Collegians succumb to classy Massey

Collegians' defence was strong against Massey in their Manawatu Club competition women's game on Saturday, but not for the moment when it countered.

It was a tough 3-1 loss in Palmerston North against one of the grade's frontrunners.

Player/coach Jan Dixon said that, given their goalie was feeling unwell, the Collegian fullbacks had stepped up and covered the back well, while veteran Anna Symes was brought in at right half and did an excellent job.

After conceding the first goal, Collegians came back through a penalty corner by representative star player Jessica Watkin.

From 1-1, it all went wrong at crunch time, Dixon said.

"It was a real pity, I think we had 10 minutes to go and they scored.

"We were hard on attack and I thought we could have scored a draw."

Instead, a costly turnover saw Massey break away and nail the matchwinner.

Sarah Robinson and Shareece Dixon also had good games for the visitors.

Jan Dixon said they would take the loss on the chin, as "all of the girls felt better" about having put in a solid effort.

TCOB women's were also taking a lot of positives out of their 3-0 loss to College in Wanganui on Saturday.

While the scoreline wasn't flattering, manager Ian Glenny said absorbing early pressure and taking the competition front-runners to 0-0 at half time was a big boost in confidence for the fledging team.

"We were holding our own and playing with some very good structure.

"We were doing a lot of defence in the game, had we managed to score early it could have been a different result at the end.

"We never looked out of it."

College scored from a one-on-one chance three minutes after resumption, then two more goals in quick succession ten minutes later.

It will be "Techno's" turn to face Massey in Palmerston North this Saturday, while Collegians are hunting a result against Palmerston North Girls High School.