Vs Avondale College: May 28, 2009.

MAGS STROLL INTO NEXT ROUND

Auckland Knock Out Cup holders Mount Albert Grammar School beat Avondale College today 3-1 at Alberton Avenue.

Although Avondale College never really threatened the cup holders they did keep battling and recorded a goal of their own after a Patrick Williams right wing corner was palmed into his own goal by MAGS goalkeeper Patrick George in the 68th minute.
For Avondale it was time for celebration and for MAGS it was a gentle reminder that if concentration is lost you will get punished.

Nikko Boxall forced a Pomare Te Anau corner over the line in the 5th minute and it looked like it was just a matter of time before more goals would be added to the score line.  However it took 33 minutes for  Pomare Te Anau to add to the tally when he tapped home a Dakota Lucas pin point cross. At 2 - 0 the game was already sealed with Avondale unable to breach the strong back four of Ryan Elder, big Jude Fitzpatrick, Caleb Duncan and Hayden Porter.

Changes were made in the MAGS midfield with Jordan Vale back after being on the sidelines for a month injured replacing Conrad Poi. His first game back revealed his lack of match practice with his distribution going astray on too many occasions.

Up front the MAGS attack was troubling Avondale Lucas, Te Anau and stiker Faitalia Hamilton showing on many occasions their speed and skill but unfortunately it was not finished off with goals. In the 36th minute Hamilton received a throw in inside the penalty area, he held off the Avondale defender who lost patience and brought him down. Referee Glen Williams had no hesitation pointing to the spot. Pomare Te Anau casually stroked the ball to the right of goalkeeper Boaz Peach who saved easily.

Half time MAGS 2 Avondale 0
 
Changes were made at half time by MAGS coach Kevin Fallon Conrad Poi replaced Jordan Vale in midfield and Karlo Pavic was brought on upfront for Faitalia Hamilton. Poi was instantly in action testing Boaz in the Avondale goal with a 25 yard piledriver. Three minutes later Tom Boss had Boaz coming to Avondales rescue again with a fine save from the edge of the box.
Then in the 52nd minute a rare Avondale attack after Caleb Duncan gave away a free kick. It was launched into the MAGS penalty area George went to gather but gave no shout and centre back Jude Fitzpatrick headed out of his hands virtually for a Avondale corner, Patrick Williams swung it out and goalkeeper George fumbled again palming the ball into his own goal under pressure from Eli Mwaijumba.
Connor Lynch replaced captain Ryan Elder in the 63rd minute. Five minutes later the game was all over when Lucas finished off a series of attacks that were keeping the Avondale left flank busy.
It was just reward for a busy afternoon for the MAGS winger.
It stayed that way until the end MAGS were through to the next round but Avondale would be more than happy with a result that did not reflect the chances created.

Afterwards MAGS coach Kevin Fallon said "It was a practice match for us and we should have kept a clean sheet and defintely scored a lot more at the other end. Avondale will be pleased with that result."
Avondale coach CJ Healey was pleased with their performance adding "there was only one Man of the Match for me and that was my goalkeeper Boaz Peach, he had a game to remember. MAGS were strong and we can be well pleased with the result good luck to them in the next round."

Final result: MAGS 3 Avondale 1

MAGS: George, Elder (c), Duncan, Fitzpatrick, Porter, Vale, Boxall, Boss, Te Anau, Lucas, Hamilton.

Referee: Mr Glen Williams.
Goalscorers; Boxall 5, Te Anau 33, Lucas 68
Cautions: Nil, Dismissals Nil

Man of the Match:  Jude Fitzpatrick