LINE UP:

Mori, Binning (Drumm 55), Valentine, Nelson (Bowden 66), Verdon, Wood, Edgerton-Bachmann, Robinson, Bramwell, Chapman (Jones 60) & Tagaloa.

RESULT:
11-0 (6-0 HT)
Goals: Tagaloa(3), Bramwell(3), Robinson(2), Jones(2) & Chapman

OVERVIEW:
The last friendly game before the season saw Manson Springs take on Otahuhu at Seddon Fields on Sunday morning. The weather was terrible but the football wasn't as the few that watched from under the shelter were treated to some more free flowing football and some excellent team goals.
Tagaloa got things started within 2 minutes, Verdon crossed well from the left and the young striker managed to direct her glancing header inside the far post. Otahuhu showed some sound defensive work for the next 15 minutes but Springs doubled the lead on 18 minutes with Robinson finishing expertly from a Bramwell cut back.

Tagaloa got her second via a fortunate deflection 5 minutes later and Robinson also added her second just 2 minutes after that, this time Chapman provided the cross from the right hand side and Robinson tapped in at the far stick. Chapman then got herself on the scoresheet with a well executed shoot from out wide catching the keeper off guard. Bramwell completed the first half scoring 4 minutes before the break, Robinson got wide on the left and Bramwell arrived just on time to hit home with her left foot under the body of the GK.

Otahuhu came out and gave it a good go at the start of the second half and Springs found it hard to get into the rhythm. 12 minutes in the breakthrough came when substitute Holly Jones played in Bramwell who finished one on one with keeper, this spurred Springs into life and they played some of the best football so far with some superb one touch attacks. Tagaloa completed her hat-trick after Jones supplied the through ball and 5 minutes later Bramwell returned the favour and un-selfishly crossed for Jones who tapped into an empty net. Sub Mel Drumm then slipped a throughball through to Bramwell who completed her well deserved hat-trick.

But Springs left the best till last and scored a quite fantastic team goal. Mori in goal rolled the ball out to Valentine who then released Verdon up the right hand side, she played a superb ball down the line to Tagaloa who burst past her defender and into the box. Tagaloa then cut back to Jones who played first time to Bramwell on the left hand side. Bramwell then sold two defenders with a silky step-over and crossed to Jones who volleyed home from 6 yards. A great team goal to end the day. Katherine Robinson picked up the player of the day award showing energy, poise and versatility whilst 18 goals in two games will certainly fill the team with confidence.

COACHES COMMENTS:
"Every game we play is different so we learn different lessions and have to deal with different challenges and today was no different. We spoke at half time about our own personal performances and they improved on that during the second half. We are a young side but they all take on board information well and learn quickly which is a great asset to have."

"Were really pleased with our attacking game, we have now scored 18 goals in two games which is good in anybody's books. We attack from all angles through lots of different players and it's very effective, we are also winning a lot of ball high up the pitch which is excellent. The centre backs and Chelsey provided a good shield today and the 7 attacking players showed excellent movements when going forward."

"Thats the last of pre-season now and we get into action next week, we are playing well and i'm sure we will take that into the start of the season, the players are really coming together as a group and the place has a good vibe about it at the moment."

"We can't praise all of them enough for what they have done pre-season but now the real test comes as we move into the league games, it's all about picking up points from here on in."