Otago United

Hawke's Bay United

2

0

Regan COLDICOTT 40'
Darren OVERTON 75'

by Rab Smith at Tahuna Park, Dunedin
asbpremiership.co.nz

DUNEDIN - A transformed Otago United turned the screw on Hawke's Bay to earn a vital 2-0 win that opened a door to the top four at Tahuna Park, Dunedin, today.

It was two contrasting debuts for two coaches, as Chris Greatholder took over from Matt Chandler, and Otago’s assistant Andy Duncan filled in for Richard Murray.

And two good young sides did their best to please, in a flowing first half which had Hawke's Bay launch a string of shots at the Otago goal. But in form keeper Peter Evans handled everything the visitors could throw at him in an inspired display.

Yet while possession was roughly equal, Otago showed an ability to get behind Bay's defenders as Regan Coldicott scorched up the left wing.

Harley Rodeka also put in big mileage working in tandem with central striker Ant Hancock, and the ever impressive Darren Overton.

Hancock - back from injury - typified Otago’s never say die spirit.

The ball rarely bounced well for the chunky frontman, but he kept offering himself as an option for his midfield and went in search of the ball when his opponents had it.

Coldicott was in rich form finding gaps where none should have existed.

After one dazzling run and shot which smashed off Hawkes Bay’s crossbar,the swift Mosgiel striker then carved through to drill a fine goal inside keeper Shaun Peta’s far post on 40 minutes.

Halftime was loomed but the Bay had locals looking nervously at watches as they finished strongly with a flurry of corners and freekicks.

The second half started with more perspiration than inspiration as both sides tried to dominate.

There was a useful battle between Hawke's Bay's Bill Robertson and Otago centreback Matt Joy, and the young local defender found good enough form to earn Otago’s MVP award.

Other Otago players found new seams of form, the likes of Morgan Day was transformed into a midfield tiger, winning his share of knockdowns and second phase ball, demonstrating effective technique.

Robertson bullied his team forward with Rudi Bauerfiend impressive.

Young Connor Tinnion also showed top technique – one of his shots nearly snapped Otago’s crossbar in two.

As the game progressed, Otago visibly improved. Classy defender Tristan Prattley found similar support from Craig Ferguson and Tommy Connor.

But the decisive factors were the class and experience of Mike Cunningham and Overton who oozed composure on the ball.

Otago’s second goal was all Overton.

With a wonderful solo run that left opponents in his wake, Overton strolled through Hawke's Bay’s defence and doubled the lead with a stunning long range shot.

As expected debutant coach Chris Greatholder was disappointed by his team's defeat.

"We did not do the basics well enough today, and only Bauerfeind, Robertson and young Connor came out with credit," he said.

Otago coach Andy Duncan, one of a young cadre of coaches emerging in Otago was delighted with the win.

"Having worked with Youth teams in recent years at the Milk Cup, the Singapore tournament, it's very pleasing to see young players literally mature during a game."

"In 90 minutes Matt Joy went from being a big raw defender, to looking quite accomplished and achieving a near error free match."

"It's very pleasing for young coaches to see that transformation. Of course the result is also very important for any realistic senior coach. We like to win, and the ‘clean sheet’ is also appreciated – especially by our keeper big Pete," Duncan said.

Otago's next match is against Canterbury United at FOrsyth Barr Stadium on December 11.

"It's a pity we have a break before then because I would like to have kept the momentum and intensity going," Duncan said.

Otago United

V

Hawke's Bay United

22. Peter EVANS (GK)

26. Shaun PETA (GK)

3. Tristan PRATTLEY (c)

5. Bill ROBERTSON (c)

5. Matt JOY

7. Matt HASTINGS (J. MARGETTS 76')

6. Morgan DAY

8. Adam COWAN

10. Ant HANCOCK

10. Sam MARGETTS

15. Darren OVERTON  

11. Connor TINNION

18. Harley RODEKA (MEPHAM 87')

12. Adam CHANDLER (BARLOW 86')

21. Mike CUNNINGHAM

14. Danny WILSON

27. Tom CONNOR

15. Rudi BAUERFIEND

7. Regan COLDICOTT  (STEVENS 65')

18. Hamish WATSON

25. Craig FERGUSON

2. Fergus NEILL

Substitutes

Substitutes

1. Oswaldo RODRIGUEZ

3. Alex BARLOW (86')

11. James GOVAN

16. Reilly O'MEAGHER

14. Sam MEPHAM (87')

17. Tom BISS

20. Matt BROOK

30. Matt GOULD

28. Zac RATHBONE

21. Josh MARGETTS (76')

23. Joel STEVENS (65')

=goal

=yellow card

=2 yellow cards

= red card

-7'

Welcome to Tahuna Park in Dunedin for this Round Four ASB Premiership clash between Otago United and Hawkes Bay United. Weather is warm and windy. Pitch looks dry and in reasonable condition.

-3'

Teams entering the ptich now. Hawkes Bay win the toss. Otago to kick-off

1'

A sharp break from Regan COLDICOTT sees Otago win a corner which comes to nothing.

3'

Hamish WATSON takes the ball into the box, before conceding a free kick through a silly push. 

7'

Long shot from Matt HASTINGS troubles noone.

8'

Lasp of concentration from the Otago defence sees Hawkes Bay win a corner. Nothing comes from it. 

12'

Action in front of the Hawkes Bay goal. No real structure in it, Craig FERGUSON loses possession with only the keeper to beat 10 yards out from the goal. Ball cleared, Hawkes Bay survive a real scare.

14'

Darren OVERTON has a half chance which he sends over the bar.

15'

A precise through ball from Harley RODEKA intercepted. Otago making all the play.

16'

Hawkes Bay win a free kick which is easily dealt with.

17'

Ant HANCOCK's first touch lets him down with the chance to go one on one with keeper Shaun PETA.

19'

Morgan DAY gives away a free kick on halfway. Resulting shot from Sam MARGETTS is high and away to the left. 

20'

Referee Conger plays a great advantage for Hawkes Bay which is very nearly capitalised on by Adam COWAN.

24'

A great ball into the box sees Regan COLDICOTT with a great chance which was outstandingly well dealt with by Shaun PETA.

25'

Darren OVERTON this time requires Shaun PETA to be at his best with a shot that was headed to the top right corner.

28'

Foul that could have gone either way goes against Otago. Coach Andy Duncan lets 4th Official Best know what he thought of the decision. Tension just rose a notch. 

30'

Regan COLDICOTT very nearly puts Otago one up, with a inswinging shot from the corner of the box that hit the top of the left hand upright, that would have have been a shoein for goal of the season.

32'

Tristan PRATTLEY tidies up at the back and wins the goal kick.

33'

Hawkes Bay with a huge chance this time as Fergus NEIL can only put his shot from 5 yards out into the big frame of keeper EVANS. 

35'

Rudi BAUERFIEND cross for Hawkes Bay is dealt with easily by Otago centreback Matt JOY.

40'

 GOAL! Regan COLDICOTT slots it away in the bottom right corner. Well deserved reward for a good enterprising half. Otago 1-0. 

42'

Mike CUNNINGHAM comes to Otago's rescue putting it over the bar in what had the potential to be a dangerous situation. Corner well dealt with

44'

Yellow Card to Hawkes Bay's Adam COWAN for breaking up a promising attack. Free kick was poor.

45'

Connor TINNION very nearly equalises, hitting the bar with the keeper beaten. All on here at Tahuna.

45'

Halftime called. Otago lead 1-0.

Teams coming back on now. Hawkes Bay with it all to do, but they are more than good enough.

46'

Hawkes Bay kickoff.

50'

 Free kick against Otago. Darren Overton doesn't allow Hawkes Bay to take a quick one and referee Conger shows him a yellow.

53'

Free kick for Hawkes Bay is headed away by Regan COLDICOTT, who is having his best game in an Otago shirt.

55'

The game is losing flow, and becoming increasingly unstructured. Free kick awarded to Otago. Resulting header easily saved.

59'

Connor TINNION cross well blocked by Harley RODEKA.

60'

Free kick awarded to Hawkes Bay in a very promising position. Headed clear by captain Tristan PRATTLEY.

61'

Matt HASTINGS put a bycycle kick just to the left of the goal. Hawkes Bay making much more of the play since the break and Otago are beginning to struggle

62'

Mike CUNNINGHAM sends a shot from a very narrow angle just over.

65'

Sub Otago
ON 23. Joel STEVENS
OFF 7. Regan COLDICOTT

65'

 Yellow Card for Otago's Craig Ferguson. As for the reason, I'm not sure, possibly dissent.

67'

Otago win a corner, deflected away by PETA.

70'

Darren OVERTON makes a sharp run into the box, PETA came out and blocked the shot well.

72'

Obvious throwin decision from AR Edward Cook disputed loudly by the crowd.

73'

Messy incident see Fergus NEIL go down. Words exchanged by players from both sides. Free kick for Hawkes Bay is poor

75'

 GOAL! Darren Overton beats three defenders and gets a shot away, which was deflected causing the keeper to go the wrong way.

76'

Sub Hawkes Bay
ON: 21. Josh MARGETTS
OFF: 7. Matt HASTINGS

80'

Cross from Conner TINNION meets the head of Bill ROBERTSON, but AR Hamish Philip has his flag up for offside.

81'

A fizzer of a cross from Harley RODEKA finds Darren OVERTON, PETA deflects it over. 

83'

Darren OVERTON weaves his way through, but lets the ball get a fraction too far ahead of him

85'

Mike CUNNINGHAM goes down. Free kick awarded. Otago crowd getting very vocal, wanting something more out of referee Conger.

86'

SUB Hawkes Bay
ON: 3. Alex Barlow
OFF: 12. Adam Chandler

87'

Sam MARGETTS beats keeper EVANS, but cleared of the line by Craig FERGUSON

87'

SUB OTAGO
ON: 14. Sam MEPHAM
OF: 18. Harley RODEKA

88'

Otago with a number of chances in recent minutes, PETA having a fine game, but Hawkes Bay looking very suspect on the left defensively.

90'

Fourth Official Best signals for three more minutes of added time.

90+3'

Referee Conger blows for full time, a reasonably even game, but Otago were better when it counted. For Otago, its a week off before hosting Canterbury, for Hawkes Bay they get a 2 week break before visiting Waikato. Rab Smith will follow with his report.