2009 Waikato Regional

Club Team of the Year winner

 

Northern league Top 8 draw HERE 

 



 

KNIGHTS BEST ON THE DAY: Their on-field form may be patchy, but the Quiz Knights (Andy, Mike, Tim, Richie and Shaun) are absolute trivia masterminds and lofted the third annual Melville Quiz trophy at The Dinsdale Office on Sunday July 25. Story HERE.

 

 

Melville home shocker

24.7.2010: Melville’s premier league top eight prospects took a battering with a 4-3 home loss to Waitakere City.

It was a roller-coaster match in which Melville twice enjoyed a first half lead, then slumped two goals down at the start of the second half, only to finish strongly and go close to drawing.

Even when ahead, Melville seldom looked comfortable, with the defence always have a brittle edge against a lively Waitakere attack.

David Smith put Melville ahead in fortunate circumstances when his attempted shot spiralled off the boot of a defender in the tackle and completely did the keeper from outside the area in the sixth minute.

But Waitakere struck back with a stunning volley from distance to Tom Edwards. It was one of the better strikes seen at Gower Park this season and gave Ally Houston no chance.

Steven Holloway put Melville back in front in the 31st minute, when he squeezed the ball home via a defender’s shin and just inside the post.

But Waitakere levelled again with Ash Solly getting the final touch in a depressing game of pinball in the Melville 6-yard box.

Five minutes into the second half Waitakere went ahead 3-2 when Wayne Bates could only back head a cross from Ashton Pett into his own net. It got worse four minutes later when Damien Fonoti mugged Jason Chewins and ran through to pot the simplest of goals.

Melville bossed the final 30 minutes and finally reduced the deficit in the 85th minute. Holloway turned his man in the box and was brought down, allowing him to convert the subsequent penalty.

But despite some promising attacks, the equaliser would not come.

Bot coaches later described it as "a scrappy match" contested on a difficult pitch.

"This is not an easy place to get a result," said Waitakere coach Malcolm MacPherson. "And I feel for you in these conditions."

Melville coach Steve Williams said his team had underperformed in most areas of the park.

"We got the result we deserved."

Melville are away to East Coast Bays next week.

Meanwhile the Reserves had a fine 3-0 win over Waitakere but the Old Boys lost 5-2 to Cambridge Legends.

 

Melville looking good

17.7.2010: Melville United have made a promising start to their northern premier league top eight campaign.

Melville beat Forrest Hill Milford – the team that turfed them out of the Chathasm Cup a month ago – 2-0 at Gower Park, with the scoreline hardly doing justice to the dominance they established in all departments.

This was a cohesive and commanding Melville performance which led credence to the view that they are a team which traditionally tend to hit their best form in the final third of the season.

Melville’s defence restricted Forrest Hill to a couple of long range shots, the midfield was effective at both gathering possession and moving it forward, and the attack created a string of excellent openings.

Melville went ahead in the 25th minute with right back Aaron Scott netting his first goal since returning. Gavin Douglas swept in a pinpoint cross from the left and Scott arrived on the penalty spot to expertly head downwards and into the net. It was good reward for Scott, who has been exceptionally tidy for Melville over the past seven weeks.

The second goal came in the 54th minute from one of a series of well directed set plays from Alex Barlow. His free kick was directed deep into the penalty area where David Smith got a head to the ball ahead of advancing FHM keeper Tamati Williams. With the keeper off his line it left Melville with the easiest of scoring opportunities, and while Tewi Te Pou might well have done the honours, skipper Steve Holloway pulled rank to make sure. If it was the easiest goal Holloway will ever score, it was also his 71st northern league and Chatham Cup goal for Melville, which has him steadily nibbling away at Mark Cossey’s all-time club record of 84 goals.

Earlier Barlow hit the crossbar from distance with a free kick, Scott hit the post after a surge down the right, Te Pou had a shot cleared off the line with the keeper beaten, David Smith went just wide, and Williams had a number of saves to make.

At the other end Ally Houston did not have to make any saves.

"It could have been four or five," Melville coach Steve Williams said. "We were very consistent, with a lot of neat and tidy play.

There were plenty of stand-outs for Melville.

Williams named midfield grafter Paul Stewart as his player of the day. Stewart and Adam Thomas kept the game flowing with precise passing and good movement in the middle of the park, with Stewart also adding the dimension of winning a lot of possession.

Williams also acknowledged the excellent technique of Scott and Jason Chewins at the back and probably could also have mentioned the role Wayne Bates and Douglas played in nullifying Forrest hill’s quicksilver attack.

Williams said Holloway had played an important role for Melville up front, holding the ball up and bringing team mates into play, and praised Barlow for his impact on the game.

Super-sub Alexei Davies-Campbell came on for a late cameo. While he did not find the net this week, his energy levels again gave the team a real lift in the final 15 minutes.

Forrest Hill coach Grant Machin said it had been difficult for his team with three players sitting on four yellow cards and a Chatham Cup quarterfinal next week, and they never got going.

Referee Stephen Fletcher had a superb match. Williams, who hardly ever comments on refereeing, said it was the best he had seen him officiate, with his decision-making bordering on perfect, and also showing plenty of common sense.

Melville are at home to Waitakere City next Saturday.

Other top eight results: East Coast Bays 3 Three Kings 0, Bay Olympic 2 Waitakere 4, Central 2 Metro 4.

Useful Top 8 draw

 12.7.2010: Melville United will have five home games and just two away matches in the top eight series to decide the 2010 northern premier league championship.

 

Melville are at home to Forrest Hill Milford on Saturday, then host Waitakere City on July 24, before travelling to league leaders East Coast Bays on July 31. They are at home to Three Kings on August 7, and away to Bay Olympic a week later, before successive home games against Central United and Metro.

 

Melville's home form has been patchy this season, with four losses (including Chatham Cup) but the club is welcoming the opportunity to redress the balance in the Top 8.  

 

Full draw HERE.

 

Six of the best for Melville

 

10.7.2010 Melville United have secured a berth in the northern premier league's Top 8 after an emphatic 6-0 home win over Takapuna.

 

It was Melville's biggest win of the season and thrust them into fifth place on the table, with all points carrying over to the top eight.

 

Takapuna looked a little light on talent, but that shouldn't detract from some crisp play from Melville, who were without Che Bunce, who was skiing,while Ceri James remained on the bench in his comeback from injury.

 

Instead it was quite a youthful Melville team which tore into its work.

 

In the eighth minute Jason Chewins fed Alex Barlow who crossed for Tewi Te Pou to score his ninth goal of the season.

 

Steven Holloway made it 2-0 after another slick Melville attack in the 22nd minute. Te Pou had a shot blocked and the ball fell to Holloway who was able to roll it home from the edge of the area. Two minutes later Barlow made it 3-0 in similar fashion. Holloway fed Te Pou and his shot was blocked before Barlow netted the rebound.

 

Wayne Bates got in on the act before half time, with a snappy header from close range after Chewins had headed square a free kick. It was Bates' third goal of the season.

 

Midway through the second spell Holloway made it 5-0 in messy circumstances. Barlow was fouled in the box, and the perpetrator, Michael Bahagiar, was sent off after what appeared to be an exchange of words with referee Nick Waldren.

 

Keeper Tim Staines did well to save the penalty, but Holloway then drilled home the rebound. Technically it was Holloway's first penalty miss for Melville since 2003, though he disputed this.

 

"A penalty was awarded and a goal was scored," he argued. "Where was the miss?"

 

Substitute Alexei Davies-Campbell scored an excellent sixth goal two minutes from time with a flicked header from a Barlow free kick. It was his third goal of the season in coming off the bench and was deserved reward after having looked sharp in training midweek, and hungry on the pitch.

 

Takapuna coach Clive Campbell said he had several players out injured.

 

"But that was a fine performance by Melville," he said. "Well done, Melville."

 

Melville coach Steve Williams described his team's performance as "fairly good" and was delighted with the determination of his squad.

 

"We saved out best for the end of the grading round," he said.

 

Williams nominated fullbacks Chewins and Aaron Scott as Melville's best players.

Table and results HERE. Top 8 draw HERE  

 

Melville draw

27.6.2010: Melville United inched closer to securing a Top 8 berth in the northern premier league with a hard fought 1-1 away draw with Waitakere City.

It was Melville’s first draw of the season from 16 matches, and left them on 28 points with a home game against Takapuna to come, and seventh on the table. See table HERE.

To be mathematically certain of making the top eight Melville will need at least a draw against Takapuna, in match Melville is seeking to have brought forward to this Saturday (July 3) to avoid a clash with the Phoenix match in Hamilton on July 10.

Melville made a sloppy start against Waitakere and were punished when a long thrown in from the right was turned in from close range after five minutes. The goal was awarded to Dakota Lucas, though there was also a hint of own goal about it.

But five minutes later Melville responded in style. Tewi Te Pou managed neat interplay with Steven Holloway on the edge of the area and steered home a low shot just inside the post from about 16 metres.

Melville had a glorious chance to go ahead before half time, but Te Pou lost his footing with the goal open from a Holloway cross, and Che Bunce could not quite reach the rebound.

In the second half Aaron Scott had the ball in the net from a quicksilver move down the right, but the whistle had already gone to give Melville a free kick.

Substitute David Smith almost snatched a late winner, but his toe poke went across the face of goal, when played through, and inches wide.

The match was very even, though Melville were generally solid in defence. Ceri James did not play because of a sire knee, while Che Bunce dropped back into the centre of defence for the final 20 minutes, alongside Jason Chewins.

Melville certainly had their moments, though once again the quality of balls forward out of defence and through the midfield was low, and the crossing was often disappointing.

Wayne Bates guested with the aftermatch comments after coach Steve Williams decided he was not in the mood, and skipper Holloway had a curious attack of stage fright.

"it was good to see two teams out there today trying to play positive football," Bates said, before nominating Scott as player of the day.

"He’s the best right back in the country."

Meanwhile the reserves drew 1-1 with Waitakere, in one of their better results this season.

 

Melville concentrate on the league

 

20.6.2010: Melville United will concentrate on the northern premier league for the rest of the 2010 season after losing 1-0 at home to Forrest Hill Milford in the Chatham Cup.

 

If there was a consolation for Melville in bowing out at the hands of the Milfs for the second successive year, it was that it was a quality contest despite the usual Gower Park mire, and was settled by a wonderful goal.

 

In the 36th minute FHM rolled the ball sqaure from a free kick on the right flank. Chris bale hit it on the fly and it screamed over All Houston and into the goal from about 25 metres.

 

Melville had several good chances to equalise. In the closest, Steven Holloway also drove one from distance, but keeper tamati williams tipped it onto the bar and it rebounded to safety.

 

Williams was named player of the day for FHM.

 

Melville shortned their pitch, largely to avoid the bog that has developed at the northern end. in other changes, jason Chewins assumed the centreback role vactaed by Charlie Hoyle, with Paul Stewart retuend to the starting lineup.

 

FHM coach Grant Machin was delighted with the win.

 

"Ceers, that was a tough one,' he said. "There was some good football from you in the second half, while we did not really get the football out today," he said.

 

"But the goal that won it was as good a strike as you will see at this level.

 

Melville coach Steve williams was disappointed but not downhearted.

 

"That was a super game, a good contest," he said. "And what a great goal. We had a few chances, but should not be downhearted."

 

Melville are away to Waitakere on SUNDAY.

 

Beaten at home 
12.6.2010: Melville stumbled badly with their top eight chage in the northern premier league when beaten 2-1 at home by Albany United.
 
The match marked the return of Che Bunce to action after months of layoff, but more alarmingly, also the end of a 4-match winning run.
 
Melville seemed well in control when Alex Barlow drove home a sweet left foot shot from the left of goal in the 12th minute after being played in by Tewi Te Pou. It was an excellent finish and well deserved by Melville, who dominated the opening 30 minutes.
 
However they failed to add further goals, and it was somewhat against the run of play that Todd Danks escaped down the right flank, beating the offside, and slid home an equaliser five minutes before half time.
 
In the 66th minute Leon Burgess scored what proved to be the winner, after Albany broke quickly on the counter attack.
 
If there were criticisms of Melville's play, they were too deep in defence, the passing in midfield often left much to be desired, and up front any combinations at all were very much the exception to the rule, as players looked to aimlessly flick balls on, or over indulged with too many touches on the ball.
 
Te Pou went close to putting Melville back in front midway through the second half when played in by Steven Holloway -- playing a slightly deeper role with the return of Bunce -- but Albany keeper Mike McMurtrie saved well at the second attempt.
 
Burgess was sent off for a second bookable in injury time.
 
"I'm over the moon," said Albany manager Alan Thompson. "That was a real hard game. Man, you guys are nuggetty."
 
He named McMurtrie as his player of the day.
 
Melville coach Steve Williams wondered if his team was guilty of complacency but paid tribute to Albany.
 
"You deserve a real good pat on the back for the way you played. You did extremely well."
 
He said Melville still needed one point from its last two games to make the top eight.
 
He priased the efforts of Aaron Scott in defence, and Charlie Hoyle in his final game before heading to South Africa to follow the World Cup finals.
 
Meanwhile the Reserves had an overdue 2-1 win over Albany, the Federation team beat Te Puke 3-0 and the Old Boys beat the Ewoks 6-0 in the Waikato Cup.
 
Melville are at home to Forrest Hill Milford at 2pm on SUNDAY.

 

Another Hill for Melville to climb

 

9.6.2010: Melville United have a chance to avange their early exit from the Chatham Cup last year.

 

Melville have been drawn to play Forrest Hill Milford - the club that knocked them out of the cup at the first hurdle in 2010 - at Gower Park at 2pm on Sunday June 20 in the third round.

 

In the cup last year Forrest Hill won 3-2. When the teams met in the premier league this season, Melville won 3-1 at Becroft Park.

 

Melville coach Steve Williams predicted a close game, but was delighted with the home draw.

 

Melville has opted to play the game on the Sunday rather than the Saturday as a promotional exercise, with the game being contested at a time when more club members can watch.

 

Northern region draw:

East Coast Bays v Auckland Grammar School

Melville United v Forrest Hill Milford

Takapuna AFC v Bay Olympic

Metro v Waitakere City

Albany United v Hamilton Wanderers

Three Kings United v Eastern Suburbs

Birkenhead United v Tauranga City United

Glenfield Rovers v Ellerslie

 

 

# Melville players Tyler Lissette, Alex Barlow, Adam Thomas and Tewi Te Pou have been named in the New Zealand National U20 Development Squad. The players have been invited to attend the New Zealand Football training camp for prospective players for the NZ U20 Men’s World Cup Qualifying Team at North Harbour Stadium from Sunday, 4 July to Thursday, 8 July.

 

At the completion of the camp the players invited, if deemed suitable, will be required to attend trainings twice a week in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch until the qualifiers in 2011.

 

Second win of the weekend for Melville

7.6.2010: Melville got over the first hurdle of the season in the Chatham Cup with a 2-0 home win over Papatoetoe.

The match never reached any great heights, but it was a worthy fourth successive win for Melville, who are now starting to build the feel of a winning combination.

Papatoetoe were dogged opposition, in that they did nothing, but did it all day. They showed absolute commitment, though mainly in the hope of forcing a Melville error which seldom came.

Melville dominated possession but could not covert it to goals until left back Gavin Doulgas chimed in with his signature move of a storming far post header from a Paul Stewart corner in the 50th minute.

How Douglas loves playing Papatoetoe. It was an exact replica of the goal he scored against Papatoetoe, in the same goal, on May 8.

Douglas nearly had a second from exactly the same spot, but it drew a fine save.

The goal looked to be enough, but Adam Thomas added a well taken second three minutes from time. A botched clearance fell to him about 30m from goal, and the Papatoetoe defence, expecting an off-load, parted like the Red Sea to allow him to dribble through and go around the keeper.

For Melville Aaron Scott showed his class at right back with fine technique and sound judgement with his passes and crosses. Douglas also had a good strong game.

Melville’s midfield passing again needed work. Jason Chewins stayed on the bench, but Ceri James returned to action. Scott Robinson had his first start in goal since April, but was taken off at half time, suffering from concussion after a collision late in the first half.

In other cup results, one time cup aristocrats Central United were bundled out 2-1 by Metro, the team Melville beat on Saturday, while Tauranga City United – captained by former Melville man Sean Goldsberry – upset premier league team Manurewa 4-2. Waitakere had to come from behind to beat pub team Brew Town 4-1, while Bay Olympic spanked their former club, Lynn Avon, 6-1.

Wanderers stayed alive with a 7-4 win over first division Mt Albert Ponsonby and Three Kings hammered Claudelands Rovers 8-1.

 

Melville beat Metro

 

5.6.2010: Melville United went a long way towards securing a place in the northern premier league top eight competition with a hard fought 1-0 away win over Metro.

 

Victory moved Melville into fourth place on the table with three rounds left to play.

 

Flashpoint in a generally tight match came in the 15th minute, when Melville sprung the Metro offisde trap. Paul Stewart burst from midfield to run onto a ball played through by Gavin Douglas. He got to it ahead of the advancing keeper and with one touch lobbed it into the goal from just outside the area.

 

In a game of few chances Stewart had a much easier chance in the second half but could not take it.

 

At the other end Metro carved out two good scoring opportunities. For the second, Ally Houston made one of the saves of the season when Metro seemed certain to score from a rebound from point blank.

 

Despite the significance of the win, this was far from being a vintage Melville performance. Ceri James was missed in midfield, where far too much possession was surrendured with poor passing, and the ball supply forward was haphazard.

 

But the back four worked manfully, while Houston was solid.

 

Melville are at home to Papatoetoe in the Chatham Cup at 2pm on Monday. Results, table HERE.

 

Grant Stantiall's gallery of youtube photos HERE

 

 

Another derby win for Melville

 

29.5.2010: Melville United's latest northern premier league derby win over Hamilton Wanderers was a bittersweet occasion for Welsh import Ceri James.

 

James scored his first goal for Melville in the 3-1 win over a spirited Wanderers team with a classy run into the penalty area to then expertly tuck away the opening goal in the 40th minute.

 

But on the stroke of half time, James was given a straight red card for a lunging tackle on a wet and slippery Gower Park. And it was a match in which his father John, who has just taken over as manager of Denbigh Town in Wales, had come 10,000 miles to see.

 

That dismissal levelled the numbers after Wanderers' Mark Jones had been dismissed in the 28th minute for a similar foul on Aaron Scott. Scott was unhurt, and played a key role as the provider for James' goal.

 

Wanderers also lost Joe Simpkins early on, though exactly what it was that prompted him to walk off the pitch after about 20 minutes, remains a mystery. Despite the cold, Simpkins found it a theatrical necessity to strip off his shirt and walk topless to the dressing sheds where he collected his gear and left the ground. Team sources suggested Simpkins, a Melville medal winner last year, may have been suffering from "a soft heart".

 

Five minutes into the second half Wanderers equalised with a great strike from Henry Hahn, who beat a couple of defenders before curling a 25m dipping shot over ally Houston.

 

Tewi Te Pou restored Melville's lead in the 68th minute with a goal which owed much to the precison play iof left back substitute Alex Barlow. David Smith nudged the ball behind the defnece and Barlow got forward and supplied the type of precision cross which had been too often lacking in the first half, for te pou to guide the ball home from about 6 metres.

 

Steven Holloway made the game safe with a 90th minute penalty after Smith was taken down in the area. The win pushed Melville up a couple of places in the table, ahead of next weekend's difficult away assignment against Metro.

 

Wanderers played better than their position on the table indicated and coach Mark Cossey said he was pleased with his team's efforts.

 

"I didn't think you guys created too much," he said. "You didn't dominate, but you did win the game."

 

In reply Melville coach Steve Williams - half expecting a sermon on Wanderers bad luck over the past 20 years - said it was the best speech Cossey had ever made.

 

Williams said the slippery pitch had been a major factor in both send offs.

 

"We need a pitch that is not so archaic," he said. "With a better pitch the players will be able to stay on their feet better."

 

He praised the efforts of Wayne Bates, and Charlie Hoyle and said it also helped having Aaron Scott back in Melville colours, but named Te Pou as his player of the day.

Six of the best for Melville

22.5.2010: Melville United have made an overdue return to form with a 6-1 away win over Lynn Avon – though typically had to come from behind to do so.

It was easily Melville’s best goal haul of the season, the first time the team have hit six since June last year, and the first 5-goal winning marking since September 2008.

But despite the return of Aaron Scott to Melville colours for the first time in 20 months, and the return of Ceri James and Jason Chewins from injury, there was little to suggest such an emphatic victory in the first 30 minutes.

Lynn Avon grabbed the lead against the run of play when Kelly Martin capitalised on a defensive error to bundle the ball home from close range following a free kick in the 25th minute.

But Tewi Te Pou restored parity within five minutes, neatly side-footing home a Paul Stewart cross from the left.

It was a calm and measured finish from Te Pou and much needed by Melville, who were playing with a lot of effort but disconcertingly little skill at this point.

The game changed in the second half on two fronts. Alexei Davies-Campbell replaced Josh Billman up front, and his energetic front running changed the dynamic of the game. And it helped that Lynn Avon, who had done so much more running than Melville in chasing the ball, also inevitably began to tire.

Melville finally nudged ahead in the 55th minute. From a deep corner Chewins nutted goalward a strong header and Wayne Bates expertly flicked it home from inside the six yard box.

In the 69th minute Steve Holloway established a margin of comfort in sweeping home first time a Stewart cross after a good crossfield ball from Scott.

Gavin Douglas nodded home a classic far post header direct from a Stewart corner six minutes later, Holloway drilled home through a forest of legs for No 5 and Tewi Te Pou supplied an injury time finish by dancing through the penalty area.

Despite the big win, there were still an awful lot of patchy performances. Some players looked rusty, Holloway was again playing off one ankle with limited mobility, and some of the defending was very messy.

Even though he never scored, Davies-Campbell was the stand-out, though man of the match was probably Melville coach Steve Williams for getting his substitutions just right. Josh Green (Bates) also entered the fray in the second half along with Alex Barlow (Chewins)

"What a change from 12 months ago," Williams said in his speech, referring to the close and dramatic contests between the clubs at Ken Maunder Park.

"It was very much a pressure game for us. The pressure was on big-time. It wasn’t a good half. It was a tricky little question we had to find an answer for.

"Alexei came on and added spirit and fight, and it geed the lads up and lifted everybody."

The win lifted Melville to eighth in the table, and within two points of fourth place.

Melville are at home to Wanderers – 2-0 winners over Takapuna -- on Saturday. Results, table HERE

Papatoetoe in the Cup


18.5.2010: Melville United have been drawn at home to Papatoetoe in the second round of the Chatham Cup, due to be played at Gower Park on Queen's Birthday (June 7) at 2pm. Melville beat papatoetoe 2-1 in the league a fortnight ago, and coach Steve williams welcomed the draw.


"It's not so much who we play but where we play," he said. "Papatoetoe pushed us hard last time around, but we are happy to have a home draw against anyone."


Melville are away to Lynn Avon on Saturday with a host of injury concerns. Dave Samson, Jason Chewins and Ceri james all missed last week, and Steven Holloway may require a fitness test before Saturday's match after rolling an ankle.


Melville beaten

 

Melville United have stumbled to a 3-2 home loss to 11th placed Manurewa in the premier league in a result which could hurt their top eight prospects.

 

Melville were bossing the match until keeper Ally Houston conceded a penalty in the 24th minute. He misjudged on a slippery surface and clipped the legs of Graham Kay in attempting  to collect the ball. Stu Roberts converted.

 

Melville equalised through David Smith, who cleanly struck a low bouncing shot from the edge of the area after a goalmouth scramble before half time.

 

But Manurewa were back in front in the 50th minute when they caught Melville badly on the break. Kay had a clear run on goal and easily finished.

 

Substitute Alexei Davies-Campbell made it 2-2 with 15 minutes to go, heading in an LJ Pijnenburg free kick.

 

But though Melville continued to press for a winner, could not finish. Manurewa had Martin Rodwell sent off in the 90th minute for a second bookable offence, but then deep in injury time Smith was sent off for a second bookable offence on the left flank. Manurewa drove it into the penalty box and Kay applied a touch to grab the winner.

 

"We were lucky to win it," said Manurewa spokesman Stu Roberts. "We cleared nine off our line, but you couldn't fault our effort and we were dangerous on the break. You were very unlucky."

 

Melvile coach Steve Williams was philosophical in noting his team was without senior players Ceri Evans, Jason Chewins and David Samson.

 

"I was disappointed and despondent when we walked off, but things haven't changed. it is better to have a win and a loss from two games than two draws. We've slipped up, but things will get better."

 

He named midfielder Adam Thomas as his player of the day.

 

Melville are away to Lynn Avon -- who beat Manurewa 6-1 -- on Saturday.

 

 

Scott ships in

 

14.5.2010: Aaron Scott has transferred back to Melville ahead of United's home game against Manurewa on Saturday. Scott was disappointed to miss out on a berth in the All Whites World Cup Finals squad, but will complete the second half of the season at Gower Park after his summer campaign with Waitakere United.

 

Melville will again be without the injured Ceri James and Jason Chewins against Manurewa as they seek to improve upon their ninth placing in the league.

 

Meanwhile experienced Melville utility Jason Chewins finished third equal in northern premier league player of the month points, behind winner Imran Shah of Papatoetoe and Luiz del Monte of Three Kings.

 

# Melville's women's first team are top equal but trailling on goal difference in the Waiakto Women's A division after a fine 3-1 away win over leaders Claudelands Rovers last Sunday. Rovers, Melville and Cambridge all have nine points from four games. Melville are at home to fourth-placed Unicol at 11am on Sunday.

 

# Matt Williams won Auckland City FC Sportsman of the Year title for the second year running at the club's annual awards evening. The club said his commitment to the team over the past two summers had been unmatched, and it was through his style of  commitment and sacrifice that the team was successful in Abu Dhabi. 

Auckland called him "a fantastic warrior and one of our most consistent performers on the pitch" as well as being one of the most popular and well respected players.

 

"He is certainly a great credit to Melville United AFC."

 

Melville win ugly

8.5.2010: Melville United stuttered their way to a 2-1 home win over Papatoetoe which keeps them in the hunt for the northern premier league top eight.

There was little to suggest how bumbling and unconvincing Melville’s performance would be when they strode to a 2-0 lead within five minutes.

But ineptitude took centre stage for most of the rest of the match, and Melville mostly struggled to put together any passes beyond half way. Papatoetoe might well have earned a draw but for an exceptional miss in the first half, and some scrambling Melville defence.

Melville experimented with narrowing the Gower Park pitch by about 6 metres for this match, and it looked to have paid off early. Tewi Te Pou took advantage of a defensive error to race through and score after two minutes, and then Gavin Douglas made it 2-0 with a far post header direct from an LJ Pijnenburg corner.

It was Douglas’ second goal in successive matches and the airplane came out of the hangar for another well choreographed celebration. Unfortunately that was to be the last moment of real Melville celebration until the final whistle.

Melville still managed the odd shot, but there was little in the way of meaningful attacks as an inability or disinclination to pass the ball to fellow red shirts spread like a cancer.

By contrast Papatoetoe worked some sweeping moves, and were rewarded when Imraan Shah netted with a beauty from about 25 metres.

Steven Holloway briefly emerged from an otherwise obscure midfield performance to hit the bar from about 20m, 10 minutes from time. But while the ball bounced down onto on the line, it was cleared before Te Pou could nudge it over.

David Smith never came to grips with the narrow pitch and was eventually subbed from his flank role, though the dimensions did mostly seem to suit the Melville defence.

The real problem was in the attacking third. Sole striker Te Pou worked like a Trojan but struggled to receive balls played into him, and with Smith seldom involved it never gave Melville any attacking pivot to play off. Most Melville players struggled to keep the ball, or to pass it.

Melville coach Steve Williams said he would prefer to win ugly than lose prettily, and was aiming for a further nine points from upcoming matches against Manurewa, Lyn Avon and Wanderers.

He named Charlie Hoyle as his player of the day for an alert performance at centreback.

Papatoetoe coach Paul Hillis said he felt "hollow" because his team had deserved something out of the game.

However he was generous in his praise of the Melville set-up.

"It has been a long time since I have been in a clubrooms as alive and thriving as this one," he said in his aftermatch speech. "So you must be doing a lot of things right."

Meanwhile the Melville Reserves had their first win, 2-1 over Papatoetoe Reserves, thanks to a late Jamal goal.

Melville beat Milfs

1.5.2010: Melville United grafted their way to an important away win over a tricky Forrest Hill Milford team.

It was a reassuring result for Melville after some recent stuttering performances, and featured first goals of the season to senior defenders Wayne Bates and Gavin Douglas.

Melville weathered a lot of early pressure from a Forrest Hill Milford team which features a core of South Africans, including Grant young, as well as players such as Chris Bale and Tamati Williams.

Then, on their first genuine attack in the 11th minute, Melville took the lead. Tewi Te Pou got to the byline on the left and crossed low for David Smith to sweep the ball high into the net from just two metres out. It was Smith’s sixth goal of the season.

Five minutes later it got even better for Melville. Adam Thomas curled in a free kick from the left which the Forrest Hill defence failed to deal with. From the ensuing scramble Bates drilled the ball home from close range.

However the Milfs struck back with the goal of the game, when Sheldon Pillay rifled how an unstoppable shot from outside the area.

Melville continued to press and in the 36th minute Paul Stewart supplied a perfect far post corner for Douglas to apply a textbook downward header at the far post to make it 3-1. If Douglas has worked hard on his technique at attacking set pieces, he has worked even harder on his celebrations, and duly set off on an arresting little jig at Becroft Park.

Jason Chewins limped off at half time with a hamstring injury, with Stewart moving from the left side to centre midfield and Alexei Davies-Campbell coming on.

The quality of play deteriorated in the second half, and it became a war of attrition as Forrest Hill sought to reduce the deficit. Melville concentrated on defence and there was little cohesion going forward, but oodles of commitment.

It must be said that for perhaps the first time this season the refereeing was below the standard generally expected in premier league matches. The whole of Melville’s back four picked up cards, as did a number of other players, though they at least avoided the fate of Forrest Hill’s Aaron Root in being sent off five minutes from time for a second bookable.

For Melville, Stewart gave a gritty performance, Thomas came of age in midfield, and Charlie Hoyle doggedly kept Grant Young scoreless.

In goal Ally Houston made one unbelievable reflex save, and David Samson and Douglas were secure at fullback.

"We knew this would be a tough fixture and it was not a pretty game," said Melville coach Steve Williams. "But I feel like we have turned the corner."

Melville are however still ninth, one spot behind Forrest Hill Milford, but equal on points.

Forrest Hill coach Grant Machin said his team weren’t at their best.

"The football didn’t come out today,’ he said. "Your team picked the ball up and broke our play down with a good team performance."

Melville are at home to Papatoetoe on Saturday.

Meanwhile the Reserves lost 5-2.

Results, table HERE.

Gaffer unhappy with home loss

25.4.2010: Melville coach Steve Williams was exceptionally disappointed after his team were beaten 2-0 at home by northern premier league leaders East Coast Bays.

The game was evenly balanced in the first half, but remained goalless until the 65th minute, when centreback George Suri headed home a free kick.

Substitute Mauri Wasi then made it 2-0 a couple of minutes later when he turned in the box and stabbed home from close range despite three defenders being close at hand.

"I’m really unhappy," Williams said in his aftermatch speech. "On the first half performance we presented a decent case, but in the second half we lacked conviction, commitment and leadership.

"In fact it was a disgrace. It wasn’t that East Coast Bays got better, we got worse.

"I know the players are disappointed as well, because they are sitting together like sardines so that they don’t get picked off. But many will be having words with me midweek."

It was a relatively tight match with few shots on goal at either end. Jason Chewins had one piledriver go just wide from distance, while Steven Holloway was also just astray with an overhead kick.

But far too often, particularly in the second half, Melville failed to create anything with their supply of possession mostly dying on the flanks with players disposessed.

Chewins had an effective game in midfield, in the absence of Ceri James (injured knee) and Paul Stewart (in Australia), and had a torrid battle with Bays skipper Leigh Kenyon. However Williams said nobody’s performance was worthy of a player of the day. Chewins at least won the raffle.

Bays assistant coach Rod Groves said his team showed great character to gain ascendancy in the second half after failing to get out of first gear in the first half. He named weatherbeaten targetman Stu Bola as his player of the day.

Melville are away to Forrest Hill Milford on Saturday, having slumped to eighth on the table. Bays remain one point clear at the top.

Melville regain winning form

17.4.2010: Melville United made an overdue return to winning form in the northern premier league with a 3-0 home victory over Eastern Suburbs.

After two successive losses, the win bumped Melville back up to sixth on the table, ahead of yet another home game against high flying East Coast Bays on Saturday.

In a reprise of last season's premier league final, Paul Stewart - having his first start of the season - found the next in the 30th minute.

David Smith made it 2-0 four minutes after half time with his fifth goal of the season, and Adam Thomas made the game safe with his frist goal for Melville 10 minutes from time.

Melville coach Steve Williams was pleased with the result.

"Suburbs still have good players, but we played well enough to win and were deserving of the three points," he said.

Albon Houston made his debut in goal for Melville and was rewarded with the team's first clean sheet of the season, though veteran centreback Wayne Bates -- also having his first start of the season -- also deserves a share of the credit.

it was a re-arranged Melville team with LJ Pijnenburg absent because of a family funeral, David Samson injured and Gavin Doulgas at a wedding. Stewart slotted back into his engine room role, while Tyler Lissette played right back, with Bates and Charlie Hoyle in the centre of defence.

Results and table HERE

Melville women win

13.4.2010: Melville’s women’s team have made a winning start to Waikato competitions.

The first team beat Hamilton North 2-1 away on Sunday in a game coach Boair Cowley described as "a hard fought win in testing hot and dry conditions" while the second team beat Unicol Gold 2-1.

Melville trailed Hamilton North 1-0 at half time, but two well taken second half goals to player of the day Sarah Menzies proved the difference in the second half. Tasmyn Gaby-Sutherland also had a fine game at centre back. Melville are at home to Matamata at 11am on Sunday.

The second team led 2-0 at half time against Unicol Gold, and hung on despite an ambulance being called to treat their keeper’s dislocated shoulder. Midfielder Jess Mackintosh was Melville’s player of the day.

Meanwhile Clendon defaulted to the Melville U19 team on Sunday. The U19s will play their first match at home to Ranui at 1pm on Sunday, on the No 1 pitch.

Melville pipped at home

10.4.2010: Melville have crashed to a second successive loss in the northern premier league.

But not before launching a stirring fightback that almost saw them snatch an improbably point in a match which had more talking points than either coach – or even the refereeing fraternity - would have preferred.

Bay Olympic won 4-3, but were only just hanging on for the final whistle, having led 4-0 with 20 minutes to go.

Melville again failed to get through the first minute without conceding a goal, when Julyan Collett scored after 40 seconds. Colin Gardyne ran down the right and slipped a ball inside to where a centreback would normally be patrolling. Collett was untroubled to roll the ball home from the edge of the area passed Chris Burke, making his debut in goal.

Peter Norris made it 2-0 for Bay Olympic after a run down the left. His mid-range shot looked harmless enough and well covered, but somehow it crept under Burke’s body.

Alex Barlow looked to have pulled a goal back in making a break down the left, and held his space against fierce defensive shoving. He slipped the ball home but referee Stephen Fletcher ruled it out, essentially saying he had fouled the defender while dribbling in possession.

If that infuriated the Melville bench worse was to come. In the 32nd minute Fletcher awarded Bay Olympic a penalty. It was one of those instances that players and coaches hate, where nobody was appealing for anything, but the referee saw something nobody else did. Gardyne converted for 3-0 at half time.

Collett made it 4-0 with a header from inside the 6 yard box before the Melville fightback started.

David Smith expertly finished after being played in by a Holloway flick in the 72nd minute for his fourth goal of the season. And Tewi Te Pou turned in an LJ Pijnenburg free kick six minutes later.

It got even more interesting when Fletcher agreed with a Melville shout for hand ball and awarded a penalty. Holloway converted it, but Fletcher ruled a player had encroached on the area and ordered it retaken.

That prompted Olympic’s Nathan Strom to protest that under a law change such an offence meant the defendign team should be awarded an indirect free kick. (He was wrong, that only occurs if the penalty has not been converted).

Fletcher had already dealt more cards than a Mississippi riverboat gambler, and Strom, who had earlier been booked for pulling Holloway’s shirt, continued to protest, and received another caution and a red card.

Melville then pushed centreback Gavin Douglas into attack for the last 10 minutes, but while they several times went close to an equaliser, it did not quite come.

"We played well for 70 minutes and poorly for 20," said Bay Olympic coach Shane Knowles, naming Craig Wylie as his player of the day.

Knowles was also generous in his praise of Melville, picking they would make the top eight, and hailing the atmosphere at Gower Park.

"You have a fantastic club, it is always very friendly and I love your whole set up here," he said.

Melville coach Steve Williams said his team were felling the effects of essentially having no preseason together due to the NZFC overlap, and were only now working out what did and didn’t work best.

Ironically, after refusing to speculate on top eight prospects after earlier wins, in the wake of two successive losses he was more forthright.

"I think we have enough there to make the cut. In this league it won’t be about your first six games, it will be all about your last six."

He named Smith as his man of the match.

Meanwhile the Reserves lost 3-2, a short-staffed Federation team lost 3-0 to Te Awamutu, the Knights drew 0-0 with Claudelands, Melvile Cambodia went down 4-2 to West Hamilton and the Ewoks beat Unicol 5-3. The Old Boys lost 2-0 to Cambridge but more may be hard about that result after Melville-registered Josh Thomas turned out for Cambridge.

Melville are at home to Eastern Suburbs on Saturday.

 
New Melville signing
 

 

8.4.2010: Melville United have signed New Zealand youth interntional Adam Thomas on a loan agreement from Auckland City, ahead of their home game against highly rated Bay Olympic at Gower Park on Saturday.

 

Thomas, 18, is a 1.98, defender with Waikato roots, but is currently contracted to Auckland City, where he is a squad member until the conclusion of that club's efforts to retian the NZFC title. under the loan agreement he can be released to Melville if not required for match play by Auckland.

Thomas was a member of the New Zealand team which competed at the FIFA U17 World Cup in Nigeria last year.

Easter shocker: Melville crucified

5.4.2010: Melville have suffered their worst northern premier league loss since July 2008 in losing 5-1 away to Three Kings United.

It was a horror showing from Melville, who dominated posession for long spells, but leaked some horrendous goals and showed a lack of composure and finesse in the attacking third as they chased the game.

Melville made a nightmare start, coughing up a goal within 20 seconds when centreback Gav Douglas conceded possession in a routine across-the-back-four passing manoeuvre. Luis Del Monte couldn’t believe his luck as he cantered through to score.

The game was still salvageable but too often Melville’s younger players snatched at shooting chances first time when there were better options available, or played thoughtless balls forward.

Melville were punished again early in the second half when Del Monte robbed centreback Tyler Lissette and squeezed the ball home on the narrowest of angles past keeper Matt Oliver, having his first start in goal for Melville in the absence of the injured Scott Robinson.

That was against the run of play, but it only got worse as Del Monte charged through a phantom defence to make it 3-0.

Alex Barlow, having his second start since transferring from Ngaruawahia, got on the scoresheet in the 80th minute after having been one of the culprits in Melville’s goal shooting nightmare. In one of the few memorable moments for Melville, Steven Holloway received a throw in in the box, turned his man and teed up the ball for Charlie Hoyle. His prod wasn’t quite enough to get the ball home, but Barlow applied a touch right on the line.

However a Jacob Mathews drive made it 4-1 and substitute Dan Eisenhut had time to chest down a 40m ball, light a cigar and slot the ball in the corner of the net with the Melville defence again AWOL.

Josh Billman started for the first time since the Ngaruawahia match but only lasted 20 minutes before beign replaced by Tewi Te Pou.

Melville are at home to Bay Olympic – 7-0 winners over Ngaruawahia -- on Saturday, with their top eight prospects still in the balance with nine points after five rounds.

Meanwhile the Melville Reserves lost 1-0.

 

Melville break Onehunga hoodoo

 

2.4.2010: Melville have limped to a 2-1 away win over northern premier league strugglers Onehunga Sports.

While it was not a memorable performance, the result was important in reaffirming the club’s top eight prospects, and ending a longstanding history of Waikaraka Park being a graveyard for Melville.

Melville started promisingly with David Smith netting a fine goal after 14 minutes. Smith broke down the left flank, cut inside and played a 1-2 with Tewi Te Pou before bursting right to the 6-yard box and firing home.

Melville crafted several other good chances, but increasingly a lethargy crept into their play, with a lack of movement and incisive passing and some poor crossing.

The exception was Jason Chewins, who gave a wonderful exhibition of left back play with well judged forays forward and astute defending. Chewins set up a second goal for Te Pou to tap home minutes before the break with a low cross after reaching the byline.

But five minutes into the second half Iwa Shaker pulled a goal back for Onehunga from close range and looked quite capable of equalising for the next 20 minutes against an increasingly static Melville team.

Keeper Scott Robinson twisted an ankle after falling badly on a free kick which had rebounded from the post. He received lengthy treatment, which the Onehunga team – perhaps spurred on by some unsporting comments from their clubrooms gallery -- took the unusual step of complaining about to the referee.

Robinson made one more save before again injuring himself and being replaced by well-drilled youth team keeper Matt Oliver, making his first team debut.

Melville finally regained some life going forward with the further introduction of subs Charlie Hoyle and Alexei Davies-Campbell in midfield, and fair peppered the goal in the final 15 minutes, but without reward.

Other features of the day were the first start of the season for LJ Pijnenburg in central midfield, and the experiment of playing Te Pou as targetman just ahead of Steven Holloway.

"It was a bit of a contest," said Melville coach Steve Williams. "But once we get our players in the right shape and structure we will press on. I am glad the pubs are shut tonight.

The match was the only premier league fixture played on the day and at least temporarily thrust Melville into a top equal position ahead of the rest of the round’s fixtures. Onehunga, coached by Brian Turner, have one point out of a possible 12.

Meanwhile the Melville Reserves drew 2-2 with Onehunga, after trailling 2-0 at half time.

Onehunga had two players sent off, while Melville had Tristan Collins dismissed for retaliation after he was rugby tackled by an Onehunga defender. Shaun Kipara pulled a goal back one minute into the second half, while Onehunga contributed an own goal.

Melville are away to Three Kings at Keith Hay Park on Monday.

 

Beaten in injury time

27.3.2010: Melville United conceded two goals in the final eight minutes – including an injury time penalty -- to lose 2-1 away to northern premier league joint leaders Central United.

The loss leaves Melville eighth on the table, ahead of Saturday’s away game against lowly Onehunga Sports.

It was a gutting way to lose, given Melville appeared to have done just enough to win approaching the final minutes.

Melville took the lead with the last kick before half time, after stealing possession from Central on the left. The ball broke to David Smith who skipped inside a defender and fired a low shot.

Keeper Matthew Upton half saved the shot, but it spun into the net. It was one of Melville’s few opportunities in a first half where Central could well have scored four, includign one chance where Tyle Lissette brilliantly cleared off the line with Scott Robinson beaten.

Central equalised from a free kick on the right, with substitute Timothy Payne outjumping the defence to nod home a looping header into the corner.

Worse was to come as Central again got the ball in behind the Melville defence and Lissette fouled Ricardo Monardez, who slotted the penalty himself.

Ceri James had a strong game, but despite that Melville were often over run in midfield and sole striker Steven Holloway seldom saw the ball in the attacking third.

Charlie Hoyle was injured, and LJ Pijnenburg unavailable because of work commitments, leaving 15-year-old Josh green to get his first start in midfield. Holloway fulfilled the role normally played by the injured Josh Billman, with Alexei Davies-Campbell also getting his first start for Melville.

Results, table HERE.

Two from two for Melville

24.3.2010:  Melville made it two from two in the 2010 northern premier league with a patchy 3-1 away win over Ngaruawahia United.

It was a fits-and-starts Melville United effort in a match they were always expected to win, though that was in large part due to a dogged, harrying performance from Ngaruawahia, who hustled and bustled to good effect on their home turf.

Melvile skipper Steven Holloway scored a goal in each half, while Alexei Davies-Campbell came off the bench to also net and turn in a lively effort which may secure him his first start for Melville on Saturday

Melville dominated possession but created few chances until Holloway made something out of nothing four minutes before half time. He picked up the ball to the left of goal in the Ngaruawahia area and ran sideways, riding challenges and stepping the defence until an opening arose, when he expertly sidefooted into the corner of the net.

It was a solo goal reminiscent of his home 2009 effort against Lynn Avon.

Davies-Campbell got his chance when Josh Billman pulled up lame midway through the second half, and immediately looked sharp, taking over Holloway’s deeper role and allowing him to move forward as an out and out striker.

While he appeared to slightly "shin" his goal from a Tewi Te Pou cross from the right, it was good reward for a performance in which he showed intelligence on the ball, and good feet. Davies-Campbell was attracted to Melville from Wanderers by youth team coach Declan Edge, who recognised him as an emerging Waikato talent.

At the other end Gavin Douglas brilliantly cleared a shot off the line for Melville, but then became the villain when he coughed up a penalty for a foul from a corner. Jordan Shaw converted the spot kick to give Ngaruawahia a sniff.

But two minutes from time Holloway sealed the match with his second, running onto a flicked through ball from Davies-Campbell, before checking back and calmly slotting home.

Melville coach Steve Williams is still refusing to talk about Melville making the top eight, but was happy to take the season tally to six points.

"You never come here and get an easy game," he said in his aftermatch speech. "The league is the toughest it has been in ten years and Ngaruawahia can hold their heads up because they have some promising lads.

"But the fact is there is a serious amount of money being splashed around in Auckland and that will make it very competitive, not just for Ngaruawahia, but also for Melville.

"I’m quite pleased we didn’t do it easy, because it gives us plenty to talk about at training ahead of the weekend."

He particularly praised Holloway’s input.

"He was our stand-out player. He scored a nice goal when we really needed it and showed good composure in a game where there wasn’t a lot of it about. It was a good captain’s game."

He also acknowledged the efforts of Ngaruawahia striker Nathan Holten, who put himself about to industrious effect, and Alex Carr in goal.

Ngaruawahia coach Richard Harris said Melville fully deserved the win.

"It was a quality Melville side," he said. "I would hate to see you when you have a full squad. Steven Holloway’s goal before half time was probably the difference between the sides."

Meanwhile LJ Pijnenburg returned to the Melville squad, but did not get off the bench.

Melville are away to Central United – who beat Bay Olympic 3-2 – on Saturday at the Croatian Centre in McLeod Rd.

 

Melville win first up

20.3.2010: Defending champions Melville United have made a winning start to the 2010 northern premier league.

But they had to withstand a passionate late comeback from Glenfield Rovers to win 3-2 at Gower Park, after the match seemed safely wrapped up shortly after half time.

Melville made a blitzkrieg start in which they scored twice in the first 10 minutes, and could easily have been 4-0 up by half time with slick attacking moves on a difficult surface.

David Smith burst down the left and crossed low for Tewi Te Pou to scramble the ball home.

Then two minutes later Ceri James showed his class with a brilliant ball which released Smith, who scythed through and went around the keeper.

Melville continued to pepper the goal, but the third did not come until 10 minutes into the second half.

Te Pou reached the byline on the right, and after five or six stepovers finally decided to cross the ball for Steven Holloway who met it at the near post, beat the keeper and managed a quick Te Pou-style impersonation himself before tapping home.

James hit the post from a quickly taken free kick and went very close with two other efforts.

But Glenfield came back into contention when Holloway misdirected a midfield knockback. Glenfield broke quickly and Gwyther had an easy finish.

Then 10 minutes from time Cesar Meylan scored from another Melville mistake, to ensure a nervous finish.

Apart from Chewins, Alexie Davies-Campbell also his Melville debut, having raced down SH1 after scoring the winner for Counties-Manukau in their 3-2 win over Waitakere in the youth league, to start on the bench.

Young Josh Green also made his first northern league appearance for Melville, off the bench.

Glenfield coach John Hinton was not too dispirited by the loss.

"It’s good to be back," he said. "Not just for us, but our reserves as well. The last two years were a complete waste of time for us

Hinton said the game was all over after the first 10 minutes.

"You were quicker, stronger, fitter all over the park and then that third goal killed us, though the comeback was strong.

Melville coach Steve Williams said Glenfield had been every bit as tough as he had expected.

"Our preseason was a disaster but today we put out a polished little side," he said. "The first half was our best in the last 4-5 years. This was a team put together for the first time on Thursday night, so you could say it was pretty good coaching.

"It was nice to win the first game, because historically we have started poorly and then made up ground."

Williams praised Te Pou’s first half effort, the potential Smith showed on the other flank and the class of 39-year-old Chewins.

But he named James as his player of the day, presenting him with a can of Coke.

"We normally give a beer, but if you’ve read the paper today you’ll understand what this is all about," he said.

The Melville Reserves lost 3-1 to Glenfield, with their goal coming from Tristan Collins.

View Grant Stantiall's You Tube's clip of the match at  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ybYZKVacC3I

 

 Here we go

 

19.3.2010: Melville United begin their defence of the Northern Premier League title at 2.45pm at Gower Park with a match against Glenfield Rovers

 

The Melville Reserves play Glenfield Reserves at 12.30pm on pitch 3.

 

This week 10 Melville players have transferred back from Waikato FC, while an international clearance for Welsh import Ceri James is pending.

 

The unusual structure of the league this season - with 18 teams contesting the preliminary ronds, followed by a top eight series (with points and goals carrying forward) to find a champion - makes it harder than usual to make any predictions about prospects.

 

Melville coach Steve Williams said the pre-season absence of many first-choice players had made life difficult, but it would be full steam ahead from here on.

"We have a title to defend and are taking the challenge seriously," he said.

"We have a relatively strong squad, strengthened by the arrival of midfielder Ceri James, who has a wealth of experience in the Welsh Premier League. He is very influential and could easily play higher. Jason Chewins will also be a steadying influence.

"The league is exceptionally unpredictable this year, given the format where there are no return fixtures.

"From a players’ perspective that’s not too bad, with something new every week, but from a strategic perspective there will be a question mark over every game, and an ideal platform for ‘unknown’ players to show their wares.

"As for the title candidates, watch out for the clubs that want to spend money. Whoever has the cash will be looking to get into the top eight. There may be a lot of surprises."

Some of Melville's NZFC players may choose to have a few weeks off, but most will be straight back into action, with competition for starting places strong. Welsh import Ceri Evans has received international clearance for the match.

Glenfield coach John Hinton says his team is eyeing a top eight berth. Glenfield were league champions in 2002 and 2003.

 

They feature Waikato FC summer league players Mike Gwyther and Richard Beard.

 

For Glenfield, Paul Vadonovic, Nadir Harrat, Josh Turnbull have returned to the club, while they have also signed Cesar Meylan from North Shore Utd and Keegan Williams from Oratia Utd AFC. On the debit side, Glenfield have lost Mark Foster (retired), Kuba Sikora (Metro FC), Nick Farac (Mt Albert-Ponsonby) and Sam Bailey (overseas).

 
Melville v Taranaki
 
6.3.2010: Melville United have played out a scoreless draw with Team Taranaki in a preseason match at Gower Park.
 
It was a game which never reached any great heights, and in many ways did not deserve a goal, but if one was to be scored, the visitors - having their first outing of pre-season - looked the more likely candidates.
 
Melville were again severely weakend by player unavailability, with Steven Holloway withdrawing with illness and Wayne Bates and Gavin Douglas playing despite also being under the weather, in an otherwise largely inexperienced team. Doulgas several times asked to be taken off, while Bates was physically sick at the northern end of the ground.
 
Feature of the game from a Melville perspective was the decision to play young central defender Tyler (Yogi) Lissette as a targetman. It was a conversion that worked for Che Bunce, and coach Steve Williams was keen to replicate that experiment. Lissette will be better for the experience.
 
 
 
 

Melville draw

27.2.2010: Melville United came from behind to snatch a 1-1 draw in their pre-season match against new northern league recruits Matamata Swifts.

Melville were perhaps lucky not to suffer a second successive pre-season defeat after Matamata crashed home an eye-catching goal, and it required a slightly dubious penalty to equalise.

Both teams were struggling for players – Matamata to the extent that former Melville (and 2009 Wanderers player) Michael Kim kitted up for them.

Melville was hit hard by Paul Marflitt’s wedding, injury and Waikato FC’s ongoing season, while Declan Edge’s youth squad were also unavailable.

The Melville starting line-up was: Chris Burke, Shaun Kipara, Blair Cowley, Tristan Collins, Charlie Howard, Jamal, Marcelo Sosa, Steven Holloway, Aaron Watt, David Smith, Josh Billman. Subs included Asa Noorzai, Camilo Vangas, and Rory Noorland.

Tim Miller slammed the ball into the goal from distance after a Collins square ball across his own goal went awry and Melville were unable to properly clear and the start of the second third of the match.

Smith had a good chance to equalise when played clear by Holloway, who was again employed in a deeper role than last season.

But Matamata were guilty of the miss of the day when several players were unable to force the ball home from inside the six yard box.

Holloway equalised from the penalty spot after a quick break. Matamata keeper Tom Pamment took a free kick from well outside his area, but it went to Melville feet. Holloway played a long diagonal ball to Smith who beat his man on the outside and cut into the area along the goal line. He pulled the ball back, but in continuing his run, collided with Pamment, and a fortuitous penalty was the result.

The game provided an opportunity for a host of players to press their claim for first team inclusion, and the lad to do so to best effect was Shaun Kipara, playing at right back, after having played up front and in midfield in limited appearances last season.

He was industrious, skilful and regularly got to the byline, while was seldom bettered in defence. It will be a very good Melville squad that does not contain him this season.

Melville coach Steve Williams was among the absentees on the day, and his stand-in, Howie Bettridge, said in his opinion fullback was Kipara’s best position.

Bettridge was relaxed about the result.

"The day was always about possibilities," he said. "The fact we could still field a team with so many away showed the depth of the club is increasing. It was a good run-out.

"Holloway showed his class with his ability to roll off defenders but we just didn’t quite have enough players on his wavelength for him to make his mark."

For Matamata – who were without the injured Grant Cooper, but had Stu Watene playing up front – it was another respectable pre-season result. Anyone showing complacency against them this season will do so at their peril.

Melville are at home to Team Taranaki next Saturday.

# All Whites and Phoenix coach Ricki Herbert was the guest of honour at Gower park on Saturday, in attendance for the three-day Star Soccer Academy programme, which attracted about 80 youngsters.

Hebert was the guest speaker at a dinner at the casino, which raised about $12,000 towards an overseas academy tour. Auctioned items at the dinner included accommodation, tickets (2) and changing room access to the Phoenix for the Newcastle match went for $2700, while an All Whites shirt to be signed by the All Whites squad in Mexico went for $550. About 130 attended the evening.

 

Bay Olympic edge inexperienced Melville
 
20.2.2010: Melville United were beaten 2-1 by a resurgent Bay Olympic team in a pre-season match at Gower Park.

But there was still plenty to commend from a Melville perspective, given the squad was without Scott Robinson, Charlie Hoyle, Dave Samson, Tewi Te Pou, Gavin Douglas, Paul Stewart, Joe Simpkins, LJ Pijnenburg, David Smith, Brad Scott and Che Bunce and instead featured eight of Declan Edge’s youth team players.

For Melville, Welshman Ceri James made an impressive debut in midfield despite nursing a toe injury. James is strong on the ball, with a good touch and distribution and will likely become a Gower Park favourite.

Jesse Edge, 15, produced a bright showing on the right flank and twice went agonisingly close to marking his senior debut with a goal.

Left back Grayson Sutcliffe returned to Melville colours for the first time in over two years, looking like a young version of Gavin Douglas.

Bay Olympic featured players such as Triss Clark, Nathan Strom, Nathan Strom, Yoji Tanabe, Tristian McCormick, Ross McKenzie, Andrew Campbell, Daniel Markham and Colin Gardyne.

Chris Burke started in goal for Melville and made three excellent saves in the first third, while at the other end Melville were guilty of not shooting enough.

In the second third Leighton Wills put Bay ahead when he shinned home from close range after melville failed to clear their six yard box.

Sean Kipara did brilliantly to set up fellow striker Josh Billman for an equaliser but the shot was scuffed and James curled a shot just wide.

Skipper for the day Steven Holloway, playing in a deeper role than usual in an inexperienced team, drew Melville level in the final third. James rolled a nice ball wide for right back Josh Greene to fire in an excellent cross. Melville had a couple of chances to score before the ball finally broke to Holloway, who thumped it home from about 12 metres.

Edge had a glorious chance to put Melville ahead when played clean through by Holloway, but keeper Clark came out best in the one on one. Edge will be better for the experience.

For Bay, Tanabe put one over the top he would usually score, but Graham Greene tucked home the winner about five minutes from time after Melville substitute Jeremy Prasad failed to clear.

The Melville starting line-up in a match played with rolling subs was: Chris Burke, Josh Green, Tyler Lissette, Wayne Bates, Grayson Sutcliffe, Marcelo Sosa, Ceri James, Steven Holloway, Jesse Edge, Josh Billman, Sean Kipara.

On Saturday February 27 Melville host Matamata Swifts at Gower Park.

# On Wednesday Melville Youth hammered the touring Melbourne youth team 11-1.

 U17s and Waikato women impress

14.2.2010: The New Zealand U17 women’s teams fought back from 0-3 down to draw 3-3 with a Waikato Invitation XI at Gower Park.

The match was arranged by the Melville United club in support of New Zealand Football’s "Females in Football" promotion which runs until next weekend.

Waikato pounced on sloppy defending to take a 12th minute lead through Jackie Prestwell. Pretswell added another good finish shortly afterwards after being played in by Sarah McLaughlin, and Holly Nixon expertly drilled home a third before half time.

But the New Zealand team ramped up the pressure in the second half, and showed the benefits of superior fitness to camp inside the Waikato half for prolonged spells.

Christchurch’s Hannah Wong showed good composure to pull two goals back, being nicely played in by Claudelands Rovers’ Kate Loye for the second.

Fullback Katie Bowen (Glenfield) levelled the match with a superb 25m shot which sailed into the top corner.

Both sides had chances to win the game, with Wong going closest, without managing to complete her hat trick.

The New Zealand team moved to three at the back in the closing stages as they went in search of victory, but a tiring Waikato team held on and a couple of times almost surprised on the break.

New Zealand U17 coach Dave Edmondson said the match had been of huge value in team preparation for looming internationals.

"As a national team it is very difficult getting meaningful fixtures, particularly at this time of year," he said. "It was a huge bonus today, playing against a team with a number of age group internationals, and in such hot conditions which gave the whole squad such a good workout.

Edmondson praised Wong for her goalscoring ability and Loye for her vision in centre midfield, and was also impressed by the front-running of US1 player Steff Skilton.

Waikato coach Andrea Timings said the game fulfilled its objectives of promoting the women’s game, given such a skilful, exciting and fast-paced competition emerged.

"It was great to see a women’s match of this standard being played in Hamilton in front of such a good crowd at this time of year," she said.

Youth match Wednesday
 
12.2.2010: Melville United Youth team will be playing a touring Melbourne U19 team in a match at Gower Park on Wedesday February 17 at 5pm.
 
It will be the tourists' fourth match in New Zealand after playing Hibiscus Coast, East Coast Bays and Oratia.
 
It will also be a further test for Melville Youth who scored a 1-0 win over Auckland-Manukau - who so far have a perfect record in the Lion Foundation Youth league's northern conference -- last weekend, despite also missing a penalty.
 
In light of that showing, Melville coach Declan Edge is confident his team will give perform well against the Australians, despite the majority of his players being under 16.

 

Pre-season training
 
13.1.2010: Melville United's first pre-season muster of the summer will take place at Gower Park from 6pm on Thursday January 28. Sessions will continue on Tuesdays and Thursdays from then on.
 
The club invites all potential first team players, reserves, federation or youth team members to attend, including those from other clubs of from out of town wanting to try their luck, to attend.
 
Melville first team coach Steve Williams said the club would be fielding teams in the northern premier league, northern reserve league, a travelling youth league and the federation league in 2010.
 
"That leaves a lot of openings," he said. "Particularly for pre-season with a number of players tied up with Waikato FC.
 
Williams is working on a comprehensive pre-season programme with a number of friendlies already organised.
 
Melville's Wednesday twilight 6-a-side competition resumes on January 20.
 
 
 
        Ceri James

Melville signs James

11.1.2010: Melville United have signed Welshman Ceri James as part of their campaign to defend their northern premier league title.

James is a powerfully built midfielder or central defender who was, until this week, playing for Porthmadog in the Welsh Premier League. He is expected in New Zealand by the weekend. He had previously been with premier club, Welshpool for two seasons, making 42 appearances.

He has also played for Cymru Alliance side Llandyrnog United and played for Denbigh Town.

Melville coach Steve Williams, who had been chasing James for several years, said it was important to strengthen his squad in anticipation of a tough campaign in an expanded northern premier league.

"While we will have the bulk of last year's players back, over the past four seasons we have always called upon more than 20 players throughout the course of a league campaign, and I am expecting that to again be the case," he said.

Melville did not sign a guest player last season, after having used Matt Friel (US) and Ryan Harden (UK) in 2008 and Boomer Kotchin (US) in 2007.

Melville have offered Waikato FC the use of James for the final part of the NZFC season, but are still awaiting a response.

Meanwhile Melville training will start on Thursday January 28, from 6pm at Gower Park. All welcome.
 
 

 

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