Report by JC
It was a busy weekend for Thames Football Club, with the Men’s Firsts, Reserves, and Women’s teams all in action and each coming away with a different result. It was a win for Thames Men’s Reserves as they made the short trip to Ngatea for a much-anticipated derby against Hauraki Plains – the first of its kind in recent history.
With this being only the second game for the newly created team, a 4-1 win was a remarkable result. Criswin Jose opened the scoring with a neat finish before Thames were pegged back by an equalizer as a floated corner caught the wind and sailed straight in. Thames goalkeeper Liam Gordon then became the hero as he beat away a penalty to keep the scores level.
This gave Thames the impetus as a period of dominance followed, with the visitors adding three more goals through Fernando Bassem Souilem, Jake Hudson, and Neil Hope to cap off a famous win for Jack McDonald’s boys.
“What a great first derby game for the team this weekend, and a memorable return to Ngatea for five of our players, who are ex-Hauraki players. Looking forward to the return fixture,” said manager McDonald.
On the opposite side of Waikato, Thames Men’s Firsts faced Northern United Humblebees in their second league fixture of the season. Honors were even as the teams played out a 1-1 draw in windy conditions. Thames started brightly as Darius King’s quick throw found Jamie Mustafa, whose low shot was saved by Zekyle Augustus’ foot.
King then created his own chance, neat footwork down the right, seeing him burst through the defence, but his near-post shot was saved. Northern United took the lead after a clash of bodies in the box led to a penalty, which was converted confidently by Logan Wallace. Fifteen minutes later, Thames captain Mickael Dernoncourt stepped out of defence and rattled the bar with a dipping long-range shot that resulted in a corner. Xavier Brown found Jonathan Coles at the back post, who capitalised on poor marking to head in the equaliser from close range.
The second half was more expansive, with both sides pressing hard for the winner. Thames nearly took all three points as a King cross came agonizingly close to dropping in before Raegan Winslow jinked into the box from the left, finding Eli Fale, whose deflected shot crept just wide of the post.
A late surge from Northern United was contained by goalkeeper Matthew Burchell, who was outstanding all afternoon with faultless handling. “I think the squad will look at the result and be glad for the point,” said coach Ben Taylor. “It could have easily gone either way, and we are happy to continue our unbeaten start to the season.”
Thames Women also started their season this weekend against a strong Melville United Epics outfit. Despite a sodden pitch after overnight rain, the game was high-quality throughout. Thames threatened early as Samantha Chamberlain threaded a through ball to Keltie McManus, who shot powerfully but straight at the keeper.
Jessica Rendall was next to be put through but blazed over the bar. Melville broke the deadlock as a Halina Free searching pass sent Jacqui McInally on her way, the experienced striker finished with a clever flick of her right boot. Thames responded with a superb team goal of their own. Selena Van Vugt picked up the ball at left back, and a series of slick passes found Rendall on the right, who weaved past her defender and crossed for Chamberlain to finish with a side-foot volley.
Just before half-time, Melville retook the lead. A cross from Stella Perano found Andrea Timings, who took the ball onto her left and finished low for 2-1. McManus came close again as a shot skimmed the post before Rendall burst through the defence and rattled the bar with a powerful drive – the rebound dropped to Ariel McNab, who turned in for 2-2.
Thames dominated the remainder but failed to get the winner. McNab and McManus both had chances but were kept at bay. Against the run of play, Melville sneaked the winner – McInally got her second with a low poked finish to seal the win in an entertaining game.
“Great first game, great to see them back out on the field after a long summer. Tough result, but now we have to look forward to our Kate Sheppard Cup game next Monday in Te Awamutu,” said coach Xavier Brown
