Line Up.
(3-4-1-2) Yates, Nelson, Jackman, Erceg, Wood, Duncan, Bramwell, Binning, Pearl (Jones 45), Collins (Tagaloa 70) & White (Rollings 70). Subs Not Used: McFadyen & Hindin.

Result.
0-0 (0-0 HT)
Goal: None

Overview.
In an eagerly awaited re-run of last years Knockout Cup Final Springs have shown considerable improvement to take equal points from their first battle with Lynn Avon this season. It's actually the second draw in a row between the two sides with Springs helping seal the title for Three Kings last term. This year however Springs look a different prospect and proved they will be a team to be respected and considered at the top end of the table this season.

A change in tactics and shape saw Springs adopt a 3-4-1-2 formation with Poppy Binning designated to man mark Hayley Moorwood. The tactics seemed to work a dream with the back three in good control throughout, Bramwell took over the man marking duties after 25 minutes and did a great job at keeping the NZ International midfielder quiet. The game started pretty slowly with both teams not willing to make a mistake or show their hand, the cagey opening minutes sprung into life when striker Rosie White pounced on a loose ball, outpaced Terry McCahill in the Lynn Avon backline and found herself bearing down on goal only to be denied by a top draw save from Stephanie Puckrin.

Lynn Avon were allowed possession frequently by Springs but couldn't find any clear way through the green and white rearguard, the best chance of the half falling to Kete who tried to pounce on Pam Yates who dropped the ball for a second, Bramwell cleared off the line and while the Lynn Avon dugout appealed for a goal the freekick was awarded to the Springs keeper.

Lynn Avon continued to dominate possession, Katie Hoyle was becoming the game's ring leader in the middle of the park but shear effort and desire from Springs kept them in the contest and kept Lynn Avon's stars quiet. If Springs had one fault it was lack of commitment in the tackles, too many being won easily by the team in red.

At half time Jones was introduced for Pearl and Springs decided to compete alot better in the challenges. The posession stats still favoured the vistors but there was still no clear way to goal and this began to frustrate the cup holders. Pam Yates gathered Kete and Gregorious efforts comfortably before Erceg saved the day with a timely headed clearance off the line from Kete. Springs failed to mount any real attacks of merit for the first 20 minutes of the half. Rollings and Tagaloa were introuced up front and straight away Rollings delivered a perfect ball from the right which only needed a touch in at the far post. Minutes later Jackman hit a great long ball over the head of McCahill but Tagaloa's control let her down 12 yards out and Puckrin gathered easily.



Humby missed a free header at the back post from a Percival cross before Rollings blocked Puckrin's clearance but Humby was their to mop up the danger. Yallop and Moorwood departed for Lynn Avon and Springs had a good spell with 20 minutes to go but this had goalless draw written all over it and thats how it stayed.

Springs will be happy with the well earned point and have now successfully gathered 4 points from two very tough games to start their season. Next week they visit Waitakere who have suffered two heavy defeats to date. Springs will hope for another three point hall as they gather speed on their push at the top of the table.

Coaches Comments.
"We put together a game plan to try and frustrate them and it worked really well, we man marked Moorwood and kept very close to Percival. We then packed the midfield and made it hard to play through us. The back three and keeper were superb and we looked pretty comfortable."

"We didn't create an awful lot going forward and knew they would dominate possession but we backed ourselves to keep a clean sheet and we did that. We are still growing and building as a team and this is a good result for us, it will give us confidence and allow us to push on a few extra levels. There is much more to come from us which is very exciting."

"Bella and Poppy put in some sacrifices today for the sake of the team, they barely touched the ball but did great at keeping them quiet which is what we asked them to do. Cill battled hard as she normally does and Rolly did well when she came on too."



................................................................................