Unicol’s side battled to victory as they continued to perform in their current campaign, showing a fine display of defence and attacking intent.
On a fine Saturday afternoon with a small breeze, it was an unusual location of Thames, where the match between Waihi and Unicol took place. It was Unicol (on the back of a 1-0 victory over Morrinsville) who stole the show as they battled to another 1-0 victory over their rivals thanks to Rory Casey as the in-form midfielder got his name on the scoresheet yet again.
The scoreline may have not been as convincing, but the performance suggests a different idea as Unicol took control in the majority of the game. However it was a slow start by the men in black as they struggled to find their flow with captain ‘Daily’ at the forefront of their mistakes, making some woeful passes during the opening half of the match. Fortunately for Daily, his side’s widemen were on top form as Eisei Toyota was looking sharp from the first whistle, showcasing his lightning pace and vision to bring the team back onto their feet. Travis Sayring, who filled in on a unlikely position out wide, also took control with his succession of touch and passes as the team searched for an opening goal. It wasn’t long until that goal came as Uni showed great intent of attacking display with Sammy Cameron running rings around Waihi’s defenders before slipping a low ball into the path of an outstretched Rory Casey to tap in the only goal of the match. As the first half continued, Waihi started to show glimpses of anger as frustration broke out between two of their own teammates. Unicol took advantage of that frustration producing some quick passing play, making it hard for Waihi to gain possession. With their team in the lead, Unicol made a bizarre decision in swapping over their goalkeepers, top scorer Patrick Purcell taking it up the gloves and eventually leading unto Sayring playing his part in goal.
The Blacks resumed play after the interval and continued their dominance. Although, this time it was made to be a lot harder when Waihi started to creep in with some unexpected chances. The fight back they produced brought out the best of Unicol’s defensive qualities, with the team showing great resilience, mental strength and concentration to maintain that clean sheet status. Their attacking drive also made them vulnerable in their own back line as Uni created several opportunities of their own. Waihi can consider themselves lucky to not concede more, but at the end of the day Unicol were very deserving victors maintaining their mid-position on the table. Eisei Toyota claiming the match ball in the end after his ever consistent display in both attack and defensive play.
Final score : Waihi Mens B 0-1 Unicol Mens B
