Football: Tech takes title in commanding style

Mike Fridge
Mike Fridge
Dunedin Technical claimed its second FootballSouth Premier League title in three years with a commanding 4-0 win over Roslyn-Wakari at Ellis Park on Saturday.

Celebrations in the changing rooms directly after the match had Technical players singing a traditional victory song at such volume, patrons inside the clubrooms clutched their drinks, fearing sound vibrations spillage.

Technical coach Mike Fridge was delighted with the win.

''After five rounds of the competition we had dropped seven points and were mid-table, under the radar really.

''To come home strong and win the league in our last game of the season is very rewarding for the players, coaches and club.''

A midweek selection dilemma had Fridge scratching his head for answers to his central midfield player stocks.

Cue a call to Sydney-based Andy Coburn who made last-minute work and travel arrangements to arrive in Dunedin on Saturday morning and stroll into the Technical changing rooms an hour before kickoff.

After a relatively even opening stanza, Coburn's high-level experience paid dividends when he made a penetrating run into space and was supplied a perfect pass by Tristan Prattley.

Coburn received and crossed into the penalty area where Roslyn failed to clear its lines, leaving Richard Smith to open the scoring from close range in the 34th minute.

Just two minutes later, Coburn stroked a delicate chip down the left flank for Tim McLennan to run on to. He attacked the end line and cut back to Richard Smith to notch his second with an accurate finish.

Roslyn created limited chances during the game but looked dangerous at set piece time with in-swinging corners being supplied to its aerial players. Its best chance to score came early in the second half when it was awarded a penalty by match referee Edward Cook. Ajay Cunningham stepped up to the plate but pulled his attempt just right of the right hand upright to let Tech of the hook. A 67th minute Tristan Prattley free kick from 25m and

a skilful finish by Josh Stewart in the 83rd minute completed the scoring.

Queenstown Roversbeat Green Island 3-2 at Sunnyvale. In-form striker Ramzi Toumi slotted a penalty for handball in the eighth minute, while Tom Cairns gave Rovers a handy lead in the 18th minute when he finished with a deft flick over the keeper after some good build-up play in the midfield.

Green Island hit back early in the second half with an excellent strike from Taylor McCormack in the 48th minute.

Just five minutes later, Lewis Jackson put Green Island level with a solid header from 10m.

Toumi had the final say when the native Tanzanian received a long clearance, controlled with a quality first touch, beat his marker and attacked the goal and slotting home with composure to complete the hit-and-run mission for Rovers.

In other matches, Old Boys were too strong for host Grants Braes, finishing with a solid 5-0 victory. However, this win in their final match was not enough to save the Southlanders from relegation from the Premier League. They finished ninth overall.

University won a close fought game at the Caledonian Ground, 2-1.

At Tonga Park, Caversham was too strong for Northern, coming away with a solid 5-2 victory.

 

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