NUAFC 1968-2018

1983
consistently enough.
It is well known within the hierarchy of the Club that the 1st Division is
the hardest to control and motivate as they are the Reserves to the Northern
League and may be called upon at a moment's notice. It is an accepted
disruptive situation, but also one that all clubs experience. It causes a good
deal of infighting but, often, players themselves tend to make things worse
with arguing and having a total lack of understanding. Let us all be aware
of the problem and give full support for the 1984 season.
The Northern League is one team I have had the most dealings
with. Who can forget the exciting win against Ellerslie with total dedication
from all team members — the narrow loss to Takapuna with the goal in the
dying seconds that wasn't a goal at all. Like the 1st Division, they have taken
us to the heights of ecstasy and plunged us into misery on other
occasions.
On the positive side we have to remember some of the brilliant
goals scored through the season — Keith Mackrell's hat-trick against
Clendon with Nelson's superb long chip in the same match — Keith again
against Birkenhead at home and John McSporran's blast in the return at
Birkenhead — Jeff Tozer taking on the defense on many occasions to score.
On the debit side we had a multitude of chances that were missed.
They were so numerous it hardly bears to try and name the offenders. One
thing for sure, you can't win games unless you score, and our lads seem to
want to walk it into the net. With
so many fine shots coming from our opponents it was only by the grace of
God and Jim Barry, that they didn't score.
As always happens, we lost some good players and gained some.
Before and during the year Phillip Hunter, Geoff Harman, John Cyples, John
Mohn and Keith Mackrell left for new pastures. John Stewart, Chris Barakat,
Mike Heappey and Micky Liddle all had injuries bad enough to keep them out
for most of the season. Our acquisitions were Ian Pretswell, Graeme Fleming,
Chris Spray and Grant Carlson, while McSporran, after a brief abduction,
returned to the firm.
In most of the games I observed the refereeing was of inferior quality,
apart from a few excellent referees, whose names I can't remember. Due
mainly to our success in reaching the World Cup, soccer has improved out
of sight, but the standard of referees has not kept up with this improvement.
The 2nd Division title was ours for the taking, but the double loss
to Birkenhead and draws with Whangarei and Manukau were our nemesis.
Those two losses were the only ones in League matches this season. Having
taken three points from Howick and shared the honours with Otara, the
two top teams. We are a naturally robust team with fighting spirit, but it
proved costly in penalties against us — Nacho's sending off and
subsequent suspension came at an inopportune time. John McMouth and
Johnny Mohn got their marching orders and there were a number of
unnecessary bookings.
In all, during League matches, we were penalised 381 times,
128 of these were for offside. Our domination was evident in the fact
that we won 158 corners and only conceded 91. In League games only,
the final statistics were: played 18, won 10, drew 6, lost 2. Goals for 35,
against 16. Points 26. Our biggest win was away to Clendon 4-0. Our worst
loss was away to Birkenhead 1-3.
We will be in the 1st Division in 1983. Let's hope that we will lift
our game and provide the entertainment our loyal supporters
deserve, particularly for Karrin, Bernice, Liz, Maxine, Joanne, Joe and
Mary-Anne who were there wet or fine.
Of all the Clubs around [even including Spurs] I am proud
to be a member of "The Green Machine". As Churchill was moved to say -
"Never has so much been owed by so many to so few". Amen!
The Fans
John McDermid & Maryanne Henckel
MAXINE WILLIAMS
A committed left-winger, able to side-step opponents with
verbal ease. At her most dangerous when defending against determined
opposition.
LYN EVERLEIGH
Originator of the now immortal phrase "Come on, Narra!". A
very skilful turn of phrase that has often left opponents floundering
and confused. A strong attacker.
JOANNE GUY
Makes frequent lightning forays from defensive positions. A
good team member whose positional play enables other players to run
off her with a great deal of success.
LIZ GORMAN
An effusive player who often intimidates the referee with
such time-honoured quotes as "Ref, really!" and "Oh! No!" whenever
her team is penalised.
BARBARA PLUME
Will give totally committed support to her right fullback. Has
often been heard to call out, in the excitement of a play "Down, Boy!".
KARRYN McLEOD
An effervescent mid-fielder who is always prepared to receive
passes from centre-backs and set up counter-attacks.
MEGAN SMITH
Champion of the body-swerve. Has a deceptive move when
attacking that leaves the opponent floundering. Likes to have a "lash" at
goal.
MARY ANNE HENCKEL
The dark horse of the team. Has lethal striking power,
making her one of the most Dane-gerous carriers of the ball in the side.
THERESA CARGO
Tall centre-half who leaves would-be tacklers "clutching" at
thin air. A quiet mover whose demeanour is deceptive. Powerful kicker.
1983 TRANSFERS OUT
W. Smith - to Unicol
Steve Graham - to Claudelands
Graeme MacDonald (to Marist)
John Brown - to Hamilton
John Cyples - to Hamilton
John McDermid - to Hamilton
Brian Harding - to Taupiri
Phillip Hunter - to Huntly
Frank Heuthorst - to Fraser
S. Brown - to Fraser
118
Brian Morris - to Fraser
Mark Webb - to Fraser
1983 TRANSFERS IN
Mark Webb - from Fraser
Brian Morris - from Fraser
Jose Diaz - from Fraser
Graeme Fleming - from Hamilton
G. Webb - from Hamilton
John McDermid - from Hamilton
Bernie Carmody - from Melville
Peter Morris - from Melville
Grant Carlson - from Wanderers
Chris Spray - from Wanderers
Ian Pretswell - from Wanderers
Dave Elgie - from Wanderers
Dave Blackett - from Wanderers
Derek Davis - from Wanderers
Garron Smith - from Wanderers
Nelson Grandonna - from Wanderers
Steve Graham - from Claudelands
Ken Houston - from Otorohanga
Martin Bell - from Taupiri