SOCCER: Force fall short despite dominance

North Force senior men's reserve team went down 5-2 to Mount Albert Ponsonby reserves at Tikipunga on Saturday, although the result did not fully reflect the game.

North Force dominated throughout much of the game, but only had goals from Darren Green and Thomas Berry to show for their efforts.

The sides were looking at heading into the break at 0-0, but a lapse in concentration 35 minutes in produced a soft goal for the visitors, beforeMount Albert Ponsonby doubles their lead from the penalty spot five minutes later.

At halftime the coaching staff stressed the need to play simple football and it worked.

Force scored within a minute of the restart after some nice combination play between Charl Compaan, Owen Liiv and Darren Green who curled home a low shot from 25 yards.

But Mt Albert came back and scored off their next attack. Thomas Berry then came on to go up front and the 14-year-old scored with his first touch, a follow-up from a Sam Wilkinson shot which in itself came from a quick counter attack.

The team then rallied for about 10 minutes, but more poor defending from a set piece saw Mt Albert restore their two-goal advantage with 15 minutes left before they sealed it with a fifth.