Ponoka men’s Storm played a strong home game last weekend against Manluk Wetaskiwin Sunday, June 14, earning a 4-1 win.
It was unclear, however, at the end of the first half who was going to come out with a win as the score was only 2-1 for Ponoka.
Both teams battled for control of the ball with Ponoka Storm having a slightly higher percentage of possession over Wetaskiwin. At times, Storm was on the offense and at others, Manluk would keep the pressure on during a somewhat heated match.
Ponoka scored early on in the first half with Wetaskiwin fighting every inch of the field to tie it up. Manluk managed to garner two yellow cards for rough play, putting them in a tough spot. Players had to be more cautious in their attack and ensure the ball was their focus.
Storm coach Lonny Behm said the team had a bye week last week after coming out of a loss and this was a positive win for the team. “We worked hard on playing the ball wide and keeping possession.”
He said Manluk’s attempts on goal did not overly concern him as they struggled to convert attempts into goals. Behm added keeping the ball wide is something the Ponoka players have focussed on.
“We played solid defensively and moved the ball really well offensively,” said Behm.
Their hard work paid off with minutes left in the first half. Manluk found a hole in the Storm’s defense and scored, tying the game 1-1. Ponoka returned the favour with seconds left in the first, taking the lead 2-1.
Much of the second half was spent continuing that fight for control of the ball. Again, Ponoka appeared to have a slight majority of possession and the home team did everything it could to score.
A penalty against Manluk changed the flow of the rest of the game. Number 11, Christoph Dittmart capitalized on the opportunity by faking left and shooting right, bringing the score to 3-1.
Determined not to give up, Manluk put on the pressure and the Storm put themselves in a tough position after giving the Wetaskiwin players an opportunity with a free kick. During player positioning, however, it appears an argument ensued and a Manluk player kicked a Ponoka player.
His actions earned himself a red card, ejecting him from the game, and bringing the Wetaskiwin team to 10 players against Ponoka’s 11.
Ponoka used their player advantage to draw out the Wetaskiwin defense creating gaps in their defense. Their patience payed off and Ponoka managed another goal, bringing the game 4-1.
There were two other opportunities to score with Ponoka being offside in one attempt while the ball bounced off the goal post in the other. Other scorers were Elzard Visscher (2) and Eric Ehscheid.
Behm said the Storm has only one loss in the season and sits in first place just ahead of Camrose. “We have more points to make up on them,” he added.
Storm has two bye weeks ahead and Behm is hoping to organize two exhibition games to keep the players fresh for their next match.