YoungHeart Manawatu

Canterbury United

2

3

Nobu ISHI 65', 79'

Dan TERRIS 15'
Gareth ROWE 45'+3
Russell KAMO 50'

by Gordon Glen Watson at Memorial Park asbpremiership.co.nz

PALMERSTON NORTH - They may be favourites to finish bottom of the ASB Premiership but YoungHeart proved they won't go down without a fight after a brave 3-2 defeat to Canterbury United at a rain-soaked Memorial Park on Sunday.

In a bid to lift his ailing charges coach Bob Sova portrayed a bullish mood in the media when he described Canterbury as "overrated" on Wednesday.  

But those provocative words only seemed to inspire play-off bound Canterbury as YoungHeart Manawatu side fell behind to an early sucker punch when Dan Terris capitalised on a cheaply conceded free kick to put the visitors in front on 15 minutes.

Canterbury doubled the lead three minutes into time added on at the end of the first half when Gareth Rowe guided a curling header into the bottom right corner of goalkeeper Matt Borren's net to hand the Dragons a two goal cushion at halftime.

The home side suffered further agony just five minutes after the restart when Russell Kamo blasted home a third goal to leave the match looking dead as a contest.

But Manawatu have shown in recent weeks that when the match appears over, they are at their most dangerous. With the pressure off and the points seemingly gone, Manawatu came to life through Nobu Ishi.

The home team's rearguard action was exhausting to watch nevermind play in, and contained plenty of entertainment as YoungHeart's pocket rocket midfielder Ishi went in search of a consolation goal.

Ishi will savour the memory of wriggling past his marker and wiring in a superb cross for Michael White who could only watch perplexed as goalkeeper Tom Batty pulled off a brave save.

Sensing the momentum had swung back in his favour, YoungHeart coach Bob Sova sent substitute Joachim Rande on for his debut and within sixty seconds Manawatu had scored.

Action-man Ishi - not reknowned for his goal scoring abilities - evaded the Canterbury defence yet again,  exchanged a one-two with White, before slotting a superb finish past Batty on 65 minutes to reduce the deficit.

Canterbury coach Keith Braithwaite appeared livid on the touchline and his team responded almost immediately when Kamo stole ahead of Cowan before taking on Borren, one on one, in the penalty area. 

With the Manawatu defence caught ball watching, Borren raced to the edge of his box to parry, as he, Kamo and covering defender Colin Falvey collided in a heap, then engaged in a wild melee that saw referee Campbell-Kirk Waugh issue two yellow cards to Kamo and Falvey.

It was fevered stuff but rock-bottom Manawatu showed their mettle when a swift counter attack just a moment later saw Jason Hayne fire over a delightful cross for the diminuitive Ishi to head powerfully beyond Batty with eleven minutes left.

Ishi's second goal set up a grandstand finish as Manawatu went in desperate search of an equaliser. Canterbury hearts stood still when midfielder Matt Kennedy tested Batty with a clever curling long range shot the Dragons custodian palmed away for a corner in the final minute as the visitors clung on desperately for the win.

YoungHeart Manawatu coach Bob Sova was pleased with his team's spirit but lamented another slow start.

"There's a pattern there with how we start matches. The first two goals came from set-plays and we're not a big team anyway. We lacked a bit of height and a bit of experience," Sova said, "Our problem is that defensively we're struggling as a team rather than a specific problem with our back four."

Canterbury coach Keith Braithwaite was ecstatic with a result that ends a seven match winless run.

"It was a great team performance in the first half, we worked hard and the second goal just before halftime was crucial," Braithwaite said.

YoungHeart's late rally had Braithwaite concerned but satisfied by his team's response.

"They are bottom of the league and desperate, so they threw everything forward. But we stood our ground," Braithwaite said, "We have played the top three teams in the past three games and lost by the odd goal so to win today has made the boys happy."

Manawatu goalscorer, Nobu Ishi, was hopeful his team-mates can produce a winning performance soon.

"I am happy about the goals but the team is not doing so well, "Ishi said, "We can win, of course, but we have to continue to talk to one another and respect each other. That is most important."

YoungHeart Manawatu travel to Fred Taylor Park to face Waitakere United next Saturday. On Sunday, Canterbury United meet play-off rivals Hawke's Bay United at Park Island, Napier.

YoungHeart Manawatu

V

Canterbury United

1- Matt BORREN (GK)

1- Tom BATTY (GK)

2- Nobu ISHI

2- Dan TERRIS (c)

4- Colin FALVEY

10- Sam MILES

5- Josh CHETTLEBURGH (Joachim RANDE 64')

4- Gareth ROWE

6- Matt KENNEDY

5- Tom SCHWARZ

7- Jason HAYNE

7- Aaron CLAPHAM

8- Nathan COOKSLEY

6- Glen COLLINS

9- Michael WHITE

9- Russell KAMO (Darren OVERTON 81')

10- Adam COWAN (c)

14- Joe MURRAY

18- Dale HIGHAM (Greg O'CONNER 81')

12- Gagame FENI (Andrew BARTON 61')

25- Jono STEELE

19- Jeremy WILD

Substitutes

Substitutes

23- Junya NAKAHASHI (GK)

8- Darren OVERTON (on 81')

15- MOYA

25- Andy PITMAN

12- Joachim RANDE (on 64')

22- Coey TURIPA (GK)

14- MATSUMURI

3- Nick WORTLEBOER

22- Greg O'CONNER (on 81')

23- Andrew BARTON (on 61')

=goal

=yellow card

=2 yellow cards

= red card

0'-

Welcome to Palmerston North's Memorial Park for what amounts to a bottom of the table scrap between two of the ASB Premiership's strugglers. YoungHeart Manawatu have laboured to one win from nine matches in what has been a tough season for Bob Sova's inexperienced charges. What may surprise some fans is the identity of Canterbury United as their opponents. The Dragons - beaten in last season's Grand Final - are struggling to stay in the running for a play-off spot. Defeat today would make that dream almost impossible for the black and reds while victory for YoungHeart Manawatu would leave the Palmerstonians just two points adrift of the main pack.

5'-

It is pouring with rain here at Memorial Park, Palmerston North, and Matt BORREN has just pulled off a splendid save from a Canterbury United free-kick. BORREN parried it and Adam COWAN hacked it clear.

8'-

A small crowd of around 100-150 people at the ground braving wintery conditions in the Manawatu. All the noises in the media this week suggest YoungHeart fancy a win - Canterbury are winless in seven matches. Keep hold of your umbrellas - this is going to be anyone's game in these conditions.

10'-

Aaron CLAPHAM swings a free-kick in from the right for Russell KAMO who bullets a header well wide of the target.

11'-

Manawatu bring Joachim RANDE as their new signing is on the bench.

12'-

Canterbury corner is headed across goal by Gareth ROWE and Tom SCHWARZ swings a soggy boot at the ball and it skews harmlessly wide from close range. Half-chance for the visitors.

13'-

CLAPHAM tries to nutmeg Colin FALVEY and speed past him. CLAPHAM falls over but that's not a penalty.

14'-

YELLOW CARD - Birthday boy Adam COWAN goes into the book and its a free-kick in a wide area for Canterbury United.

15'-

COWAN heads clear and Sam MILES has a go from the edge of the area but his shot is deflected over for another corner.

15'-

GOAL! The corner isn't cleared and Canterbury take the lead when Dan TERRIS hits a left footer beyond an unsighted Matt BORREN - 1-0 to Canterbury United!

20'-

Dale HIGHAM earns YoungHeart Manawatu a free-kick in a dangerous area just on the edge of the Canterbury penalty area. Jason HAYNE lofts it to the far post but there is nobody there.

21'-

Tom BATTY gets caught off his line and Jason HAYNE tries to drive a long range measured effort over the keeper's head. Close enough to get the home crowd shouting encouragement but no dice.

24'-

Local volunteer brings your live updater a hot cup of coffee - now that's quality hosting. Game going through a quiet period.

26'-

Canterbury start to assert themselves now. They've kept possession for a couple of minutes and Manawatu are chasing shadows. No penetration for the visitors. Yet.

27'-

Jeremy WILD lets fly with a speculative long range shot but it lacks accuracy.

28'-

YoungHeart Manawatu have plenty of zip today but they are launching long balls up to Dale HIGHAM and Michael WHITE. That's unhelpful if the delivery isn't accurate. And it isn't. Manawatu under pressure as a result.

29'-

Jeremy WILD launches a cross into the penalty area from the left searching for Gagame FENI or Aaron CLAPHAM at the far post. The ball hits the wet surface and skids away from the danger zone.

30'-

We're 15 minutes away from the halftime break and it's Canterbury who edge this one in terms of goals and possession so far. Nathan COOKSLEY traps a weak Glen COLLINS shot in the penalty area then fashions a hacked clearance from a standing position.

32'-

"Hello there" - Matt KENNEDY of YoungHeart Manawatu clatters into Russell KAMO of Canterbury United but no free-kick given by the referee.

33'-

Jason HAYNE sends a shot fizzing over Tom BATTY's crossbar by mere centimetres - close.

34'-

Manawatu look like they're trying too hard. Passes are tentative, rushed or inaccurate when there is no pressure exerted on them by Canterbury. If they can settle their nerves, they'll have a chance. 

36'-

Better from the home side this time - they've retained the ball in Canterbury's half but just lack a final pass. Credit to the visitors - they defend in two banks and restrict the space. Gareth ROWE is leading the way for Canterbury.

37'-

Matt KENNEDY tries to thread a cute pass through for Jason HAYNE but the assistant referee raises his flag for offside.

38'-

There is some fiesty language exchanged out there between the players but the referee has other priorities.

39'-

Nobu ISHI is caught in possession by Joe MURRAY who releases CLAPHAM on the right. CLAPHAM whips in a cross but its headed clear and Manawatu launch a counter attack with Jason HAYNE.

40'-

CLAPHAM whips in another cross. Colin FLAVEY enters Manawatu into the Space Race with a vertical skewed clearance that may have snow on it when it returns to Earth.

41'-

Michael WHITE and Nobu ISHI combine to send HAYNE clear but Tom BATTY races off his line and puts his foot through the ball sending it to safety.

42'-

Adam COWAN sends a free-kick into the penalty area from halfway but Dale HIGHAM can only watch as Gareth ROWE lets it run through to BATTY.

43'-

Best chance of the match for Manawatu so far - HAYNE splits the defence with a crisp pass and Dale HIGHAM is through on Tom BATTY. BATTY saves HIGHAM's shot - that was a real chance. HIGHAM lacked a bit of composure there and the frustration shows in HAYNE's body language.

44'-

CLAPHAM races onto a FENI pass and BORREN sets off to meet the danger. BORREN wins and clears decisively.

45'-

Fourth official Glen LOCHRIE indicates there will be an additional three minutes of time added on at the end of the first half.

45'+1-

Matt BORREN keeps Manawatu in the match with a good save.

45'+3-

Nobu ISHI brings down Dan TERRIS halfway into Manawatu territory and gets a stern talking to by the referee but no card.

45'+3-

GOAL! CLAPHAM swings in the free-kick and its met by Gareth ROWE who bends a solid header beyond Matt BORREN to make it 2-0 to Canterbury. Needless free-kick given away by Manawatu yet again and they've been throughly punished for it.

HALFTIME: YoungHeart Manawatu 0-2 Canterbury United - Canterbury worth their 2-0 advantage but Manawatu will rue key lapses in concentration that have allowed the visitors to exploit their set-piece superiority. Manawatu just haven't showed up in the first 45 minutes and with arguably their strongest eleven in recent weeks. That's a disappointment for coach Bob SOVA.

46'-

We're about to get underway again - no sign of any changes to personnel for either side.

50'-

 GOAL! Russell KAMO slams home a third for Canterbury United and this match looks to be safe for the visitors already.

54'-

Aaron CLAPHAM slips Gagame FENI through but the Solomon Island forward delays a second to long and Matt BORREN prevents a fourth goal.

55'-

Manawatu are playing without inhibition now - ISHI gets to the byline fires in a wonderful cross and Michael WHITE tips it goalwards only for Tom BATTY to produce a brave save at point blank range to deny the home side a goal.

59'-

Trickery from Aaron CLAPHAM on the right - he evades Nathan COOKSLEY and sends over a delightful cross for Joe MURRAY. MURRAY dives headlong and makes a connection under pressure. Rebound falls to KAMO who hits a weak effort at Matt BORREN. BORREN saves from the floor and KAMO remonstrates with himself.

61'-

SUBSTITUTION - 12. Gagame FENI is replaced by 23. Andrew BARTON for Canterbury United.

64'-

Aaron CLAPHAM causes more havoc down the Manawatu left and beats COOKSLEY with another teasing cross to the far post for Andrew BARTON.

65'-

SUBSTITUTION - 5. Josh CHETTLEBURGH is replaced by 12. Joachim RANDE for YoungHeart Manawatu

65'-

 GOAL! Nobu ISHI exchanges a one-two with Michael WHITE and rifles home a splendid goal for the home side! Game on..? And why do Manawatu start scoring goals when the pressure is off them? More questions than answers!

68'-

This is reminiscent of the Manawatu defeat to Team Wellington on this same ground just two weeks ago. Two goals down and seemingly out of it - then a late rally. YoungHeart tails are definitely up.

71'-

CLAPHAM fires in a rasping cross with his left foot but it skims Sam MILES forehead and flies over Matt BORREN's crossbar.

72'-

Adamo COWAN loses a challenge with Russell KAMO and KAMO is away one on one with Matt BORREN - surely a goal for Canterbury now...but no! BORREN saves on the edge of the 18 yard box. It isn't over yet. KAMO has dangled a leg in the melee and Colin FALVEY is on the scene to investigate. Along with the referee - cards to come?

73'-

YELLOW CARD - Russell KAMO for an altercation with Colin FALVEY.

73'-

YELLOW CARD - Colin FALVEY for an altercation with Russell KAMO.

76'-

Canterbury sitting too deep and inviting the home side to attack - dangerous approach by the visitors.

79'-

GOAL! Nobu ISHI heads powerfully beyond Tom BATTY from a Jason HAYNE cross - here we go again! YoungHeart Manawatu throw the kitchen sink at Canterbury United with 11 minutes to go.

81'-

SUBSTITUTION - 18. Dale HIGHAM is replaced by 22. Greg O'CONNER

81'-

SUBSTITUTION - 9. Russell KAMO is replaced by 8. Darren OVERTON

85'-

The relentless downpour of rain continues with water spraying everywhere with almost every challenge. Entertainment factor has been high regardless.

86'-

CLAPHAM free-kick from the left aimed at the penalty spot. Nathan COOKSLEY lashes a desperate clearance away from the Manawatu penalty area.

87'-

Jason HAYNE on the fast break with Greg O'CONNER. Joachim RANDE earns YoungHeart a free-kick in a dangerous position.HAYNE and WHITE stand over the ball. Manawatu pack runners at the far post.

88'-

HAYNE hoists it to the far post headed at BATTY - RANDE is there, BATTY flaps at it and concedes a corner.

89'-

Manawatu whip in the corner, Canterbury clear it frantically, only as far as Matt KENNEDY who smashes a curling shot goalwards - BATTY produces a great save. That looked a certain goal.

90'-

Canterbury break but Darren OVERTON's cross is poor.

90'+1-

COOKSLEY dives in with a desperate tackle on Sam MILES to keep Manawatu in the game. It's a Canterbury corner.

90'+2-

Adam COWAN concedes a free-kick on the left. Frustration more than anything. Track record suggests this could be a problem for YoungHeart Manawatu...

90'+3-

CLAPHAM whips in a swerving free-kick but Tom SCHWARZ can't direct his header on target.

90'+4-

Free-kick taken quickly by Manawatu - comes to nothing. Last chance now for the home side. They need to get it forward. Fast.

90'+5-

Well, on we go - there seems to be no end of additional time. Adam COWAN breaks fast but referee Campbell-Kirk WAUGH blows the final whistle and the match ends YoungHeart Manawatu 2, Canterbury United 3!

FULLTIME: YoungHeart Manawatu 2-3 Canterbury United -