In a disappointing league encounter at Wakefield Park on 25 April 2025, The Island Bay Alts FC fell to Naenae, with a final score of 1-3. The match kicked off at 3:00pm and saw the home side struggle against a determined Naenae team, who capitalised on defensive errors and showcased their attacking prowess.
The Island Bay Alts lined up in a 4-1-2-3 formation, designed to provide a solid defensive base while allowing for fluid attacking transitions. Fred Smith occupied the goalkeeping position, shielded by a back four comprising Bryan James on the right, Mark Peters and Aaron Fed as central defenders, and Sean Peetz on the left. In front of them, Harry Demetriou played as a central midfielder, tasked with linking defence and attack. The forward line featured David Moffat and Matt Moore as right and left attacking midfielders respectively, supporting striker Jack Scott, with Max Walker and Andy Riley positioned as right and left forwards.
The substitutes for the match included Bryan Diaz, Gary Byrne, and Chris Beattie, who would later be called upon to make an impact.
The match began with an early setback for The Island Bay Alts, as Naenae took the lead in the 7th minute through an own goal. A cross from the right flank caused confusion in the Alts' defence, resulting in an unfortunate deflection that found its way into the net, putting the home side on the back foot.
However, the Alts responded positively just seven minutes later. In the 14th minute, Aaron Fed equalised with a well-placed header from close range, following a corner taken by Harry Demetriou. The goal injected a sense of belief into the home side, momentarily shifting the momentum in their favour.
Despite the resurgence, Naenae regained control of the match, scoring twice before half-time. The first came in the 37th minute when a well-executed move saw an attacker find space inside the box, slotting the ball home with a right-footed finish. Just before the break, Naenae struck again, doubling their lead with another goal from inside the area, leaving The Island Bay Alts trailing 1-3 at half-time.
The second half saw The Island Bay Alts attempt to regroup, but they were dealt a blow in the 53rd minute when Harry Demetriou had to be substituted due to injury, with Bryan Diaz coming on to fill the void. The Alts continued to press for a way back into the match, but their efforts were met with a resilient Naenae defence.
In the 59th minute, Naenae received a yellow card, a sign of their increasing frustration as they sought to maintain their lead. The Alts made tactical changes in the 72nd minute, bringing on Gary Byrne for Jack Scott, aiming to inject fresh energy into their attack.
The match saw further substitutions for The Island Bay Alts, with Chris Beattie replacing Aaron Fed in the 75th minute due to injury, further disrupting their rhythm. As the game wore on, Naenae's players continued to receive yellow cards, with two more cautions issued in the 78th and 90th minutes, reflecting the intensity of the contest.
Despite their best efforts, The Island Bay Alts could not find the back of the net again, and the match concluded with Naenae securing a comprehensive 3-1 victory. Max Walker was highlighted as the standout performer for the home side, showcasing his skill and determination throughout the match. The defeat leaves The Island Bay Alts with much to ponder as they look to bounce back in their next fixture.
