A five goal first half blitz from a rampant Greyfriars Motel Greytown FC sent visitors Naenae back over the Remutaka Hill on Saturday with their tails between their legs after adding a further three in the second half at Soldiers Memorial Park.

In Coach Phil Keinzley’s absence, Assistant Josh Stevenson put all the responsibility on his shoulders, scoring six of the eight goals, three in each half while fellow debutant Gareth Gwyther scored a first half brace to get the rout underway. Had it not been for two crucial saves by goalkeeper Gary Hewson, the hosts could have found themselves behind in the first half till Gwyther scored on a quick counter attack after Naenae had been denied what looked a good penalty shout.

Following Gwyther’s opening goal Stevenson took over the scoring action with two quick goals to open an almost unassailable lead after only 15 minutes, before the former Masterton Athletic forward snagged his second with Stevenson completing a first half hat-trick just before the break.

Naenae came out all guns blazing after the break and again Hewson was called on to keep the clean sheet before Stevenson got back into goal scoring action with a second half hat-trick to round out the 8-0 scoreline.

As you would expect from a scoreline such as this, it was a complete team performance with Assistant Coach Stevenson picking up man of the Match honours with 16 year old left fullback Liam Andrew playing out of his skin to out perform his rivals on a consistent basis, keeper Hewson defying the age gods to keep a clean sheet for the home side. With perennial top goalscorer Jarrod MacDonald missing out on the goals this week, he more than made up for it with his general play picking up three assists, while at the back Max Mitchell and Bill Reynolds provided a solid wall with the help of defensive midfielders Andy Traill, Nik Finlay and Ryan Butler.

Greytown are at home again in week two when Victoria University Reserves head across the hill to Soldiers Memorial Park and returning coach Phil Keinzley will be hoping for another top team performance as witnessed by everybody at the ground on Saturday.

Article added: Thursday 06 April 2023