Soccer: Fairytale ending for Misfits
Maycenvale Misfits yesterday claimed a double three peat to show why they still are the best in women's soccer in Hawke's Bay.
The Craig Barkle-coached side beat Taradale Baldwin Jewellers 3-1 in the HB AppMed House Knockout Cup final at Marewa Park, Napier, to complete a dream season, albeit one that dragged on.
The victory came on the heels of last Thursday night's 3-0 league title win over Taradale at Petane Domain, Eskview.
Yesterday Dale threw everything at Vale, especially in the last 20 minutes, but the women in orange absorbed the pressure.
Dale lost structure at times, with players lacking peripheral vision as attacking opportunities went begging while they tried to muscle their way through the middle of the park.
Vale's Lauren Hartridge scored the first goal in what can best be described as unrehearsed - with her back to the goal from about 25m out she hooked the ball towards the goal. The ball caught Dale keeper Mandy Dumbleton on the hop, bouncing in front of the goal and hitting the roof of the net.
It wasn't until the 55th minute that Vale skipper Aleesha Heywood made it 2-0, chesting a ball down inside the 18m box before placing it into the net.
In the 63rd minute Holleigh Ellis hoofed a ball from 35m out to beat Dumbleton for a 3-0 comfort zone.
Dale, who played considerably better in the second half, counterattacked with captain Kelly Frewin spearheading from centre-mid.
In the 68th minute, Oxana Volk pulled one back to 3-1 after she controlled a corner kick from Jordan Gerbes to drive the ball to the bottom-right corner where Vale keeper Grace Fulford fumbled.
Vale had two chances to score, especially towards the end, but Claudia Barnham left her sensible shoes at home, missing from gimme positions.
"We're very lucky to sneak a win in there because they could have scored a couple of more times," Heywood said.
Dale tried to bulldoze through the middle but her defenders got them every time by parking themselves in front of the 18m box.
"They could have created more space through their wings and popped a few in but they didn't," Heywood said, revealing that's what they did to their rivals.
She said Vale had grown since a loss and draw to Dale this winter.
Frewin disagreed, saying Vale didn't dominate the first half but were more adept at scoring goals.
"In saying that I don't think the scoreline reflects that," she said adding they could have won but two goals were unstoppable.
Veteran Gail Hall didn't play.
First division Port Hill United were plate winners, thumping second division Hastings Rovers 4-0 after a 2-0 lead at halftime.
Annemarie "Spike" Lawlor, Abby Burrows, Ruth Johnston and Melissa Pinfold scored.
