What started as a year of consolidation for the Petone men?s side, pictured, ended with the newly promoted Central League team nearly snatching the silverware from eventual winners Miramar.
From the goalmouth: The Petone soccer season in review
By Tim O?Connell
With the 2008 soccer season complete for Petone, club stalwart James Bannatyne offers a player?s perspective on a year where the new boys shook up? the Central League. What started as a year of consolidation for the Petone men?s side, pictured, ended with the newly promoted Central League team nearly snatching the silverware from eventual winners Miramar. But instead of pondering on what might have been, it seems the players are looking to 2009 with a collective eye on finishing at the top. Speaking last week, the imposing Petone goalkeeper conceded it was disappointing to not go all the way, but also paid tribute to the ?very strong? Miramar Rangers side. However, the positives to be taken from this season are such that the Memorial Park faithful should wear the Petone colours with plenty of pride. Bannatyne counts the 2-1 win against Lower Hutt City as one of the defining matches of the season. ?It sort of put us in a really good spirit, and it was good to win what was an important local derby.? The good form continued with wins over all other Central League sides except Miramar. The season finished strongly with a 3-0 demolition of Western Suburbs. Again, the win was a timely morale boost for a team looking to the future. With a close knit side set to continue as a playing unit next year, a Central League title is a realistic goal for Petone. ?? ?It?s something that we?re targeting, and we?ve got a list of things to do to make it happen, but we?re certainly hoping to go one better next year,? Bannatyne said While most of the Petone side dust themselves off from the end-of-year trip to Ohakune - on which Bannatyne is diplomatically quiet - for others, there?s still football to be played. Mick Pickering and Paul Whitmarsh?s reward for excellent seasons has been inclusion in Team Wellington for the national summer league. Meanwhile Jonathan Winkworth, Richard McLay, and Benn Dawson were among the winners at the club?s prize-giving. Bannatyne is quick to pay tribute to club volunteers who have contributed to the running of the club at all levels. Also, the help of sponsors have played a part in creating a successful year for Petone on and off the field. Davis Food Ingredients and Puma were prominent on team uniforms and on signage around Memorial Park, and design work and match programmes from local printing company Format helped shape the club?s image.? ?
