Season 2005: Match reports from the games

MAGS WIN ALEX HARVEY CHALLENGE TROPHY

The last game of the Auckland Premier League season saw Mount Albert Grammar School take out the Alex Harvey Challenge trophy in a fiercly fought match against close rivals Auckland Grammar School.
Pictured above (from left) Bobby Bland (2nd X1 Coach), Arran Rowley (Goal keeper) Joe Simpkins (Capt), Kevin Fallon (Coach), Shohei Manjyu and Tuka Tisam.

F rom the onset MAGS went about their task in the Grammar School clash with professional efficiency. Captain Joe Simpkins and tough midfield partner Josh Smith took a vice-like grip on the midfield area.
It was only a matter of time before the League Champions asserted their authority on the scoreboard.
In the 38th minute Damien Fonoti forced home from a goal mouth melee, giving MAGS a half time lead of 1 - 0.
Geoff Strickland replaced Tuka Tisam at half time. The next ten minutes saw Auckland Grammar have their only dominant spell of the game. From twenty yards out talented midfield player Jacob Matthews equalised with a curling free kick over the wall.
Their glory was short lived as Mount Albert turned the screw and driven on by powerful fullback Michael Boxall they tore the Auckland Grammar rear guard to shreds. In a twenty minute spell they scored five goals, two of which were disallowed.
Josh Smith scored from the penalty slot. Geoff Strickland, his customary six yard box goal and Adrian Fonoti cooly slotted the fourth.
On the day the League Champions were a class above the bewildered Auckland Grammar team.
Team: Rowley, Boxall, Campbell, Mattock, Schaeffers, Paulus, Smith, Simpkins (Capt), Ruka, Tisam, Fonoti D.
Substitutes: Strickland for Tisam (46), Fonoti A for Fonoti D (70), MacRae for Ruka (70).
Goals scored by: Fonoti D, Smith pen, Strickland, Fonoti A.

Final Score: Win to Mount Albert Grammar School 4 - 1

Man of the Match: Michael Boxall

MAGS TAKE OUT AUCKLAND SECONDARY SCHOOLS LEAGUE TROPHY

The winning team:
Back row: Macrae Sloper, Kevin Fallon (coach), Rhys Ruka, Arran Rowley (goal keeper), Van Lindsay, Malcolm MacRae, Byron Paulus, Tim Schaeffers, Josh Mattock and Damien Fonoti.
Front row: Geoff Strickland, Michael Boxall, Sam Campbell, Joe Simpkins (Captain), Faid Ibrahim, Josh Smith and Kevin Holt (manager).

Coach Kevin Fallon, (pictured talking to the Headmaster, Mr Greg Taylor) and Captain Joe Simpkins take possession of the recently refurbished shield.

Vs Kings College: Saturday 20th August.

 

In glorious sunshine reigning champions Mount Albert Grammar School blitzed Kings College to retain the Beswick Shield. It was MAGS finest performance of the season.
They put behind them the mid-week loss in the Auckland Knock-Out cup and concentrated on retaining their status as Auckland's champion football school. Their early forays were thwarted by a strong Kings defence. In the 25th minute a Joe Simpkins free kick volleyed across the six yard by Tim Schaeffers towards the post area. Big striker Damien Fonoti rose high at the far post to powerfully head home from six yards out. From this point on the championship was staying at Alberton Ave. Fonoti volleyed his second five minutes later. Geoff Strickland added another in the 40th minute.
Half time Score: MAGS 3, Kings 0.
MAGS resumed where they left off, Strickland ran riot in the second spell scoring five goals in all to top off a superb individual performance. The finishing touch was added by a delighted MAGS captain Joe Simpkins whose 88th minute goal from the edge of the box capped off a sound workmanlike performance.
On todays performance MAGS will be a big threat next Saturday when they meet Auckland Grammar School @ 12.00pm @ Auckland Grammar School. The match will have plenty of bite about for at stake will be the Alex Harvey Industries Challenge Trophy. Don't bet against the boys in sky blue winning their second trophy this season.
Team: Rowley, Boxall, Campbell, Mattock, Schaeffers, Paulus, Simpkins (Capt), Smith, MacRae,
Fonoti D, Strickland.
Substitutes: Sloper not used, Lindsay for Boxall (80min), Ruka for Paulus (69), Ibrahim for Fonoti D (72)
Referee: Mr Matt Cortesi.

Final Score: Win to Mount Albert Grammar School 8 - 0
Man of the Match: Geoff Strickland (5 goals)

MAGS started the first half in their 4-4-2 formation with Damien Fonoti and Faid Ibrahim paired together upfront and Captain Joe Simpkins returned to his familiar spot in the middle of the midfield. The early exchanges were all MAGS way as they started to dominate the midfield. Byron Paulus looked as if he could unlock a steady Westlake defence, well marshalled by Tommy Smith.
The first half domination led to nothing and Damien Fonoti and Faid Ibrahim could not make any inroads towards the Westlake goal. Damien Fonoti was substituted in the 42nd minute, his replacement Geoff Strickland certainly looked livelier.
Half time: MAGS 0 Westlake 0.
The changes started to pay off as Strickland, twice and Ibrahim, three times missed relatively good goalscoring chances. Then Strickland outsped the Westlake rearguard to be pulled back by the last Westlake defender who was cautioned for his misdemeanour by referee Mr Glen Taylor.
MAGS were looking more dominant, Monjyu replaced a fading Faid Ibrahim in the 76th minute, his impact being felt straight away with his looking to receive upfront. At this stage it was all MAGS with Westlake looking dangerous only at corner kicks. The final roll of the dice saw Jonathan Raj replace Rhys Ruka.
The first period of extra-time saw no changes in the overall pattern of play. The decisive moment came when with three minutes to go Sheldon Pillay managed to find a gap in the MAGS defence speeding goalwards between Sam Campbell and Josh Mattock he drew goalkeeper Arran Rowley and promptly lobbed the ball over his head to his teammates delight. It was to be the match winner.
For MAGS another day of missed opportunities.

Team: Rowley, Boxall, Campbell, Mattock, Schaeffers, Paulus, Smith, Simpkins (Capt) Ruka, Ibrahim and Fonoti D.
Substitutes: MacRae not used, Lindsay not used, Strickland for Paulus (42), Monjyu for Ibrahim (76), Raj for Ruka ( (86)

Final Score: Loss to Mount Albert Grammar School 0 - 1 (in extra-time)
Man of the Match: Byron Paulus

Stunning upset in Top and Bottom League table clash: Shock Loss to Mount Albert Grammar School 1 - 2.

MAGS started this game minus captain Joe Simpkins and also without striker Tuka Tisam and Adrian Fondti.
Despite that it was a strong MAGS team that took the field against Liston college who were desperate for the points being anchored at the bottom of the table with Kelston Boys High School.
A MAGS win would mean they were the premier league champions.
From the outset on the muddy surface, Liston College inspired by their confident captain Gerrard Edwards competed for every ball.
The game developed into a physical encounter that MAGS were beginning to look second best in. Missed chances by Damien Fonoti and Faid Ibrahim would prove to be costly at the afternoon's end.
Then fortune shone upon MAGS as the referee awarded them a penalty when Damien Fonoti was hacked down in the penalty area. Captain for the day Josh Smith struck the ball low and hard, but it was well saved by the Liston College goal keeper Matthew Johnston. This inspired the rampant Liston team even more and they opened the scoring when Gerrard Edwards turned Josh Mattock and shot into an open goal at an acute angle.
Half time : MAGS 0, Liston college 1
No changes were made at half time and MAGS set about their task of trying to win the championship. They battled and stormed the Liston goal mouth yet the Liston defence stood firm.
A 60 min right wing corner from Josh Smith opened the door, up rushed big Josh Mattock and equalised for MAGS. Minutes later another gift came MAGS way, a Liston defender handled the ball in the sludgy goal mouth. Smith once again missed the resultant pentalty blasting it over the bar. A golden opportunity to win the league had gone.
Liston gathered their resources and stormed back. Michael Boxall chase d a ball down the right back spot and got involved in a clumsy challenge and the referee awarded a penalty for Liston. Their captain Jared Ewards made no mistake and blasted the ball into the back of the net. It was to be the winner and a historical win for Liston college. For Mags a disappointing performance on a testing surface that frankly they never adapted to. A day for a little soul searching, a day when celebrations were for the victors.
Goals scored by: Josh Mattock
Team: Rowley, Lindsay, Boxall, Mattock, Schaeffers, Paulus, Campbell, Smith (Capt), Ruka, Ibrahim and Fonoti D.
Substitutes: Raj for Paulus (75 ), Strickland for Fonoti D (65), MacRae not used

Final Score: Loss to Mount Albert Grammar School 1 - 2
Man of the Match: Tim Schaeffers

Vs Westlake Boys High School: Saturday 6th August.

on defensive errors by MAGS.
MAGS settled and the game was proceeding very evenly with chances created at both goals.
MAGS were the first team to score when Josh Smith was brought down in the box when
challenging a Van Lindsay cross. Smith then stepped up and calmly slotted the ball into the net.
Half time Score: MAGS 1 Westlake 0

MAGS started the 2nd half like the first and were immediately on the back foot with some impressive Westlake pressure. The game turned when a decisive through ball by Smith was converted by the talented Adrian Fonoti. This really put the pressure on Westlake and MAGS were extremely unlucky not to be 3 - 0 ahead but the referee adjudged it to be offside. This call stunned the sideline because their was no doubt that Tism was on side. Westlake were put to the sword stone but managed to hold off the continuous MAGS attacks down the flanks with Smith and Paulus and through the middle with Campbell and Simpkins. Westlake got a consolation goal from Tommy Smith in the last minute from a precise corner. But for Westlake it was too little too late.

Goals scored by: Josh Smith and Adrian Fonoti
Team: Rowley, Lindsay, Boxall, Mattock, Schaeffers, Paulus, Simpkins (capt), Campbell, Smith, Tisam and Fonoti A.
Substitutes: Paul, Ruka for Paulus (70 ), Fonoti D for Tisam (81), Ibrahim for Fonoti A (85), Strickland not used

Final Score Win to Mount Albert Grammar School 2 - 1
Man Of the Match Joe Simpkins

Vs St Peters College: Tuesday August 2nd (Knockout Cup, Quarter Finals)

Mags thrash St Peters.In a lethargic first half performance by MAGS only a Josh Mattock goal from the edge of the box separated the two teams. It was just reward for the big stopper after he scored a perfectly good goal in Saturday's encounter against the same team, only to see it disallowed.
Half time: MAGS 1 St Peters College 0.

No changes were made by Coach Fallon at half time which was surprising. His faith in his team was rewarded as MAGS completely overan a tired St Peters. It was all over on the hour mark when Captain Joe Simpkins cooly slotted the fourth goal from the edge of the box. When the final whistle blew it was 7- 0, with MAGS still full of running.

Goals scored by : Tuka Tisam 2, Adrian Fonoti 3, Josh Mattock 1, Joe Simpkins 1.

Team: Rowley, Lindsay, Boxall, Mattock, Schaeffers, Paulus, Simpkins (capt), Campbell, Smith, Tisam and Fonoti A.
Substitutes: Ruka for Simpkins (60), Strickland for Fonoti A (71), MacRae for Paulus (68).

Final Score: Win to Mount Albert Grammar School 7 - 0
Man of the Match: Josh Mattock

Photo credit: Brian Murphy
The game between MAGS and St Peters was changed to the MAGS Number 1. MAGS put pressure on St Peters  from the kick off and dominated most of the first half. Geoff Strickland opened the scoring 20 minutes in and Josh Smith made it two nil with a penalty.
St Peters had a brief revival nearing the end of the half but the MAGS defense held strong.
In the second half MAGS continued to dominate but failed to add to their total. A surging run forward from defender Michael Boxall combined with a strike from 25 yards out put MAGS ahead three nil. Adrian Fonotti sealed the game at four nil with a great strike from inside the box.

Final Score: Win to Mount Albert Grammar School 4 - 0
Lotto Man of the Match: Sam Cambell

Both MAGS and Rangitoto College played a fluent 4.4.2 combination, it was MAGS who dominated the early exchanges and many chances went begging in a sloppy first half for strikers Geoff Strickland and Faid Ibrahim. Amazingly against the run of play Rangitoto went 1 - 0 ahead in what can only be described as a comedy of errors between MAGS big centre backs Josh Mattock , Sam Campbell and goalkeeper Arran Rowley. The fiasco resulted in an own goal as Mattock tried to clear the ball and it riccocheted off Campbell and trickled past an out of position Arran Rowley in the MAGS goal.
Both strikers were replaced at half time and the pace picked up both on and off the field. Rangitoto Coach Paul Seaman was given a red card by the referee, Mr Glen Turner, which was later followed by a Rangitoto player. MAGS started to stroke the ball around with ease after Paulus had equalised from close range. Substitute Tuka Tisam got the winner, a Schaeffers cross converted with his head.It was no more than MAGS deserved.
Team: Rowley, Boxall, Campbell, Mattock, Schaeffers, Paulus, Simpkins (C), Smith, Ruka, Strickland, Ibrahim.
Substitutes: Lindsay for Paulus (66), Fonoti A for Ibrahim (46), Tisam for Strickland (46).

Referee: Mr Glen Taylor
Half time score: 0 - 1 to Rangitoto College

Final Score: Win to Mount Albert Grammar School 2 - 1
Man of the Match: Tim Schaeffers (presented by Steve Morrell)

The first game of the second round was played between MAGS and Kelston at Kelston. MAGS started by playing the ball around in the first half as Kelston applied little pressure, however after twenty minutes of possession could not capitalize.
Kelston were awarded a penalty as a result of a hand ball by defender Josh Mattock, however they failed to convert and the score remained nil all. MAGS then stepped it up another level with a great volley by winger Byron Paulus. MAGS continued to play well and by the half were ahead three nil.
The second half was played by Kelston much the same as the first with little pressure being placed on the MAGS defence; MAGS put two more past the Kelston defence by the end of the game to finish the game at five nil.

Goals scored by Geoff Strickland (2), Byron Paulus (2) and Joe Simpkins (1).

Final Score: Win to Mount Albert Grammar School: 5 - 0
Man of the Match:Byron Paulus

The game was played in atrocious conditions, virtually vertical walls of water falling from the sky. MAGS played well in the first half after they were put under strong pressure by Grammar in the first ten minutes. Byron Paulus initiated the scoring with a superb strike from the edge of the box. Unfortunately, all of the possession was not translated into points. A corner from Josh Smith and a fumble by the Grammar keeper gave MAGS one more goal to go into half time 2 - 0 up.

The rain increased in the second half, MAGS were again placed under pressure but weathered the storm for the majority of the half. It was not until Grammar defender Ian Hogg was sent off that they got on the score board from a header off a corner. Though there were many chances and near misses the score did not change.

Half Time: MAGS 2, Grammar 0

Final Score: Win to Mount Albert Grammar School 2 - 1
Man of the Match: Josh Mattock.

MAGS played Kings College at Kings, the game was played in atrocious conditions but the King's pitch held up well. MAGS had the majority of possession throughout the game but failed to put their chances away, missing 7 shots in the first half.
Half Time: MAGS 0 Kings 0

After half time MAGS played the ball around with a lot more energy and opened the King's defence. Captain Joe Simpkins scored first with a weaving run through the King's defence, Damien Fonotti scored second after the ball was played in off the right wing and Josh Mattock made it three nil after heading home a free kick.
The game finished three nil and man of the match was shared between Tim Schaeffers and Josh Mattock.

Match report:Josh Mattock

Final Score: Win to Mount Albert Grammar School 3 - 0
Man of the Match: Josh Mattock, Tim Schaeffers

MAGS started strongly and during no part of the first half did Rangitoto really threaten the MAGS goal. MAGS played their traditional style of keeping possession and "thrustrating" the opposition. MAGS were rewarded half way through the first half when Byron Paulus latched onto a loose ball in the box, MAGS 1 Rangitoto 0.
The next goal followed in quick succession and with the two Fonoti Brothers combining well up front, Damian Fonoti was able to place the ball into the back of the net.
Half Time: MAGS 2 Rangitoto 0
In the second half MAGS never really looked troubled and clinched the game with another Byron Paulus strike. MAGS really played well and every player deserves a pat on the back.
Match report written by Josh Smith.

Final Score: Win to Mount Albert Grammar School 3 - 0
Man of the Match: Damien Fonoti

Vs Liston College Saturday 11th June

The first goal came about from a Faid Ibraham cross which was finished off by Tuka Tism. MAGS went into the break ahead 1-0.
Liston College failed to capitalize on a mistake at the back when MAGS failed to communicate. Liston came out strongly in the second half, but half way through the second half Josh Smith put MAGS 2-0 up. Liston again came back strongly and pulled one back through a magnificent strike from well outside the eighteen yard box. Damien Fonoti then put MAGS 3-1 up and capped off a strong game up front.
Match report written by Josh Smith.

Final Score: Win to Mount Albert Grammar School 3 - 1
Lotto Man of the Match: Byron Paulus

Final Score: Loss to Mount Albert Grammar 0 - 2
Man of the Match: Byron Paulus

Most teams seem to lift their game against MAGS and this was the case with St Peters.

After a solid passage of play the ball landed for Bryon Paulus in front of goal and with total composure he placed the ball in the back of the net to make in 1 nil. After a quick break from an opponent's corner Faid Ibrahim dribbled past the goal keeper to make it 2 nil. MAGS kept applying the pressure and Joe Simpkins drilled a goal into the back of the net from just outside the box. After a clever run down the side line Josh Smith was brough t down in the box and the referee awarded a penalty. Josh Smith calmly slotted the ball into the corner of the net, 4 nil. St Peters still fought hard and were rewarded with a goal just before halftime.

Half Time: MAGS 4, St Peters 1 

St Peters kept pushing MAGS and when their speedy striker was brought down in the box and another penalty was awarded. MAGS 4, St Peters 2.

The game was sealed just before time when a St Peters player strangely kicked the ball in his own net and conceded one of the most peculiar own goals I have ever seen.
MAGS never fired in the 2nd half with only a few players standing out.
Josh Smith, Bryon Paulus, Arran Rowley and the young debutant, Malcom Macrae had notable performances.
Match report written by Josh Smith.

Final Score: Win to Mount Albert Grammar School 5 - 2
Man of the Match: Malcolm MacRae

Vs Rangitoto College Tuesday May 24th

This game was played between Rangitoto and Mount Albert Grammar School at Rangitoto College. MAGS started the game strong with decisive passing in the first half an hour and courtesy of a Geoff Strickland went into the break One Nil up.
Rangitoto were not short of chances but failed to capitalise on a few near misses.
In the second half Rangitoto fought hard but could not break through the MAGS defence. Faid Ibriham put MAGS two up with twenty minutes to go.

Final score: Win to Mount Albert Grammar 2 - 0
Man of the Match: Jonathan Raj

MAGS knew that they were always going to be up for a challenge as soon as the second round draw was finalised. Some may ask how the teams are drawn because to face the same team 3 out of 4 years is pretty remarkable. University Mount Wellington are one of the most successful club teams in NZ, winning the Chatham Cup a whopping 7 times. The game lived up to expectation with MAGS applying the earlier pressure and they were rewarded with a brillantly taken goal by Faid Ibrahim. After leading most of the first half MAGS lost concentration and conceded an equalising goal late in the first half. University Mt Wellington deserved their goal due to constant pressure in the MAGS final 3rd. Both teams came out flying and it looked as if the game was headed for extra time until, with only three minutes to go, Mt Wellington scored to take the game.

MAGS goal keeper Arran Rowley fully deserved Man of the Match due to his huge presence in goal.

Final Score : Loss to Mount Albert Grammar School 1 - 2.
Man of the Match: Arran Rowley

Vs Lynfield College: Wednesday May 18th Knockout Cup)

First round of knock out cup, MAGS VS Lynfield college, game played at Mount Albert Grammar School.

Lynfield came out strongly but after a poor first half by MAGS, MAGS went into the break 2-0 up after missing numerous chances. Again Lynfield came out strongly in the second hal,f but after the first ten minutes, they faded away. MAGS retained possession and with some quick passing in critical areas made Lynfield pay for their mistakes, scoring five goals in the second half.

Goal scorers were Geoff Strickland 1, Rhys Ryka 1, Gichin Fuhinui, 1 Faid Ibriham 2 and Phillip Ashley 1 and an own goal by Lynfield, the game finished 7 0 to MAGS.

Final Score: Win to Mount Albert Grammar School 7 - 0.
Man of the Match: Josh Mattock.

Vs Kelston Boys High School: Saturday Ma y 14th

Photo credit:Brian Murphy

The school season began with a game against Kelston Boys' High School. Kelston had to play two games, both home and away to St Kentigern College to ascertain who would keep a place in the Senior A1 grade. Kelston won the first game 2/1 and then lost the second game 1/4. The outcome was decided by penalty shootouts and so Kelston Boys played Mount Albert Grammar on Saturday. The goals were scored by Geoff Strickland and Tuka Tisam.The score was 1/0 at half time.

Final Score: Win to Mount Albert Grammar School 2 - 0

Man of the Match: Josh Smith