Saturday’s match between Matavera and Nikao Sokattak in the Tower Insurance Premier Mens division was one for the books as the crowd were unsettled over an exciting first week match of football antics.

Matavera and Nikao clashed heads when playing on Saturday as the game quickly turned into a fight for possession.

Nikao Sokattak started off the goal scoring game when a corner kick during the early minutes of the first half met the boots of speed forward Julius David, sneaking its way pass Matavera’s keeper.

After their first point on the scoreboard, Nikao continued to grasp onto the ball moving it through the Matavera’s footballers.

But the Maroon soldiers slowly found their feet, pestering Nikao’s footballers for a touch on the ball. Getting a chance to place the ball in the net, Matavera’s George Ellis made himself available for an open shot, face to face with the keeper, right in front of the goal, being snuck through a pass through Nikao’s brick back wall, which evened out the score to 1-1.

But the Nikao side quickly retaliated after being given a free kick just in front of the keeper’s box, adding another tally to the scoreboard as Julius David ticked off another goal for the match.

As the game continued the intensity picked up as Matavera got given the opportunity to even the playing fields once again, taking a penalty inside the box, which ended the first half at 2-2.

Eager to score again, both teams were on each other’s tails, pressuring each player for ownership of the ball. Matavera couldn’t quite keep Nikao at bay when a final kick through ended the match at 3-2 to Nikao.

Out at Raemaru Park, Avatiu and Puaikura’s Premier men ended their match two points to one in Avatiu’s favour. While on Friday, Tupapa Maraerenga won 7 nil against Titikaveka.

In the Islander Senior Women’s division, Matavera’s ever improving ladies were on top of the Nikao side getting through 6 goals to the back of the net. Nikao’s young ladies tried their best to keep Matavera in their half but couldn’t seem to hold them back from getting too close to the goal.

Avatiu and Puaikura finished their match 4-0 to Avatiu, while Tupapa’s ladies in black came out successful against Titikaveka 1-0.

– CIFA Media