Early strikes from Dirk-Yde Sjaarda and Frank O’Boyle ensured Old Boys took out the win against host team Waihopai in the opening encounter of Southland Football’s pre-season soccer tourney at Surrey Park on Saturday.
Old Boys was the
only team to gain maximum points as arch rivals Queens Park and Southend United
had to settle for a 1-1 draw in their clash at Turnbull Thomson Park.
Park keeper Chris Pearson easily deals with this Southend
Free Kick
An early free kick from youngster Ren Walker found the net for Queens Park to give it a 1-nil lead which was cancelled out when Nic Barclay broke clear of Park’s defence midway through the second spell and placed his shot wide of keeper Chris Pearson.
Well organised defensive work and some fine goalkeeping from the respective goalkeepers kept the game interesting for the good size crowd.
Old Boy’s Sjaarda
was the standout player of the afternoon as he showed touches of exceptional
ball control and assertiveness to help his Old Boys unit to its 2-nil win.
Waihopai's Chris Jones (blue) making it tough for Sjaarda
to gain possession.
His goal, a perfectly timed side-foot volley, would have graced any more illustrious venue than Surrey Park.
Unfortunately he will soon be lost to local football as the Dutch born visitor ends his New Zealand experience to return home via a stop off at Beijing to support the Netherlands Olympic team.