NUAFC 1968-2018

1971
Huntly Press
Wednesday, June 2nd, 1971
3-2 away win over Te Kuiti
Ngaruawahia United beat Te Kuiti 3-1 in an
interesting game played at Centennial Park on Saturday.
United settled down quickly after the kick-off, and
went into the attack immediately, with some very good drives
up both wings. There was a tendency to bunch up in midfield
by Te Kuiti, which pulled United players out of position.
However, United forwards still managed to push the ball out
to the wingers, who carried the ball well up the pitch to make
frequent attempts at goal.
United’s attempts were rewarded when, after 20
minutes, Charles Gorman kicked the first goal of the match.
Shortly after, however, and injury caused him to retire, much
to the disappointment of team-mates. He was replaced by R.
(Sharkey) Berryman.
The game continued to be interesting, with Sharkey
showing great determination and working very hard.
United had the edge over Te Kuiti, and had more
possession of the ball. They had obviously settled down much
more quickly than the previous week and were having a better
game.
Shortly before half-time, Allan Rose centred a corner
kick well, and Steven Barr was very unlucky to miss his
attempt at goal.
The second half again saw United pushing well
towards goal, and they were again rewarded for their efforts
when Allan Rose gained United’s second goal after 30
minutes.
Play followed a similar pattern, being consistent, with
some good clearing kicks from Sandy MacDonald, and
goalkeeper, Rex Nightingale, being the usual tower of
strength with some excellent goal kicks.
United’s third and final goal came after 40 minutes of
play, and at this stage Te Kuiti appeared unlikely to score, but
made a comeback when, after 43 minutes, they gained their
goal.
Ngaruawahia continued to attack well right to the end
of the game, and in the closing minutes, Captain George
Sunnex was unfortunate to miss with a further attempt at goal.
The final whistle blew with the score at Ngaruawahia
United 3, Te Kuiti 1.
From a spectator’s point of view a very interesting
game which could, with plenty of practises, be improved.
This week’s team: George Sunnex (captain), Rex
Nightingale (goalkeeper), Barry White, Dave Sidney,
Stephen Barr, Alan Rose, Sandy MacDonald, Charles
Gorman, Malcolm Burt, Maurice Frankhauser, Sharkey
Berryman (replacement).
Huntly Press
Wednesday, June 9th, 1971
First victory over Mangakino
in three years
George Sunnex, Robin Turner and Allan Rose
played United into their first win against Mangakino in three
years. Having met Mangakino in three matches last year,
drawing one 2-2 and losing two 6-0 and 1-0, Ngaruawahia
United were looking forward to beating the 1970 knock-out
winners, at Mangakino.
Play in the first half was not anything out of the
ordinary, due, perhaps to the constant rain and a very slippery
ball. With three minutes gone Robin Turner tested the
Mangakino keeper with a drive that narrowly crept over the
bar. However, George Sunnex made up for this when he
netted a perfect corner kick from Malcolm Burt after 20
minutes.
Up to this stage of the game both teams were evenly
matched, with neither dominating the ball. A Mangakino
forward was injured when he and Rex Nightingale clashed for
the ball, but he was soon back in play.
On several occasions Robin Turner narrowly missed
the goal with good drives from well out, after good attacking
by Rose and Burt. Allan Rose scored the second goal 20
minutes into the second half when his angled shot was too fast
for backs or the keeper, from about 20 yards out.
United, feeling themselves on top of the game, kept
the pressure on. Rex Nightingale worked an intelligent
defence in goal with his fullbacks combining well to bottle up
any attacking forwards.
Five minutes from the whistle, Robin Turner’s
efforts were rewarded when he executed a right shot to score
by placing the ball in the net beside the post.
Ken Chisholm nearly netted also when his shot was
met by the keeper, who had miraculously recovered from
being pulled right out of position. Final score 3-0 to
Ngaruawahia United.
Team: Rex Nightingale, Maurice Frankhauser,
Sandy MacDonald, Barry White, Ken Chisholm, Steven
Barr, Neil Gorman, Malcolm Burt, Robin Turner, Allan
Rose, George Sunnex.
Huntly Press
Wednesday, June 23rd, 1971
Ngaruawahia plays a “shoccer”
against Teachers-Varsity!
A most disappointing spectacle was the lot of the
Ngaruawahia United supporters as they saw their “team” go
down in a deserved defeat by Teachers-Varsity, 6-2, on
Saturday. Deliberate fouling and needless bickering between
players of the United team would have turned the stomach of
the most ardent fan.
Only for about 10 minutes did the team cohese
purposefully, and then Teachers began to successfully probe
the weaknesses of United’s defence.
Rex Nightingale was tested to the limit by the
Varsity forwards, who cleverly manipulated the ball in front of
goal. The 6 goals were intelligently constructed, and they
carved up the United defence at will.
Robin Turner had two bright spots in an otherwise
static display in the forwards when he netted both
Ngaruawahia’s goals from the right wing. Ngaruawahia sorely
missed the sparkle of Allan Rose in the forwards.
There were many players who should have lost their
places to the reserves who watched in anguish at the lethargic
display.
Also it could be said that having a coach to referee
the match is not the best for either team. Ken Chisholm
presented Varsity with numerous free kicks (one a penalty) for
late tackles, and United will have to cease fielding unfit
players while the fit ones are grounded on the sideline as
reserves.
It is hoped that the United selectors will deliberate
more carefully when choosing this Saturday’s team against
Waikeria.
Team: Nightingale, White, Frankhauser,
MacDonald, C. Gorman, N. Gorman, Chisholm, Barr,
Turner, Burt, Sunnex. Reserves: R. Berryman, S. Mark, T.
Janssen.
17