Magpies (WJSA 10th Grade)
Players Back (from left): Malcolm Raynel (coach), Henry Smistra, Logan Raynel, Roberta Wigelsworth, Josh Goodwin, Blair Underwood. Front (from left):
Matt Watkin, Kody Nowell, Lawrence Clothier, Ben Brady, Ignacio Trias.
Coach Malcolm Raynel.
18 August 2007 Matamata Magpies 8 v Glenview United Thrashers 1
In drizzly conditions to start, Magpies took out the 10th grade 3rd division Championship with one game yet to play. With a composed opening spell, Lawerence Clothier netted his 1st of the game with some good team work in midfield and the pass to finish coming from Kody Nowell. Moments later Magpies forced the corner and Logan Raynel floated the ball into the spot only to be volleyed into the goal by Thrashers under pressure. Up 2 nil Magpies on fire, Lawrence Clothier met the ball in midfield, passed through to the left a step over by Matt Watkin and Kody knocked in his 1st goal of the day. A great cross in from Logan on the right wing moments later saw Kody meet the ball and hit the far post again unlucky not to score. At the other end of the pitch Magpies defence of Ben Brady, Josh Goodwin and Henry Smitstra held strong when tested.
A pass out of goal by Player of the Day Blair Underwood to Josh Goodwin who push his way through midfield and pushed the pass through to Jesse who toed in a good goal. From the restart Kody won the ball took on the defence and rocketed home a left footer under pressure and Lawrence Clothier lofted over the keeper for his 2nd. Half time and Magpies opened the 2nd half with a good strike from a nice ball tucked in the hind defence from Logan. Kody finished off Magpies day with his lethal left foot from a ball passed through from Matt. Thrashers ended up with a consolation goal.
New World Player of the Day went to Blair Underwood for a very well composed day in goal.
11 August 2007 Magpies 5 v Hamilton North Lions 1
Hamilton North Lions took advantage of the home pitch by going 1 up shortly after kick off. Magpies woke up fast and Matt Watkin responded with a 1 on 1 with the Lions keeper who had no answer to Matt’s net finder. A great pass in from Kody on the left forced an own goal by the Lions keeper and Magpies were on top. 2-1 up at the break Magpies lifted a gear and peppered the Lions goal.
After numerous breaks up the left Kody managed to find the space to knock one home and Ben Brady followed it up with his own goal soon after. The defence of Roberta Wigelsworth, Josh Goodwin and Henry Smitstra were rarely tested and keeper Blair Underwood a mere spectator. Josh Goodwin pushed up and played out of his skin to earn Magpies Player of the Day by pushing balls through to the forwards. Logan Raynel was unlucky not to score after Lions backs held strong in the goal box. Magpies managed to find the net once more before time with Jesse Jamieson making his debut for the team.
Well done team. Magpies looked very strong together. New World Player of the Day went to Josh Goodwin.
4 August 2007
Magpies 4 v Cambridge Hawkes 1
Wet, sodden and flooded, Magpies took the field at Cambridge slow to start still dodging the rain drops. Magpies were 1 goal down after the first 3 minutes! A wake up call and down to business, the Magpies started to take control with shots on target unlucky not to score with the ball hitting the cross bar and twice beating the keeper stopped by a puddle on the goal line and not making it over.
Down 1 nil at half time Magpies got a rev from the coach and a hot milo to boost. Changes were made with Ben Brady out from goal replaced by Matt Watkin and after a solid first half Henry subbed with Blair Underwood. Early on Ben rocked the boat and Magpies followed up with early pressure on Hawkes goalie to force an own goal. Roberta Wigelsworth took command at the back and nothing got past. Kody Nowell again having a great game hitting the crossbar from outside the box.
Things really started to click with Kody following up with two goals from great midfield build-ups. Blair, Josh, Ben, Logan and Lawrence all passing well and team play took over. Magpies looked very comfortable at 3 and with 5 minutes to go Lawrence Clothier turned on a sixpence and banged in Magpies 4th goal.
Well done Magpies on a very trying day of football.
New World Player of the Day went to Roberta Wigelsworth. McDonalds Achievement Award went to Ben Brady and Trainer of the Week to Henry Smitstra.
28 July 2007 Magpies 7 v Glenview United Thrashers 1
A trip to Glenview and a muddy wet pitch saw Magpies dominate this game from the start, unlucky not to score in the opening few minutes. Kody Nowell was on fire and had an amazing day notching up 5 goals. His dominance in midfield through to goalbox stood out from the rest. Blair Underwood had two early chances but was unable to find the net.
Glenview had a few chances in the first half but keeper Ben Brady was called on to make some fantastic dynamic saves. Just before the break Kody scored from a build-up in his own half with a ball through from Henry Smitstra and Kody was away with a one on one with the keeper with a great individual goal.
The second half saw Magpies dominate and the score line unlucky not to blow out to double figures. Josh Goodwin found the back of the net with a shot from the left hitting the right hand post, then the left and rebounding back into the goal. With four minutes to go and Magpies defence all up Glenview broke out with no one back to challenge and scored an easy consolation goal. Too eager for everyone to get on the score sheet shots on target came from everyone, even sweeper Roberta Wigelsworth. The final act of the game came with a run down the left by Kody Nowell drawing two players and calmly passing into the goal box with Logan Raynel composed, controlled the ball and tucked it past the Thrashers keeper with ease to score his first goal of the season.
New World Player of the Day went to Logan Raynel for composed football and passing into space.
McDonalds Achievement Award went to Kody Nowell for his 5 goals and Ben Brady for showing maturity in midfield and great keeping skills.
1 July 2007 Magpies 2 v Hamilton North Lions 0
Magpies were unable to settle into the 1st game of the championship round. With early shots on goal Magpies were unable to capitalise with Kody Nowell missing an early chance with a solid shot. The breakthrough came after 10 minutes with a glimpse of how Magpies can really play with a throw in from Blair Underwood up the centre to Matt Watkin who pushed the pass to Kody out on the right wing who centred into Lawrence Clothier to place neatly into the net with a text book goal. With the game going Magpies way, Matt Watkin followed up soon after with a lofted shot from the left to go 2 up at the break.
Magpies were unlucky not to go up by more with shots in the first half by Ignacio Trias, Henry Smitstra and Logan Raynel.
The second half saw Magpies again with shots on goal not finding the target until Lawrence Clothier managed to hit the post twice in short succession – unlucky not to score. Ben Brady out of goal challenged with aggression and trying to break his own record at keepy uppy Ben managed to use his head under the high ball with confidence and also produced 2 good shots from distance unlucky not to find the net. Roberta Wigelsworth and Josh Goodwin again had solid games in defence and Blair Underwood produced a quality performance in goal. A game where Magpies seemed to have too much space and chances to score were unable to capitalise. Not a tidy performance but a win to kick off the start of the Championship round.
Leading by example Captain Lawrence Clothier claimed Player of the day. Ben Brady received the McDonald’s Achievement Award and Logan Raynel Trainer of the week.
30 June 2007 Magpies 1 v Cambridge Raiders 2
In a game that was never going to be easy in very wet conditions, Magpies showed strength and determination in a well contested match against Cambridge Raiders, a team unbeaten so far this season and top of the Waikato 10th grade table. Raiders opened the scoring with a goal that keeper Ben Brady saved but with a wet slippery ball it managed to just roll over the line. Unfortunate as Ben had a good solid day in goal remaining focused and saving any attempt from Raiders with ease.
Magpies reshuffled back line of Henry Smitstra, Blair Underwood and Josh Goodwin who covered for the missing Roberta Wigelsworth, worked hard all day in very trying conditions with the ball rarely making it through the strong defence in an evenly matched first half. One down at the break Magpies reformed and early pressure from forwards Logan Raynel, Matt Watkin and Ignacio Trias were rewarded with a goal early in the second half to equalise. Captain Lawrence Clothier again worked tirelessly in midfield.
This game looked very even with a draw looking like a fair result. Ten minutes from time the goal kick from Magpies through to Blair, slow on the pass, was tackled and with only keeper to beat Raiders took the lead with an easy goal and their reward for being patient. A day Magpies needed the attacking skills of Kody Nowell who unfortunately was away. Magpies had their chances but played a great game of football in trying conditions with no subs. Player of the day was awarded to the whole team as just reward.
Saturday June 23 Magpies 1 v Hamilton North Wolves 3
On a cold damp morning meeting the second ranked team in the Division 1A Waikato 10th grade, it was never going to be easy for the Magpies. A build up early in the first half from the right wing with a ball passed in from Logan Raynel saw Matt Watkin in the right position to put it in for an easy goal within the first 2 minutes of the game. All the early signs looked encouraging. A fine shot from Kody soon after saw the Wolves keeper diving to the right hand post and forcing the ball wide.
After a solid 10 minutes from the Magpies the Wolves found their straps and started to take control and shot an equaliser 10 minutes short of half time after a great team build up and a clinical finish. One all at half time with Magpies quietly confident they could take the game, Wolves capitalised on Magpies mistakes and turned over a throw in near the goal box to squeeze a soft goal between the near post and keeper. Magpies were labouring and the red cheeks of midfielder and captain Lawrence Clothier told the story as he worked tirelessly in midfield.
Wolves third goal came from another team build up outclassing Magpies defence. Magpies had a final chance before time with a shot from Kody rebounding off the Wolves keeper and the ball in ping pong fashion unable to roll across the line. Although Magpies had their chances they were unable to take advantage and were outclassed by a well drilled Wolves team.
New World Player of the day: Kody Nowell.
Saturday June 16 Magpies 4 v Hamilton Marist Tigers 4
An even game played at Vardon Park saw the score seesaw throughout the game. An early break from Matt Watkin with the only the keeper to beat saw Magpies up 1 early with other chances to come soon after and another great shot from Matt which hit the post. Magpies were unable to capitalise. The equaliser followed soon after from Tigers from a free kick in midfield and a lofted shot over keeper Blair Underwood who had a good solid day in goal.
Soon after Tigers went 1 ahead after some great teamwork which left Magpies defence stranded. Magpies midfield, Lawrence Clothier, Josh Goodwin and Ben Brady, worked tirelessly. Matt found himself on the end of another through ball but with the keeper to beat pushed wide again leaving Magpies frustrated at 3-1 down.
Digging deep the Magpies lifted their game. Kody Nowell worked hard in midfield but unable to deliver the final pass to equalise again. Henry Smitstra playing out of his skin met the ball at half way pushed through two Tigers players and found his way into the goal box with only the keeper to beat tucked the ball into the left corner to deliver a text book goal! Magpies looking comfortable and the end in sight were caught out again with a 3 on one with sweeper Roberta Wigelsworth unable to contain and Tigers forcing the final draw. Proving Magpies can score goals this was a day the defence folded and positional discipline was needed.
New World Player of the day: Henry Smitstra for his outstanding determination and a fantastic goal also won the McDonald’s Trainer of the week. Well done.
Saturday June 9 Magpies 1 v Te Awamutu Tornadoes 2
On the back foot from the start the Magpies struggled through the first half with few chances. Tornadoes took an early lead with an absolute blinder from a chipped ball in from the left wing and a volley (that would’ve beaten most keepers) leaving Magpies keeper Ben Brady stranded.
With renewed enthusiasm Tornadoes tucked away another soon after leaving Magpies defence struggling after only the first 10 minutes. Matt Watkin provided the only close chance of the half finding himself in space with only the keeper to beat, shaving the near post. Half time saw Magpies 2 down.
Magpies opened their second half with an early shot sailing over the bar. Magpies started to lift their game and Blair Underwood backed up in goal with safe hands under pressure. A goal mouth scramble saw Magpies almost come away with a goal after two shots from close range but were unlucky not to score. A lay back from Logan Raynel saw a shot fired straight back in from Kody but again saved by the Tornadoes keeper. A much better half from Magpies, passes were starting to stick and the midfield started to click.
Another shot midway through the second half from Kody once again forced a great save by the Tornadoes keeper. The match seemed to change when Ben Brady made a run from right back pushing a pass through which saw Matt Watkin take his chance from close range finally beating the Tornadoes keeper for Magpies first goal. Heads up and game on it all came too late for the Magpies today.
New World Player of the day: Ben Brady, McDonalds Trainer of the week: Kody Nowell
Saturday May 26 Magpies 0 v Morrinsville Knights 0
This was an even match contested on a battle field full of long wet grass. Morrinsville seemed to have the edge in the first half with their forwards testing keeper Ben Brady regularly. Roberta Wigelsworth was tested throughout the game but managed to hold her line well with support from Josh Goodwin and Henry Smitstra. Magpies were not out of the action but didn’t seem to get as many shots on target in the first half.
Second half, Lawrence Clothier again proving to be solid in midfield with a work rate unequalled, was given a spell making room for Ben Brady to come out of goal. A good start to the second half saw Magpies threaten early with Ignacio Trias forcing a save within the first few minutes. Ten minutes in and Henry Smitstra won the ball and pushed a lofted shot shaving the near post. Magpies were lifting their game but couldn’t find a way past the Morrinsville defence and keeper. A good break from Kody Nowell on the left resulted in a shot rebounding off the Morrinsville keeper which Blair Underwood managed to control and watched his shot sail over the crossbar.
With five minutes to go and Magpies applying all the pressure, Josh passed to Ben pushing Matt Watkin into space with just the keeper to beat but unfortunately pushed his shot wide in another attempt to score. A shot at the death again saw the ball rebound out of the goal box and Ben responding with a great shot saved again by the keeper who certainly deserved Knights player of the day. Well done Magpies for a great battle and a fair result.
New World Player of the day: Roberta Wigelsworth, McDonalds Achievement: Henry Smitstra, Trainer of the week: Josh Goodwin.
Saturday May 19 Magpies 6 v Hillcrest Tornadoes 1
Unlike previous outings Magpies were on fire from the start with all the early ball going their way. Matt Watkin opened the scoring early with a lofted shot easily beating the keeper. Ignacio Trias came on 12 minutes into the half and after finding the ball at his feet, managed to put away his first goal of the season. Just before the break another great team goal started from the back saw Josh Goodwin pushing up field to find Matt awho put away his second goal.
A solid first half saw the ball rarely making it into Magpies goal area and anything that did was easily cleaned up by keeper Ben Brady and sweeper Roberta Wigelsworth.
Up 3-0 at the break changes were again made with work horses Lawrence Clothier and Josh Goodwin given a break with Henry Smitstra given the chance to again prove himself a force at right back. Ten minutes in Logan Raynel was called on to make a fine save with the goal starting to see more action than the first half. Hillcrest, unable to clear a free kick for offside, saw Kody Nowell take advantage by meeting the ball early and taking the Hillcrest keeper on to put away a well placed shot.
A pass from Ben Brady to Blair Underwood saw Matt again receive the ball and taking on the keeper and winning with another text book goal. The sixth came from Kody again following up on the Tornadoes keeper to force the error. Ten minutes to go, a break from Matt in midfield pushed a pass to Josh Goodwin on the right to put across a great ball with Magpies forwards unable to take advantage.
A late shot from Tornadoes right winger found the back of the net for a consolation goal. This was a great effort from the Magpies. Well done team!
Player of the day: Matt Watkin. McDonalds Achievement: Kody Nowell. Trainer of the week: Ignacio Trias
Goals: Matt 3, Kody 2, Ignacio 1
Saturday May 12 Matamata Magpies 3 v Hamilton Wanderers 0
Magpies started this game out of sorts (just as last week) never really taking control early. The breakthrough came with Magpies first goal. Matt Watkin taking the ball on the right brought it into the goal box, beating two players and neatly slotting it into the right hand corner wide of the keeper - a textbook goal.
Magpies started to strengthen and the follow-up goal came soon after with the ball being won in midfield and Kody striking from the left. Ben Brady played well in goal with safe hands and quick reflexes managing to save anything that passed the back line of Roberta Wigelsworth, Josh Goodwin and Blair Underwood.
Just before the break the ball moved swiftly up the left and Kody again pressed into the box and unloaded to Matt who stepped over the pass and an empty goal.
Up 2-nil at the break changes were made with Henry Smitstra and Ignacio Trias coming on and changing the dynamics of the game once more. 12 minutes in Lawrence Clothier struck an excellent shot from outside the goal box to force a good save from the Wanderers keeper. A corner from Logan Raynel saw a shot on target from Ignacio and Magpies were looking comfortable.
With 5 minutes left, the third goal came with a great build up started from keeper Blair Underwood who passed to Josh Goodwin up the left to Logan through to Ignacio and into Matt at the edge of the box to finish off a great team effort.
Player of the day: Lawrence Clothier. McDonalds Achievement: Matt Watkin. Trainer of the week: Blair Underwood.
Goals: Matt 2, Kody 1
Saturday May 5 Matamata Magpies 3 v Te Awamutu Tornadoes 2
Magpies followed up last weeks win with a memorable match against Te Awamutu Tornadoes. With all the early pressure coming from the Tornadoes the Magpies struggled to come to grips with wave after wave of attack by the Tornadoes. At 2-nil down it could have been worse if not for some brilliant goal keeping by Ben Brady and defensive play by Josh Goodwin.
Just before the break Kody Nowell put away another fine left foot shot to give Magpies some hope.
After the half time team talk Magpies were a different team and after a shot on target Matt Watkin followed up on the Tornadoes keeper to clean up by scoring an equalizer. Henry Smitstra came into his own at fullback with some great pressure and strong runs up the wing. Lawrence Clothier held the midfield together with some great team work.
After receiving a pass from Logan Raynel just outside his goal box, Lawrence made the winning goal by pushing a pass through to Kody to finish. Magpies finished as strongly as Tornadoes started and just when we thought we’d seen it all Josh Goodwin fired home a rocket from half way to force an outstanding save by the Tornadoes keeper. A shot which deserved a goal!
A great team effort by Magpies. Player of the day: Josh Goodwin. McDonalds Matamata Achievement Award: Ben Brady. Trainer of the Week: Ignacio Trias
Saturday April 28 Matamata Magpies 8 v Cambridge Hawks 0
Magpies opened the 2007 season with an 8-0 victory on a slippery pitch over Cambridge Hawks.
After a quiet opening spell, Kody Nowell opened the scoring with a clinical left foot shot from the penalty spot thanks to a hand ball in the area. The result saw the Magpies settle into their rhythm with several missed chances. Blair Underwood played a steady game in Magpies goal and looked strong when tested.
Logan Raynel crossed in a floating corner and after finding a few heads Josh Goodwin put away his first goal of the season from inside the box. Just before the break Kody scored from distance beating the Hawks keeper recovering from a goal kick. Ben Brady swept up well behind defence for the injured Roberta Wigelsworth.
Up 3-0 at the break Magpies looked good with great teamwork from Lawrence Clothier and Ben Brady. Matt Watkin had some great runs and shots forcing the Hawks keeper to dig deep. New boys Henry Smitstra, Ignacio Trias and James Slack all contributed to a solid victory.
Player of the day went to Logan Raynel. Goal scorers: Kody 4, Josh 2, Lawrence 1, OG 1.