Match sheet Vikings vs. Levin Lions

Played in Levin, 2:45 kick off.

Ground Condition
The pitch was in great condition.

Weather
Heavy showers intermittingly with a light breeze.
Score:
1 – 6(Half Time 0 – 3)

Who Played Well:
Joseph Wyatt was our man of the match; the score line doesn’t reflect his courageous performance between the sticks. Numerous times he saved what looked to be certain goals with lightening reflexes and acrobatic dives. Ajay Nand and Tim McDonald had strong games in the midfield.
Game Review:
The Levin Lions proved there premiership credentials with a strong performance against the surprise package of the season, the Dannevirke Vikings. Levin proved too quick up front, leaving the defenders in their wake on numerous occasions. We felt the score line should have been a little bit closer, however without sounding defeatist, it was a fair result given the fitness and skill of the opposition.
The game didn’t start according to plan when the Lions strikers caught the Vikings defensive line napping as they tried unsuccessfully to play the offside trap. The strikers were clear on goal with only the keeper to beat, they showed their class and finished what they had started. The defenders then declared that the offside trap was off the menu, but this didn’t starve the opposition, as they feasted on goal scoring opportunities. Letting the puns flow, I can say the Vikings were positively bulimic at the other end, squandering what little opportunity they received.
The Vikings boxed on and went into the break three nil down. We knew the second half would be an uphill struggle but going by our performances in the previous weeks we knew if we played our best we could definitely pull a couple of goals back.
The second half began very well with some strong attempts on goal. After a few blanks were fired, John Wyatt drove home powerfully to beat the keeper. His second goal of the season, that’s two more than Nigel Jackson. At 3 -1 that goal gave us the belief that a draw was not out of the question. This isn’t Hollywood though and there was no happy ending, the Lions struck back scoring two goals in quick succession. The Vikings weren’t done yet though, as some beautiful passing saw Dave Rowe through on goal. He added to his monstrous tally this season by burring it into the corner. However the referee wanted his two cents worth and ruled no goal, a farcical decision, it was offside apparently.
For not the first time this season with the game out of reach, the Vikings started playing some superb football in the last twenty minutes. It was too little too late though and the score remained 1 – 6.
It is the Vikings second to last game of the season next week so I urge young and old to come along and support us at the showgrounds, 2:45 pm kick off.
Comments by Eli Gray-Stuart