CLUB NEWS

JUNIOR AND YOUTH FOOTBALL IS ON A HIGH!!

Last week saw the commencement of preliminary trials for the 13th Grade age group as approximately 38 boys showed up to express their interest in playing football for one of the three 13th Grade FDMC teams this season.

Further trials for the same age grade will take place at Lynmouth Park from 4.30pm on Thursday 3rd April, under the watchful eye of new Head Coach, Glen Hooper and last seasons 12th Grade Taranaki Representative Coach, Steve Brailsford.

15th grade trials will be held at FDMC Number 1 Pitch on the same day at 3.30pm.

MATCH REPORT

FDMC CENTRAL FINANCE (1) V TEAM TARANAKI (4)

TEAM TARANAKI arrived at FDMC on Tuesday evening to complete a series of pre season friendlies prior to their opening game against Napier City Rovers as they look to get of to a good start in their Central League campaign and they played their part in a "five goal thriller".

Starting confidently against higher level opposition, FDMC contained Team Taranaki well and showed glimpses of good football without creating any real chances to score. However, it was the visitors who opened the scoring after 20 minutes, with a really well worked goal scored by FDMC old boy Karl Dolan and this was quickly followed by three more goals in the next 10 minutes as FDMC's young an inexperienced players were punished for a a number of individual errors.

However, FDMC came out fighting in the second half and as more players started to realise that they could compete on level terms they put in a much improved collective performance. Better passing and more ambition on the ball saw an increase in general possession and territory which entertained the spectators and made the team grow in confidence.

FDMC started to threaten the Team Taranaki back line more and more and in a flurry of attacking moves, Rory GARNER went close with a header at the back post and Tomas MOSQUERA rattled the cross bar with a fine 25 yard shot. FDMC were rarely troubled in defence throughout the second half and looked comfortable as Team Taranaki became frustrated under pressure. It was MOSQUERA who continued to threaten in attack the most and he was later rewarded with a fine opportunist goal 10 minutes from the end, latching on to a poor clearance from a defender and driving the ball into the top of the net from just outside the box.

MATCH REPORT

FC WESTERN (1) V FDMC CENTRAL FINANCE (2)

FDMC Central Finance wrapped up a demanding pre season schedule with a well earned victory over FC Western and two stunning strikes from forwards Morgan HALL and Tomas MOSQUERA - although they made hard work of a game that they never looked like losing.

Starting confidently and enjoying large amounts of posession, FDMC Central Finance failed to capitalise on their early advantage with some sloppy passing and casual attacking play. Frustration started to creep in as a number of good opportunities were wasted and there was a real sense of relief when the deadlock was broken with a sublime 25 yard rasping drive from Morgan HALL mid way through the half. FDMC Central Finance continued to apply considerable pressure on their opponents; dominating territory and possession but lacking composure at vital times.

The second half started with a much better tempo and an overall desire to improve on the first half performance. Better passing and an increase in energy saw the pattern of the game continue in our favour but FC Western took full advantage of a rare forrage into their opponents penalty area to score a fluke equalising goal from a cross that took a wicked deflection of a retreating defender.

This misfortune instantly spurred on the team to raise the level of their performance and in the last 20 minutes of the game FDMC Central Finance played some of their best football narrowly missing a number of opportunities to extend the lead. That was until Tomas MOSQUERA latched on to the ball just outside the penalty area with 5 minutes to go and lashed the ball hard and low into the far corner of the goal - a tremendous strike and a well deserved goal that resulted in a hard earned victory.

PLAYER NEWS

FDMC Central Finance confirms the signing of both Domenico SQUATRITI (Senior) and Geoff ANDREWS from local club New Plymouth Rangers for the 2008 season.

FDMC would like to extend a warm welcome to both players who will provide a wealth of football experience and an in depth knowledge of the Senior Men's Grade Premier Division. Domenico has spent the last three seasons as player / coach for NPR and brought much success to the club including victory in the 2007 Duff Rose Bowl Final against Waitara. He also has many years previous experience as both a player and coach at Motoroa AFC and he has significant experience coaching young local players at both Representitive and Federation level.

Geoff also has significant playing experience in the Taranaki Premier League and has recently been involved in managing the 15th Grade Taranaki Representative football team. It is hoped that both Domenico and Geoff will provide inspiration and leadership as we seek to develop our talented group of young players and they will both make the team more competitive at this level.

MATCH REPORT

Waitara (3) v FDMC Central Finance (0)

FDMC Central Finance came down to earth after their early success against Motoroa last week with a defeat at the hands of 2007 League Champions, Waitara - but the scoreline did not reflect the general pattern of the game or offer the rewards that FDMC Central Finance might well have deserved. Waitara fielded a strong team on the day, including a number of Team Taranaki and "guest players" in a fixture that excited the many specators watching.

Playing four quarters of 20 minutes, FDMC started well but wasted two gilt edge chances to take the lead early on after some creative midfield play. FDMC continued to play some excellent football and looked comfortable going in to the first break, but conceded a late goal after a composed finish from "guest player" and NPBHS old boy Edmund SMITH.

FDMC Central Finance went on to have the better of the second quarter and continued to create a number of chances which ultimately went begging. However, it was again SMITH who extended the lead mid way through the third quarter, rounding off a neat attacking move with another cool finish and he quickly stepped up to claim his hatrick when he converted a disputed penalty in possibly the only period of dominance that the home team enjoyed.

FDMC Central Finance responded well in the final quarter with considerable pressure as the team continued to pass the ball with accuracy and penetration. A number of chances followed as MOSQUERA saw one chance cleared off the line and another shot crash of the cross bar. Player of the Day, Rory GARNER then forced the keeper into a spectacular save with a rasping long range effort.

In the final moments, FDMC Central Finance may have realised that it was not going to be thier day when yet another superb effort, this time from Lance MOLYNEUX, rattled against the cross bar only to see Shane GARNER unable to convert the rebound from close range. Overall it was another good team performance, distorted by a flattering three goal margin that did not reflect the overall game but underlines the importance of taking chances at this level.

MATCH IMAGES

MATCH REPORT

MOTOROA AFC (1) V FDMC CENTRAL FINANCE (2)

FDMC recorded an early pre season victory against Motoroa AFC with a very controlled and mature performance that saw them take a 2-0 lead, both goals coming from the boot of Stephen KIBBY. The first a clinical strike following a goal mouth scramble and a second was quickly added with a well taken penalty.

FDMC contained their opponents well and restricted them to few real chances whilst continuing to create a number of good goal scoring opportunities at the other end - the pace and power of forwards Morgan HALL and Tomas MOSQUERA a constant threat. However, Motoroa struck back just before half time with Team Taranaki Captain, Jared McElhannan grabbing a spectacular goal against the run of play with a long range strike from just outside the box.

Motoroa enjoyed more posession early in the second half but dogged defensive work and two fine saves from keeper Stefan WALSH preserved the one goal advantage. As the second half developed, both HALL and MOSQUERA continued to threaten the Motoroa defence at will and both players were unfortunate not to extend the lead on a number of occassions as FDMC finished strongly to record a well deserved and historic win.