next Sunday they play their final group game against Island Bay United who beat Olympic A 3-1 in the other game tonight.

Reviewed by Warwick Smith and added to website on 25th February 2007 - please note the disclaimer on home page

Men's 1st team - Hilton-Petone pre-season - Petone Memorial Park - 18th February 2007

Result: North Wellington A (0) 1 Olympic A (0) 1
Team: Shanan McKeown, Ben Soal (Robbie McLauchan - mid 2nd half), Jason Evans, Daniel Diggins, Alex Stainer, Mathew Heath, Jamie O'Connor, Eddie Cook, Felix Krawczyk, James Bell, Ben Stonnell (Gary Nkhasi mid 2nd half)
Subs: Two used

The Premier team began the 2007 season with a 1-1 draw in the pre-season Hilton-Petone tournament. Coach Phil Crawshaw returns for his 2nd season as North Wellington coach, with assistant coach this season Phil Barton who coached the Reserve team last season.
Debut games for last season under-19 players Soal, Stonnell and Cook, also for Stainer after his performances for the Reserve team last season. O'Connor and Cook in central midfield in the 4-4-2 formation.
A 1st half dominated by higher-ranked Capital Premier side Olympic, coached for this pre-season tournament by ex-North Wellington coach Craig Hopkins, who created the better scoring chances.
Some good goalkeeping by McKeown, making two 1-on-1 saves in the 23rd and 25th minutes, a block with the legs in the 35th minute off a low 10 metre drive and a fine diving save to push a firmly driven angled 15 metre shot on to the post close to halftime allowed North Wellington to go to halftime at 0-0.
An improved 2nd half showing from North Wellington who took the lead in the 78th minute when striker Bell crossed deep from the right-wing just over Olympic keeper Nigel Piper, ex-North Wellington player, for substitute Robbie McLauchan, ex-Tawa College) to head home from five metres. 1-0 North Wellington.
Olympic finally found the net in the 83rd minute, after a frustrating day near goal, as Heath was beaten to a ball and a close range finish gave McKeown no chance. 1-1.
A late chance for North Wellington in the 89th minute, from a central O'Connor run, his pass to the right was chipped wide of the near post by Nkhasi.
In the other group match, Petone and Island Bay United also had a 1-1 draw, leaving the 1st round table all tied up. (Next weekend - North Wellington v Petone, Olympic v Island Bay United).
In the pre-season tournament they will play Olympic A, Petone A and Island Bay A in their group with the top 2 teams progressing to the quarter-finals.

North Wellington will commence their league season on Saturday 7th April in the Capital One division, having been relegated last season from the Capital Premier division.

Reviewed by Warwick Smith and added to website on 18th February 2007 - please note the disclaimer on home page

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Men's 2nd team - Capital Three league - Fraser Park - 18th August 2007

Result: Lower Hutt City Ancient Ones (1) 2 North Wellington (1) 2
Team: Warwick Smith, Braden Upjohn, Peter Roberts, Murray Poultney (David Jacobson 52 min), Blair Todman, Matt Cantwell, Matt Dunne, Laszlo Hidvegi, John Burnett, Eddie Cook (James Bell 65 min), James Burnett
Subs: Only two - both used

The Reserve team drew 2-2 in their final league game of the 2007 season against Lower Hutt City Ancient Ones in cool overcast conditions with a slight northerly breeze favouring North Wellington in the 1st half.
This result ensured that they will stay in the Capital Three league for next season, finishing in 8th place of the 10 teams with 18 points, 4 points ahead of Island Bay United. Stop Out won the league today with a 5-3 win over Wellington United Dreamers.

Several changes from the last game, with Allan, Batty and Heffield all unavailable. Todman came into right-back, Roberts to centre-back and Cook started in attack with James Burnett.
An early Lower Hutt attack led to a shot from the right-side of the penalty area low to Smith at the near post. North Wellington then had a right-wing attack with Cook unable to keep his shot down from 10 metres out, the Fraser Park pitch being in a soft and uneven condition.
In the 20th minute Cook challenged for a ball on the left-side of the Lower Hutt penalty area with their central defender slipping and falling on to the ball. A handball ruled by the referee. The penalty taken by Roberts being driven in. 1-0 North Wellington.
Lower Hutt came back and won a free-kick just outside the penalty area however the centrally placed shot went wide of the defensive wall and goal. In the 32nd minute Hidvegi let a North Wellington deflection run out over the goal-line, the Lower Hutt right-wing corner sent in deep over Smith misjudging the flight and from a close-range scramble Lower Hutt equalised inside the far post. 1-1.
Another two Lower Hutt free-kicks late in the half, again a central 20 metre effort went wide before another quickly taken effort from 25 metres had Smith scrambling left to gather inside the post.
Halftime 1-1. No substitutions. Hidvegi into right-back with Todman into left midfield and Cantwell pushed forward into an attacking role. James Burnett back into central midfield.

An early goal in the 2nd half for the home side, Lower Hutt, after a foul on the right-flank by Poultney the resulting free-kick was put in towards the far post with an unmarked Lower Hutt midfielder heading in from five metres out. 2-1 Lower Hutt.
Jacobson came on into centre-back for Poultney. North Wellington still continued in a 4-4-2 formation, Cantwell and Cook in attack (although Bell came on later).
Roberts floated in a 65th minute left-flank angled free-kick towards the far post with Dunne outjumping his opponent to angle a header from 10 metres back across goal with the Lower Hutt keeper able to push away the effort for a corner.
Dunne was getting into good space through central midfield, receiving two passes from the left-flank before driving shots goalwards with both being held by the Lower Hutt keeper, one of a defender's deflection.
In the 74th minute a good passing move, through Roberts and Dunne, down the right flank before John Burnett linked with son James who drove inside the penalty area and struck a firm right-foot angled shot from eight metres out near the goal-line into the roof of the Lower Hutt goal. A first goal for the Reserve team for James Burnett. 2-2.
North Wellington finished strongly in the last part of the match, enjoying the better territorial position and making use of their flanks, however a couple of efforts goalwards went wide. Lower Hutt still threatened though on the counter-attack, an effort on goal being ruled out for offside, and Smith stopping a 12 metre volley at his right-hand near post.
In the concluding moments Cantwell beat several defenders before sliding a pass left to an offside left-back Upjohn who spooned his effort over from 12 metres out.
The Reserve team finish their league season with a record of 5 Wins, 3 Draws & 10 Losses. Goals For 32. Goals Against 34. Placed 8th of 10 teams. Top goalscorer was Matt Cantwell with 9 goals.

Reviewed by Warwick Smith and added to website on 20th August 2007 - please note the disclaimer on home page

Men's 2nd team - Capital Three league - Newlands Park - 11th August 2007

Result: North Wellington (1) 1 Stop Out (1) 2
Team: Warwick Smith, John Burnett (Matt Cantwell 45 min), Matt Dunne, David Jacobson, Laszlo Hidvegi, Braden Upjohn, James Burnett, Murray Poultney, Luke Collins, Hamish Allan, James Bell (Kruse Butler 68 min)
Subs: Not used - James Heffield, Peter Roberts, Grant Batty

The Reserve team lost 2-1 to current league leaders Stop Out at Newlands Park in overcast conditions with a very strong north-westerly wind making play difficult combined with a boggy central pitch area. They drop to 8th place, still 3 points ahead of 9th placed Island Bay United with 1 game left in the 2007 league season.
Hidvegi, normally a midfield starter came into right-back. Upjohn into left-midfield in the 4-4-2 formation with Poultney and James Burnett in central midfield. Allan and Bell as the two strikers.
An early break down the right-wing gave Stop Out an angled shot low to Smith. John Burnett switching shortly afterwards with Upjohn from left back to left midfield.
Allan, after a quiet start to the game, broke past two defenders on the right-wing before drilling a low cross in which a Stop Out fired wide of the near post to concede a corner under pressure from Bell. In the 22nd minute Jacobson fouled just two metres centrally outside the penalty area with Stop Out's central midfielder whipping a left-foot shot over the wall and with the gusty wind ripping inside Smith's right-hand post. 1-0 Stop Out.
North Wellington were able to make some ground down their left-side with good interchanges. Dunne, playing in a sweeper role, was forced to make several timely challenges to clear Stop Out's attacks outside the penalty area. Allan received a central pass on halfway in the 32nd minute before turning to play a straight ball through the Stop Out defence to release right midfielder Collins in on goal with a low finish past the advancing Stop Out keeper into the goal. 1-1.
A good first half effort for the home side, restricting Stop Out to a couple of shots from general play and not conceding a corner despite the strong wind giving some favour to Stop Out.
Halftime 1-1. Cantwell substituted on as striker, with Allan and Upjohn back to left midfield and left back respectively, replacing John Burnett.

Into the 2nd half and the strong wind kept play, as with the 1st half, concentrated more on the southern side of the park. Both teams took some time to settle in as the conditions made constructive football difficult and few early scoring chances were created. Allan found some space on the left corner of the penalty area to drill a low shot near post which the Stop Out keeper pushed away for a corner. Again as in the 1st half, no corners conceded by North Wellington was testament of some good work against the league leaders.
A clearance from Smith up to Bell was headed on to release Cantwell goalward however the striker's shot was affected by the wind and dropped easily straight to the Stop Out keeper. Bell made an incisive break in the 65th minute along the right-wing goalline with his low cross in mishit by Collins and Stop Out were able to clear the good scoring chance.
Stop Out's central midfield were improving through the 2nd half and were able to create space especially down their right flank with the deciding goal coming from that area.
Jacobson made two good defensive blocks on the edge of the penalty area in the 75th minute as Stop Out profited from lost possession on the North Wellington left side. Shortly afterwards a loose defensive North Wellington across the penalty area found Stop Out's central midfielder who was able to drill a firm low shot intended for the far corner, pushed away by Smith in front of goal with Jacobson first in to clear ahead of two Stop Out attackers.
Stop Out's deciding goal came in the 85th minute as their right midfielder had space and time on the flank before delivering a good cross in for their central midfielder to deflect a header, ahead of Hidvegi's challenge, which curled in with the wind from 10 metres out inside the left-hand post.
Moments later as North Wellington pressed numbers forward a pass through released Stop Out's striker goalward with Dunne in pursuit however his effort goalward was well wide of the near post.
Next weekend the Reserve team play their final game of the 2007 season, away to the Lower Hutt City Ancient Ones, 2.30pm kick-off, Fraser Park, 18th August. Their earlier meeting this season ended in a 3-0 win to Lower Hutt.
(In 8th place, North Wellington are 3 points ahead of Island Bay United, in 9th place and facing relegation to the Capital Four league. North Wellington have a -2 goal difference, Island Bay -31, so a massive (29) goal swing is required for North Wellington Reserves to be relegated. Island Bay play 4th placed Petone.)

Reviewed by Warwick Smith and added to website on 12th August 2007 - please note the disclaimer on home page

Men's 2nd team - Capital Three league - Alex Moore Park - 4th August 2007

Result: North Wellington (2) 3 Lower Hutt City (0) 1
Team: Warwick Smith, Braden Upjohn, Murray Poultney, Matt Dunne, Peter Roberts (Grant Batty 45 min), Hamish Allan, David Jacobson, Laszlo Hidvegi (Scott Reece 60 min), James Heffield, Matt Cantwell (John Burnett 88 min), James Bell
Subs: Not used - Eddie Cook

The Reserve team defeated Lower Hutt City 3-1 to move into 7th place, ahead of Lower Hutt City on goal difference, to maintain a three-point lead over 9th placed Island Bay United with 2 games remaining in the 2007 season.
A change made in the starting line-up by player/coach Roberts in attack, with Bell returning from a break after time with the Premier team. Dunne returned from injury into centre-back.
In cool overcast conditions North Wellington opened the scoring in the 2nd minute left midfielder Allan cut past a defender on the corner of the penalty area and drew a further defender across before squaring a pass to an unmarked Heffield to control and fire home a low shot under the keeper's attempted block from 10 metres out. 1-0 North Wellington.
Lower Hutt had their first scoring chance after 10 minutes with an attacker running centrally on to a pass and cutting left before driving a firm near post angled 15 metre left-foot shot that Smith was able to block wide for a corner.
Cantwell broke from halfway before passing left to Allan, releasing the midfielder in past the Lower Hutt right fullback however his shot past the advancing keeper kept low and went just wide of the far post. In the 30th minute a North Wellington left-wing throw-in was headed on inside the penalty area by Bell with Cantwell controlling near the goal-line before being adjudged to have pushed by a Lower Hutt defender. Penalty. Roberts netting from the spot. 2-0 North Wellington.
Lower Hutt were awarded a right-side 22 metre free-kick just before halftime with a low angled shot past the defensive wall to the far post held by the North Wellington keeper.
Halftime 2-0 North Wellington. Roberts replaced at right-back by Batty.

Shortly after the resumption a short period of light rain swept across the already-softened ground, leading to slippery conditions late in the match.
A lofted Lower Hutt pass from halfway in behind Upjohn released their right midfielder goalwards in the 55th minute however his chipped angled effort from the corner of the penalty area cleared the advancing Smith and the crossbar. The visitors came close a few minutes later with a 22 metre central free-kick curled over the defensive wall and clipping the top of the crossbar.
Cantwell burst goalwards with a defender in close attention before drilling a firm shot from the edge of the penalty area directly to the Lower Hutt keeper. In the 70th minute centre-back Poultney went in to contest possession inside the North Wellington penalty area and although winning possession was adjudged to have used an elbow against an attacker. Penalty. Lower Hutt's striker taking the penalty, a low shot just inside the keeper's right-hand post with Smith narrowly beaten. 2-1 North Wellington.
North Wellington came close minutes later from a left-wing corner delivered to the far post with Poultney involved in a scramble, the keeper blocking a shot and the rebound cleared. A Lower Hutt through ball threatened to release an attacker in on goal however Smith was outside the penalty area sliding to clear with possession to Bell who was switched to centre midfield after Reece came on. Reece was able to turn near halfway before releasing Allan in past the Lower Hutt right-back however his angled shot was parried away by the advancing Lower Hutt keeper and the defence regrouped to clear.
Lower Hutt were reduced to 10 men inside the final ten minutes, as their goalscorer striker received a second yellow card and was sent-off. Both sides having had several players booked during the game with the referee being vigilant for mis-timed tackles and dissent. A Lower Hutt centrally-placed 25 metre free-kick was curled high inside the near post with Smith able to gather.
A 3rd goal to North Wellington was scored by Allan, in the 86th minute, rounding the keeper after being released through by a diagonal pass from right midfielder Heffield. 3-1 North Wellington.
The 3rd win in 4 games for the Reserve team now into 7th place, however they are still not quite clear of relegation as 9th-placed Island Bay also won today.
Next weekend the Reserve team host current league leaders Stop Out at Newlands Park, 2.30pm kick-off, 11th August. Their earlier meeting this season ended in a 5-1 win to Stop Out.

Reviewed by Warwick Smith and added to website on 9th August 2007 - please note the disclaimer on home page

Men's 2nd team - Capital Three league - Petone Memorial Park - 28th July 2007

Result: Petone Armanis (0) 3 North Wellington (1) 2
Team: Shanan McKeown, Braden Upjohn (Grant Batty 68 min), Murray Poultney, Peter Roberts, James Heffield, Hamish Allan, David Jacobson, Laszlo Hidvegi, John Burnett (Daniel Slieker 83 min), James Burnett, Matt Cantwell
Subs: Not used - Warwick Smith, Eddie Cook (did not show)

The Reserve team lost 3-2 against 4th placed Petone Armanis at Petone Memorial Park to remain in 8th place. The match was played in cool overcast conditions with a cross-field northerly wind over the No. 2 pitch.
Jacobson came back into the team in central midfield with Dunne unavailable through injury. James Burnett played in an attacking midfield role with Cantwell as striker. McKeown, from the Premier team squad, was into goal.
In the 3rd minute Poultney lofted a defensive clearance into the Petone half resulting in two defensive headers taking the ball back to the Petone keeper who spilled the ball sideways allowing Cantwell in to strike a first-time angled right-foot shot into the empty goal. 1-0 North Wellington.
Petone came close to an equaliser in the 18th minute as their central midfielder drove a low central 18 metre shot off McKeown's left-hand post with North Wellington able to clear the rebound. Two minutes later and McKeown stretched high to catch a 15 metre goalward shot.
A low right-wing Petone cross in the 27th minute was turned goalwards by an attacker but McKeown was able to block and regather the close-range effort. Four minutes later and left-back Upjohn drove through a pass near halfway for James Burnett to run on to and link with Cantwell however the striker's first touch allowed the Petone defence to clear a promising chance.
In the 44th minute Cantwell spun away from his marker on halfway before running on centrally, exchanging passes with James Burnett, before squaring back from the left-side to an unmarked Jacobson running in on goal however from 10 metres out the midfielder drove his shot over the crossbar, a good chance to go two up at halftime gone.
Halftime 1-0 North Wellington. No substitutions.

The home side began the 2nd half strongly, pinning North Wellington inside their half for the opening 10 minutes, and creating scoring chances as in the opening moments a left-wing attack and cross saw a 15 metre shot clear the crossbar, and in the 47th minute a foul by Heffield just outside the penalty area saw the free-kick parried by McKeown with the rebound being scrambled close to goal before Poultney blocked a goalbound shot and the defence cleared.
Poultney committed a foul in the right-back corner in the 58th minute allowing a free-kick to be swung in and headed over from 8 metres out. Two minutes later and an equaliser came, after Petone's central striker cut back from the left-side of the penalty area past two challenges and although forced out from goal by Roberts struck a firm right-foot 18 metre central shot back inside McKeown's right-hand post. 1-1.
In the 62nd minute Upjohn squared a pass inside from the left-flank for Allan to drive a firm 20 metre shot high straight to the Petone keeper who pushed the ball over the crossbar. A minute later and a 12 metre shot from Hidvegi had claims for handball turned away and Petone broke quickly with a player called back for offside on halfway when clear, leading to a booking for dissent.
Moments after Upjohn was substituted by Batty at left-back Petone took the lead, as in the 69th minute a Petone clearance was headed on centrally over Roberts releasing Petone's centre forward who ran clear before slotting a low shot from the edge of the penalty area in off McKeown's left-hand post. 2-1 Petone.
Three minutes on and Petone increased their lead as a centrally struck pass bounced through the North Wellington defence leaving McKeown to advance from goal and challenge the Petone attacker, and with McKeown suffering an ankle injury in the challenge the loose ball was dispatched into the North Wellington goal past Batty on the goal-line from a close-range angled right-foot shot. 3-1 Petone.
Having overturned a 1-0 deficit in a 12-minute span Petone looked to consolidate their position in the latter part of the half allowing North Wellington few genuine scoring chances. In the 82nd minute Poultney headed a North Wellington corner over the crossbar, minutes later McKeown held a firmly driven angled shot from 12 metres.
In the 89th minute Cantwell won possession on the left touchline near halfway and linked with Allan who chipped a shot over the Petone keeper and into the far corner of the goal. 3-2 Petone.
A final game for the North Wellington club for Slieker, substituted on late into central midfield, before his work move to Australia having played for the Reserve team for the past four seasons since 2004 (49 appearances/11 goals) and one appearance for the Premier team.
Next weekend the Reserve team host 7th placed Lower Hutt City, currently 3 points ahead of them, at Newlands Park (transferred to Alex Moore 2), 2.30pm kick-off on 4th August. Their earlier meeting this season ended in a 6-2 win to Lower Hutt City.

Reviewed by Warwick Smith and added to website on 30th July 2007 - please note the disclaimer on home page

Men's 2nd team - Capital Three league - Alex Moore Park - 21st July 2007

Result: North Wellington (4) 9 Island Bay United (0) 0
Team: Warwick Smith, Braden Upjohn, Matt Dunne (Scott Reece 20 min), Murray Poultney, Grant Batty, Hamish Allan, Laszlo Hidvegi (Daniel Slieker 80 min), Peter Roberts, John Burnett, Eddie Cook (James Heffield 70 min), Matt Cantwell
Subs: All used

The Reserve team defeated Island Bay United 9-0 at Alex Moore Park 2 in overcast calm conditions on a soft ground (Goals to Cantwell (4), Allan (3, all headers), Burnett and Cook. They are still in 8th place, now 3 points ahead of Island Bay United.
A change in midfield from last weekend with player/coach Roberts and assistant coach Burnett starting in central and right midfield respectively. Tarrant unavailable for selection due to injury.
With the appointed referee not showing up the match was jointly done by the teams, first half (Heffield, North Wellington) and second half (Moran, Island Bay).
An early goal for North Wellington as Cook ran on to a pass from the right flank before hooking his shot over the keeper into the far corner of the goal. 1-0 North Wellington.
Island Bay had two good chances shortly afterwards, a pass released an attacker in on goal from the right wing with his shot blocked twice by Smith on the corner of the penalty area before Poultney cleared. Minutes later and a firmly driven 12 metre shot was pushed away by Smith for a following attacker to strike an angled left-foot shot into the side netting. Dunne injured his leg as he headed away a right-wing cross, replaced in defence by Roberts, Cook moving into midfield and substitute Reece on as striker.
A right-wing Reece corner in the 30th minute was blocked in front of goal by an Island Bay defender before Cantwell drove an angled left-foot shot in from six metres out. 2-0 North Wellington.
Batty, playing at right-back, sent in a 38th minute right-wing cross which the Island Bay defence did not compete for allowing Allan in from left midfield to head firmly home despite the keeper getting a hand to it. 3-0 North Wellington.
Only a couple of minutes later and Burnett sent in an angled cross from the right flank and Allan outpaced his marker to plant a fine header into the top corner of the keeper's left hand side of the goal. 4-0 North Wellington.
Halftime 4-0 North Wellington. No substitutions.

In the second half, playing with a slight northerly breeze North Wellington faced a more determined opposition in the opening stanza although Poultney and Roberts were able to clear their attacking threats near the penalty area.
Centre-back Poultney chipped forward a through ball in the 60th minute from the right flank with a retreating Island Bay defender heading the ball over the advancing keeper allowing Cantwell in with an open goal to score. 5-0 North Wellington.
Allan was able to complete his hat-trick in the 66th minute, similar to his 2nd goal in meeting a right-flank cross to divert an angled header inside the keeper's left-hand post. 6-0 North Wellington.
A left-wing cross was punched away by the Island Bay keeper in the 70th minute, out to Burnett on the edge of the penalty area with his first-time lob back dropping under the crossbar. 7-0 North Wellington.
Island Bay's substitutions in the second half saw two ex-North Wellington Reserve team players on in midfield. Dave da Vanzo into central midfield and Jeremy Thomas in left midfield.
A substitution in midfield saw Heffield replace Cook in centre midfield. Island Bay's central defence was disrupted again though as a through pass released Cantwell in on goal in the 74th minute before rounding the keeper and scoring his hat-trick. 8-0 North Wellington.
Island Bay came close to scoring as a pass through the inside right channel into the penalty area was met with an angled drive on to the near post with the rebound squared back inside however Roberts was able to block the attacking effort.
In the closing moments Cantwell was again on to a central through pass and finished again for his fourth goal. 9-0 North Wellington.
After an even first 20 minutes, with genuine chances for both teams, some good finishing proved decisive for North Wellington as they were able to continue their momentum on through into the second half.
Next weekend the Reserve team travel away to play 4th placed Petone Armanis at Petone Memorial Park 2, 28th July, 2.30pm kick-off. Their earlier meeting this season ended in a 2-0 win to Petone.

Reviewed by Warwick Smith and added to website on 22nd July 2007 - please note the disclaimer on home page

Men's 2nd team - Capital Three league - Alex Moore Park - 14th July 2007

Result: North Wellington (2) 4 Waterside Karori Wanderers (0) 0
Team: Shanan McKeown, Braden Upjohn, Matt Dunne, Murray Poultney, Alex Tarrant, Hamish Allan, Laszlo Hidvegi (Eddie Cook 83 min), Theo Deen, James Heffield (Grant Batty 63 min), Scott Reece (Philip Barton 73 min), Matt Cantwell
Subs: Not used - John Burnett, Peter Roberts, Warwick Smith

The Reserve team won 4-0 over Waterside Karori Wanderers to secure their 3rd win of the 2007 league season, improving one place to 8th place in the Capital Three league.
Player/coach Roberts was able to select Premier team player Deen in midfield and McKeown in goal, as their game was cancelled. Upjohn returned from injury to left-back. Reece, a regular with the Capital Six team, made his debut for the Reserve team as striker.
In cool overcast conditions on the No. 2 pitch, Waterside had the best early chance in the 4th minute as a right-flank cross was headed goalwards from 10 metres with McKeown making a good left-hand save to concede a corner. Deen, in central midfield for his first game with the Reserve team, then made two good defensive headers to clear consecutive Waterside corners.
Cantwell cut past two defenders on the left flank in the 11th minute before passing back to Hidvegi, the central midfielder driving a 20 metre shot over the crossbar. Three minutes later and left midfielder Allan passed through the Waterside defence for Cantwell to chase on and square from the goal-line across to the far post for Heffield to tap-in from close range. 1-0 North Wellington.
A minute later North Wellington pressed again with Allan going past two players before driving a 18 metre right-foot shot that the Waterside keeper was able to push wide of the right-hand post. Reece's left-wing corner then being headed over by Deen.
In the 22nd minute Cantwell gained possession from a clearing pass and made a diagonal run from the right flank before driving a firm left-foot 20 metre shot across into the far corner of the goal. 2-0 North Wellington.
With a 2 goal lead North Wellington were able to maintain a sound defensive pattern through to halftime, giving Waterside no clear-cut chances as Dunne made some defensive interceptions from centre-back. In the 40th minute Allan chipped a through ball over the Waterside defence however the keeper beat Reece to the ball inside the penalty area.
Halftime 2-0 North Wellington. No substitutions.

The home side had the advantage of a slight southerly wind advantage in the 2nd half. Deen came close in the 49th minute having played a square pass off to the right wing a cross from Tarrant to the far post was narrowly missed by the central midfielder.
Two minutes later and Dunne was tackled in defence, Waterside attacking centrally however a pass went too wide allowing North Wellington to regroup with a right-wing cross veering wide of goal. Poultney swung in a right-flank cross in the 56th minute which was sidefooted wide of goal by Allan from ten metres out. Moments later and Allan miscued an attempt from a similar position after Deen's shot was deflected.
Waterside came close to a goal in the 60th minute with a right-wing cross over Poultney being headed wide of the near post ahead of McKeown. Both teams were making some robust challenges in midfield through the middle part of the half. Two minutes after being substituted on Barton received a short pass from Deen on the right wing before cutting infield and driving a low 18 metre left-foot shot beyond the Waterside keeper and inside the left-hand post. 3-0 North Wellington.
In the 79th minute Poultney made use of a rebound through the Waterside defence and dashed clear with a covering defender closing in before Poultney drove a 15 metre shot over the Waterside goal. Upjohn pressed forward two minutes later before firing a 20 metre shot narrowly wide. In the 82nd minute Barton intercepted a pass out of defence before closing in on goal from the left flank and squaring a pass in for an unmarked Cantwell to slot past the advancing Waterside keeper. 4-0 North Wellington.
With the game safe North Wellington were able to close down any attacks in the final minutes, Cook being substituted on in central midfield for Hidvegi. A good game in left midfield from Allan, with Cantwell also providing some nice touches up front.
Next weekend the Reserve team host 9th placed Island Bay United at Alex Moore Park 2, 21st July, 2.30pm kick-off. Their earlier meeting this season ended in a 3-2 win to Island Bay.

Reviewed by Warwick Smith and added to website on 15th July 2007 - please note the disclaimer on home page

Men's 2nd team - Capital Three league - Fraser Park - 7th July 2007

Result: Lower Hutt City Ancient Ones v North Wellington (cancelled)

Match cancelled - heavy rain on Friday night and Saturday morning.
All games in Capital Three were cancelled today by the organising body Capital Soccer. This game will be re-scheduled to the end of the 2007 season. There are 6 games left in the 18-game league season.
Next weekend the Reserve team host Waterside Karori Wanderers at Alex Moore 2, 14th July, 2.30pm kick-off. Their earlier meeting this season ended in a 0-0 draw.

Men's 2nd team - Capital Three league - Alex Moore Park - 30th June 2007

Result: North Wellington v Stop Out (cancelled)

Match cancelled - heavy rain on Friday night and Saturday morning.
All games in Capital Three were cancelled today by the organising body Capital Soccer. This game will be re-scheduled to the end of the 2007 season. There are 6 games left in the 18-game league season.
Next weekend the Reserve team, still in 9th place, travel away to play Lower Hutt City Ancient Ones at Fraser Park 1, 7th July, 2.30pm kick-off. Their earlier meeting this season ended in a 3-0 win to Lower Hutt.

Men's 2nd team - Capital Three league - Weka Park - 23rd June 2007

Result: Kapiti Coast United (0) 1 North Wellington (1) 1
Team: Warwick Smith, John Burnett, David Jacobson (James Heffield 55 min), Peter Roberts, Alex Tarrant, Hamish Allan, Laszlo Hidvegi, Matt Dunne, Grant Batty, Murray Poultney, Matt Cantwell
Subs: Only one - used

The Reserve team drew 1-1 with Kapiti Coast United at Weka Park in cool, overcast conditions with a strong north-westerly wind favouring North Wellington in the 1st half. Tarrant returned to right-back and Poultney, usually in central defence or midfield, started as striker with Cantwell.
An experienced back-four for North Wellington with left-back Burnett and central defenders Jacobson and Roberts. In the 10th minute Kapiti's left midfielder skirted past Tarrant inside the penalty area before driving an angled 8 metre shot deflected wide for a corner off Smith's right foot.
A period of firm tackling in the midfield area kept the referee busy as both teams looked to exert some dominance. North Wellington looked to play through balls on for Cantwell and Poultney to control before releasing on to supporting midfielders.
After earning a left-wing throw-in, North Wellington scored in the 35th minute, as Cantwell darted in ahead of the Kapiti keeper to turn in a low left-flank angled cross by Allan. 1-0 North Wellington.
Kapiti made some attacking moves in the 1st half but several longer range shots wide of goal and some organised defending limited their chances.
Halftime 1-0 North Wellington. Burnett switched with Hamish from left back to left midfield.

Moments after the break a through ball released on one of Kapiti's central midfielders in on goal with his shot blocked by Smith advancing out from goal and a following-in Kapiti attacker was unable to force the rebound home.
Heffield substituted on into midfield, with Burnett moving forward as striker and Poultney replacing Jacobson in central defence. Heffield, shortly after coming on, looked to meet a low right-wing cross but hesitated and the Kapiti keeper gathered.
Kapiti equalised midway through the 2nd half, a penalty awarded after holding was adjudged against Hidvegi when a right-flank free-kick was delivered into the penalty area. The penalty placed low to Smith's left by Kapiti's right midfielder was saved however the kicker netted the rebound. 1-1.
Although playing with the strong north-west wind Kapiti spurned several attacking opportunities through the 2nd half as several corners and free-kicks were put out of play as the North Wellington defence amassed back leaving Cantwell alone up front.
As a North Wellington set-piece was partially cleared in the 76th minute Dunne struck a left-foot half-volley from edge of the penalty area cleared off the goal-line by a Kapiti defender
In the 85th minute Roberts pressed forward down the right wing to find Hidvegi with his deep cross being headed by Cantwell on to the far post with the striker keeping the rebound in play however the Kapiti defence closed in to clear
Next weekend the Reserve team host current league leaders Stop Out at Alex Moore Park 2, 30th June, 2.30pm kick-off. Their earlier meeting this season ended in a 5-1 win to Stop Out.

Reviewed by Warwick Smith and added to website on 24th June 2007 - please note the disclaimer on home page

Men's 2nd team - Capital Three league - Alex Moore Park - 16th June 2007

Result: North Wellington (0) 0 Wellington United Dreamers (1) 1
Team: Warwick Smith, Hamish Allan, Murray Poultney, Peter Roberts, James Heffield (Laszlo Hidvegi 83 min), Eddie Cook (Grant Batty 30 min), David Jacobson, Matt Dunne, Luke Collins, Matt Cantwell, John Burnett (Blair Todman 60 min)
Subs: All used

The Reserve team, in 9th place, lost 1-0 to 4th placed Wellington United Dreamers in cool wintry conditions on a slippery Alex Moore Park No. 2 ground.
McKeown, substituting for the Premier team, was replaced by Smith in goal. Collins started in right midfield and Cantwell as striker. Dunne moving from central defence to central midfield.
With the benefit of the brisk southerly wind in the 1st half Wellington United enjoyed the greater territorial advantage. In the 15th minute they scored through ex-North Wellington Premier team player Duncan Bean, stabbing home a low shot from 10 metres inside the right-hand post past the advancing Smith, having chased on to a pass flicked over Roberts. 1-0 Wellington United.
North Wellington then had a penalty appeal turned down moments later as Cook broke into the penalty area down the left flank and was taken to ground however the referee did not concur with the challenge being a foul.
In trying to build deep out of defence North Wellington ran into trouble on two occasions, firstly Bean drove in a low 15 metre shot held by Smith to his right, and then struck a firm central drive from the edge of the penalty area directly to the keeper.
A driven 25 metre angled left-side free-kick was touched over the crossbar by Smith and a right-wing corner glanced goalwards by Bean was also pushed out by the keeper with Hamish being able to clear.
Halftime 1-0 Wellington United. No substitutions.

After the break North Wellington enjoyed a good period of 15 minutes, putting pressure on the Wellington United defensive line but being unable to furnish any decent scoring chances. Dunne released Collins inside the right-side of the penalty area however his heavy first touch allowed the Wellington United keeper to fall on the ball. Cantwell had a 20 metre central free-kick but struck his shot straight at the keeper.
On the counter-attack Wellington United came close to extending the lead, their lanky left midfielder driving a low right-foot 12 metre shot partially saved by Smith with Jacobson able to clear ahead of a following attacker, and a later shot from the same player being touched by Smith on to the right-hand post. Roberts made ground from defence as the Wellington United keeper spilled an angled right-flank drive however was closed down by a defender as he tried to square the ball goalwards.
The game remained evenly poised in the second half after Wellington United had seen out the early North Wellington pressure, Dunne, Collins and Jacobson working industriously through central midfield.
Later in the half both teams had some frustrations with the refereeing decisions on players holding when contesting possession. Hidvegi was substituted in the final minutes with Batty moving from midfield to right-back.
Next weekend the Reserve team travel away to Weka Road Park, Raumati to play Kapiti Coast United, currently in 5th place. Their earlier meeting this season ended in a 1-0 win to North Wellington.

Reviewed by Warwick Smith and added to website on 17th June 2007 - please note the disclaimer on home page

Men's 2nd team - Capital Three league - Alex Moore Park - 9th June 2007

Result: North Wellington (0) 1 Olympic (1) 2
Team: Shanan McKeown, Hamish Allan, Matt Dunne, Murray Poultney, Peter Roberts (James Heffield 72 min), Eddie Cook, David Jacobson, Laszlo Hidvegi, Grant Batty (Matt Cantwell 59 min), James Bell, John Burnett
Subs: Both used

The Reserve team lost 2-1 to Olympic in cool, fine playing conditions on Alex Moore Park No. 2 ground. A 3rd consecutive loss for the Reserve team who remain in 9th place of the 10-team Capital Three league. Bell and McKeown from the Premier team squad were selected as part of several changes from last weekend with Todman unavailable and Slieker injured.
A bright start for North Wellington in the opening minutes as Batty, from the right flank, and Cook sent in several testing crosses for the Olympic central defence to deal with. Burnett drilling a 20 metre shot in the 4th minute which the Olympic keeper pushed away for a corner.
Bell, playing as striker alongside Burnett in the 4-4-2 formation, sent through an incisive through pass down the left flank in the 8th minute with Cook through unmarked but chipping his angled shot over the crossbar. In the 11th minute Olympic scored from their first attack, a close-range scrambled effort from a left-wing corner. 1-0 Olympic.
Four minutes later and Olympic's left-back Craig Hopkins (ex-North Wellington Premier team player/coach) chipped forward a pass to striker Keith Block who turned inside before firing a firm 18 metre drive straight to McKeown.
North Wellington came close with a couple of chances midway through the 1st half, firstly Hidvegi drove a 20 metre shot over the crossbar after a left-wing deep corner was returned inside by Batty and then Burnett drove a low shot from the edge of the penalty area which struck the outside of the Olympic keeper's left-hand post.
After a period of poor passing through the North Wellington midfield, Bell chased a lobbed pass over the Olympic defence in the 40th minute however the keeper was able to block his aerial effort and in the 43rd minute Jacobson crossed from the left-wing however Cook in front of goal could not get high enough to steer his header into the goal.
Halftime 1-0 Olympic. No substitutions.

After the break Batty swung in a right-flank cross which clipped the crossbar in the 50th minute. Four minutes later and Olympic increased their lead from a free-kick following obstruction by Poultney. The left-wing free-kick being chipped to the far post and met by Keith Block (ex-North Wellington Reserve team player/coach) to head home from four metres. 2-0 Olympic.
Burnett created another chance in the 62nd minute, receiving a defensive clearance from Dunne on the right flank, before sending a crossfield pass to an unmarked Cook on the opposite left wing, however his angled shot from near the goalline cleared the advancing Olympic keeper and was wide of goal. Three minutes later and Cantwell's free-kick 25 metres out from goal was played wide before Burnett fired an angled drive across goal.
Some reward for North Wellington, having defended well in the 2nd half to limit Olympic to counter-attacking opportunities, came in the 82nd minute as central midfielder Hidvegi ran on to a right flank cross and swept home a shot from 10 metres. 2-1 Olympic.
Man of the match as selected by player/coach Peter Roberts was centre back Dunne, playing his first full game in defence for the Reserve team. A close game and an improved performance from North Wellington however they conceded two goals to set-pieces.
Next weekend the Reserve team host Wellington United Dreamers, currently in 4th place, at Alex Moore 2, Saturday 16th June, 2.30pm kick-off.

Reviewed by Warwick Smith and added to website on 10th June 2007 - please note the disclaimer on home page

Men's 2nd team - Capital Three league - Fraser Park - 2nd June 2007

Result: Lower Hutt City (3) 6 North Wellington (0) 2
Team: Warwick Smith, Daniel Roberts (David Jacobson 28 min), Murray Poultney, Grant Batty, James Heffield, Hamish Allan (Anthony Tarrant 52 min), Matt Dunne, Laszlo Hidvegi, Blair Todman (Eddie Cook 45 min), Daniel Slieker, Matt Cantwell
Subs: Not used - Peter Roberts, John Burnett

The Reserve team lost 6-2 away against Lower Hutt City on a bumpy soft Fraser Park pitch in cool overcast conditions. A couple of changes required from last week's team as Braden Upjohn and Alex Tarrant started for the Premier team today.
An early chance for North Wellington as Todman was released inside the right side of the penalty area with his angled shot parried by the Lower Hutt keeper before Todman fired the rebound over the crossbar from five metres. In the 12th minute Lower Hutt took the lead after a deep right-flank cross was punched by Smith onto the competing head of a Lower Hutt striker and rebounded back 12 metres into the empty goal. 1-0 Lower Hutt.
A foul by Dunne just outside the penalty area gave Lower Hutt a free-kick with their central midfielder firing a shot through the defensive wall, clipping a defender, and then the inside of the keeper's right-hand post to end inside the North Wellington goal. 2-0 Lower Hutt.
Jacobson came on as substitute at the half-hour at centre back with Batty moving to left back. Lower Hutt increased their lead in the 36th minute after an attack down the left wing their central midfielder eluded Heffield before drilling a low shot past Smith from eight metres. 3-0 Lower Hutt.
Halftime 3-0 Lower Hutt. No substitutions.

Although North Wellington began the 2nd half brightly enough they fell behind further in the 54th minute as a low midfield pass down the right side went past Hidvegi allowing a striker in goalwards with his firm right-foot shot cannoning in off the base of the post from 12 metres. 4-0 Lower Hutt.
Cook scored in the 62nd minute pouncing on a mistake from the right-back, as Lower Hutt looked to develop play from deep, before finishing with a low 15 metre drive into the far corner. 4-1 Lower Hutt.
However as play opened up Lower Hutt continued to profit from long balls through the North Wellington defence and added two more goals in quick succession, in the 73rd minute Batty's tackle on the edge of the penalty area saw the ball break kindly for their striker to lift his centrally-placed 15 metre shot into the top corner and in the 76th minute a break goalwards saw Smith's block heading wide of goal however a Lower Hutt attacker cut the ball back in to strike a sliding Jacobson and roll into the net. 6-1 Lower Hutt.
Poultney gained some reward for his efforts as he pushed forward for a free-kick in the 82nd minute taken 20 metres out by Cantwell, the ball deflecting through the defensive wall for Poultney to sweep home from six metres out. 6-2.
A disappointing effort for the Reserve team, not capitalising early enough on their chances and providing Lower Hutt with good scoring opportunities, with the loss seeing them slip two places to 9th in the 10-team Capital Three league.
Now halfway through the 18-game season, the Reserve team host Olympic next weekend at Alex Moore 2, Saturday 9th June, 2.30pm kick-off.

Reviewed by Warwick Smith and added to website on 3rd June 2007 - please note the disclaimer on home page

Men's 2nd team - Capital Three league - Alex Moore Park - 26th May 2007

Result: North Wellington (0) 0 Petone Armanis (1) 2
Team: Warwick Smith, Braden Upjohn, Peter Roberts, Murray Poultney, James Heffield, Grant Batty, Eddie Cook (Matt Dunne 45 min), Laszlo Hidvegi, Alex Tarrant (James Burnett 80 min), John Burnett (Daniel Slieker 50 min), Matt Cantwell
Subs: All used

The Reserve team lost 2-0 to the league leaders Petone Armanis in fine playing conditions at Alex Moore Park 2.
An early goal for Petone in the 12th minute, a rebound fell kindly for a Petone attacker inside the penalty area to round Smith and score. 1-0 Petone.
The 1st half was well controlled by Petone, playing some nice one-touch football to create some attacking openings. Smith pushed over a firm 30 metre shot in the 7th minute and glanced over a downhead header after 30 minutes. Few chances for North Wellington though as they were held within their own half for the majority of the opening period.
Halftime 1-0 Petone. Substitution made with Cook replaced in central midfield by Matt ?.
In the 2nd half North Wellington came more into the game as Petone's one-touch game gradually diminished. North Wellington had four genuine scoring chances, all ultimately not testing the Petone keeper, as Hidvegi underhit a right-wing cross from Ta