Match Reports

Tedburn look to secure safety in a short trip to South Zeal.

On arrival we walked onto their home turf to find a pitch that hasn’t been rolled all season. That said it was the same for both teams.

TSM started well with some good possession in good areas, we should have taken the lead with some good moves that neither Leighton nor debutant Makan could finish. It was Makan that came closest with some good feet opening the defensive for him to strike an unbelievable shot coming back off the crossbar.

Minutes late Max and Brayden moved the ball well to find Makan who looked at beating the defender to be taken down for a stone wall penalty! Unfortunately, the referee did not agree and waved play on to the shock of both benches and players.

South Zeal started to go long and it was one long ball that beat out defenders and their striker hit an unstoppable half volley into the top of the net.

That was it for the rest of the half. South Zeal 1-0 TSM

The second half wasn’t much better in terms of quality, we huffed and puffed but never really looked overly dangerous. Both of their centre halves defended really well winning everything in the air. We were really starting to push for an equaliser and although the introduction of Gav back in the back line we never really looked comfortable. It was Lewis that kept us into the game with some great saves. As the game stretched, we were confident of an equaliser. From our corner a long ball over, both Lewis and their striker went in for a 50/50. South Zeal bench of around 20! Screamed for a free kick; after 20 seconds or so the referee blew from 50 yards not only giving a free kick but a red card to Lewis. Obviously, a shocker of a decision!! Just when you think things could not get any worse, they score from the resulting free kick.  2-0 South Zeal.

Our boys never game up and to their credit got a consolation goal when Leighton went past 2 defenders to rifle the ball past the keeper with his left foot.

Full time: 2-1