In a commanding display at Wakefield Park on 2nd August 2025, The Island Bay Alts FC secured a convincing 2-0 victory against Victoria University Reserves in their league home match. The match kicked off at 2:30pm, with referee Cameron Cross overseeing the proceedings.
The Island Bay Alts adopted a 4-2-3-1 formation, which allowed them to maintain a solid defensive structure while providing ample support for their attacking players. Fred Smith took his position in goal, shielded by a back four comprising Ajay Dhanjee and Sean Peetz as right and left defenders, respectively, with Mark Peters and Aaron Fed forming the central defensive partnership. In midfield, Bryan Diaz and Harry Demetriou operated as central midfielders, tasked with both breaking up opposition play and facilitating attacks. Ahead of them, Max Walker and Gary Byrne occupied the right and left attacking midfield roles, while David Moffat played centrally, supporting lone striker Jack Scott.
The substitutes for the match included David MacIver, Andy Riley, Chris Beattie, and Matt Allen, who were poised to make an impact should the need arise.
The match began with an explosive start for The Island Bay Alts, as Gary Byrne opened the scoring in just the fifth minute. Following a well-placed corner from Sean Peetz, Byrne executed a stunning volley with his left foot, sending the ball past the Victoria University goalkeeper and igniting the home crowd's enthusiasm.
However, the early joy was tempered by an injury to Max Walker, who was forced to leave the pitch in the 11th minute. David MacIver came on to replace him, ensuring that the Alts maintained their attacking threat.
As the first half progressed, The Island Bay Alts continued to dominate possession, with their midfielders effectively controlling the tempo of the game. Despite their efforts, the score remained 1-0 at the half-time whistle, with both teams heading into the break to regroup.
The second half saw The Island Bay Alts maintain their momentum, and in the 63rd minute, they doubled their lead. David Moffat showcased his individual brilliance by scoring a solo goal, receiving a short pass from Jack Scott before unleashing a powerful right-footed shot that found the back of the net. This goal further solidified the Alts' control over the match.
In the 68th minute, a tactical substitution was made as Harry Demetriou made way for Andy Riley, allowing for fresh legs in midfield to maintain the pressure on the opposition.
As the match neared its conclusion, The Island Bay Alts made two more substitutions in quick succession. In the 85th minute, Chris Beattie replaced Sean Peetz, while Matt Allen came on for Jack Scott. These changes were aimed at bolstering the team's defensive solidity and ensuring they saw out the match comfortably.
The final whistle confirmed a well-deserved 2-0 victory for The Island Bay Alts, with Mark Peters earning accolades for his commanding performance in defence. The Alts' solid display not only secured three vital points but also showcased their potential as serious contenders in the league this season.
