Reserves just miss out

It was a case of close but not close enough for the Wanganui Athletic Reserves in their Western Premiership fixture against the Red Sox Manawatu Rovers on Saturday, as they felt the disappointment of an agonisingly close 2-1 loss.

The young Athletic development side couldn't find the away win they were looking for as the Red Sox got their revenge on their own home ground after the Reserves previously beat them at Wembley with a 1-0 scoreline.

It was mostly the favoured home side's experience which gave them the advantage for key lengths of time, but the Reserves were not willing to back down and let the Rovers have their way with them.

The Reserves made the most of their first team compatriots returning to the fold, with striker Quinn Mailman getting the side on the scoresheet with a well-placed finish and making a torrid time for the Rovers defence throughout the game.

Although the result was not what the young side needed after weeks of improvement, it should be seen as another step in the right direction of their development, as they not only look ahead to next week's home fixture against North End, but to next year's season.

At home in the Charity Cup competition, Pool A saw the Marist Casuals grab three points over the City Thirsties with a late goal sealing the victory for the men in orange, while the Marist Shamrocks felt the sting of the City Wanderers, suffering a heavy defeat in the process.

Pool B saw the Athletic Cosmos takes the bragging rights over the Athletic Weekenders in a closely fought battle, while the Marist Bhoys reclaimed top spot with a solid win over Castlecliff United.

Marist Celtic made short work of a valiant Rivercity Chiefs, with their goalkeeper having a superb 90 minutes in goal - frustrating the Celtic attack.

Yesterday saw the James Cup tournament hosted over at Wembley in the beautiful sunshine, as all of the local women teams got together and enjoyed a day of football.

The competition drew large crowds of friends and family, with the junior extension heaving with the excitement and trepidation that the annual tournament brings.

Next weekend sees the return of Devon Homes Wanganui Athletic to Wembley in their final match of the season, and with both Reserves and the first team at home, it's bound to be an enjoyable day of football.