The Skins are back in the Game!

Marist Skins recovered from their worst defeat in years to beat the Lower Hutt City side 3-0 in their Div 9 game at Fraser Park on Saturday. In warm and dry conditions, this game was always going to take its toll and luckily the Skins had more players and managed to make the most of their opportunities better than the home team.

Playing with the sun at their backs, the green and whites lost Dan Popham early to injury, but had more opportunities than their hosts. Eventually striker Ben McCorkindale converted the pressure into a goal. The Lower Hutt defender chasing a ball back, panicked and Corks was able to pounce and shoot past an approaching goalie.

The Hutt side still had their chances, but a combination of good Skins defence, a couple of great saves by evergreen keeper Ray Hardy and some poor finishing after great lead up work cost the hosts.

At halftime the game was in the balance at 1-0, but the deserved buffer created when Jim Boutcher pounced on a goalkeeping error to slot the 2-0 goal was welcome relief for the visitors. The game then reached a stalemate as both teams struggled in the heat. The Skins eventually scored another and was created by good lead up work down the left and when Jim Boutcher cut a pass to substitute bull terrior striker Tim Pate who danced around the keeper and slotted it with his left peg, the result was beyond doubt.

The 3-0 result was a fair reflection, but both teams created some great opportunities and on another day and maybe a completely flat pitch, could've scored more goals.

Still, it was played in good spirits and was thoroughly enjoyable!