Muddy Reward

The Marist Skins slid and splashed their way to a 4-2 win over Petone JJs on Saturday. Details of the opening goal was sketchy from the forlorn spot of goal keeper down the other end, but was an ugly, but important goal through a combination of the dangerous Scott Crookston and a helpful defender. This goal gave the Skins confidence and despite one major scare where the dangerous spectacled JJs striker could've provided the equaliser, the Skins had the better of proceedings, yet were kept honest.

The second half provided a smorgasbord of great goals. The Skins increased their lead to 3-0 with two breath taking goals. The first (I think) was a brilliant free kick from Scott Crookston which went into the bottom right hand corner of the goal. The third was from a stray shot from the unlucky Jim Boutcher which collected a conveniently well placed heel from Stephen Toplis to fall into the goal. The Skins then eased off with a three goal lead.

Petone JJs didn't give up and their spectacled striker was in the thick of it. Firstly a lobbed ball looked to be heading dead for all money about five metres wide of the goal. Keeper Donaldson was actually preparing to stop the ball from ending up miles away from the field, when suddenly someone appeared and headed the ball in from an incredibly obscure angle on the dead ball line. It was such a surprising goal for several reasons including that picking the ball up from his own net was the first time the Skins keeper had touched the ball all half, but worse was that the Skins keeper had no idea anyone was there. There was no one around it seemed, no one was telling him that this guy was there and no defenders followed him back. Some mysteries of science exist as to how he was onside and how the ball made it in from that angle and you have to assume that the ball managed to get into the goal even though it seemed to be out or at least very close to it. It was a science defying piece of brilliance by the Number 15.

The JJs weren't finished when the same guy managed to evade three Skins defenders who actually got in each others way and couldn't get decent footing to clear the ball and he slotted it. This guy then hurt his hamstring, unluckily for JJs and luckily for the Skins.

The game could've slipped away, but former goal scoring supremo Jim Boutcher turned provider for the second time when he fed midfield maestro Marshall Benson, who calmly slotted a low left foot shot into the bottom right corner of the goal. It was a well taken goal and gave the Skins a deserved 4-2 win.

Petone JJs were dangerous with their spectacled striker, but were generally kept in check, with some great play, especially from Dan Popham. The Skins mids dictated play well and Scott Crookston was especially dangerous. I must say that the Marist team could've scored more, but the way they put four away, you can't complain!