The Island Bay Alts FC faced off against Wellington United in a gripping league encounter at Newtown Park, Wellington, on 24 May 2025. The match kicked off at 12:00pm and concluded with a scoreline of 1-2 in favour of the visitors, Wellington United, who managed to secure the victory despite a spirited performance from the Alts.
The Island Bay Alts adopted a 4-1-2-3 formation, which saw Fred Smith in goal, shielded by a back four comprising Bryan James on the right, Joe Cook and Aaron Fed in central defence, and Ajay Dhanjee on the left. Mark Peters played as the lone defensive midfielder, tasked with breaking up opposition play and providing support to the attacking trio. The midfield was further bolstered by David Moffat and Harry Demetriou, who operated as right and left attacking midfielders respectively, while Max Walker and Andy Riley flanked striker Gary Byrne, forming a potent attacking front.
The substitutes for the match included David MacIver, Jack Scott, and Sean Peetz, who were poised to make an impact from the bench if called upon.
The match began with a bang as Andy Riley opened the scoring for the Island Bay Alts just two minutes in, unleashing a stunning strike from outside the box after receiving a short pass from Gary Byrne. The early goal sent the home fans into raptures, as the Alts looked to build on their promising start.
However, Wellington United responded with determination, equalising in the 33rd minute with a well-placed shot from inside the box, leaving Fred Smith with little chance to react. The momentum shifted, and the Alts found themselves under pressure as the visitors sought to take control of the match.
Tensions escalated as Mark Peters received a yellow card in the 13th minute for a bad tackle, a decision that would prove pivotal as the game progressed. Just a minute later, Aaron Fed was also cautioned for denying a goalscoring opportunity, further complicating the Alts' defensive efforts.
As the first half drew to a close, Wellington United's physicality was evident, with their own player receiving a yellow card for a bad tackle in the 35th minute. The half-time whistle blew with the score level at 1-1, setting the stage for an intriguing second half.
The second half commenced with a dramatic turn of events as Wellington United's player was shown a red card in the 52nd minute, receiving a second yellow card for a foul. This left the visitors with ten men, and the Alts sensed an opportunity to capitalise on their numerical advantage.
Despite their efforts, the Alts struggled to find the back of the net, and in the 82nd minute, Wellington United struck again, scoring a close-range tap-in that put them ahead 2-1. The Alts pressed for an equaliser, but their attempts were thwarted by a resolute Wellington defence.
Max Walker received a yellow card in the 63rd minute for another bad tackle, adding to the Alts' disciplinary woes. In a tactical move, David MacIver replaced Walker in the 71st minute, while Jack Scott came on for Harry Demetriou in the 75th minute, as the Alts sought fresh legs to turn the tide.
In the 83rd minute, Sean Peetz was introduced for Bryan James, as the Alts pushed for a late equaliser. However, despite their best efforts, the final whistle blew with the scoreline reading 1-2 in favour of Wellington United.
Andy Riley's early goal was a highlight for the Island Bay Alts, but ultimately, they were unable to secure the points, leaving them to reflect on missed opportunities and the need for greater composure in crucial moments.
