On a day filled with drama, anticipation, and a fiercely contested battle on the field, our Greyfriars Motel Greytown Football Club pulled off a sensational win against Wellington United this Saturday, 20th May. 

Last season saw both teams earning promotion to Cap3 from Cap4, with Wellington finishing first and Greytown second. Our history against Wellington United was checkered - having lost our away game and drawn our home game last season. This encounter, however, was a day for rewriting history books, and boy, did we rewrite them!

Entering the match, both teams were neck-to-neck at the top of the table, each boasting of 16 points from 5 wins and 1 draw. Our offensive record was superior, having scored 37 goals to Wellington's 23, but they had the edge defensively, having conceded only 5 goals to our 10. With this victory, Greytown now holds a clear 3-point lead at the top of the table. 

The game started evenly balanced, with Wellington United seemingly having the upper hand. The deadlock was broken in the 28th minute when assistant coach and top scorer Josh Stevenson capitalised on an almost comical assist from winger Landon Palmer's back. Wellington United, however, responded with a goal just 3 minutes later to level the score. Palmer reclaimed the lead for us with a 36th minute goal, and just before half-time, Stevenson added another to make it 3-1. 

The second half started with Greytown controlling possession but creating fewer scoring opportunities. As the half progressed, Wellington United ramped up their intensity, scoring goals in the 73rd and 85th minutes to bring the scoreline to 3-3. With full time looming, Ryan Butler made a grand entrance as a 90th-minute substitute, scoring with his very first touch to take Greytown back into the lead at 4-3! Not to be outdone, Stevenson completed his hat-trick just minutes later, sealing a well-deserved 5-3 victory.

Amidst all the action, special recognition goes to our veteran keeper, Gary Hewson, who made an incredible penalty save and bravely carried on despite being brutally taken out twice during the game.

While the game was played in good spirits, it was a bruising physical affair that required courage, determination, and sheer grit from our boys. 

Now, we eagerly look forward to the return leg on 17th June, which promises to be another nail-biting encounter. One thing is for sure – Greyfriars Motel GFC will be ready!

Article added: Monday 22 May 2023